Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on October 6, 2013, is written by Pastor Sam Lee who leads Catalyst Agape Church in Northern New Jersey.

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Choose Vision, not Fear”

1 Corinthians 15:55

O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? 

What limits us from living the full life God has for us?  Ultimately, the “sting” of death is what really limits us from that life.  We can live fearing death; we can live avoiding death; or we can live pretending death is not going to happen. This is a life of limitation because we are responding to our deepest fear instead of living by great faith.  This is the important truth that builds great faith: Those who put their trust in Christ do not have to live under the “sting” of death. Christ has done what no one was able to do; He conquered death once and for all! 

What Christ has done for us gives us permission to dream instead of living in fear. Let’s live our life free from fear of the “what ifs.” Let’s not live our life worrying about what could go wrong but start dreaming or envisioning of what it means to live a life of radical faith.  It is not without reason that Proverbs 29:18a (NASB) says, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,” meaning they are undisciplined and directionless. It starts with dreaming “big” because if you can’t envision it, it will not happen.  Envision today of what you can do for God without the familiar voices of fear. Those voices of fear need to be silenced; instead, let the words of life flow over you today. 

What is one thing you would do for God and His kingdom if you did not have to fear finances or people’s opinions or failure?

Prayer: Lord, help me to overcome fear; instead, embolden me, through the Spirit, to choose Your vision for my life.  Remind me to say “No” to the voice of fear and trepidation and say “Yes” to all that comes from You through Christ.  Thank You. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 13-14

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on May 3, 2013, is written by Pastor Matt Ro who formerly pastored Journey Church of Atlanta.  

 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The War is Already Over!” 

Psalm 47:1-2; 8-9 (ESV)

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! 2 For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. 8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. 9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!

There is a story of a Japanese man found on a deserted island many years after the end of World War II.  There he was, still defending the island for Japan; it was not easy for his rescuers to convince him that the war had been over for over a decade!

Often, we can do the same thing.  Vv. 1-2 remind us that in the present time, God rules over nations and brings them down when they depart from his ways and arrogantly exalt themselves. The story of King Nebuchadnezzar teaches this forcefully as this powerful ruler was judged and humbled by God who relegated him to insanity.  Even his son Belshazzar, amid his decadent party, saw the fingers of a human hand appear and write on the wall, “Numbered, numbered, weighed, divided”; through this God announced the end to Belshazzar’s reigning. At least they knew that their reigning had ended, but so many people, not knowing that God has already “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them into open shame, by triumphing over them in [Christ]” (Col. 2:15), still live in bondage.

Vv. 8-9 are prophecy.  It will happen one day, and we look forward to it.  Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come.” All of history is moving towards the completion of Christ’s victory.  God is building His kingdom by calling out a people to himself. There is nothing in life more important or more wonderful than belonging to that kingdom.  God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.

How would you live differently if you truly believed that and acted upon it?  Be convinced in your heart that even before the first ball is tipped off, the cheers of victory have already begun.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I pray for a victorious spirit as I begin this day. You have already won! You are always in control of our lives. Help us to trust You more and more. We praise You and thank You for Your amazing love that endures forever. Amen.

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Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 1:15-23 (ESV): For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Questions to Consider

1. What do you think the phrase “having the eyes of hearts enlightened” means?
2. This entire passage, except for v. 23, is one long, run-on sentence.  Why do you think Paul literally boasts of Christ in this way?
3. Paul models encouragement in his prayers for the Ephesians.  Is there someone in your life who appreciates you the way Paul appreciated the church in Ephesus? By God’s grace, commit to being an appreciative person.  Take some time to identify some ways you can be an appreciative person.

Note

1. The human eyes are instrumental to visually perceive things.  However, Paul uses an odd metaphor—the eyes of the heart—to reveal that the mind/heart also has eyes.  In the context of Ephesians 1, Paul is saying that when you listen to truth, your mind needs to grasp it and the heart needs to see and understand it as well.  In Scripture, the word “heart” is often used to refer to the seat of our emotions.  When two disciples were walking to Emmaus and the risen Lord appeared to them (Luke 24), Jesus unfolded the entire Scriptures to them concerning the promised Messiah.  “31And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’”  Here, the “burning of the heart” refers to the heart’s eyes being opened to truths in a way where the heart comes to life and is deeply moved. This must be our burning desire as Christ’s disciples.  Our hearts begin to burn with truth, taking root in us, and we must respond to His presence and our calling.  
2. Have you ever bragged on Facebook?  Did you go on and on about a game, your child, or something that happened to you that today?  One reason we brag is because we feel unappreciated, and we can become obsessed about telling others what we have done.  But ultimately, worldly boasting is an unhappy path to take. Rather, when we “boast in the Lord,” (2 Cor. 10:17), that is, authentically living out our faith before the world, we become God-centered, and when we receive God’s appreciation, we can start loving people and not use them.  
3. Faithful prayer shortens one of the longest distances known to humanity, which is the distance between our head and our heart.

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Evening Reflection

A life in which the eyes of our hearts are not enlightened, we feel hopeless, impoverished, and lacking strength. On the other hand, I have personally experienced the eyes of my heart being enlightened, as I lift them up to see GOD and Him being at work, and all that HE is doing in and around me; the ways that He answers my prayers for the church ministry.  Think about all the ways that God is at work in your life. Do you see things that are invisible to the human eye? Take time to acknowledge ways that the eyes of your heart have been enlightened.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, open the eyes of my heart.  I see that for that to happen there must be the bending of the knee and the imploring of the Spirit in prayer, so that truth becomes vital and compelling.  It isn’t enough simply to know about you, but to KNOW YOU.  Move from my head, down to my heart, so that the will is properly motivated.  Help me to become an appreciative, boasting (Jer. 9:23-4), and encouraging person.  Amen.

Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on May 5, 2014.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What Do Pastors Do?”

Titus 1:9

“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” 

What is it that pastors do?  For many, it is kind of a mystery.  All most of us see is a person speaking to us from the pulpit once a week on Sundays, and we wonder, “What does this person do the rest of the week?”

Pastors indeed do many other things, but in our verse for today, what we see is that preaching is actually one of their main responsibilities.  Overseers of churches (=today’s pastors) were to use the proper teaching of God’s word to encourage people and refute opposing ways of thought.  

It is interesting to think that sound doctrine is something that can be used to encourage people.  It sounds so dry and academic, or like it’s somehow about someone trying to get us to do something disagreeable but good for us.  But when sound doctrine is preached, the truth of God’s word actually has the effect of encouraging, strengthening and motivating us to live the right way.  Therefore, it is something we can look forward to receiving each week on the Lord’s Day.

As for the aspect of refuting those who oppose the message of God, at first it may be hard to imagine that preaching needs to do this as well, because we assume that those who oppose would most likely not be in church on a Sunday to listen.  But as believers, we need to hear our pastors refuting the opposition because though we may not be aware of it, this opposition is all around us, influencing us all the time. It comes through advertising, the T.V. and movies we watch, the voices of friends and family members who may mean well but don’t have God’s word as their standard for living.  And when we are truly honest with ourselves, we sometimes find there is opposition that comes from even within our own hearts.  

What sound doctrine did we hear preached to us even just yesterday at Sunday service?  Is there an encouragement we need to hold on to or act upon? A correction to our way of thinking that we need to receive?

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the ministry of the ones You have placed as overseers of our church.  Help me to receive their encouragement and correction as a blessing and gift from You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 11

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Lunch Break Study

Read Titus 1:6-9: “An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.  He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”

Questions to Consider

1. As you look at all the traits of a good elder, do you notice a running theme?  What do many have in common?
2. How did these characteristics make someone fit for the job (v. 9b) of being an elder?
3. How is being hospitable related to the other characteristics?  What balance can we also pursue?

Notes

1. A respect for and ability to maintain boundaries, whether for self (staying within the boundaries of marriage, keeping one’s temper, not over-drinking or seeking gain outside the limits of the law), or for others (i.e., setting boundaries for children).
2. Being able to maintain boundaries is what makes an elder such a great protector of the faith.  This person is able to hold on to the true message of the gospel, keeping the church in line with it and not letting people be led astray by false teachings.
3. All this uprightness, discipline and self-control must be balanced by a genuine love and soft heart for people.  The virtue of hospitality is where we can see this quality shine. It is the balance between not compromising on important principles and yet being gracious and flexible towards people.

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Evening Reflection

Did I make an effort today to try to apply what I received from the preaching of sound doctrine?

In light of Kobe Bryant’s sudden and shocking death last Sunday, I thought it would be appropriate to reprint our Chinese brother Napa’s AMI QT blog posted three weeks earlier. I added a few thoughts of my own.

 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Kobe Bryant’s Last Shot”

James 4:13-15

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

[Napa] When I was in high school, the NBA held a summer camp in the biggest city of our country. They invited NBA stars to host this camp to teach high school students how to play basketball. One of my classmates was selected to attend the summer camp. Since the camp was only for a couple of days, he skipped school because this was his chance to meet Kobe Bryant! Since then, he became a star at school. Many people would ask him all kinds of questions. For example, “What did Kobe teach you? What kind of person is Kobe? Did you have dinner together? What else did you do together?” All this to say—playing basketball with Kobe Bryant made my classmate extremely special.  [Ryun] Now that Kobe has suddenly passed at the young age of 41, along with his young daughter (and seven others), we are finding out how special he was to so many people. 

As for me, being a die-hard San Antonio Spurs fan, the main rival of Kobe’s Lakers in his hey days, I couldn’t allow myself to like him too much.  My guys were Duncan, Ginobili and Parker; Kobe, Shaq and Fisher were foes to root against (to put it mildly). And after his rape allegations in 2003, I found an additional reason to keep myself from admiring Kobe’s incredible skill and dedication to win.  

Be that as it may, perhaps no one fits the description of  a “ mixed bag” better than Kobe, because over the years we saw this man mature into a dedicated husband/father who really loves his family, an incredibly busy man (now in animation business for which he won an Oscar!), who still found time to give himself to improve the lives of others; and most importantly, he reconnected with God.  I am told that he and his daughter attended a 7 AM mass on that fateful Sunday morning and took communion—before getting on the helicopter that later crashed.   

Upon finding out that he died this past Sunday, I joined millions in utter shock and sadness.  But, if Kobe could speak from the grave, he would say, “Let my untimely death remind you all of the fragility of life”—that is, as today’s passage says, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”  

So what should we do? Get right with God.  How? Accept the provision He has made for us so that we can be with God forever in heaven.  How do you do that? Believe that Jesus Christ became a perfect man without relinquishing one iota of his divinity, to assume our sin in order to pay for its penalty by dying on the cross.  And when you do that while we tarry on earth, that is thousand times more important than the five NBA championships Kobe won.  

Here is hoping that Kobe is in heaven because he made peace with God through placing his faith in Jesus Christ.  If you haven’t done that yourself, do it today. Remember that “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, I thank You for reminding me of my special identity. Let me know that my relationship with You is special. I am so honored to know You, to walk with You, and to be in You. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 10

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Lunch Break Study  

By Jason Sato

Read Matthew 5:3-12: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Questions to Consider

1. According to Jesus, who is blessed?
2. According to Jesus, what are blessings?
3. Where is our reward?

Notes

1. The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
2. The kingdom of heaven, comfort, inheriting the earth, satisfaction, mercy, seeing God, and being called sons of God.
3. In heaven.

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Evening Reflection

Are you blessed?  Is your family blessed?  The answer is always “Yes” because of Jesus Christ. Remember, the Lord cares for you!

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Day Workers”

Matt 20:8-16

“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’  9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’  13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

If you have ever been to one of those large home improvement stores, you’ve probably seen day workers gathered in the parking lot hoping to get hired.  This is the way it works. If you go early in the morning, say 6 or 7am, you’ll notice that the young stronger guys get picked up first. If you come back at 10am or so, you won’t find any young guys; instead, you’ll only see middle-aged and older men.  If you come back after noon, all the middle-aged men will be gone, presumably because someone has hired them, but you’ll likely find a handful of older men. At this point in the day, the prospect of finding employment for these men is minimal. Now this is the truly sad part, if you go back the next day or the day after that, around the noon to 2pm hours, you’ll notice that it’s more or less the same older men standing out there hoping to get work.  How often do you think these guys get picked up for work? Can’t be more than a few times a month, right?  

Now could you imagine how joyous one of these older day workers would be if some guy came up, hired him to do an hour worth of yard work or something, and then paid him like $200-$300.  How excited do you think this old man would be to tell his wife about the gracious bounty he received and how for at least a few days, they wouldn’t have to worry about making ends meet?  

Look, I may not be a 6am worker, but I do feel like I’m at least a 9am worker (not trying to brag), and when I read this parable I often identify with the grumbling workers who bore the sun’s heat.  Too often I’m ashamed to admit that I forget to rejoice at the master’s generosity toward those who really really “need” it. Perhaps it’s because after so many years of walking in Christ, I’ve actually felt entitled to his grace, and instead of remembering how much I need it, I’ve actually come to believe I’ve earned it.  What about you? How would you feel if God made that person in your life who has made all the wrong choices “equal to you”? Would you rejoice or would you grumble? Why?  

For the record, I basically stole this morning’s devotional from a recent message I heard from Ryan Baitzel, pastor of Emergence Church, Totowa, NJ.  

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your grace in my life.  Thank You that You’re gracious to me and You’re gracious to people who’ve made all the wrong choices in life.  Help me never to be envious or entitled but remind me of Your generous heart. 

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 9  

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Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 1001-5: Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Questions to Consider

1. What are some things the Psalmist gives thanks/praise for (vs. 3 and 5)?
2. Do you see these things in your life?  
3. How is your heart of thanksgiving lately? 

Notes

1. In vs. 3, the Psalmist praises the Lord for his ownership and care, and in vs. 5 he praises the Lord for his enduring love.   
2. As believers, God has adopted us into his family so we “belong to him”.  He also cares for us and provides for us. And his everlasting love in Christ remains forever.  Hopefully, you have personal testimonies of all these ways God shows his love for us.    
3. Personal response

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Evening Reflection

When was the last time you thanked God for the most fundamental gift of Christianity, eternal life in Christ?  Do you still have a heart for those who still need God’s grace in their lives?

The AMI QT Devotionals for today and tomorrow (new) are provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, a friend of AMI, who has served as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  He and his wife Mandie have four adorable children: Simon, Maggie, Jonathan and Abigail. 

 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“New Year, New You”

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed for his compassions never fail; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  

It’s been about four weeks since the calendar turned to 2020, and I can confidently say that the new year has brought about a new me; unfortunately, this has not been a good thing.  I’ll blame it on the Christmas holidays and associated vacation, but for whatever reason, I’ve fallen into a bad rhythm. I’ve probably only been to the gym about four times in 2020, and each time I cut my workout short in both duration and intensity because I’ve been dealing with heart and gut problems (These two organs seem to have gone missing in me).  I’m eating like a teenager and can’t remember the last time I’ve had a salad. I’m sleeping in way later than I want to, and by 7pm at night I feel and act like a zombie. Around the home, all my projects and chores remain incomplete or overdue. And to top it all off, I’m already like 10 days behind in my Bible reading schedule. I think it’s fair to say that I haven’t exactly hit the ground running in 2020.  

Because today’s passage is so familiar to many of us and because it’s written in such a beautifully poetic way, we often take for granted the deep spiritual truth of it.  And the truth is that, even if you’ve had a series of bad days, weeks, months, or even years, God loves you, he has a plan for you, and you are not consumed (or defeated) by poor choices—even if those poor choices have become a hard to break bad habit.  Not only that, his mercy or compassion for you is new this morning as well. In other words, today can, and if you make it, will be different. Today, pick one, two, or three things you want to do, and do them. Start some good habits. For me, I’ll pick up my Bible reading schedule, cleaning my microwave, and perhaps eating a salad! 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for this day.  Each day is genuinely a gift from You.  Help me to have a good day and successfully start a good habit.  Most of all, let me be mindful and obedient to You this day. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 8 

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Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 7:14-25: We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Questions to Consider

1. What was Paul struggling with in this passage?
2. What truths about the new life in Christ does this passage reveal?
3. What will be the ultimate prevailing truth (vs. 25), and how is this an encouragement for you?

Notes

1. In this passage, Paul shares that while he is a new creation in Christ, he still struggles with the desires of the sinful nature.  For example in vs. 15, he says what he wants to do he doesn’t do; but what he hates to do, he does anyway. I think we’ve all been there.  
2. The spiritual truth revealed in this passage concerns the process of sanctification.  Namely that if we have genuine faith in Christ, we are spiritually changed and the Spirit lives in us, but at the same time, the sinful nature within us is also still alive (though slowly dying).  So in our hearts, there’s always going to be a struggle in us to live for Christ, until we see Jesus face to face.  
3. Ultimately, we are going to be fully delivered in Christ; and we will be “slaves” to God’s righteous law.  Hopefully, this is an encouragement to you to know that your future will be glorious.  

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Evening Reflection

Now that we’re almost a month into 2020, how has the new year been for you?  Are there resolutions you’ve quit on already? Do you need to refocus? Do you already feel defeated?  Don’t; Christ lives in you.

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang. This blog was originally posted on March 10, 2013.

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Money: Handle with Care”

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Sherri and Big Girls Don’t Cry, two of the popular tunes of the 1950s and 1960s, were sang by the Four Seasons who sold more than 175 million records, tapes, and CDs in 50 plus years. The two original members of the group, Franki Valli and Bob Gaudio, who were friends long before they struck gold, had an unusual financial relationship between them.  During the days when they were working as a barber and a printer while playing in small clubs, the two friends decided to be partners forever and share their earnings equally. Even though neither of them knew where they were going to wind up, they decided over a handshake, to split their future earnings in half.  During the course of their careers, they each had earned enough to divide $70-80 million. No matter what happened in their lives, they never thought of breaking their deal. Said Gaudio, “That would be like telling your brother that he couldn’t come to dinner anymore. We’re a family.”

While a wise usage of money can bring two friends become closer than brothers, money has actually separated many brothers. 1 Timothy 6:10b says, “Some people, eager for money, have . . . pierced themselves with many grief.”  One major grief over money is the damage inflicted on family relationships and friendships.  Once, someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”  In response, Jesus said, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Lk. 12:15).  Apparently, money was more important to this person than somehow salvaging his relationship with his brother.

So how can we ensure that money will never break our important relationships?  One wise rule is that we do not make money off of our family members and friends.  Proverbs 28:8 says, “He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”  Dismayed that “my brothers and my men are also lending the people money,” Nehemiah declared, “Let the exacting of usury stop” (Neh. 5:10).  In Psalms 15:5, one aspect to righteous living is described as “lending his money without usury.”  

Therefore, when friends or families want to borrow money from us, pray about giving them an amount we can afford rather than lend it to them.  Proverbs 3:28 says, “Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’—when you now have it with you.” In that way, we will not get bent out of shape for not being repaid.  

However, the borrower should make every effort to pay back what was lent to him, for Psalms 37:21 says, “The wicked borrow and do not repay.”  If it was a gift, then the receiver should show the same kind of generosity to those who are in need. Most of all, we should all be generous.  

Prayer: Lord, give us the wisdom to use money wisely; help us to be generous and rich in good deeds.  Most of all, remind us to put our trust in God, not in our bank account. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 7

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang who is the Teaching Pastor of AMI.  This blog was originally posted on March 9, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Don’t Get Fooled by This World; Live for God Instead”

Ephesians 2:10a

We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

After declaring war on Japan, Franklin D. Roosevelt passed an executive order in1942 that interned nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans in desolate concentration camps in the deserts. Those of Japanese descent born in America faced a different dilemma of either complying with the draft (to the dismay of their parents) or be imprisoned for refusing it. Some years later, John Okada, a Japanese American, wrote a novel called No-No Boy. In the preface, he wrote, “As of that moment, the Japanese in the United States became, by virtue of their ineradicable brownness. . ., animals of a different breed. . .. Everything Japanese and everyone Japanese became despicable.” Okada’s compatriots initially rejected the novel perhaps because it was all too real: the loss, alienation and anger.

During the Old Testament times, something far worse could have happened to the Jews living peacefully in the Persian Empire, when Haman the Amalekite, serving as a confident to the emperor, maneuvered to enact a genocidal policy against them. Had it not been for Queen Esther, who risked everything in order to plead to the king on behalf of her people, the plight of the Jews would have been worse than what the Japanese-Americans had endured.

These two events are a good reminder to us, who, in our opulent and comfortable lifestyle, often forget that our ultimate citizenship is not of this world, for Paul says, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20). Thus, those who follow Christ shouldn’t be too dismayed by how the world treats them since, as “aliens and strangers in the world” (1 Pet. 2:11), they were told in advance, “It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him” (Phil 1:29).

Perhaps, some of us have forgotten this in pursuit of the things that the world says we must have in order to feel successful. Remember, we are not here to cater to our every whims and wishes but to do God’s work. As Christ’s followers, regardless of whether we are interned or threatened by enemies, we have the same task of trying to be the salt and light in a hopeless world. Perhaps unwilling at first, since it is risky and difficult, but let us be reminded of what Esther’s cousin Mordecai told her: “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Est. 4:14). You can replace “royal position” with “influential profession” or “abundant finances.” When the Lord, in his time, calls you to go all out for him, may you declare what Esther said, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (4:16).

Start living for the Lord now, little by little; make a small difference for Christ, today. Remember that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

Prayer: Lord, help us not to be duped by the trappings of this world. Instead, help us to keep our eyes fixed on You so that we are both willing and ready to maximize all that has been given to us from above for Your glory.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 5-6

Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was originally posted on November 24, 2014.

 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Can You Take a Rebuke?”

Prov. 17:10 

“A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.”

Let me start today with a question: How do you personally handle a rebuke that addresses one (or more) of your character flaws? Do you find yourself becoming defensive? Or do you begin to distance yourself from the person(s) who rebuked you?  Or are you saying, “Well, it depends…” Or are you thinking to yourself, “When exactly was the last time someone rebuked me?” 

There was a sermon video that had gone viral. In it, Pastor Jim from a Baptist church in Oklahoma veers off for about 5 minutes from his sermon, personally rebuking his church members. In it, he states, “You’re the sorriest church members I have – you’re not worth 15 cents,” as he justifies that his comments are motivated by “love.” You might have a less than favorable opinion of the method this pastor took to address some people in his church. However, Solomon observed that a “discerning person” actually took a rebuke to heart. They did not become defensive. They did not become evasive. Rather they listened; and in doing so, they grew in wisdom and maturity. 

During his ministry, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders. He rebuked evil spirits. And at times, he also rebuked his disciples. 2 Tim. 3:16 tells us that God’s word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. For a person who desires spiritual growth, it seems that at times, a rebuke, however gentle or stern, is necessary. Have you been rebuked recently by God’s word? Allow it to make a deep impression in your life. Next time you might feel the sting of a rebuke, take a deep breath and yield to the Spirit of Wisdom to bring the refining process into your life.  

Prayer: Lord, honestly, I don’t think I like getting rebuked by anybody. So would You help me in nurturing a teaching heart? Provide godly relationships in my life who would speak truth to me. In Jesus name. Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 4

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Lunch Break Study  

Read Luke 9:51-55 (NIV): As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.

Questions to Consider 

1. What made James and John take the perspective of wanting to destroy the Samaritans? 
2. Do you think James and John were angry on behalf of the Lord or on their own accord?
3. What attitude should we have towards people who do not receive the ministry of Jesus?  

Notes

1. In addition to their temperament (“sons of thunder”) and the strong racial hatred that existed between the Jews and the Samaritans, the final straw was being rejected rather than given hospitality by the town’s folks. 
2. From Jesus’ response, it would seem that Jesus had no anger towards the Samaritans. It concerned Jesus enough to “rebuke” James and John about their request to destroy the village. 
3. Matt. 5:44 and Romans 12:14 tells us to love, pray, and bless those who oppose us. It is an absolutely difficult position to take. However, let us remember the mercy that God has shown us that we may also be merciful. 

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Evening Reflection

Have you been rebuked recently either by someone privately or during a sermon or a Bible study? If so, how did you respond? Spend some time reflecting on the areas in your life that God wants to change.

Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Barry Kang of Symphony Church in Boston, was originally posted on March 13, 2014.

 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Family Resemblance”

1 John 3:1-6 (ESV)

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.

We often talk about abiding in the truth of Jesus.  This morning, let us consider the glorious truth that because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we have been adopted into God’s family.  One powerful implication (actually, the Bible flat out tells us this) is this: God loves us as His children! One of my greatest sources of comfort and confidence is that whatever the world may say, I am my Father’s beloved. 

And yet there is more to being a child of God than the glorious truth that God loves us.  When we are part of a human family, we know there is much more that unites us than simply love.  For example, there are many reasons how I know my children are mine and not someone else’s: I was there when they were born, took multiple photographs at the time, so I know what they look like, and I took them home from the hospital.  

Most importantly, they resemble me!  Some of the resemblances are genetic, while others come from their observing me as we’ve lived together for the past 10 to 14 years.  They are picking up my speech and other behavioral patterns. More importantly, they are picking up my principles and notions of honor, faithfulness, etc.  I believe the Apostle John is drawing a similar analogy: now that we are part of the family of God, there ought to be a family resemblance! So, do we, as God’s children through His Son, resemble Christ? 

Prayer: Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family.  Thank You for Your grace and mercy. I certainly do not deserve to be called Your child, but now that I am, help me to pick up the family resemblance.  May I honor You as I seek to become more and more like You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 3

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Lunch Break Study  

Read 1 John 3:1-6 (ESV): See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.

Questions to Consider

1. What kind of love has the Father given to us?
2. What does it mean to purify oneself?
3. How does John define sin?  Is sinlessness our present or future reality?

Notes

1. The Father gave us the ultimate love.  He has adopted us, we who were once his enemies, and brought us into his family, making us his children.
2. We are to purify ourselves as Jesus is pure (v.3).  In other words, our definition of purity is to look at Jesus and follow his example.
3. a) John defines sin as lawlessness.  Sin demonstrates a rebellious attitude to the perfect one who gives the law.  The one who “makes a practice of sinning” is a person who has decided deliberately to keep on sinning.  b) It’s both.  Jesus’ death on the cross took away our sin and broke the power of sin.  However, as John notes in chapter 1, no one is without sin presently. Rather, we are in process of becoming more and more like the Father.  Not until Jesus appears, will we be completely like him.

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Evening Reflection

Can other people see that you resemble the family of God?  What ways has God changed you? In what area(s) is God asking you to submit to His transforming love?