January 13, Monday

Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was originally posted on May 26, 2014.

 

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“God’s Grace: Don’t Abuse It”

Jude 1:3-4 

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Churches are filled with many young impressionable believers that can make discipleship exciting. However, at times, it’s unfortunate when someone in the church twists God’s grace into a license to sin. It is true that no person is required to observe the OT Law as a means for salvation; the gospel of Jesus Christ stipulates that eternal life is absolutely a free gift, meaning no church attendance or offering money is at all required for salvation. 

This is because when Jesus died on the cross, He fulfilled the OT Law (Rom. 10:4; Gal. 3:23-25). However, the unbiblical conclusion is that there’s nothing that God expects of Christians in terms of a disciplined life in God’s Spirit; alarmedly, from that, some have said, “If I’m saved by grace and all of my sins, past, present, and future, are forgiven, why not sin all I want?” 

Do you at times hold to that line of thinking? After many failed attempts to live a holy life, we develop a calloused “so-what” attitude towards sin.  However, that thinking is not the fruit of a genuine relationship with God. God’s desire is that we become increasingly more like His Son. Though we can’t do it on our own, God’s grace and His Spirit helps us in our weaknesses as we strive towards holiness. Since God has given us His precious gift of salvation through Jesus, our response is to obey Him out of love and gratitude for what He has done for us (Rom. 12:1-2).  

Are there areas in your life where you are twisting the idea of God’s grace?  If so, I advise you to stop going down that road—believe me, nothing good will come out of it—nothing!  Instead, turn to the Lord and begin living a life that is different from the ways of the world. 

Prayer: God, your grace is truly precious. Thank You that You required nothing from me in receiving Your salvation in Christ. But now that I’ve been saved, teach me daily to give You everything in living for your purposes. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 13

Lunch Break Study  

Read Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43: Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them.30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” 36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Questions to Consider

  1. At the end of the age, all of the weeds will be pulled up and burned in the fire. However, at    ……………….   this present age, what does Jesus say about the weeds? 
  2. Why does owner allow the weeds to remain along with the wheat?
  3. This parable does not teach toleration of illegitimate doctrines in the church.  However, at the present age, the church will be faced with ungodly people who attempt to pervert God’s grace. How can you keep yourself from being deceived by ungodly thinking? 

Notes

  1. Jesus explains that God tolerates the wicked in the present for the sake of his elect, but will publicly distinguish between the two in the day when the secrets of the kingdom are revealed. God endures the wicked in the present to provide all those who will receive him time to become his followers (Rom. 9:22-24; 2 Pet. 3:9, 15).
  2. Jesus’ primary point is the coexistence of kingdom people with the world’s people in this age. The point here is NOT that we should abandon our efforts to keep the church pure (18:7-14, 21-35); rather, the kingdom remains obscure in the present world and only the final day will bring God’s true children into their vindicated glory and banish the wicked from among them.
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Reflect on this prayer before turning in for the night: 

“Lord, I confess that in my sinfulness, I can be great at selective hearing when it comes to the Word of God. Help me to humble myself before the entire counsel of Scripture. Empower me with Your Spirit to agree with Your Word in the areas that are difficult for me to obey. Amen.”

January 12, Sunday

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on September 16, 2013, is written by a former staff at an AMI church. 

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Reconsidering the Love of God”

Psalm 89:1-4

I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.” 3 You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: 4 ‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah

Repeated throughout Scripture is the phrase “the steadfast love of the Lord.” And here, the psalmist describes God’s love as being consistent and persistent.  Upon thinking about God’s immutability (unchanging nature), we are awed by the realization that His love will never change no matter how badly we act from time to time.  

How wonderful indeed is His steadfast love for the undeserved!  This is love that is grounded and rooted in the very nature of who God is!  Thus, He refrained from breaking his covenant with David in spite of his offspring’s (Israel) relentless disobedience.  In the end, this is the unconditional love that resulted in the substitutionary death of His Son that brings us life. 

This Psalm encourages us to look at love from a new perspective, for all we are too familiar with the conditional love that the world gives us as well as the love we give the world. We are used to understanding love as a temporary emotion or feeling that is only secure if situations or circumstances don’t change. Often times, love seems to be a precursor to disappointment. Yet here, the psalmist declares that the love of God is praiseworthy because this love is tied to the promise of God, the covenant of God, the nature of God, and the heart of God. This is a secure and constant love that doesn’t change, despite of our failings, in which we can find hope. 

This morning, let’s reflect upon the love of God which is so strong and secure. Let us praise God for He loves us so steadfastly.

Prayer: Dear God, we love You.  We adore You. We exalt You.  We desire You. There is no one in this universe who is even remotely equal to You.  You stand alone apart from all your creations; yet, we are so grateful that You are in our midst, loving us and caring for us.  Thank You. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: John 14

January 11, Saturday

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on October 22, 2013, is written by Pastor Sam Lee who leads Catalyst Agape Church in Northern New Jersey.

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

Philippians 2:9-11

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

I don’t quite understand the British monarchy.  As I read up on it, the queen really doesn’t have much power; she is more like a figurehead, that is, a nominal leader, since she has no say in the policy of the nation. She may be loved and respected by her subjects but has no real power over them.   

I believe sometimes this is how we treat God when it comes to Lordship. We pretty much plan out our whole lives without him. This is to say, we plan out our education, our employment, our marriage, our parenting, our retirement, our future without really consulting him.  And then, we have the gall to ask God to bless what we have planned. 

The problem is that this is not Lordship because, like the British monarchy, it is mostly ceremonial without giving the King much power over our lives.  Jesus is the absolute King and Lord of all, including us, for “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to [him]” (Matt. 28:18). We don’t merely add Jesus to our lives so that he can help us to obtain our goals; instead, he is the source of all dimensions of our lives. Lordship means we give God a blank sheet and ask Him to write out the theme of our lives, which we, then, follow. 

So in 2020, let’s stop treating God as a figurehead Lord; instead, let’s respond to Him as who He really is: “the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15). Acknowledge that Jesus is the Lord of your life. 

Prayer: Mighty God, forgive us for holding You in contempt by treating You as equal to British monarchs.  We’re so foolishly in thinking that that is somehow okay with You. Awake us to the reality that You are the King and we are Your subjects.  Thank You also for being benevolent ruler. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: John 12-13

January 10, Friday

Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh (N.C.), was originally posted on November 8, 2013.

 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Sovereignty Amid the Chaos”

Psalm 97:1-12

The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! 2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. 4 His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. 7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods! 8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD. 9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. 10 O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

Often, watching the evening news can be depressing and discouraging, as we see the tragedies and chaos that are happening in our world today.  From shootings at airports, malls and even places of worship, to injustice to the poor and oppressed, we sometimes ask ourselves where God is amid the chaos.  

Psalm 97 is a song acknowledging God’s sovereignty over all things. In spite of this world being unjust and unrighteousness, and our hearts are not always ready to offer praise to God, He is still the God who is worthy of our praise. He reigns overall, and because of that, we can rejoice and exalt His holy name.  In verses 2-6, the psalmist demonstrates the awesome presence of God by using creation, such as clouds, fire, lightening, mountains and heavens bowing down and declaring the majesty of our King. This psalm, together with the other hymns affirming Yahweh’s kingship (Psalm 93; 95-99), proclaims the righteous, just, and loyal rule of Yahweh (“righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne,” v.2). He will make righteousness abound on the earth. His rule benefits the development of godliness and brings an end to godlessness. He will establish order on earth.

Can you worship God this morning despite of your circumstances?  Do you know that he rules over all things, despite of the chaos in the world?  As his children, the Lord is calling us to “hate evil” (v.10) and rejoice in Him (v.12).  Take some time this morning to reflect and praise the mighty God whom we serve.  

Prayer: Lord, I praise You and lift Your holy name on high.  You are the everlasting God and the creator of the ends of the earth.  I love You and worship You this morning because there is none equal in this universe—You stand alone! Thank You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 11 (Luke 24)

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:2-4: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Questions to Consider

  1. Why does James ask us to “count it all joy” when we go through hardships?
  2. What is the purpose of hardship?
  3. How can these verses give you comfort in the midst of trials in your own life?

Notes

  1. James, who was the half-brother of Jesus, encourages his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to “count it all joy” when we face difficulty in our lives.  This is often easier said than done.  If we are honest with ourselves, we often ask God to remove hardships or even wonder where God is in the midst of our trials.
  2. James gives us great comfort because he states that during our difficulty, God is bringing us to greater maturity and faith.  The Lord wants us to produce steadfastness in our faith so that when hardship comes in the future, we will be able to stand and persevere.  “Perseverance” has a work to do, and this can be accomplished only by persistence in trials. If perseverance is to “finish its work,” faith must not falter or give up.
  3. Are you facing hardship today?  Ask the Lord that you would have the faith to persevere.  Remember that God is sovereign, and He has His best interest for you; His plans are always good.

Evening Reflection

As you end your day, spend some time acknowledging the sovereignty of our God.  Even in the midst of our busy lives, let’s remember that nothing is out of his control, even when we face trials.   Worship and ascribe greatness on to Him!

January 9, Thursday

Today’s AMI QT blog, originally posted on May 2, 2013, is written by Pastor Matt Ro, who formerly pastored Journey Church in Atlanta.  

 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God is With/Among Us”

Psalm 46:1-3; 8-11

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.  10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Introduction: God was always displeased whenever the kings of Israel—under attack by hostile nations—would seek the help of neighboring kings (e.g., 2 Chron. 16:7); God desired that Israel would seek Him first.  What about us? What do we typically turn to when facing troubles? Friends? Facebook?  Google search? Today’s blog shows why it is sensible to turn to God first. 

Psalm 46 is a song declaring, “God is with (among) us”; a Mighty Fortress indeed is our God.  V. 1 speaks of God as being our “refuge and strength” in times of trouble. Since the security that the world offers is fleeting and imperfect (vv. 2-3), we ought to look to God for real protection, for He alone is our true security.

Repeatedly (v. 1, 5, 7, 10, and 11), the theme of “God being with us, among us, and for us” is stated.  We need an inner strength to be able to overcome minor troubles to the most troubling circumstances (v. 2, 6, 9). Though mountains may fall and the earth may be reeling, God is still God in the midst of life’s turmoil. 

The Psalm points to the final day in which wars will cease and all things will be brought low.  This sounds similar to Psalm 2:2-3: “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,  “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”  

Directed to those who oppose God, it concludes with a call to “be still, and know that he is God,” thereby declaring that he reigns among the nations and over all the earth.  The “Lord of hosts,” one who delivers, stands with us.  

Prayer: Thank You, Father, that in any circumstance, we are reminded that your presence and help are always near.  A Mighty Fortress indeed is our God as we think about your abiding presence with us. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 10 (Luke 23)

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 1:3-14: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Questions to Consider

  1. What do you think “heavenly places” refers to (v. 3)?
  2. Think about all the “spiritual blessings” that Paul refers to in vv. 4-14.  How can an understanding of those truths impact our lives as believers? 
  3. In the heavenly realm that is “among you” or “in your midst,” are there any blessings and truths that need to replace urges that were placed by the enemy?  Take some time to dislodge the enemy’s lies with weighty spiritual truths. Consider how great our God is. More than the blessing, we desire the blessor. Conclude in praise and thanksgiving.  

Note

  1. When Paul says that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, he is not referring to heaven.  Heavenly realm is a reference to the invisible realities of our lives, such as our thought life, conflict, pressure, struggle,  security, and peace, where, according to Chapter 6, the principalities and spiritual powers can attack us. The heavenly realm is a place where not only are we subjected to attack but also the place where God can release His blessings and deliver us.  It is also a place where the Holy Spirit reaches (i.e., can affect) our intellect, emotions, and will. 
  2. Paul lists election, predestination, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, revelation, the counsel of his will, the word of truth, the Gospel of salvation, and deposit of the Holy Spirit as blessings from God, which ought to produce many inner surges of the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).  These are much more than mere theological ideas. They are facts, that is, foundational truths that undergird us in every moment of our lives. And unless we understand those facts, we can’t utilize or benefit from them. In that way, they are like impersonal natural laws, which operate regardless of how we feel. Of course, it is never impersonal since God personally delights in blessing us. 
  3. There are foundational truths that undergird us every moment of our lives. Have we moved past mere theological ideas to appropriate the Life we were designed to live?

Evening Reflection

Take a moment to recall in what ways God is your refuge and strength.  Living in the materialistic world that desensitizes our desire for God with an illusion of security, we need to remember that we have access to every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.  Focus on the things that bring us eternal security.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank You for these vast truths.  I pray that my understanding may be made equal to them.  I can’t grasp them properly apart from the work of Your Spirit, and I pray that You will open my eyes and help me to see that these things are true indeed.  Thank you that even when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances and emotions, you are a God who blesses us, and as we realize how blessed we are, you begin to turn our mourning into dancing.  Amen.

January 8, Wednesday

Today’s AMI QT blog—a combined effort by the 2013 staff of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego—was first posted on July 5, 2013.

 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Understanding Amid Storms of Life”

Psalm 73:21-28

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

What are you going through these days?  While I am not sure what Asaph is experiencing at the time when he writes today’s psalm, it must have been very painful since he describes his heart as being grieved and his spirit, embittered.  

Nevertheless, in the midst of a crisis of faith, Asaph is given understanding when he enters into the sanctuary of God; that is to say, a clear understanding of truth came to him amid storms of his life.  

Note that verses 21-28 describe the truth that God revealed to him.  First, Asaph recognizes that in his suffering, he was a brute beast toward God.  He does not excuse the sin in his heart or cover it up by referring to anxiety or suffering.  Asaph owns his sin and rightly acknowledges that his struggle was with God rather than with his circumstances or other people.

Second, Asaph understands that in his darkest time, when he felt farthest from the goodness and presence of God, He held Him by his right hand and was always with Him.  In fact, God is Asaph’s only rock and foundation even as he doubts Him.

Third, Asaph realizes it is good to be near God.  The wicked and arrogant are welcome to their earthly prosperity and health, if only Asaph can have the presence of God.

How are you tempted to blame circumstances or others for spiritual struggles in your life?  Pray that God would open your eyes to His presence and purpose in the challenges you face today.  Ask that God would reveal His beauty in such a way He would be the object of your desire throughout the day.

Prayer: Lord God, forgive me that I am so ready to dwell on my troubles or the sins of others around me rather than face the great sin in my own heart.  Forgive me that I am so unaffected by my daily betrayal of you. Give me grace to see the deep poverty of my own spirit and drive me to Your Son. I thank You that He is sufficient to meet all my needs and faithful to walk with me.  May Your purpose and presence be my joy.

Bible Reading for Today: John 9 (Luke 22)

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:16-18 (NIV): Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. 

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the nature of God’s gifts to us?
  2. What is the nature of God who gives us these gifts?
  3. Determine in your heart to believe that “God is good…all the time,” and “All the time…God is good.”

Note

  1. God’s gifts are always good and perfect. Everything God does is good and perfect.
  2. God is characterized by light and openness as well as steadfastness. All of hisdealings with us – from our initial salvation to our eventual glory – reflect his total goodness to us. 
  3. Personal response 

Evening Reflection

In what tangible way did you obey God’s leading today?  Were there some difficult choices to be made? How did the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you towards obedience? 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask that You generously give me wisdom to face my trials and difficulties. And help me to fully trust that only the wisdom I receive from You will carry me through this trial. Amen.

January 7, Tuesday

Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on March 12, 2013.

 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What the Raiders of the Lost Ark Forgot to their Detriment”

Psalms 24:7-10

Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!  9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory! Selah 

In ancient Israel, the Ark of the Covenant represented the glory of God and was taken with the army into battle.  After each victory, the ark was brought back to Jerusalem with great celebration and a triumphant procession.  

This psalm describes the entrance of the ark into the city as it made its way back to the sacred place in the temple.  More than just being a symbolic relic, the ark represented a real manifestation of God’s presence and power. This is why the treasure hunters in the old movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, died as they tried to open the long lost ark.  They didn’t take into account that this was no ordinary artifact but that the actual glory of God rested within. 

For the nation of Israel, the ark was meant to serve as a constant reminder that God is their ultimate king who goes before them in battle and whose presence is the source of their strength.  Today, the same principle applies to us. We can only achieve victory in our lives as we depend on the presence of God to go before us.  

How are you depending on the presence of God in your daily life?  Are you living in the power of God? Meditate on the God’s glory.    

Prayer: Lord, we confess that we don’t always seek Your presence in our lives. We often depend upon our own strength and wisdom instead of seeking your power.  We want to be desperate for Your presence in all that we do and learn how to celebrate and honor You in both our private and corporate times of worship.  May You show us Your glory and bring about times of refreshing and revival.  

Bible Reading for Today: John 8 (Luke 21)

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Samuel 4:19-22 (ESV): Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. And when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. 20 And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you have borne a son.” But she did not answer or pay attention. 21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed[b] from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 And she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Who spoke these words and why?  (1 Samuel 4:19)
  2. Why was the ark of God captured?  (1 Samuel 2:22)
  3. Is it possible for the New Testament believer to lose the presence of God?  

Note

  1. The prophet Eli’s daughter-in-law spoke these words as she heard news that the ark of God had been captured by the Philistines and both her husband and father-in-law had died in the battle.  She proceeded to name her newborn son, Ichabod or the glory has departed.  
  2. The ark was captured in large part to Eli’s unwillingness to deal with the sins of his two sons, Phineas and Hophni, who stole from the temple and committed indecent acts with the women who were serving at the entrance of the tent of meeting.   
  3. Although, the New Testament believers have the promise that God will always be with us, we still are capable of grieving and quenching the Holy Spirit, thereby separating ourselves from the glory of God.  (Ephesians 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Evening Reflection

Peter Wagner, former professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, is famous for stating that the Holy Spirit could leave many churches in America and they would never know the difference.  Today, God’s glory is made evident through the work of the Holy Spirit. To lose the Holy Spirit is to lose the very glory of God in our churches. That is a sad and frightening thought and one that should bring us to our knees in prayer.  

How have you glorified God today?  Write down any thoughts of praise and thanksgiving for who God is and what he has done in your life.

January 6, Monday

Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Barry Kang of Symphony Church in Boston, was originally posted on March 7, 2014.

 

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“The Supremacy of Love”

1 John 2:1-6 (ESV)

Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 

In what manner is the commandment to love our brother (and sister) both old and new?  

It is old in the sense that the Law has always been about love.  Jesus taught that the Law and the Prophets were all summed up in the law to love God and one’s neighbor [the Great Commandment (cf. Matt. 22:37-40)].  Paul echoes this in Galatians 5:14: “The entire law is summed up in a single command, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” God’s commandments have always been about love.

At the same time, the commandment to love is new in the sense that Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law to love, and now we too are able to love because of what Jesus has done [“the commandment . . . is true in him and in us” ( vs. 8)].  In Jesus, we are forgiven (v. 12); able to know God as our Father (v. 13); have overcome the evil one (v. 13), and have the word of God abiding in us (14).  Undoubtedly, our capacity to love our brothers and sisters is based on recognizing and appreciating the labor of love that Jesus has done on our behalf, beginning with his forgiveness.  Most likely, that’s what Jesus meant when he said of the woman who wiped his feet with tears, “I tell you her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little” (Lk. 7:47).  As long as we hold onto our righteousness, it is will lessen our indebtedness to him.     

Is there a brother or sister in your life that you are having trouble loving?  Let us remind ourselves of the love we have received from Jesus. This will be the basis and strength from which we can begin to love.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the ways that You have loved me.  You have always loved me, but now am I reminded that Your love has forgiven me and set me free.  I am more than a conqueror because of Your love. I want to love in a new way, not based on my capacity to love, but on Your capacity to love. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 7 (Luke 20)

Lunch Break Study  

Read John 13:1-15; 34-35: Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the significance of the setting of this passage (v.1)?
  2. What does Jesus do and to whom does he do this?
  3. What do we learn about the new commandment that we see in verse 34?
  4. Whose feet can you wash today (metaphorically speaking)?

Notes

  1. John tells us in verse 1 that Jesus knew that his hour to depart from the world to go to the Father had come.  In other words, this is Jesus’ last teaching and commandment to his followers whom he loved. Last words are always significant.
  2. Foot washing was one of the lowest of tasks for a servant, often reserved for gentile slaves (as Jewish slaves thought that foot washing was beneath them).  The sight of Jesus stripping off his outer clothes to wash the disciples’ feet certainly startled Peter who would have never considered doing it himself. Even more amazing, Jesus also washed the feet of Judas whom he knew (we are told in v.11) would betray him later. 
  3. Jesus’ example in humbly serving his followers by washing their feet gives us a very practical and dramatic demonstration of what it is to love.  Loving one another does not mean that we feel warm and fuzzy things about each other, but that we humbly and sacrificially choose to serve.  
  4. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Are you showing love to others in the way that Jesus showed love to you?  Is there someone that God is asking you to love in a more sacrificial way?  Let us journal and pray about how we can do so.

January 5, Sunday

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought (new) is written by an anonymous believer who attends an AMI church in E. Asia. 

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Journey”

John 9:1-9

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”) So the man went and washed and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”  

A year ago, on a cold rainy day, I sat in the doctor’s office and I watched him scold my mom, over the phone, about why she didn’t get a health check before delivering me many years ago. He hung up the phone and wrote these few words that forever changed my life: “Diagnosed with Hepatitis B”.

In this story, Jesus healed this blind man in an unusual way. “He spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva and put it on the man’s eyes and asked him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, which means sent” (John 9:6-7). Why did Jesus use such a troublesome way to heal this man? 

If we look at Jesus’s words, he declared three things. First was this man’s identity. He was not blind because he had a cursed life. Second was his life’s purpose. This happened so that God’s work could be displayed. Third was to declare that Jesus was the light of the world. After declaring these things, Jesus commanded this blind man to go and wash his eyes. If we read the text carefully, Jesus did not mention anything about giving him sight. Rather, he wanted the blind man to “see” something greater: his real identity and that Jesus was the true light. 

For a blind man, covered with mud and saliva, the trek to the Pool of Siloam was not an easy journey. In addition to not being able to see, he likely encountered many mocking him and he himself probably faced doubts. Every step he took was a choice to continue to believe in Jesus. However, every step forward brought him closer to the heart of Jesus. As we read in verse 8 and 9, his healing journey became a testimony to many: He himself insisted, “I AM the (blind) man”. His story of being blind was no longer an unbearable shame but a reflection of God’s glory.

This story resonates with my testimony.  Carrying this dreadful virus from birth made me wonder if my life was destined for disaster. As I write this, I’m still dealing with this sickness, but I am on my journey to the Pool of Siloam.  Like anyone struggling with a disease, I long to be healed right away. But if this journey is what takes to reveal God’s great work, isn’t totally worth it? After all, at the end of the day, everything will fade away, but Jesus is the only light that remains. 

Prayer: Father, tough times can be unbearable, but we have a reason to rejoice. It’s all because we in Christ are Your children and You love us. Thank You for using something bad in me and turning it into an exciting journey to get closer to Your heart. We pray that the Holy Spirit will open our hearts and eyes to discover Your good plan in times of trouble and learn to count your goodness along with each high and low. We know we are always safe in your hands. Thank you, Father!

Bible Reading for Today: John 6 (Luke 19)

January 4, Saturday

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought (new) is written by Napa, a local staff serving at an AMI church in E. Asia. 

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Who am I?”

Deuteronomy. 4:32-35

Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? 33 Has any other people heard the voice of God[a] speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? 34 Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? 35 You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other.

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.

In today’s passage, Moses reminded the Israelites about their identity. Moses said that, out of all the nations in the world, Israel was the most special group because God was with them. Moses asked them to think about what other nation had ever heard God speaking to them in the fire. Who else has experienced such a great event? No one else! Only the Israelites are special because only they have experienced God.

There are times we may feel that being a Christian has its downsides. We may feel that being a Christian has its restrictions. However, this passage is reminding us that as Christians, we have experienced God. We should be proud of our identity!

Today, let’s spend some time thanking God for our identity in Him. Also, let’s spend some time meditating on this question, “Are you proud of who you are in Christ?” If not, ask the Holy Spirit to secure your identity in Him.

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: John 4-5 (Luke 18)