January 3, Friday

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Putting a Stop to the Cycle of Busyness”

Psalm 62:5-8

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

During our VBS summer camp, we setup a relay race with a sponge and two buckets, one with water and one without. The objective of the game was quite simple: use a sponge to soak up water from one bucket and then run over to squeeze the water in the empty one. Whichever team filled their empty buckets first won.

What we witnessed next was quite telling of how we often behave in life. Naturally, the kids thought the faster they get to the other bucket would be the quickest way to fill it. As a result, they would dip the sponge quickly into the water and race to the other bucket making as many trips as possible. Here’s the thing: because they were so quick to run to the other bucket, they barely dipped their sponges in the water. By the time they got to the empty bucket, there was little to no water to squeeze out. It sounds silly because we know what they should’ve done was to actually wait and allow the sponge to soak up more water, and then go to the empty bucket.

Much like these kids, we think that the more we do, the more we are productive, and the more we have to offer. In a world where we are disillusioned by busyness, we hurry from one thing to another without realizing just how little we have to give. Whether it’s for the next breakthrough, season, or even a relationship, waiting is difficult because it’s counterintuitive to what we think is productive.

Yet in our passage, the Psalmist makes it clear that his priority was to wait on God. For him, it was far better to wait in His presence than to react to the troubles surrounding him. In His presence, the Psalmist found his true source of strength, his salvation, and his glory—God Himself.

As we think about this new year and all that it has for us, may we develop the discipline of waiting on Him. Before we start this year, take some time waiting in His presence and soaking up whatever He has for you. Know that nothing is ever wasted in His presence, or as Henri Nouwen puts it, “Time given to inner renewal is never wasted. God is not in a hurry.” As we spend time with Him, may our hurried hearts find both peace and rest in Him.

Prayer: Father, I confess even as I’m reading this my heart and mind can be so distracted with what needs to be done. Thank You that I can approach Your throne of grace with confidence. Thank You that in your presence I can find peace in You. Help me to be still.

Bible Reading for Today: John 3 (Luke 17)

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:6-9: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Questions to Consider

How can we overcome anxiety?
How does the peace of God change us?
Do you struggle with anxiety? If so, ask that the Lord will lead you into His peace.

Notes

Prayer. What Warren Wiersbe writes as the prayer that Paul outlined here, is one of adoration, supplication, and thanksgiving. Adoration in the sense of enjoying His presence; supplication, knowing that God listens to even the simplest of prayers of our hearts; thanksgiving, faith to thank Him even when our circumstances may not permit. This type of prayer invites His peace into our hearts, a peace not of this world, but that which comes from Him alone.
The peace of God not only changes our prayers, but it demands that we change the way we think. Instead of focusing on the things that bring anxiety, Paul says to focus our thoughts on things that are worthy of praise. Paul then reminds us to put such things into practice and that these things ultimately mark a life of peace.
Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

Exodus 33:15-17 says, “And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’ 17 And the Lord said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’”

After spending 40 years wandering the desert with people constantly complaining and questioning his leadership, Moses finally has the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. However, notice that Moses is willing to give all that up; in fact, he refuses to go unless God’s presence would go with Him. In other words, Moses looked to His presence more than the promise.

Spend a few moments reflecting on this. May the promises that we look forward to in 2020 be dim in comparison to being in His presence.

January 2, Thursday

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“In Search of Contentment in Life”

Philippians 4:11-13

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Every year I fall into the trap of making new year’s resolutions. Even though I have yet to accomplish most of them, I continue to tell myself: “I can do it; this year will be different; I’m going to do it.” I may even tell myself, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When taken out of context, we place a greater emphasis on the “I can do all things” because it fuels our desire to be self-sufficient. It creates the illusion that Paul is talking about what we can do when he’s actually pointing us to a greater truth—the very secret to life of how we can be.

And that secret is how we can be content. Paul writes that in any and every circumstance, whether it be a season of need or a season of abundance, he is content. Oftentimes we think about being content only in times of need but notice how Paul writes he knows what it means to be content even in times of abundance. Even when things are going well, he still understands how to be content only in Christ. For Paul, knowing Christ and being in Christ (Phil 3:8-12) was far more worthy than anything else. Nothing compared to this. His contentment in Christ made him invincible to all of life’s ups and downs. Therefore, Paul could confidently say that no matter the season of need or abundance, Paul could endure all things because he found his strength in Christ alone.

In a world where we take pride in our ability to be self-sufficient, Paul always boasted about his dependence on God alone (2 Cor. 12). As one commentator said, he understood that the secret to life was not to be self-sufficient, but to be God-sufficient. Regardless of what 2020 may or may not bring, may we begin this year with this heart of contentment. As Paul learned this secret to life, may we also learn this amazing truth. May we be content in Christ alone.

Prayer: Father, teach me how to be content in You alone. Help me not to trust in myself, but in all circumstances find my satisfaction in You. I begin this year knowing that You are more than enough for me. May my weaknesses be ever so transparent so that Your power will shine all the more in my life.

Bible Reading for Today: John 2 (Luke 16)

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 1:3-5: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Questions to Consider

What is the living hope that Paul writes about?
How is this hope different from our common definition of hope?
In what do we put our hope?

Notes

Paul, writing to a church facing constant persecution, reminds the believers that their ultimate hope is in the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. It is a hope given by God’s mercy, meaning there is nothing we can do to earn it, or have it taken away. This hope is not just for our time here on earth, but it is a hope that leads us to an inheritance that awaits us in heaven.
Living hope is not sheer optimism. Optimism leaves very little assurance that what we hope for will actually amount to something. Proverbs 10:28 says, “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” The hopes of this world will lead to nothing, but our hope in Christ will be eternal.
Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

In describing how hope drives us, CS Lewis wrote “We are all born with desires. If I find myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing.”

Spend a few moments reflecting on what brings us pleasure. May they only point us to the true satisfaction that can only be found in Christ.

January 1, Wednesday

The AMI QT blogs from January 1-3 (new) are written by Andy Kim. Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), currently serves the associate pastor at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco. Andy and his wife Jane had a baby boy in 2018 whom they named Caleb.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

A New Year Resolution? How About This . . .

Haggai 1:7-11

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 8 Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. 9 You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. 10 Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. 11 And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.”

Happy New Year!

The beginning of a new year always has a sense of excitement as we think about what lies ahead of us. More importantly, it’s a time for us to reconsider our priorities and, as the Lord tells the people of Israel in our passage this morning to consider your ways, we too must consider our ways. To start this year well, we ought to ask ourselves, what are we working towards and what are we really building in our lives?

Haggai speaks to the people of God during a time very much similar to ours where there is political turmoil and economic instability. Even though they have returned to their homeland, instead of comfort and joy, they seem to be just as frustrated. And to this, the Lord clearly says it’s because they have busied themselves with their own houses while neglecting to rebuild the temple of God. For the Israelites, they understood that the temple was the centerpiece of worship. In fact, if you trace the movements of the Israelites after they were freed from Egypt, God made it clear that each time they settled, they were to first build the tabernacle. When Joshua finally entered the promised land, he first builds an altar before the Lord. In other words, every new move, new season, or even transition was to begin with worship.

Worship resets our priorities by reminding us who God is and who we are in Him. Often, a lack of worship leads to misplaced priorities. I love how the Psalmist puts it: “I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

As we begin this new year, may we have the same heart—that we will not begin this year, until we found ourselves in a posture of worship. This is what it means to start the new year well! As the Lord says, spend a few moments considering your ways. As we prioritize building His kingdom over our own this year, may we experience the blessings He has in store for us.

Prayer: Father, as we begin this new year, may we have a heart of worship. May we submit ourselves and all our plans for 2020 before you. Help us to always focus ourselves on eternal things rather than the temporary. We bless your name!

Bible Reading for Today: John 1 (to read the remaining chapters of Luke, today’s portion is 15)

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 12:1-2: I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.;

Questions to Consider

How does Paul define worship?
Why is worship so important? How does it change us?
What does worship mean to you? How can we worship him in all of our lives?

Notes

Paul begins with by the mercies of God to show that worship is first and foremost a response to God’s grace. When we understand how a perfect and loving God accepts sinners, our response is worship. Paul uses an OT concept very familiar to the Israelites on the idea of sacrifice. For worship to be a sacrifice meant that it was both costly and intentional. Worship was never meant to be passive or consumeristic.
Worship gives the lens through which we ought to see the world. Worship transforms our thoughts in order that we may submit to His will. Worship opens our eyes to see that His will is both good and perfect for our lives.
Personal Response.

John Piper says: “Worship is: showing God’s value, supreme value over all other things. So if you have a job, do your job in a way that shows that Christ is supremely valuable…when your life becomes worship, God begins to look valuable to other people. God looks infinitely worthy when others look at you.”

Evening Reflection

As mentioned, Haggai was written in a time very similar to ours where there was much political turmoil and economic instability. Without having to dive into politics, we are facing some difficult times both in the US and across the world. And yet, God reminds us how much more urgent it is for us to build his temple during such uncertainty so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places (Eph 3:10).

When we as a church humble ourselves, turn from our ways, and seek His face; then He will heal our lands. Worship not only as personal implications, but communal blessings. As we think about 2020 and all the things it has in store for us personally, may we also think and pray for all the things it has for us as believers. More than ever, the church must reflect His love and glory to the world.

Spend a few moments praying for your church. How is God calling you to build His church this year?

December 31, Tuesday

The last AMI QT Devotional of 2019, written by Cami King, was originally posted on November 18, 2014. Cami now serves as a staff at Remnant Church in Manhattan.

Devotional Thought for Today

“O Lord, and Our Heart is Restless until it Finds its Rest in Thee” (Augustine)

Proverbs 10:3

The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

A story is often told of a man who climbs a ladder. He toils and toils his whole life through to reach the top, sacrificing energy, sleep, money, relationships, and anything else necessary to do so. He does all of this only to attain his goal and realize, at the end of it all, as he peers out from the top of the ladder, that all the while his ladder was leaning against the wrong wall.

This is a common illustration for wasted pursuits. It tells of those who chase after the things of this world believing the lies of the “if only”. “If only I had…” “If only I achieved…” “If only I knew…” “If only I was…” “If only… then I’d be happy, satisfied, complete.” The craftiness of this lie is that it incites us to work harder, convincing us that if we only pursue those things we fill into those blanks with greater fervor, then we can obtain the happiness we seek. But the truth is that none of those things, whatever they may be for each of us (wealth, success, marriage, recognition, knowledge, affections, etc.), are able to bring us what we truly desire. Maybe for an illusive moment, but no more.

Our proverb for today not only reminds us that God will provide for our every physical need, it also reminds us that in Him our deepest desires are fully satisfied. Moreover, it serves as a warning: the carvings of those living apart from God will never be satisfied – they cannot be because God alone satisfies. Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde once wrote, “In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” While he certainly didn’t have this Proverb in mind, he stumbled upon great wisdom.

As the great Church Father Augustine once quipped, “Our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” God alone satisfies; His way alone leads to life. So, may this familiar truth challenge us—as we about to enter the New Year—to evaluate our pursuits and identify our “if only’s”. May we debunk the lie and check to be sure our ladders are leaning against the right wall in 2020.

Prayer: Eternal God, You alone can satisfy. Sometimes I find myself thinking, “If only [fill in the blank with what is relevant for You], then I’d be satisfied.” But that is a lie. You have promised to meet all my needs and I trust that You’ll do it. In Jesus’ name.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 14

Lunch Break Study

The day after Jesus fed the multitude from a couple fish and a few loaves of bread, they came looking for him and, when they found him, he said:

Read John 6:26-36: Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” 30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

Questions to Consider

What is Jesus describing in verse 26?
In the end, it all comes down to belief – do we believe that Jesus is the “bread from heaven” who will truly satisfy us? To an outsider looking in, does your life declare that Jesus alone satisfies?

Notes

The crowds followed Jesus not because of the signs he performed before them (signs which would have revealed to them that He was the Son of God), but because he met their physical needs (he’d literally fed them the day before, satiating their hunger). If we are primarily following Jesus because of the physical benefits, we’re missing the point.
It’s not that we don’t have physical needs, but that we are not controlled by them. God, in Christ, has offered us so much more than just having our physical needs met. Those needs are temporal. He has fulfilled our eternal need for God which far outweighs hunger or thirst or any other physical need. For many of us, our lives and our efforts, how we spend our time and money suggest to onlookers that many other things satisfy.

Evening Reflection

One of the greatest dangers in the Christian faith is not to make God last – very few of us would ever do that, but to make him second. We tend to do this because we feel like we absolutely need one thing or another. Whatever that thing may be always takes first place.

What are the things that you put in first place? What needs do you harness all your efforts and resources to meet? Surrender them to God, believing that (1) He knows what you need and will provide, and (2) God, Himself, is the greatest treasure that alone will satisfy

December 30, Monday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Ryun Chang who serves as AMI Teaching Pastor, was originally posted on February 4, 2013.

Devotional Thought for Today

“Work on Tongue in 2020”

Psalms 12:1-4

Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. 2 Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.3 May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—4 those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”

A young pastor, speaking to a travel agent over the phone, was courteous at first, but grew increasingly impatient at the agent who, again, put him on hold in search of a better flight for a summer missions trip the pastor was planning. Thinking that the agent was away from the phone, he murmured, “What a dork!” The agent, having heard everything, let the pastor know of her dismay, which left the pastor speechless.

This pastor, to his credit, shared this unflattering story of himself in a sermon about not using our tongue to hurt people. James put it like this: “No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:8-10).

Today, remember to use your tongue, not to deceive or hurt others but to edify them! Examine your heart to see if you harbor any bitterness toward anyone (perhaps someone close). It is often our bitterness and resentment toward people that our tongue is used to denigrate and demean them. Would you confess your grievances against others to the LORD and pray for those individuals? And, as we are about to enter the New Year, plan to really work on your tongue.

Prayer: Dear God, I don’t know how many times I’ve hurt others with my tongue! While I thank You that I’ve already been forgiven, please remind me to use my words carefully and be honest in my dealing with people in my life. Please strengthen me!

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 13

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:19-20: Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God;

Luke 6:45: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks;

Eph. 4:25, 29: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another . . . 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Questions to Consider

In view of James 1:19-20, what external factor is the leading cause of our verbalgaffes?
According to Luke 6:45, what internal factor is the leading cause of our words that end up hurting others2?
What’s the best policy when speaking or writing an email to someone about an issue (Eph. 4:25, 29)?

Notes

We typically invert this: We are slow (i.e., not ready) to listen and quick to speak. Instead of responding to what the person actually said in its proper context, we jump on one or two things that we disliked and harp on them. It’s a perfect recipe for a big argument.
The real cause behind the harmful use of our tongues is the heart; whatever words we speak are the overflow of what’s in the heart. And nothing can cleanse a soiled heart more thoroughly than a genuine repentance over our lack of love for others. Why should we do that? The apostle John would say, “We love because he first loved us” (Jn. 4:19).
First, we evaluate the situation objectively and fairly (“put off falsehood”); second, we commit ourselves to speak truthfully (even if it’s disadvantageous to us); third, we think before we speak in order to eliminate unwholesome talk; fourth, we aim to say things that would be constructive and helpful to build others up according to their needs.

Evening Reflection

How did you use your tongue today? Did you encourage anyone? What did you say? Maybe it wasn’t a good day; what happened. Evaluate and pray for a better day tomorrow—and for 2020.

December 29, Sunday

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Safe to Tell the Truth”

Romans 2:1-4

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

As a child, I observed one way that my parents disciplined my younger brother. When my mom couldn’t get anywhere by raising her voice or sounding threatening, she would soften up and take any consequences of her getting angry off the table. Then the following exchange would take place: “Didi (younger brother),” she would say, “tell me the truth.” Then she would wait. Unfailingly, he would start, “The truth is…” and admit whatever he had done. It was amazing that it always worked! As soon as my mom signaled that she wouldn’t be upset and just wanted the truth, my brother always confessed. He always confessed because she had made it safe for him to do so.

I think back to this when reminded of how God’s kindness is what leads us to repentance. In this passage, Paul describes the right way to look at condemnation of sins. When we are afraid or ashamed of our sins, our natural instincts will be to hide. We might avoid confession, or sometimes we hide behind others by calling to attention their wrongs so that we seem relatively good. By doing so, we avoid facing the reality of our own guilt. More than that, we trample over the costly gift of forgiveness from God and devalued the path of restoration He has offered.

Our Father has paid a great price to show us endless kindness and patience. Now He has made it safe, good, and joyful for us to confess our wrongdoings, and we should gladly do so. As we are led by His kindness, we are free to assess the horror of our sin and the wonderful gift of restoration. He always delights to restore us when we come to Him. Let’s take some time to think about our relationship with God and how that affects our confessions. Are you keeping God at arm’s distance, hoping He doesn’t find out or catch up with you and let you have it? Or are you a child who is secure and unafraid to confess wrongs, eager to be restored? Let’s ask Him to help us live in that latter category. Let’s not keep away when we know we could have joy by encountering Him today.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your kindness! Thank You for making it safe and wonderful to come into Your presence. I know that when I confess my sins, You are faithful to restore and glad to make me more holy. Help me not take for granted Your gifts of forgiveness but live in a way that honors You.
Bible Reading for Today: Luke 12

December 28, Saturday

The AMI QT Devotionals from December 28-29 (new) are provided by Christine Li who serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Better than Water”

Isaiah 55:8-11

“So I “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Do you remember learning about the water cycle in grade school? A quick and simple refresher: water on the earth evaporates into the atmosphere, condenses to become clouds, and falls back onto the earth as precipitation. Except for extreme cases of water movement (deserts and floods), most of us take this cycle for granted and forget that it is running in the background; yet, this process is essential to sustaining life on earth.

God calls this to mind as He reminds His people of the importance of His word. Just as rain and snow go to the earth to water it and nourish all forms of life, God’s word—the Scripture—are necessary to water our souls and give us life. Just as we cannot see every drop of water going through this cycle, we see the effects on life around us. Similarly, while we may be unaware of how the Word is retained in our hearts and heads, we can always see its impact on our growth.

What does God’s word hold for us? Words about His faithfulness to His people assure us of mercy, provision, and protection; words about His goodness remind us of hope and joy we have in Him. When we consider God’s words, we will find tangible promises and true strength in all circumstances, not just a set of good ideas for us to briefly consider.

If the Word sustains our life, are we active in letting it permeate our lives, or have we been satisfied with a passive intake of it through others’ teachings and songs? Without active engagement, we cut ourselves off from this means of grace; when God’s word ceases to influence our lives, the effects are like those of a drought.

My challenge to you today is to spend time deeply engaging with Scripture. When we read through, react to, and respond to God’s word, it will produce deep transformation in our hearts. May the coming year find us increasingly filled with His word and a joyful awareness of how it changes us.

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me Your Word! Help me not to take this for granted, but treasure it and let it be a foundation of my faith. Help me to be faithful in taking it in so that You may accomplish Your purposes in my thoughts, actions, and lifestyle. In the coming year, give us all a greater hunger for Your Word!

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 10-11

December 27, Friday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on December 24, 2013. Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia.

Devotional Thought for Today

“Traps”

Psalm 141:9-10, 142:3

Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.

One of David’s repeated petitions throughout the Psalms (appearing three times in a row in Psalms 140; 141; 142) is that God would keep him from falling into traps. It makes sense. A trap, by design, is meant to be difficult to notice or anticipate. If there was anything that one would especially need to depend on God for, it would be avoiding traps.

Since most of us are not in open warfare in the visible world (for instance, with the people around us), we wouldn’t think to pray for protection from traps; nevertheless, the Bible warns us to be alert because we do have an enemy who is always looking for ways to bring us down. Apostle Peter puts it like this: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

So, have I been praying that God would keep me from falling into traps? If I haven’t, is it because my seemingly tranquil world has made me forget that the enemy is actively setting traps for me all the time? Even so, the believers need not become paranoid about this, but we do need to be aware and vigilant. Traps are meant to catch a person off-guard, but our spiritual awareness and sensitivity put us on good ground not to let this happen. Of course, we need something more than that; we need to actively seek God’s help, praying, as Moses did before marching out, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you” (Num. 10:35b).

Prayer: Lord, would you watch over my way today? You who know all things and hold the future in Your hands; what lies before me today I cannot possibly know, but You do. I will try to be alert, but there are times “when my spirit grows faint within me” (v. 3). If, today, there comes a moment when I become easy prey, watch over me, O Lord. Watch over me.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 142:6-7: Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

1 Samuel 24:3: “He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave.”

Questions to Consider

Where was Psalm 142 written? What situation was David in?
When Saul entered the same cave that David and his men were in,who was the one caught in a trap? (1 Samuel 24:3)
Are there any ways in which I am feeling trapped in my current life situation? What encouragement do these passages offer today?

Notes

Psalm 142 was written when David was in a cave, feeling trapped. Though it was not a trap directly set for him by an enemy, he was forced into this “prison” when he had to flee from Saul and go into hiding.
Amazingly, the very place David felt most trapped in, God turned into a “trap” for David’s enemy. Now David’s response clearly indicated that God’s will wasn’t for him to take advantage of this situation by killing Saul, thereby making himself king (1 Samuel 24:5-6). Instead, God allowed this situation to test David’s heart, as well as to encourage him, by showing that He was in control, and that He could turn the tables at any point. David, therefore, simply needed to trust in Him.
David probably felt trapped because he was not able to live out his true calling for that period of time. Despite being told by God that he was going to be a king, David was living as a fugitive. Have you ever felt like you were born to be doing one thing but somehow got stuck doing something completely opposite? Take heart. If it was really God who led you into that situation, He is in control, has a plan, and will eventually bring you out to fulfill the calling He has on your life. Just trust in Him. And who knows, maybe the very place in which you feel most trapped will become the setting in which you end up shining brightest, just as David did here (1 Samuel 24).

Evening Reflection

Did I make it through another day? Take a moment to give Him thanks for His watchfulness. Did I shine today, no matter what circumstance I was in? Thank the Lord for the beautiful person He is making you into.

December 26, Thursday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on December 25, 2014. Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia.

Devotional Thought for Today

“A Day After Christmas—the Continuation of ‘Jesus’ Story’”

Luke 1:31-33:

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Every year for at least the past 12 years, I’ve tried to make it a personal Christmas tradition to read through and meditate on the Christmas story in the Bible (Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2). It breaks down easily into four parts: Mary’s Story, Joseph’s Story, the Shepherds’ Story and the Wise Men’s Story. I’ve been challenged by the struggle of the parents as I imagine what it must have been like to deal with the virgin (seeming to the world illegitimate) birth. I’ve considered the significance of the first birth announcement going out to humble shepherds in a field. I’ve also thought about how the Christmas story is not all lightness and brightness and joy, that when the wise men came to seek the newborn king, many children lost their lives at the hand of a threatened King Herod, that the world Jesus came into had this kind of darkness.

Yet this year I am especially reminded that when I think of Christmas, what I mainly need it to be is “Jesus’ Story” and that all others are subordinate. In today’s passage, what we see is that there was a prophecy given about Jesus before he was born regarding who he would become. He had a call to greatness on his life. He would become a great king, one whose kingdom would never end. God himself would be the one to make this happen; God would give Jesus the throne. Though we often think of Jesus as Savior, do we as often recognize that one of the main reasons he came into this world was to become our King?

This Christmas season, has Jesus been reigning in our hearts? Or have other things, such as the busyness of social schedules, our holiday to-do lists, or even ministry, been ruling our lives? If any other thing has taken his rightful place in our hearts, this Christmas Day, let’s take a moment to repent and welcome Jesus back onto the throne.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive me if in the busyness of it all, I’ve let other things take over my life. When you’re not ruling and reigning in my life, I lack joy and peace. Won’t you step upon your throne in my heart once again? Be my Lord and King. In your name I pray.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 8 (returning to our regular reading schedule)

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 6:20-23: When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Questions to Consider

Sometimes we reject Jesus as King in our lives because we want to be “free.” What does it mean to be “free from the control of righteousness” (vv. 20-21)?
What is the other kind of freedom described in this passage and its result (v. 22)?
Is there any other choice besides these two kinds of “freedom” under these two very different masters? Of the two, which would you prefer?

Notes

It does not mean that we are really “free” or get to be in control of our own lives; rather, we are just being ruled by something else, sin rather than God, and this kind of so-called “freedom” simply leads to shame and death.
Freedom from sin which leads to holiness and life eternal.
There is no third choice. Accepting Jesus’ kingship is the best way to experience the true freedom that our spirits long for.

Evening Reflection

This day, did I experience the freedom that comes from a submission to Jesus’ rule and reign in my heart?

December 25, Wednesday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional (new) is written by Andrew Kim who serve as the executive pastor at Tapestry Church in Los Angeles.

Devotional Thought for Today

“Joy to the World”

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

As cliché as it might sound, Christmas is my favorite time of the year. This is coming from someone who starts listening to Christmas music in September. As the lights and trees go up, and families and friends get together, there is a sense of warmth even as the weather cools down. The city itself begins to look different as decorations begin to appear everywhere. Although all of this is great, it has a way of distracting us from the true meaning of Christmas.

In our passage today, we find the shocking truth of Christmas: that the creator God is with us in the person of Jesus! Most of us have become desensitized to the scandalous nature of this truth. For the Jews, hearing that God would come in the form of a person would have been incomprehensible. God’s presence resided in the temple and only a few people were ever allowed to even step foot into the holy of holies. The idea that God would appear in a baby would have been an outlandish claim. But this is the truth of Christmas: that God is with us, Immanuel.

As I reflect on this idea, I am reminded that we serve a God that is near and intimate with us. He is the God who does not remain at a distance, away from the suffering of His people. Instead, He decides to step into the pain and messiness of the world in order to bring us healing, restoration, and salvation. We see this in tangible examples throughout the Gospel accounts. He does not only spend time with the “righteous,” but is near to the marginalized, the heavy-laden, and the diseased. He is there to carry the burden of His people in order to give them a yoke that is easy and light.

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many people. It can bring to the surface so much of what we’ve repressed, and the issues we’ve been wrestling with. But let us be reminded this morning that Jesus is Immanuel! God is with us! God is near to your pain, struggles, and difficulties. There is hope when we look to Christ Jesus!

Prayer: Father, thank You so much for being a God that is near to us. There are many things that I struggle with, I pray that during this holiday season you would help me to recognize Your nearness.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 2 (Christmas reading)

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 2:5-11: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Questions to Consider

What is the mind of Christ that Paul is referring to in this passage?
In what ways did Jesus humble Himself?
In what ways can you have the same mind in our own life?

Notes

Even as God, Christ’s mind is defined and marked by humility.
Jesus as God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but instead humbles Himself in the incarnation on Christmas morning by taking on the form of a servant, a human being. But not only that, He humbles Himself to the point of death, even death on a cross, which was the most shameful manner of death. All of this for the sake of His people.
Personal

Evening Reflection

“[Christmas] means not just hope for the world, despite all its unending problems, but hope for you and me, despite all our unending failings.” – Tim Keller