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

December 24, Tuesday

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

“Shalom”

Luke 2:8-20

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

In today’s passage, we come across the familiar story of the shepherds who were given the privilege of being one of the first ones to hear the angel’s announcement about the birth of the Savior and Christ. It was the type of news that the entire nation of Israel were longing to hear for hundreds of years: that God would come back and bring salvation. What’s interesting is that part of the angel’s announcement in verse 14 is that the coming of the Savior would result in peace on earth. In order for us to understand what this might mean, we have to define what biblical peace is.

I think peace has become one of those words that’s lost its original meaning. Often times when we think about peace, it almost always equated with feelings of calm and you picture someone in a meditative state with no worries. No anxiety. This inner calm or tranquility. Or we associate the word with the absence of conflict where hostility no longer exists between groups of people. And I think these are definitely aspects of what peace is, but it doesn’t provide the whole picture of biblical peace. The Hebrew word for peace is the word shalom and it’s a rich word. You see, the Jewish people believed that the world was created by God as a fabric of different parts that was supposed to be woven together and interdependent, in a way that brought life and flourishing to the whole.

For example, Tim Keller explains biblical shalom by giving the illustration of when your body is working properly, every part, each organ and cell is working with all the others the way that it was intended, and it brings a kind of shalom to the whole. There is health and physical well-being. But if you have cancer, it’s a sign that a part of the body is at odds with the rest and you begin experiencing the unraveling of physical shalom. And this is what the Bible is getting at when it’s talking about peace. It is the world as it was created to be in all of its parts, where there is harmony in all relationships, whether between God and humanity, between people, or our relationship to creation.

No one would argue the fact that this God-intended shalom has been broken by sin. Every type of relationship has been marred by brokenness and selfishness. Millions of people do not know God. There is strife and hostility between people. And we have exploited the earth in ways that have caused much harm to the world. And this is precisely the reason for the coming of Jesus on Christmas morning. He has come to remedy the absence of shalom through His life, death, and resurrection. He is the hope that we have been waiting for. During this advent season, let us be reminded that our hope for peace does not rest in human hands but in the hands of a savior that was born on Christmas morning.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for sending Your Son to bring the peace that all of us long for. I pray for Your shalom to mark my relationships, especially those that have been strained by sin. Help me to be an agent of your shalom in all areas of my life.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 5:1-11: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Questions to Consider

According to this passage, when did God save us and why is that surprising?
What does our justification by faith lead to?

Notes

In Romans 5:6-11 Paul repeatedly emphasizes the idea that God saved us while we were enemies, weak, and ungodly. God’s salvation did not come when we were on the road to improvement or when we decided to come back to Him. He decides to pursue us even when we were in rebellion against Him and His ways. The is the surprising truth of God’s love for us. His love is truly defined by grace and mercy.
Our justification by faith leads to peace with God that was achieved by Jesus’ sacrifice. What was once a relationship marked by wrath and hostility, is now one of peace because of the gospel!

Evening Reflection

What is the state of the relationships of your life? Are they marked by peace? Ask God to bring up names of people that you might be in conflict with and ask Him to help you bring restoration into those relationships.

December 23, Monday

Devotional Thought for Today

“A Place Much Better Than Disneyland”

Psalm 122:1-9

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” 2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! 3 Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, 4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 There thrones for judgment were set,the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love! 7 Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” 8 For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.

What invitation would cause you to rejoice? An invitation to Disneyland or to an all-you can-eat Korean BBQ?

How about an invitation to church?

For Israel, worshiping at the Jerusalem temple was a rare joy. The people of God cherished worshiping together with all twelve tribes in the place God had appointed. When they gathered, the people of God would express their gratitude to the Lord. Jerusalem was a place of joy, thanksgiving, peace, and security.

As we reflect on the joy Israel experienced, we are reminded of all that the church is meant to be and also of what the church still has not yet become. The Psalmist also recognized that the completion of God’s work in Jerusalem had not come yet. Rather than complain, He chose to pray for the peace and security of the city and for the good of his brothers.

Take a moment to pray for your local church this morning. Pray for peace as the world, the devil, and the remaining sin within believers create selfish conflict and strife. Pray that the house of God would be as God has meant for her to be.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the gift of Your Church. I am apt to complain and judge her, but I know that my brothers and sisters are gifts to me which I do not deserve. I thank You that You have given me new life through Your church and You continue to grant me grace and joy through her. I pray that You might strike down the schemes of the enemy that cause strife in my church. I pray that light, grace, and love would reign over darkness, pride, and selfishness. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 7

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 10:23-25: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Questions to Consider

What is one way which we can hold fast to “the confession of our hope”?
According to v. 24, what are we to encourage one another to do?
What shapes our perspective and hope?

Notes

Meeting together and giving and receiving encouragement.
To love and to do good works.
We are to live in light of the second coming of our King.

Evening Reflection

Were you tempted to waver in your hope in the Lord today? If so, how can you rely on the Body to encourage you? Did you have an opportunity to stir up your brother or sister to love and good works today? If not, how can you make this a priority during the rest of your week?

December 22, Sunday

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Holding Out to the End”

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Recently, the New York City Marathon happened. Do you know what the fastest race time was? Two hours and 8 minutes. (Some days, it takes that much time to get out of the house!) By contrast, do you know what the slowest race time was? While official times get cut off after a certain point, it is reported that some stick it out to the end with a 10-11 hour finish!

This accounts for why, when a good friend of mine was going home after a long day at church, roads were still closed off as the marathoners were still en route to the finish line. While there were runners still left, just as impressively were there onlookers still cheering them on. Though the last of the marathoners were nowhere close to the ability or the prowess of the earliest finishers, people were still dedicated to encouraging them to press on!

My friend texted me that she was reminded in this moment about God, who continues to entreat us to finish and who does not give up on us even when we are slow. To this, I responded: yes, and more! He is better than a cheerleader watching us from afar! The Lord our God is faithful to His people, and better than our own abilities (or lack of abilities), He is always at our side. He is not just observing on the sidelines but is the very power behind our ability to persevere – He carries us and is the one who ensures we will make it across the finish line.

Paul tells us that, in this life, the end goal and the finish line of our lives is to stand firm until the return of Christ. We are aiming to be found faithful on that day. But even as we orient ourselves towards being found holy and blameless that day, He is the one who also sustains us and keeps us on course.

Brother and sister, I don’t know where you are in the marathon of your spiritual life today, whether you feel nimble or weighed down and far behind. But I encourage you to draw strength not from yourself but from Him. Our ability to “make it to the end” rests in His faithful and capable hands. We do not have to be disheartened that we may not be the fastest or strongest as we continue on the course set before us. Let’s put ourselves in His hands and trust in His power to keep us steady for that day. He will sustain us through to the end!

Prayer: Father, thank You that have loved us and called us Your own. Thank You for Your unending faithfulness in our lives. Lord, we trust You to keep us and to sustain us. Help us to draw from Your unending power and rest in knowing that You have completed the work and will complete Your work in us.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 6

December 21, Saturday

The AMI QT Devotionals from December 21-22 (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

“The Right Measures”

Galatians 5:16-26

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

Over the last several years, my social media feed has become, among other things, an Height Measure announcements feed of friends’ celebrations: engagements, marriages, kids, etc. Specifically, around kids, one common way they announce children’s growth is with charts you’ve likely also seen on a monthly or yearly comparison: how old they are, how many words they say, how many teeth they’ve lost, etc. It should go without saying that if we measured these kids on the wrong scale (e.g. the ability to bake a cherry pie or perform multivariable calculus), they would absolutely fail, but as long as we measure children on right and appropriate criteria, we will accurately assess how they are growing.

When I was growing up, I heard a joke that churches are usually measured with an ABC: Attendance, Buildings, and Cash. While these are definable and obvious measures, they don’t tell a complete story. Believers know that the most important thing that must be measured is the degree to which we are growing spiritually. But how can you or I measure our spiritual growth? This passage in Galatians gives us a good framework to start with: are we increasingly prone to the deeds of the flesh? Or are we growing in the fruits of the Spirit?

At first glance, these lists may seem qualitative and hard to measure ourselves on, but I challenge you not to dismiss them or gloss over them quickly. If we spend some time meditating on these qualities, we can find plenty of ways to measure our spiritual fruits: Do I frequently burst into anger when dealing with a certain individual? How many hours have I spent envying the lives of others around me? Am I spending more of my time serving others and meeting their needs? After arguments, do I seek to reconcile with others more now than I did in the past?

These are not the only ways to assess whether we are maturing as believers, but it can be a helpful start. Today, let’s submit to the Word and let it reveal how we have grown and have yet to grow. As we are led by the Spirit, let’s ask God to continue to transform us so that we will bear these spiritual fruits and exhibit His qualities more frequently and triumphantly over our old ways of living!

Prayer: Father, thank You for putting Your Spirit in me. I want to see fruit in my life borne in accordance with Your character and goodness. Make me more satisfied in Your ways so that I will not follow my flesh but seek Your ways!

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 4-5

December 20, Friday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Cami King, was originally posted on November 19, 2014. Cami now serves as a staff at Remnant Church in Manhattan.

Devotional Thought for Today

“I Stand Corrected”

Proverbs 10:8, 17

The wise person accepts instructions, but the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin . . . 17 The one who heeds instruction is on the way to life, but the one who rejects rebuke goes astray.

I overheard a conversation at my church recently where one of our members told another about a bad day at work. I didn’t catch all the details (I wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping, after all), but it seems as though he’d made a mistake on a project at work and his boss was less than pleased. As another brother tried to comfort him, this guy said something that surprised me – “It’s really OK. I realized that my boss only says something in these situations if he cares about the person and believes he has the potential to do better. There are people who mess up all the time and he doesn’t bother to waste his breath. So I’m actually really glad about it. It sucked at the time, but I’m really glad he took the time to correct me.” Wow, what maturity!

Very few of us enjoy being corrected. But much like this brother from my church demonstrates, correction only stands to benefit the one who chooses to receive it. We are all bound to make mistakes. There’s no shame in that; no one is perfect. But how do we handle correction in response to our mistakes? Do we receive it and make needed adjustments? Or do we get defensive, wounded, and ultimately ignore the advice that could help us?

One Christian writer explained: “When we are criticized, we ought to ask ourselves whether the criticism contains any truth. If it does, we should learn from it, even when it is not given with the right motivation and in the right spirit.”

How will you handle correction today? Be it from your boss, your spouse, a parent, a friend – correction will come as we are all bound to fall short in some way and have our errors pointed out for us by someone else. As the two proverbs above explain, it behooves us to have receptive hearts, remembering that (1) God still accepts us even though we fall short and (2) He will enable us do better if we are humble enough to receive help.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, for thousands of years, You have patiently corrected Your people like a loving Father corrects a child. For that I thank You. Help me to have a humble heart and receive any correction You send my way today through the people around me. Thank You for accepting me in my imperfection, but loving me enough to perfect me.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Colossians 3:12-17: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Questions to Consider

What do you learn from verse 16 about the role of other believers in your life?
Why is it important that Paul writes what he does in verses 12-14 before verse 16?
Is there a brother or sister you need to teach or admonish today? Is there a correction you need to receive today?

Notes

Our brothers and sisters in Christ are there to help us by teaching us things we need to know and by correcting us when we are in error. No one can grow in Christ alone. And as we help one another in this way, the “message of Christ dwell[s] in us richly.”
We are called to teach and admonish one another, but motivation with which and manner in which we do so is important. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing, and forgiveness should mark our interactions with one another.
If yes to the former, do so in Christ’s compassion and gentleness. If yes to the latter, do so knowing that God is blessing you with instruction through those around you.

Evening Reflection

Proverbs 12:1

The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates reproof is stupid.

Do you love discipline or do you hate reproof? What are some ways God challenged you today regarding correction? Pray and ask God to grant you humility to be a teachable person and compassion to speak the truth in love.

December 19, Thursday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by a former staff at an AMI church, was originally posted on December 14, 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

“Seeking Honey; Finding Wisdom”

Proverbs 24:13-14

My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. 14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

There is a sweet interaction in one of the classic Winnie-the-Pooh tales between the titular character and his friend piglet. Winnie-the-Pooh states, “I don’t feel very much like Pooh today.” Piglet responds, “There, there. I’ll bring you tea and honey until you do.” If you are at all familiar with this narrative character, his enjoyment of honey seems to be one of the driving forces of his life. In a very real way, his identity is informed by quest for honey.

In this proverb, the quest for wisdom is equated to the quest for honey. We are encouraged to earnestly desire and lavishly ingest wisdom as we would sweet honey. It is within this ardent pursuit that our future and hope are secure.

This reminds me of when I made a life changing commitment to the Lord. After falling away from my faith during my college years, I found myself back in church, but feeling like I hit a ceiling: I was settled in my weekly spiritual routine, but I felt dissatisfied. One day, during a retreat, I couldn’t handle this feeling and so I prayed, “God, I want to follow you wherever you lead me and whatever it costs.” It was a prayer for the wisdom of God to be my source of leading.

Over eleven years later, my future and my hope are still founded on that prayer for wisdom. While there have been ups and downs, God’s wisdom and how it guides my life has been sweetness and goodness to me.

This morning, let’s ask ourselves the question: “Where do I find my hope and future?” If it is not the wisdom that comes from God, be reminded of how sweet this wisdom is for us. Let’s go to Him and ask for it. As James (1:5) writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Prayer: God, I pray that Your wisdom will fill me. I ask that my future and hope will be grounded in You. Lead me each step of the way.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 2

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:5-8: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Questions to Consider

What is our confidence in asking God for wisdom?
What does this passage reveal about God’s grace?
What does doubt in asking reveal about us?

Notes

Our confidence is that God is a gracious and generous God. He desires to bless us.
God gives without reproach. He doesn’t give according to merit, but out of His love.
Our doubts reveal a lack of faith in who God says He is in His Word.

Evening Reflection

How confident are you in the Word of God? Is the wisdom of God’s Scripture applied in your life, or is it just a concept you think about? Our future and hope that flows from our pursuit of wisdom arises when we become doers of the Word instead of just hearers. What wisdom is God pressing on your heart to follow? Tonight, make a stand and say yes to the Lord and may His sweetness flow into your life.

December 18, Wednesday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Yohan Lee who previously served at Remnant Church (NYC), Radiance Christian Church (SF) and Grace Covenant Church (Philadelphia), was first posted on December 19, 2013.

Devotional Thought for Today

“What is the Holiest God Like You Doing in a Dumpy Place Like My Heart?

Psalm 132:1-18

For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, 14 “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. 15 I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. 16 I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy. 17 “Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. 18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown.”

Of all the places that the famed aviator Charles Lindbergh had journeyed during his lifetime, Maui, Hawaii may have been his favorite. He liked this place so much that his final days were spent on this small island and was eventually buried there. Now, if you could choose one place to live for the rest of your life, where do you suppose that would be?

This theme of a dwelling place or resting place is central to Psalm 132. (It is helpful to read the entire Psalm.) The Psalmist recounts both David’s passion to make a dwelling place for the Lord and the Lord’s desire to rest with his people. Of course, OT believers thought of the Temple as the Lord’s dwelling place, but after what occurred on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of God no longer “lives in temples built by hands” (Acts 17:24b); rather, He dwells in the hearts of his people (1 Cor. 6:19). That being said, I have always been humbled by the fact that the omnipresent Lord, who created the heavens and the earth, chooses to dwell in the hearts of guys like you and me, or as Is. 66:1 puts it, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?” My heart? Yes!

This morning, as you reflect upon Psalm 132, ask yourselves a few questions: Are you overwhelmed and thankful by the thought that the Lord wants to dwell in your heart? Do you have a passion, like David, to prepare for Him a resting place in your heart? Since the Lord stays there, are you willing to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to make this a suitable habitat for Him?

It is not without reason that Paul reminded the Corinthians, “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Cor. 7:1b).

Prayer: Dear Lord, I don’t know what to say, that You dwell in my heart. Thank You! It is an absolute honor and privilege that You are willing to be my guest. Of course, You are more than my guest—You are the King who came to rule over my soul. Welcome. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 1

Lunch Study Break

Read Luke 10:38-42: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Questions to Consider

What were Martha’s concerns?
What was Mary’s concern?
Is your service-devotion ratio proper?

Notes

Martha was concerned with service and making sure that her “dwelling place” was tidy and her guests were comfortable. Obviously, being hospitable is a good thing but it was not the best thing at the moment. Martha was also concerned that the Lord did not appreciate her efforts, since He was saying nothing to her sister, who wasn’t doing any work except listening to the Lord.
Mary was concerned only with being with Jesus and sitting at His feet. Of course this is not the only thing we ought to do, for we are told to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Rom.12:1a), but it certainly is the most important thing.
Of course, there should not be a disconnect between service and devotion, for service is part of our devotion to the Lord. Unfortunately, at times we serve more out of obligation than love for Christ and His people, and we serve with impure motives. Far too frequently, people serve without having spent time with God, in prayer and in His word; this typically result in anger, pride, or social gospel. The point is simply that an unhurried time spent with God is necessary in order to remain in Christ to bear much fruit (Jn. 15:5).

Evening Reflection

An assignment given in one of my seminary classes was to sit, reflect, meditate, and simply be with the Lord for four hours. I am sure everyone wondered, “Where will I find the time for this?” But that was the point; oftentimes we make ourselves “too busy” for God. How has your devotional life been lately? How was it today? If you answered “stinky,” and you are reading this now, you still have time right now to reverse the trend. Make your heart a place where the Lord can dwell and rest!

December 17, Tuesday

Today’s blog, written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church in San Diego, was first posted on November 25, 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

“Keeping Your Mouth Sealed”

Prov. 17:27-28:

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

Years ago, we held a men’s retreat at a small religious conference center managed by three nuns from a Catholic church. The conference center hosted both groups as well as individuals who retreated from their busy schedules. That particular weekend, our group was told that there would be a couple of priests using the facilities for their “silent retreat.” It was the first time I had ever heard of such a thing. A silent retreat was a weekend in which these priests would withhold any speech from their mouths for 3 days. As one Jesuit priest explained: “All you have to do is show up—and shut up.”

Could you imagine keeping silent for 3 whole days? (And please don’t get snarky now wishing your talkative spouse or roommate would read through this.) We typically hate silence. To remain silent takes tremendous discipline. Dallas Willard wrote about the discipline of silence: “Practice in not speaking can at least give us enough control over what we say that our tongues do not ‘go off’ automatically. This discipline provides a certain inner distance that gives us time to consider our words fully and the presence of mind to control what we say and when we say it.”

James, too, knew all about the tongue. He had seen man’s capacity to tame all sort of wild and vicious animals. However, there was one thing that man could not tame: his tongue. He writes: “No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (Jas.3:8). This deadly tongue of ours have too often damaged reputations, destroyed friendships, split marriages, and even divided churches. Who hasn’t given themselves to a little lie, a gossip here, and a slander there?

Solomon warns us to use words with restraint. He even draws a picture of how a fool can be mistaken as a wise person just in keeping his mouth closed. In Prov. 10:19, Solomon had also observed that “when words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

What if you were to hold your tongue today instead of complaining about the bad service? What if you were to practice restraint rather than expressing your critical opinions? What if you kept your words today to a minimum and actually praised others?

Prayer: Dear God, forgive me if I have developed the habit of overusing my tongue, and in doing so, I have participated in gossip, slander, and lies. Help me to live with your wisdom and use words with restraint and intentionally to bless others throughout the day. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 66

Lunch Break Study

Read James 3:2-12 (NIV): We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Questions to Consider

Why do you think James uses the comparisons of a bit (horse), rudder (ship), and spark (forest fire) when teaching about the tongue?
What are some damaging effects of an undisciplined tongue?

Notes

James wants to show that though the size of the tongue is small, the kind of effect that it can have on something is so much larger.
James says that the undisciplined tongue corrupts the whole body and even sets the whole course of one’s life on fire. One’s life can be ruined because one does not practice wisdom and restraint.

Evening Reflection

How do you think your tongue was used today? Did you bless others or curse others? Spend some time this week in solitude (including shutting off social media). Be silent before the Lord and let His power and grace overwhelm you.

December 16, Monday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, prepared by the staff at Remnant Church Westside (NYC), was originally posted on September 10, 2013.

Devotional Thought for Today

Look to Him—Not Your Phone!

Psalm 86:8-13

There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

In the midst of the influences and voices of this world (mostly through your smartphone), this psalm reminds us that it is only God and God alone who is worthy of worship. The psalmist extols the greatness of God, but he doesn’t end there. He responds to his understanding of who God is by crying out to God for instruction and guidance so that he may continue to glorify the Lord.

When God opens our eyes to see more of Him, what should our response be? Is it to simply acknowledge the glory of the Lord as a mental concept, or to feel a sense of emotional wonder? While these are good and proper reactions to the revelation of God’s glory and wonder, the psalmist understands that this revelation of God should lead us to a deeper relationship with God.

This morning, God is reminding us that His works are wonderful and His name is glorious. As our response to this great truth, may we not just check this truth off our mental list, but let us ask the Lord to teach us how to walk this day in a deeper relationship with Him. Look to Him, not your phone.

Prayer: Lord, You have said that You have drawn me with an everlasting love, with loving-kindness. Oh Lord, You love with kindness and have captured my heart, for You always hope in me. I see my brokenness, yet You say I am lovely. I see my faults, and You see my righteousness. I see my failures and You see unlimited potential that I have in You. Your kindness stuns me and I confess that You are the Mighty One who created all. Thank you Lord Jesus!

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 65

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 2:1-2: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Background tidbit: The word participation is the Greek word koinonia. As mentioned last week, this word is commonly translated fellowship.

Questions to Consider

How should you pray, according to verse 1, for your church and for AMI?
What are some things about your church that make you joyful? How do they compare to the kinds of things that would make Paul’s joy complete?
What do you think “being of the same mind” mean?

Notes

We should pray that the people in our ministries would be encouraged in Christ, comforted through love and affection, and experience the power of the Holy Spirit!
The apostle Paul is joyful, and he mentions that his joy can be even greater as the church grows in unity! He states their common experiences in Christ as the basis for this unity.
“Same mind” doesn’t necessarily mean that there won’t be differences of opinions, but rather, it is having a common attitude of working together and serving each other.

Note that these verses are contained in a conditional if-then structure. The contents of the response (v. 2) are to be the result of the validity of the conditions (v. 1). One could say that a great level of grace and forgiveness is needed to experience such unity. And Christ gives us abundance of grace and forgiveness as we trust and walk with Him.

Evening Reflection

Tonight, declare that this Almighty God, powerful and kind, will be the Lord of your life. Ask Him to strength those weak areas of your life that need transforming.