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 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

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

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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

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

Notes

1. 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.” 
2. 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.
3. 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.  

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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.

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

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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

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

Notes

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

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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.

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

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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

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

Notes

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).

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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!

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

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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

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

Notes

1. 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. 
2. 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. 

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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.

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

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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

1. How should you pray, according to verse 1, for your church and for AMI?  
2. 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?
3. What do you think “being of the same mind” mean?  

Notes

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. “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.

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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.

Today’s blog, written by Pastor Sam Lee of Catalyst Agape Church in New Jersey, was first posted on October 5, 2013.

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“My Incredible Worth Before God in Christ”

Hebrews 10:19-22

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 

We work hard to open the door of opportunities: high school students spend hours each day doing homework to open the door to a good college; college student go without sleep to open the door to a good job. Once we get a job in a company, we strive and perform to open the door to higher positions and pay. 

The Scripture reminds us that the door of heaven is already opened for us through Christ: “…we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…” (v.19).  The citizens of heaven (in the present as well as in the future) have a new life; all our past sins are completely forgiven, and we are washed clean from guilt, shame, accusations, and condemnations. The radical love of God is poured down upon us. And it is the power of God that transforms us and gives us the power to disciple nations. Here is the good news: We don’t have to work to get into the Kingdom of God. Our faith in Christ makes us heirs of the Kingdom of God.   

So then, let’s take a little breather today and remember what we have in Christ. Let’s confidently walk through the door that has already been opened for us!

Prayer: Lord, constantly remind me of who I am in Christ: I am a beloved child of God for whom the Lord of universe spared no expense to redeem and restore.  God, allow that truth to change my outlook and attitude so that I can live in truth, authenticity and love. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 64

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an edited version of a blog first posted on August 29, 2013.

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Meek Jesus?  Yes, but He isn’t What You Think”

Luke 8:22-25

One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

Do you believe in a Jesus who is always meek and safe to be around?  Well, he is always meek and safe but not necessarily according to the way we prefer.  While being meek, Christ can still rebuke us; while being safe, the Lord can still make us feel quite uncomfortable. In fact, Jesus himself declared, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Mt. 10:34).

And that’s the Jesus we see here in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, as he rebuked the disciples sternly (“Where is your faith?”) for giving into fear over a windstorm that rocked their boat, this, despite the Lord’s presence.  Elsewhere, Jesus called the two men with whom he was speaking, “O fools” (Lk. 24:25 KJ), for being “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”

So, what was the main problem with the disciples in the boat?  Like salt that needs to come out of the saltshaker to be useful, our faith needs to be put into action (Mt. 7:24-7); that is, it needs to be applied.  The disciples failed to apply their faith when facing a threatening situation; instead, they gave themselves over to fear and doubts. A typical problem facing many Christians is not necessarily the absence of faith or the presence of a weak faith, but a faith that is rarely applied, especially when facing hardships in life.  But even a cursory reading of the New Testament (e.g., James 2:15-7) would clearly indicate that God expects His people to put their faith in their daily situations.  

Ask yourself this question: When my circumstance goes from bad to worse, what is the first thing that I do?  Do I run to God in faith (manifested through prayer and worship) or run from Him toward men and the things of the world (relying on substances, human networking, etc.)?

Prayer: Lord, help me stop merely talking about faith; instead, help me to apply my faith in every situation and circumstance that surround me.  And help me to accept your rebuke so I may grow in faith. Amen.    

Bible Reading Today: Isaiah 62-63

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 18, 2013.

 

Devotional Thought for Today

“What Crying Babies and Restless Christians Have in Common”

Psalm 131:1-3

“My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. 2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.”

Our church (GCC) has become quite a “baby factory,” having around 25 births in the last five years.  My wife, who has given birth to four kids during this span, has become quite an expert in the newborn stage, particularly in the area of “sleep training”—training infants to fall asleep as they sooth themselves to bedtime verses.  Meanwhile, we hold and rock them until they fall asleep; once they do, we put them in the crib, and then tiptoe out of the room, hoping that they don’t wake up. Amazingly, after a few months our babies typically sleep well over 11 hours at night. This is quite a contrast to some untrained babies who wake up every three or four hours for up to a year.

The sleep training is incredibly hard at first because babies can cry up to 90 minutes before they fall asleep.  For the parents, those first few days are beyond excruciating and heart-wrenching, for the sound of their cry is worse than nails on a chalkboard.  Many become anxious, tense, sad, and constantly second-guessing if what they are doing is right. But after about a week of regimented training, the payoff comes; within five minutes, the baby is asleep with barely a peep. 

Although there is a difference between a weaned child and one who is trained to sleep, the analogy is similar.  The picture of a satisfied and contented child is compared favorably with that of a person who is at peace with the Lord, though he does not understand everything about God or his own life.  Having surrendered his life before the will of the Lord, he is content no matter the circumstances of life. Conversely, the one who constantly seeks control and overthinks about God, that person is likely to be restless as a wailing infant longing for sleep.  

Are you content to trust in the Lord even when you don’t have all the answers?  Do you need to be in control of everything all the time? Here is a better way: study to understand and make plans to succeed but always find rest for your soul in Christ (Matt. 11:29); spend daily meaningful time with Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to stop trying to controll everything around me; instead, remind me to simply trust in Your goodness, knowing that the One who didn’t spare His own Son to forgive my sins and give me eternal life, is absolutely trustworthy.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 61

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Lunch Study Break

Read Job 42:1-6: Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

Questions to Consider

1. What did Job learn about God?
2. What did Job learn about himself?  
3. What was Job’s ultimate response?  What can we learn from his example?

Notes

For those who are unfamiliar with this book: Satan gets God’s permission to harm Job, but not because of anything he did wrong.  Job asks why he had to go through this ordeal but none of his friends can give an adequate answer. Claiming his blamelessness and innocence, Job boldly asks God for an explanation, to which no direct answer is given; instead, He reminds Job of who God is, His power and wisdom.  Job’s response to the Lord’s rebuke is found above. 

1. Job was reminded that God’s power is limitless and His purpose unstoppable.  
2. Job learned that compared to the Lord, his understanding was limited.  In fact, there are many things that the Lord knows that are too “wonderful” for us to understand.  
3. First, Job repents.  But more importantly, Job discovered the difference between knowing about God and knowing God (42:5).  In your struggles, does your academic knowledge of God turn into a deep living relationship with him? That’s the difference between information and truth.  Truth liberates (Jn. 8:32); too much knowledge can puff up (1 Cor. 8:1) and neutralize the emotion. 

The book of Job ultimately deals with the issue of why bad things happen to good people. There is never an easy explanation, but Job’s struggle was a spiritual battle.  We can also say that sometimes God allows/uses our sufferings to defeat Satan and gain glory for Himself. 

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Evening Reflection

If you haven’t already, consider one thing that you are struggling to understand in your walk with Christ.  Are you any closer to having peace, despite not understanding, than you were last night? Is there someone who is struggling with a similar issue that you can pray for and speak with?

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor David Son, was originally posted on September 18, 2014.  David and his team launched the Thrive Church in Taipei this past February. Stay up to date with the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

 

Devotional Thought for Today

“The First Time I Laid My Eyes on a Crisp $100 Bill”

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 (ESV)

Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun. For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it

I remember being a child of about 10 years of age when I received my first $100 bill. It came in the mail on my birthday from a family friend who lived in another state. I didn’t know her very well, but she instantly became my favorite family friend. When I peeled open that envelope and beheld the glory, my eyes grew big. There was an awesome feeling of power, and brewing excitement in my gut as I held that piece of green paper. 

I made brief eye contact with my mom, who was watching the whole scene. With a gentle smile she held out her hand and said, “Let me hang on to that for you.” For the next couple seconds, war broke out in my head. I wanted so badly to possess this $100 bill! I wanted to store it in my secret hiding spot. It was mine! But something in me decided that it was better that the $100 bill was in the hands of mom. I didn’t get to possess that $100 bill. I didn’t get to hide it away and idolize it. What I really received that day, in a profound way, was the beginning of wisdom in learning to let go, and trust God with my money. Wealth is a blessing, but only when we exercise the wisdom of putting it in the hands of God can we truly be blessed by.  So today, if you have money to spare, bless someone with it as an expression of God’s love for that person.  

Prayer: Lord, thank You for providing everything I have always needed. Help me to trust You with everything I have, especially those things that are most precious to me. Give me wisdom to see that You are my inheritance; You are my protector; and You are the preserver of my life. 

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 60

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Lunch Break Study  

Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10: But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Questions to Consider

1. Paul says that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” What are some of the dangers of loving money?
2. When it is time for you to go to heaven, what can you bring along with you?
3. How much time and effort are you putting into things that you cannot take with you to heaven? 

Notes

1. Money is not inherently evil, nor is wealth a sin. And certainly, working to earn money is a biblical concept. It is the love of money that Paul warns us against. But sometimes, the love of money is unnoticed in our lives because it doesn’t always manifest as greed; rather, as anxiety, worry, or an unwillingness to give generously. Does your financial situation cause you to be anxious, to worry, or stifle your generosity?
2. The Bible says that we brought nothing into this world, and we can bring nothing out of it.  Money, assets, possessions, titles: none of these things carry over. But one thing that isn’t explicitly mentioned in the passage that we do bring to eternity is: people. You, and those around you are eternal beings.
3. This passage is not written to pagan non-believers, but 1 Timothy is a pastoral letter; that is, it’s written to the church! Furthermore, it is written to the leaders of the church. No one, not even a pastor, is safe from the danger of the love of money.

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Evening Reflection

Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Consider the tasks/people you have worked on, invested in, and/or accomplished today. Have you been seeking His Kingdom today?