November 10, Sunday

Today’s blog, written by Pastor Ryun Chang (Teaching Pastor AMI), was first posted on February 5, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Vulnerability Will Set You Free”

Colossians 3:3

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Yesterday, I mentioned that I got scolded by my daughter (then a senior year in high school) for criticizing books she was reading even though I hadn’t read them. One of those books was The Shack by William P. Young.

The novel by Young, who describes his life as “suffer[ing] great loss as a child and young adult,” was a book I couldn’t put down. At the end, the protagonist Mackenzie, a broken father haunted by the memory of his murdered daughter, received the closure that he desperately needed, from the Trinity! (which I addressed previously).

Despite some things that made me wonder about its meaning, by the time I finished the novel, I felt grateful that the author, whose novel reflected his own life, did not shun God in a bitter protest as in, “How could you let this happen to my daughter?” Instead, he allowed a measure of healing to take place through Christ. In the end, when Mackenzie said to Jesus, “‘All my best treasures are now hidden in you,” the Lord responded with “clear and true voice of assurance,” saying, “I am.”

The fact is, we don’t always have answers. I have a nephew and niece who lost their mother and another set of nephew and niece who lost their father when they were less than 5 years of old. How do you make sense of that? You don’t and you can’t! But we put our trust in the goodness of the One who suffered for us all! We can ask the questions when we arrive in heaven! Meanwhile, Christ is more than sufficient to hide ourselves in Him—“for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Prayer: God, thank You that You did not save your Son when he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.” Because You left Your Son on the cross to die for us, I know that You empathize with me when I suffer. That’s comforting. Ultimately, I have the eternity to look forward to when we will all be reunited! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 24

November 9, Saturday

Today’s blog, written by Pastor Ryun Chang (Teaching Pastor AMI), was first posted on February 4, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Vulnerability Will Set You Free”

Philippians 2:5-7

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.

During my daughter’s senior year in high school she was reading three books that were unfamiliar to me, but I didn’t let that keep me from criticizing them; she didn’t like that! So, after reading them eventually, to my amazement, I liked Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller and The Shack by William P. Young (but disliked Brian McLaren’s Everything Must Change).

Why? Certainly, content matters (i.e., is it biblical?) but ultimately, in reading a book, the reader is personally interacting with the author, and sometimes you end up either really liking the writer or disliking him. In this case, I became quite fond of Miller and Young.

I like unpretentious folks who willingly talk about embarrassing stories about themselves to share lessons learned from them. For that reason, I liked Blue Like Jazz (Don Miller), even though I was bothered by Christians in the book who drank and cussed as if to say, “I am a liberated Christian.” Regardless, it was a good reminder not to be so legalistic.

My favorite character was this cabinet shop worker who drank and cussed but tithed his money. But since he hadn’t gone to church in a while, his tithing money—more than $3,000—was kept in a jar. Upon finding out that Miller didn’t tithe, he lectured him: “You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Stealing from God and all. You write Christian books and everything, and you’re not even giving God’s money back to Him.”

The bewildered Miller quipped, “I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I get a guilt trip from a fundamentalist.” What irony! A Christian who hardly looked the part taking to task a famous author who made his living writing books about God.

The fact that Miller mentioned this unflattering story blessed me, for I took it to mean that while his reputation may be expendable, the truth was not. What’s the lesson here? Don’t take yourself too seriously! If Jesus, being in very nature God, took the form of a lowly servant, how much more do we need to shed our pride, and become humble and vulnerable to those around us. So practice vulnerability—it can set you free, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

By the way, avoid cussing (Eph. 4:29)!

Prayer: Lord, remind me constantly to shed my false images so that people can see my true inglorious self. Then, remind me that God loves me the way I truly am, warps and all. Help me never to doubt Your love for me expressed in Christ Your Son! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 22-23

November 8, Friday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun (Radiance Christian Church, S. F.), was originally posted on March 1, 2013.

Devotional Thought for Today

“The Adversary and Prayer”

Psalm 20:1-5

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! 3 May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah 4 May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! 5 May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!

Psalm 20 is the prayer of Israel for their king as he prepares to lead his armies into battle. It is a proclamation of God’s protection, salvation, and favor as their nation faces the challenge of going to war. This passage and all of its promises can be properly applied to the New Testament believer who is called into constant and unceasing spiritual warfare.

Many times, we can forget that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the forces of evil—led by the adversary—that are unseen. The apostle Peter puts it like this: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Sometimes turning defeat into victory and failure into success is simply a matter of turning to God in prayer. In fact, there is no other recourse in dealing with “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12) apart from prayer.

As we live out our faith day to day, we should remember that there is an enemy that is lurking nearby but more importantly we should be mindful of a God who is willing and able to answer all of our prayers according to His plan and purpose. Prayer paves a clear path to the victorious life that we all desire. Pray with confidence for victory in areas of your life where you are struggling.

Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize that the battles in my life belong to You. You are the one who leads me to victory and helps me to prevail over situations and circumstances that seem out of my control. Teach me how to rely on Your protection and favor as I live out my faith today.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 21

Lunch Break Study

Read Daniel 10:13 (ESV): The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia.

Questions to Consider

These are the words of the angel Gabriel to Daniel. What is the main reason for the delay to Daniel’s prayers?
Who is the prince of Persia and Michael? (Daniel 11:2, 12:1)
What was Daniel doing prior to the arrival of Gabriel? (Daniel 10:2-3)

Daniel lived constantly in the awareness that there is something beyond the material world. Therefore, he was able to fast from the things of the world so that he could increase his spiritual vision. As we prepare for Easter, what are some things that you can give up as preparation for the observance of Christ’s death and resurrection?

Note

Gabriel, who is one of the archangels of God, was delayed because of an on-going battle with the demonic forces of Persia where Daniel and his countrymen were being held in captivity.
The Prince of Persia is not just the title of the video game series but actually the demonic principality that was in command of the region of Media-Persia (Ephesians 6:12). We see through this passage that demons can exert a wide range of influence from personal, to territorial, and even socio-politically. Michael is a ruling angel who leads the forces of God in the spiritual war that is on-going in the heavenly places.
Daniel was engaged in a 21 day fast in which he kept himself from delicacies and meat and wine as an expression of mourning for the state of Jerusalem.

Evening Reflection

What prayers were answered today? Were you able to overcome a temptation to sin? Was there a chance to forgive, love, or share your faith with someone?

November 7, Thursday

Today’s blog, written by Pastor Barry Kang of Symphony Church in Boston, was originally posted on March 6, 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

“What It Means to Walk in the Light”

1 John 2:1-6 (ESV)

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Since God is light (1 Jn. 5), we who are in fellowship with Him, must necessarily walk in the light. However, because the power of sin still dwells in us, the light often exposes our defective character that manifests through faulty behaviors. As we fellowship with God, we are in desperate need of being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. John Newton (writer of the hymn “Amazing Grace” and a former captain of a ship carrying slaves) put it this way, “I am not what I ought to be; but I am not what I once was. And it is by the grace of God that I am what I am.”

Moreover, we learn here that the metaphorical phrase, “Walking in the light,” really means keeping Jesus’ commandments. Among several commandments that the Lord gave us, I am reminded of the one he gave at the very end before ascending to heaven: “Make disciples of all the nations, …teaching them to obey everything.” Ultimately, this is the test that shows whether we are following Christ or not: Do we seek to obey the commandments of Jesus?

Of course, in order to obey them, we must first know what they are. It is possible that some people are blissfully ignorant, because they don’t study the Bible. So, how are you doing with, first, learning, and then second, putting into practice the commandments of Jesus? Begin with something simple today. Buy a bottle of water for someone thirsty (Matt. 12:42) or pray for an AMI missionary.

Prayer: Father, help me to fall deeper in love with You. I want to walk in the light. I want to know and keep Your commandments. By your grace, may I do so. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 20

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 7:24-27: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Questions to Consider

What do you think Jesus means by, “These words of mine”?
Compare and contrast the wise man and the foolish man: What is similar and what is different in the two accounts?
Why should we “do” the words of Jesus?

Notes

Matthew 7:24-27 closes what is traditionally known as the “Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus is most likely referring to the teachings contained in Matthew 5-7 [e.g., “Give to the one who asks”; “Do not judge” (by mere appearance)].
For both the wise man and the foolish man, “rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat” on their homes. In other words, being wise or righteous does not mean that trials won’t happen him. The difference is how one prepares for the inevitable. The wise man had built his house on rock and so it stood, while the foolish man had built his house on sand and so it fell.
Our lives need to be built upon the foundation of Jesus’ commands in order to last the storms of life. Many people are reluctant to do that because it doesn’t appear to pay immediate dividends. We think that way because our values are still worldly. The most important component to our existence is having a right relationship with Christ, and that is predicated upon our obedience.

Evening Reflection

How are you doing with obeying the commands of Jesus? Is there a command that God is reminding you which you need to obey? Let us pray and ask for God’s help as we resolve to obey.

November 6, Wednesday

Today’s blog, written by Pastor Sam Lee of Catalyst Agape Church in New Jersey, was first posted on July 15, 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

“You Aren’t Alone”

1 Peter 1:1-2

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Peter addresses the “exiles” scattered in different foreign lands: the people of God who have new life in Christ but feel like strangers in a land that does not understand nor embrace them. This land is a place that drains them spiritually; a place that mocks them for their values, priorities, and teachings; a place that tempts them with immorality, materialism, and selfishness.

Peter reminds the exiles that where we dwell is not important, but who dwells in us. We who know Christ are “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” God knows all things, meaning He knew us even before we were born, but that also means He knows what we are going through now. This knowledge should not be treated like facts and statistics to be organized and stored, for God is not a scientist that just observes from a distant: He is a loving God, a loving Heavenly Father. When Adam and Eve sinned, bringing sin into the world and into the hearts of all human being, God did not panic and annihilate Adam and Eve; but He had a plan. God told the devil, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He (Jesus) will crush your head, and you will strike His heel” (Gen. 3:15).

I want to encourage you today with this: you are not alone, and He knows what you are going through. You don’t have to convince Him of all your problems, for He already knows them and has a plan to help you. This plan is the “sanctifying work of the Spirit,” and the trial is there to make you stronger. You are holding on to something which is not helping you, therefore, God is asking you to let that go and trust Him, believing that He has something better for us.

Prayer: Lord, block out all lies, noises, and temptations. In You, we can change the surroundings. In You we can overcome, instead of being overcome. Release Your victory in my life.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 19

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 2:9-12: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Questions to Consider

As a citizen of the Kingdom of God, how should you respond to trials and to difficult people in your life?
What is one desire that you would have to let go as God’s people, knowing that our core values should not be influenced by the secular world?

Notes

With more patience, seeing things from an eternal perspective (that this, too, will pass); and kindness toward those who upset us.
For many, it is an incessant desire for more of anything that the society values as important. But we should strive after contentment, and reject the desire to hoard things.

Evening Reflection

At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow. Remember, we are citizens of the most powerful kingdom! So let’s change our mindset from defeat to victory, from shame to joy, and from hiding to power and influence.

November 5, Tuesday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Mei Lan Thallman who serves at Grace Covenant Church (Philadelphia), was first posted on August 14, 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

“Taking His Yoke Upon Me”

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Worn out from a busy ministry and a family responsibility that comes with caring for two young children, I was really looking forward to this summer break. Signs of physical, emotional and spiritual fatigue started to hit me hard. My mind racing with worries, responsibilities and anxieties, I would wake up from my sleep even more exhausted. In my desperation, I cried out to God for help! “Daddy God, please help me. I cannot go on like this anymore.” He lovingly responded to my desperate plea by inviting me to come to Him and drink deeply from his truth (living water for my dry and weary soul) from Matthew 11:28-30.

As I came to Him, I had to humble myself to face my own neediness and emptiness. And I had to shift my focus from myself and my circumstances, to God and Him alone; a shift from striving to survive in my own strength, to receiving His love, grace and power. In coming to Him, God’s rest began to permeate and penetrate my whole being because I was in His presence, in His love, and in His control.

When I started to consider what it meant to take up His yoke and learn from Him, this is what I discovered: Before I can take His yoke, I must be willing to surrender myself and allow Him to be the Lord of my whole life. That means I am no longer in control, for I surrender to His control, His leading, and His use of my life 24/7. I must also entrust all that is dear in my heart to His yoke, His lordship, which includes my loved ones, my ministry, my burdens, my anxieties and my responsibilities.

The amazing thing is that laying it all down enables me to find rest and freedom in His unconditional love, and He gives all sufficient grace to accomplish everything that He has called me to do. I can find rest for my soul because I know whose I am. He is a dependable and trustworthy Father who will see me through, and when needed, He will lovingly make me lie down and rest.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that I can come to you any time to receive, refocus, and realign myself under Your yoke (Your lordship) over my life. Teach me how to enter into Your rest and stay there by believing, trusting and relying on You. When I start to go astray, as I often do, please lead me back by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 18

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 91:1-16: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. 14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.

Questions to consider

In Psalm 91:1-2, resting in the shadow of the Almighty is promised to whom?
What practical steps can you take daily to dwell (hangout) with God?
What are the benefits of dwelling with God according to Psalm 91:9-16?

Notes

This was initially promised to Moses (See Ps. 91). This type of psalm that depicts God’s comfort and protection foreshadowed the ultimate comfort and protection found in Christ, meaning this is a promise for us as well.
There is no substitute for an unhurried time with God, and it is a must. Jesus himself practiced this constantly. Mark 1:33 states (NIV), “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
The benefits are: God’s protection and rescue, answered prayers, and longevity.

Evening Reflection

What differences have you noticed in your life as you consciously work on going to Jesus throughout the day, and allowing His presence to carry you, sustain you, and empower you?

November 4, Monday

Devotional Thought for Today

“Either ‘My Way” or ‘His Way’”

Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

“If only we could do whatever we want whenever we want, then we would be happy!” At least it seems that way, right? But when we begin to act upon this, God’s commands become restrictions to our freedom and joy.

Now, the Scriptures are very clear: God does demand obedience, which, to some, appears harsh because they fail to understand its intent: to bear lasting fruits in our lives and lead us toward the path of real freedom.

Our passage commands us to trust God and abandon our own way of doing things (v. 5). We’re told to acknowledge him in everything (v. 6). How demanding! But where does it lead? To straight paths. How often are we confused or overwhelmed? How often do we wish life were simpler or that the right thing to do were clearer? Straight paths begin to sound like an amazing reward.

The author of the Proverbs further instructs us to let go of arrogance, fear the Lord, and turn away from evil (v.7). What a threat to our egos and our whims! But again, where does obedience lead? To healing and refreshment. Obedience takes us from a dry desert to an oasis.

Many years ago I was involved in a serious conflict with a close friend. The wisdom of the Lord told me to love and show grace. My own wisdom told me it was best to punish her, remain bitter, and protect my “rights.” My “freedom” cost me a friend and a great deal of joy.

It took a few years, but I finally submitted to the Lord and walked through forgiveness and reconciliation with her. The seemingly harder path of obedience was the one that brought healing and refreshment to my soul.

How does the Lord’s way appear much more difficult to you today? Ask God to grant you faith and humility that you might trust Him and find healing and refreshment.

Prayer: Oh Lord, I am in great need of Your healing and refreshment, yet I find it so hard to let go of my own ways and trust You. May I find joy and life in rejecting my own wisdom and following Your ways.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 17

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 1:20-25: “Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Questions to Consider

According to v. 21, in what sense is the wisdom of the world foolishness?
Why would a crucified savior be a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the Greeks?
In v. 24, the wisdom of the world is contrasted with what two things?

Notes

The wisdom of the world is foolishness in that it cannot bring anyone into a true knowledge of God. The only way to know Him is to let Him tell us about Himself.
The Jews expected a savior who would be powerful based on the standards of the world, not a suffering servant. The Greeks admired philosophical and rhetorical brilliance. A crucified savior appeared simplistic and crude.
The wisdom and power of God. Power, not bare rational thought or profound insight, is the mark of God’s wisdom.

Evening Reflection

Did you experience conflict between your own wisdom and God’s wisdom today? Was there an instance where obedience led to your soul’s refreshment today?

November 3, Sunday

Today’s blog, written by a former staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 9, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Keeping the Faith Despite the Persecution”

Philippians 1:27-30

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

In Philippi, there was a great sense of patriotism and pride in their city, being part of the great Roman Empire. In light of that, the apostle Paul appeals to a greater membership, that is, partnership in the gospel and furthering the cause of God’s Kingdom.

Now, apparently, the pagans in the city were persecuting the believers since Paul stated that they were going through the same suffering he had gone through even to the present moment (2 Tim 3:12). So, such encouragement coming from an individual, who kept on serving the Lord in spite of the persecution, surely would have inspired the Philippians to honor God in word and by example.

Keep verse 27 in mind, particularly the phrase, “Manner of life”. It derives from the Greek word politeuo, which refers to the fulfillment of responsibilities as a member of a polis, a basic governmental unit of Greek society. It’s comparable to how we think of a citizen (politeuo) of a state or county (polis). Thus, Paul is saying that the believers ought to fulfill the responsibilities of their faith despite the persecution.

In view of that, allow me to raise some questions. First, how does vv.27-28 deepen your understanding of fellowship? In what ways can you help fellow believers to stand firm in their faith? Second, are you facing opposition as you share your faith? Ask that the Lord would grant you faith and strength to be bold and faithful. Third, how aware are you of the persecution Christians are experiencing internationally? Take some steps to learn more about our brothers and sisters who are suffering for the gospel. Remember, worship is more than just singing songs; it’s an outflow of one’s life. So, how can you align your life so that it is clear that what you do, you do “for the sake of Christ”? (v.29)

Prayer: Tonight, agree and decree that He will be God Almighty in your life!!

“Lord, as I rest in your great love, Almighty God, I am transformed to break strongholds of guilt, shame, and inferiority. In Your strength, I defeat the oppressor who offers fear, condemnation, and self-hatred. As I submit to You, I can live for your glory alone. I will rise up to see Your victorious view. When the enemy surrounds me with his frightening army, I will look to You, Almighty God, and see through Your lens. I will see Your magnificent angels, your horses, and chariots of fire with me, to protect, provide, and deliver me from evil. If You are for me, Almighty God, who can be against me? No one, nothing, for You are always triumphant. Amen.”

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 16

November 2, Saturday

Today’s blog, written by a former staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 9, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Desperate People Pray Desperately”

Psalm 86:1-7

Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. 3 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. 7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.

In this morning’s Psalm, we are reminded that God hears the cries of the poor and the oppressed. Throughout the Bible, we find that it is in God’s heart to lift up those who are downcast, broken, poor, and oppressed. This strikes against the false mentality and lie that God helps those who can help themselves. The psalmist, seeing his own condition, cries out to the Lord for he knows that God will answer. This is the hope of those who are poor and needy that stirs the faith needed to cry out in boldness.

Are you going through a situation or circumstance of experiencing brokenness or need? Do you know people around you who are? Maybe it’s financial difficulty, wrestling against sin and temptation, or maybe a physical illness. Instead of striving to overcome or experience breakthrough with your own strength, lift up your cries to Him.

This morning, God is reminding you that He is a God whose ear is inclined toward those in need. Remember that God is good and that He is capable. He hears your prayers and will answer.

Prayer: Lord, hear my cries for help, for I desperately need You. Have mercy on me; shower me with Your favors. I love you Lord, for You are always so good and kind to the most undeserving. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 14-15

November 1, Friday

Today’s blog, written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church in San Diego, was first posted on November 28, 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

“Confession of an ex-‘Thief’ Turned AMI Pastor”

Proverbs 20:17

“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.”

In this proverb, the writer uses a metaphor about bread and gravel and compares them to a life of deceit and fraud. Lying and taking advantage of others through fraud may seem sweet at first, but those lies will always catch up; and eventually one finds himself choking on a mouth full of dirt and gravel. What seemed to be fun and sweet turns to bitterness and even fatal.

As a young child, I discovered the cabinet where my parents gathered loose change. I knew that it was wrong to take change from the cabinet, yet the ability to purchase candy on my way home from school lured me into “stealing.” I began with just a few coins, but as the days passed, I began to take more. One evening, my parents asked me about the missing coins, but I easily lied that I had any knowledge.

Those days were some of the “sweetest” days for me. Each day, on the way home from school, I satisfied my cravings with all kinds of candy and snacks. It was not merely the sweetness of the candy; rather, getting-away-with-it was what made the candy even sweeter. I began to take more and more coins each time, and began to share my “sweet” times with friends who walked home with me, generously buying them candy.

One day, I took more than I could spend. So as it was time for me to go home, I realized that I still had a pocket full of coins and knew that I could not return home with them or I would be caught red-handed. Neither could I just throw them away since they were of great value to me. So, I gave the rest of the coins to my friend telling him to hold on to it for a day. Well, that brilliant plan did not go so well; my friend was confronted by his mother when he came home with a pocket full of coins, so he decided to tell the truth. After the phone call from his mother to my father, I received the discipline of my life.

Lying never works in the long run. In fact, it’s a lie to think that lying will actually help you. You may think that your lie helped you in some way, but in reality, it’s only made matters worse. Practice honesty and you will gain character. Speak truthfully and you will save yourself from life’s troubles.

Prayer: Lord, I repent for the lies that I have used for my advantage. Help me to live in step with the Spirit of Truth and speak truthfully to others. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 13

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 5:1-11: Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Questions to Consider

According to this narrative, who is the source of all lies?
While it was obvious that Ananias and Sapphira lied to the apostles, whom were they also lying to?
Do you believe that it might actually be God’s grace at work when you are caught lying?

Notes

Peter asks rhetorically, “How is it that Satan has so filled your heart?” Jesus once called Satan the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Satan uses lies as a weapon against God’s people.
Ananias and Sapphira did not fully know or understand, but Peter makes it clear that they lied “to the Holy Spirit” (v. 3) and to God (v. 4).

Evening Reflection

Were you in a situation where you could have lied today? If so, how did you respond? If you have been caught in a vicious cycle of lying to others, ask the Lord to forgive you and set you free from living a life towards destruction.