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

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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 

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

Notes

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The wisdom and power of God.  Power, not bare rational thought or profound insight, is the mark of God’s wisdom.

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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?

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

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

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

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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 

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

Notes

1. 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. 
2. 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). 

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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.

Today’s devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on December 23, 2013.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

 

Devotional Thought for Today

“Turing to God When Facing Injustice”

Psalm 140:1-3, 11-13

Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, 2 who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. 3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips.  Selah . . . 11 May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent. 12 I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. 13 Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.

Someone once said, “When you feel upset that people are saying bad things about you that aren’t true, just be thankful that they aren’t telling the real truth.”  The speaker’s point was that if people, seeing what was really in our hearts, exposed that, it would probably be much worse than the “bad” things they are saying now.  While the thought is sobering, even helping us put things in perspective, there is still, however, this lingering sense of injustice of having been wronged.  What can we do when we feel this way?

The psalmist turns to the Lord (“Rescue me, Lord …” v. 1).  When there are people talking and spreading rumors, we can feel helpless.  How can we control what other people say when we are not around?  How can we go out and try to correct every misunderstanding in order to clear our names?  When we are thinking along these lines, we look at what can humanly be done, and there seems to be no answer.  But when we turn our eyes to the Lord and say, “Rescue me,” there is hope.  For where we are unable, he is able. Are we willing to turn our eyes away from ourselves and our situations and to the LORD?  Are we willing to simply lay it all down and say, “Rescue me”?  

As the psalmist looks to God, he is reminded of who God is, His nature, His character.  In verse 12 he says, “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.”  God is just, and when an innocent party is slandered, He will not ignore it; especially with respect to those who cannot help themselves.  As the psalmist is reminded of these things, he is able to place his trust in God.  And he finds peace.

Prayer: O Lord, rescue me!  And help me place my full trust in you today.  Though there may be people in this world who say and believe false things about me, you know the truth, and you will take care of it.  I also thank you that even though you know the full truth about me, you accept me because of the price Jesus paid.  Thank you for Jesus.  I have hope because of you.

 Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 12

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Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 15:11, 18-19: “What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean’; 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’  19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”

Questions to Consider

As we take a second look at Psalm 140, let’s consider the passage from a different perspective: that of us, who may be tempted to slander others.

1. Have I ever found myself planning to make life difficult for a certain person?  (v. 2) 
2. How have my words been lately when I speak of others? (v. 3) 
3. If I slander another person, whose side is the Lord on? (vv. 11-12) 
4. Instead of poisonous words against others, what fills the mouths of the righteous? (v. 13) 

Notes

1. Sometimes when we are hurt by someone, that person becomes our enemy, and our heart can be filled with ill wishes for that person; maybe wanting to see them fail.  We may become passive aggressive, not offering help when they need it.  Or we may start doing things to provoke them, pushing their buttons, picking a fight because we want to see them lose their tempers or otherwise react poorly (“stir up war every day” v. 2).
2. Often when people speak ill of others, the poison that comes out of their mouths comes from the poison of some unhealed wound in their heart (Matthew 15:19).  
3. When we are plotting and planning and in general, expressing our unforgiveness of past hurts through slander or other means, God is not on our side.  
4. And so, the better choice is to let our mouths be filled with praise as we turn, once again, our eyes to God rather than seeking to avenge ourselves on people around us.  Let’s be careful with our words today.

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Evening Reflection

How did I spend my day today?  Was I careful with my words?  How did I treat my enemies today?  Was there peace in my heart even as I faced any difficulties because of the things people may have said?

Christmas is a time for family gatherings – generally festive and happy occasions, but often those we love most and have most history with are also those who can or have hurt us most in the past.  In anticipation of these holiday family gatherings, am I ready?  Committed to be careful with my words?  Having forgiven those I need to forgive?  How is my heart?  Is it free from the poison of unforgiveness?  Filled instead with praises of God?

Today’s AMI Devotional QT, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang, is an edited version of a blog that was first posted on January 15, 2013.  

 

Devotional Thought for Today

“Being Raw (i.e., Real) with God”

Psalms 6:8-10

“Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. 9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.”

Huh?  David, you are supposed to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:44).  “Be quiet,” Davie might retort, adding, “If you have a life like mine in which everyone wants to kill me, including my own son and boss, you, too, would say, “Away from me, all my enemies—be ashamed and dismayed.”

This is one reason, of course, why we ought to be careful when attempting to extract theology out of Psalms.  What is found here and elsewhere in Psalms (e.g., Ps. 44:23-24:  “O Lord[,] why do you sleep”) is raw emotion expressed by otherwise godly people facing insurmountable difficulties at the hands of their adversaries.   

Some believers think that we should always be joyous and love everyone!  We should but we are not always so!  Sometimes, we may find ourselves praying or thinking, “OhLORD, I wish so-and-so would leave my work or church.” Will God say, “Hey, what kind of a Christian are you?”  That would make God out to be legalistic and petty; instead, He understands our frailties and allows us, therefore, to vent in His bosom.  

Nevertheless, we do need to stay in prayer long enough so that God will change our venting to, “Lord, strengthen me to have the courage to love my enemy and feed him when he is hungry” (Rom. 12:20).  That’s ultimately possible for those who believe in Christ because they have benefitted from the atoning sacrifice of the Son whose death  reconciled us back to God (2 Cor. 5:18-19).

At any rate, don’t be afraid to be honest with God!  Trust the LORD that He is willing to hear your prayer even if it is raw and sounds immature.  But, stay in prayer long enough for Him to change you and change your prayer. So, start this day with an intimate conversation with Him.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me the way to be honest with myself, for You didn’t hide the anguish and sorrow You felt before the cross. Sometimes I act like nothing bothers me even though that’s not true.  Help me to be real and seek You always.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 11

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Lunch Break Study  

Read Micah 3:1-4: “And I said: Hear, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel! Is it not for you to know justice?—2 you who hate the good and love the evil, who tear the skin from off my people and their flesh from off their bones, 3 who eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot, like flesh in a cauldron. 4 Then they will cry to the Lord, but he will not answer them; he will hide his face from them at that time, because they have made their deeds evil.”

Questions to Consider 

1. Who said all this and to whom was it said?
2. Why was this said at all (Mic. 3:1-4, 1:1; Ahaz: 2 Chr. 28:1-4, 22-5)?
3. Did God hear David’s prayer offered during the time he pretended to be holy after committing murder and adultery?  (2 Sam. 12:1-13). Read what the man healed of blindness said (Jn. 9:31); but is that always right (2 Chr. 33:1-2, 10-13; 1 Ki. 21:25-8)?

Notes

1. Prophet Micah said this to the leaders and prophets of Judah and Israel.
2.  Micah prophesized during the wicked reign of Ahaz, of whom, it was said, “In time of trouble, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.” Any prayer offered by Ahaz or anyone like him God will not hear! He will hide his face. 
3. What the man said in Jn. 9:31 (“God does not listen to sinners”) is what Micah asserted, but when the two vilest kings of Israel—Manasseh and Ahab—prayed in their anguish, God heard them! I’m not sure whether God heard David’s prayers while he was being a hypocrite, but I wouldn’t be surprised either way. 4 It means that we cannot have a neat theology here: if God hears a sinner, He does so despite of the sinner, not because of him!  It’s his grace! When the Lord hears us as we are walking with Him, that too is His grace, for God doesn’t owe us anything! 

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Evening Reflection

Once a father whose son was demonized, upon being told by Jesus, “Everything is possible for him who believes,” said, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (Mk. 9:23, 24).  That’s keeping it real!

How would you describe your day?  Were you being “real” today or too busy to even think about things like that?  So, how was it? When someone says, “How are you?” are you always fine? Can you say in response, “Not fine; so can you pray for me?”

Be real!

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh, was originally posted on November 7, 2013.

 

Devotional Thought for Today

“Did You Take a Praise Break Today?

Psalms 96:1-13 (NIV)

Sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord! Praise his name! Announce every day how he delivers! 3 Tell the nations about his splendor! Tell all the nations about his amazing deeds! 4 For the Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise; he is more awesome than all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are worthless, but the Lord made the sky. 6 Majestic splendor emanates from him; his sanctuary is firmly established and beautiful. 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the nations, ascribe to the Lord splendor and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the splendor he deserves! Bring an offering and enter his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in holy attire! Tremble before him, all the earth! 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! The world is established, it cannot be moved. He judges the nations fairly.” 11 Let the sky rejoice, and the earth be happy! Let the sea and everything in it shout! 12 Let the fields and everything in them celebrate! Then let the trees of the forest shout with joy 13 before the Lord, for he comes! For he comes to judge the earth! He judges the world fairly, and the nations in accordance with his justice.

During my undergrad years, a popular craze was sweeping the cities of America that startled those who witnessed it: in various public places, at any moment and without warning, seemingly random people would collectively burst into song and dance for what seemed like no reason at all. They called these little performances “flash mobs.” One reporter described a flash mob as “an organized group of people that appear in a public place, to perform a synchronized act for a brief period, to the complete surprise and bewilderment of those around them.” These synchronized acts could occasionally be menacing and quite dangerous, but usually they were just fun and entertaining, lifting the spirits of bystanders. 

When I read Psalm 96, some of my favorite flash mob YouTube videos come to mind, where people with one heart got together to express themselves for all the world to see. The psalmist is calling us to burst into jubilant song and dance of worship and adoration to our God because of who He is. Not only us, but all of creation is to join in on the praise! In the spring, following the dreariness of a long winter, it is as if the flowers come together to display their own flash mob of praise for all passersby to see. Or at certain times of the year when the waves are just right, it is as if the sea is taking its turn to do the same. 

How about you? Will you praise God today? Even if not in a publicly and organized song and dance, we are called to give shouts of praise to our God for who He is and what He’s done. 

For your viewing pleasure, some of my favorite flash mob worships are caught on video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfxlat-tp_Q

Prayer: Lord, help me to be exuberant and spontaneous in my worshiping of you.  Lord, help me to be free and expressive in letting you know that You are the most important entity in my life.  Praise You, Lord. Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 10

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Lunch Break Study

Read Revelation 7:9-11 (NIV): After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” 

Questions to Consider

1. In verse 9, who does God assemble to praise Him?
2. In the following verses, what does the great multitude do and what does this tell us about the nature of praise? 
3. When was the last time you erupted in praise to God? When was the last time you shouted out songs of worship to Him?

Notes

1. The key word in verse 9 is “every” – God doesn’t leave any group out when he calls together worshipers to praise Him. There are no national, tribal, language, or any other barriers. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! One day, we will see the manifestation of what John saw here in these verses. But, until then, whether we are together or apart, we can give God the praise He deserves.  
2. In the following verses, the multitude “cried out in a loud voice,” praises to God. Sometimes, I forget the importance of full-bodied worship – where I cry out, with everything inside me, praises to God for who He is and what He’s done. We experience this kind of praise every now and then (e.g. at retreats when the band sings a song like “With Everything”). But in the busyness of life and certainly as I get older, I find this experience of praise far too infrequent. We should praise God in this way much more often. After all, from what I see in Revelation, there will be shouts of praise in the presence of God quite frequently in heaven for all eternity. 
3. Maybe it’s time for a praise break! Whether it’s in the car on the way home from work or walking home from class, be it in private or (for the bolder among us) in public, reflect on the goodness of God and sing out your own song of praise to Him today – for He is worthy! 

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Evening Reflection

Charles H. Spurgeon once said, “God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation.” Spend some time verbally praising God; not only in your heart, but also with your mouth, offering words of praise to Him. What a privilege we have to bless the heart of God with our words of affection and adoration!

Today’s AMI Devotional QT, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang, is an edited version of a blog that was first posted on January 14, 2013.  

 

Devotional Thought for Today

“Experiencing God in our Desperateness”

Psalms 6:4-7

Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. 5 No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave? 6 I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.

I suppose some of us feel distant from this Psalm since we may not be going through life’s travails at the moment.  But it rains on everyone, eventually! No one is immune from situations that make us feel vulnerable, helpless, and fearful.  

Often, we expectantly go to God with a long list of problems to be solved!  But if experiencing God’s presence and knowing Him is what we seek after, then know that it is during the time of our desperate cries to the Lord when such spiritual encounters occur.   

Recently, a man in his 30s with whom I had spent the whole afternoon together—in a church-related meeting—lost his young son that very evening because of a sudden illness. We were all so shocked and utterly saddened for the parents. And it led to desperate cries unto the Lord on behalf of the grieving family.  

But ultimately, we have hope because in death, we are reminded that, while David had to content with may foes, we have already gained the victory over our ultimate foe—death; for the apostle Paul writes that in Christ “the last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:26).

So today, instead of specifically asking God for this or that, pour out your heart to Him! Cry out to the Lord!  Cry out for this grieving family, in hope! 

Prayer: Dear God, I often come to You, asking you to fix my life and solve my personal problems.  I often speak to you as if you are my waiter. Lord, forgive me and help me to cry out to you in desperation

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 9

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Lunch Break Study  

Read Matthew 26:6-13

Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Questions to Consider 

1. Who said this and to whom was this said (Mt. 26:6-13)?    
2. Evidently, some people are remembered even after they are dead (Ps. 6:5a).  Why was her act so significant? (Lk. 21:1-4)?
3. How should we understand Ps. 6:5b: “Who praises you from the grave?”

Notes

1. Jesus said this to His disciples who were shocked by this act because they knew how costly it was.  
2. After spending several years with Jesus, the disciples still hadn’t grasped what loving the LORD your God with all your heart meant (Mt. 22:37). As a result, they only saw waste in what the woman did while Jesus saw something else that He deeply appreciated.  The expression, “Spare no expense” (on account of another person) refers to an extravagant expenditure just to make a simple point: You are very important to me. That’s what this woman and the poor widow (who gave all she had to live on) did! Sometimes it’s the people who are deeply involved in ministry who forget that.  
3. The Bible does not teach “soul sleep” after death; instead, human souls will continue to exist in either heaven or hell. Here, David wasn’t making a theological statement; it was a metaphorical expression driven by how close he felt to death due to his foes, and he frankly wasn’t ready to die quite yet.  That’s why the book of Psalms is a timeless truth because our emotive responses, such as sadness, happiness, anger or fear to life’s circumstances have not changed and will not change.  

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Evening Reflection

As you wrap up this day, did anything happen that made you feel vulnerable, weak or fearful?  Were you insulted? Did you hear any news that may affect your future? What situations in your life (perhaps at home or work) are presently making you feel vulnerable, helpless, and fearful? 

Like the woman we meet in Matthew 26, who expressed her love for Jesus with all that she had, would you take a moment to worship Him right now (perhaps silently).  More precious than expensive perfume is your heart! Pour out your heart to Jesus!

Today’s blog, written by a former staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 7, 2013.

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

Philippians 1:15-18a

“Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

Lest you think that Paul’s imprisonment here refers to some sort a minimum-security prison, note that the word imprisonment is translated in chains in other English translations. This refers to a “short length of chain by which the wrist of a prisoner was bound to the wrist of the soldier who was his guard, so that escape was impossible” (William Barclay).

Having squared that way, here, we start to hit on the theme of attitudes; that is, in a given circumstance, what should my internal response be? We see here that Paul is no longer able to preach the gospel publicly because of his imprisonment. In the wake of this, others have risen up to proclaim the gospel; some with the right motives, while others, for the wrong motives. 

It would be a natural response for Paul to be angry or bitter that while he is unable to preach publicly, others, who are immature and ungodly, are preaching the gospel with the wrong motive of trying to outshine Paul. Yet, Paul’s response is supernatural; he rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed!

This situation Paul faced raises several personal questions to us.  What is our attitudes toward people who do “godly work” but with wrong motives? How much have we actually prayed for such people? Do we often find ourselves serving God with the wrong motives? What can be done to correct this? What is robbing you of joy today? 

Ask the Lord to restore your joy and claim the joy of Christ for your life as you worship and adore Him today!

Prayer: Thank You, God, for I see what You are doing in my life—to elicit true joy. God, show me where I have become weary that led to joylessness.  Strengthen me in this area so that I may be joyous. Lord, I desire to partner with You through Your mighty strength so that I may rejoice in all circumstance Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 8

Today’s blog, written by a former staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 7, 2013.

 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“God’s Shalom”

Psalm 85:8-9

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.

When God speaks, what does He say? In today’s Psalm, we see the attitude of the writer’s heart, willing and eager to hear what God has to say; the psalmist is encouraged and confident that God will speak “shalom” (i.e., peace) to his people. 

There is an expectation that even amid God’s chastisement of His people, the underlying message from God is that of peace. The writer recognizes that the response of God’s people should be of holiness and not turning back to folly, and that the fear of the Lord is what God wants to evoke through the discipline. Therefore, the psalmist professes the truth that repentance proceeds God’s glory being poured out.

When we experience the discipline of the Lord in our lives, it is easy to distort what we hear from God. As we go through difficulties, we might hear words like, “You are being punished”; “God doesn’t love you”; “You are a bad person” and so forth. Yet, the Psalmist is reminding us that even amid God’s discipline, His words are always of love and peace. Yes, there is the call to holiness and repentance for us, but it is in order for Him to embrace us, not reject us. 

What false words are you listening to? Ask the Lord to speak to you today, and that through the Holy Spirit, we would hear the Lord properly.

Prayer: Thank You, God, that You have given me promises in all areas of my life: in health, in ministry, in family, and at work!  You have not given me a spirit of timidity but of power, love, and a sound mind. This is the truth of God, and I will heed that, and not the lies of the enemy. Amen.   

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 6-7