REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on July 2, 2018, is provided by Esther Chailim. Esther, a graduate of University of California, San Diego (B.S.) and Talbot School of Theology (M.A.), is the Director of Ministries at Kairos Christian Church (San Diego).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Let’s Make a Change!”

Jeremiah 17:1-2

“Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron tool, inscribed with a flint point, on the tablets of their hearts and on the horns of their altars. Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles beside the spreading trees and on the high hills.”

The recently released film “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”  highlights the life and legacy of Fred Rodgers. His start into the television business came about after seeing a man getting pied in the face on TV as a form of comical relief.  To most people, these slapstick shows were entertaining and appeared to be harmless jesters.  But Mr. Rogers saw things differently. To him, using humor to avoid life’s most difficult realities was an extreme disservice to children.  Knowing how impressionable children were, Mr. Rogers, therefore, devoted the next three decades of his life teaching children how to deal with life’s weightiest issues through the lens of mass media. 

In Jeremiah 17:1-4, we read about how Judah’s sin caused God’s anger to burn forever. Their sin was so deeply engrained in them that Jeremiah describes the permanency as being engraved “on the tablet of their hearts, and on the horns of their altars.”  In other words, their sin was a mark of history, negatively affecting and influencing the generations to come.  Jeremiah proceeds to warn the nation about how God will punish them because of their rebellion.  The similarity between those broadcasting slapstick shows, and the rebellious nation of Judah, is that they were both only interested in instant gratification.  They were in it for themselves and did not care about the consequences that would later harm them or others. Thank goodness for Mr. Rogers, who constantly fought to challenge those norms! 

Every day, we are faced with the same dilemma of choosing to live our lives in line with God, or to turn from Him.  It is impossible for us to do it on our own, so that is why we need the help of the Holy Spirit.   As we reflect on our lives, here are some good questions to ask ourselves: Am I seeking out instant gratification or am I seeking the eternal rewards? Am I self-seeking, or am I seeking Christ? Am I being a positive influence to others, or a negative one?   I think what is most powerful about this film is that it brings to light a desperate need for more people like Mr. Rogers.  An ordinary, imperfect man, centered on Christ, called to minister to others (particularly children) through love and kindness. A man who challenged cultural norms and fought for the dignity of all children. Because of this, his ministry and legacy continues to live even beyond his years.  What once was a humble television show intended to change the way children deal with the difficulties of life has now become a film inspiring adults in the present day to continue that work and make a change in this world.   Now, before you think, I am no Mr. Rogers, remember that no matter who you are, you are a teacher to someone. 

So whether that person is a child, a sibling, a co-worker, a friend, or even a stranger, know that God gives us amazing opportunities to make a positive influence in other people’s life.  Speak truth, show kindness, and share the love of Christ! 

Prayer:  God, help me to live a life that influences others in a positive way.   I know that how I choose to live my life matters to You, so Holy Spirit, help me not to fall into temptation and continue walking in rebellion towards You.  Root me in Your truths and cover me in Your grace so that I am firmly grounded and able to minister to others with love and compassion.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 43

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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

• As God’s chosen people, what character traits does He call us to strive for?
• How can we have the peace of Christ rule our hearts?
• Think about someone in your life whom God is calling you to extend a little more compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and/or patience towards. Pray for that person and ask the Holy Spirit to give you an opportunity to minister to them. 

Note

• God calls His people to have compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. He also calls us to forgive and to put on love. 
• We can have the peace of Christ by allowing the Word of God to dwell among us.  As we read and meditate on the Word of God, as we sing praises with a grateful heart, the peace of God will be upon us.  
• Personal response. 

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Evening Reflection

Read over Ephesians 4:29-32. Spend some time meditating on these verses and consider areas in your life where you may be tempted to fall into sin.  Does your speech corrupt others, or does it build them up? Are you quick to become angry or bitter, or are you able to forgive and show kindness?  If there are sins that you need to surrender to God, take this time to do so now. Acts 3:19 tells us to, “Repent, then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Christine Li, was originally posted on July 31, 2018. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“You Are Not Alone!”

Jeremiah 24:4 

“And though the Lord has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention.”

1 Corinthians 12:24b-26 

But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

In the fall of last year, a scandal surrounding Harvey Weinstein, a Hollywood mogul, broke out. Women who had been sexually abused by him began publicly testifying about their experience, which then emboldened many other victims to share their own experiences online with the hashtag #MeToo. This movement drew attention for exposing how prevalent abuse was, not just in the American entertainment industry but in other countries and industries. The intention behind someone sharing was to indicate to other victims (who may have felt isolated or afraid) that they should not suffer alone, but know that there is someone who understands and mourns with you. 

Jeremiah, too, had a discouraging life of ministry, having gone twenty-three years without much fruit. Though he was not usually well-received, he knew that he was not completely alone. There were brothers-at-arms that God had placed on the same mission around him. He knew of the other prophets, of their ministry, and likely could empathize with their experiences. 

One provision from God is His presence through those who bear His image. Though there is no true substitute for “the God of all comfort,” He has placed us purposefully in each other’s lives to care for one another and echo His nearness. All of us, as part of the body, are a crucial part of strengthening those in our church family.

Today, let’s not only take time to reflect on how God has strengthened and encouraged us through community, but let’s also think of how to continue building our communities. If you are hurting, be assured that God is providing so that you are not alone. And if you are well, be encouraged to reach out to someone and offer a tangible representation of God’s love and care.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your provision in my life! Though I know that You are always present, thank You for also sending friends and companions to spur me along. Help me to be present and attentive to others who are hurting, and teach me to better encourage them if I can empathize with their hardship.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 42

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Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:14-19: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Questions to Consider

• Paul has written in the previous passage that gifts do not define his joy; however, he expresses much thankfulness for what the Philippians sent. What does he receive through their gift?
• What is it that Paul desires the most for the Philippians?
• Paul mentions that God will meet all needs at the end of this passage. How can this encourage us to be giving in our own lives?

Notes

• Paul mentions how good it is for them to share in his troubles because their history is marked by a special partnership and mutual dependence. This church has both given to and received from Paul, which gives them a unique relationship with Paul. The gift is a byproduct from the reward of friendship they have.
• Paul, though he benefits from their generosity, knows that their gift is ultimately an offering to God, and that they receive spiritual reward for spending their resources on others. By loving Paul, the Philippians please God, an even greater treasure than any benefit through friendship. 
• God meets the needs of His people “according to the riches of His glory.” This may not always be a material provision, for God knows whether our greatest needs are tangible. However, He will always give us as we need. If we know that our God has a never-ending supply at His disposal, then we can be generous, not only with our money, but with our time and other resources. Fear of lacking can no longer hinder us from giving freely.

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Evening Reflection

If there is someone God has pressed on your heart to reach out to and love, take it as an encouragement to support them generously.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on February 20, 2018, is provided by Pastor David Kwon who leads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.  David is a graduate of Drexel University (B.S.) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Our Failures”

Genesis 47:10-12

And Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh. ¹¹ Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. ¹² And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their dependents.

It’s a hard concept to grasp that God uses the failures and shortcomings of His people and redeems it for His glory.  I recently heard a testimony of a Christian leader who fell into the addiction of pornography.  It had almost destroyed his marriage, family, and his ministry; but through the love and support of people around him, he received treatment for his addiction and now helps others with similar struggles.  What a story of redemption!

When we look at the life of Jacob, his is a story of redemption as well.    Jacob was known as “the deceiver,” when he stole his twin brother Esau’s blessing, and tricked him into selling his birthright.  Despite having sinned greatly, Jacob and his sons were favored by the Lord in their latter years. Nothing thwarted His intent to preserve and multiply Abraham’s sons (12:1–3).  It is amazing to see that God keeps His promises, despite the failure of His people.

In today’s passage, we see how Jacob was the blessed bearer of the promised blessing.  Pharaoh had first blessed God’s people with his generosity, and here, Jacob blesses Pharaoh.  This is significant since it fulfilled the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  God fulfilled His promise by even using someone like Jacob!

This is good news, indeed, for the church. Like the patriarchs, none of us can be a perfectly faithful disciple. But even when we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13). Though we do not take Him for granted, we can be confident that our sins, enemies, and even setbacks will not stop Him from using us to bless the earth.  Are you discouraged this day because you believe your failures make it impossible for the Lord to use you? We can rejoice and have hope that our Father loves to use human failings to advance His plan. Press on and depend upon Him!

Prayer:  Lord, thank You that You use people like us—people who fail and are unfaithful at times.  We thank You for Your grace that is always working in us.  Help us to continue to fix our eyes upon You, and give us hope so that even in our failures, You are working it for Your good. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 41

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Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Questions to Consider

• How does Paul view grace in perspective to his weakness and hardship?
• Paul says that “he boasts in his weakness so that Christ power may rest upon him.”  How should this verse encourage us in our weakness?  
• Do you see God’s abundant grace in hardship and weakness?  Ask the Lord that His grace would be sufficient for you today.  

Notes

• Paul gives us a correct view of grace, which is that God’s grace in our lives enables us to go through difficulty and hardship.  We can experience his love, mercy and power in our weakness.
• These verses should encourage us, because it is Christ who gives us strength when we are at our weakest.  We don’t need to come up with our own ways or strength when we face opposition, but rather we can look to the power of Jesus.  
• Personal application.

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Evening Reflection

What are you thankful for?    Spend some time as you close your day with prayers of gratitude to the Lord.

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, originally posted on May 25, 2018, is provided by Pastor Ryun.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“How Much Money Does It Take to Have a Good Time?”  

Proverbs 15:17

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

Are you a young parent? Let me share a tip on how to have meaningful family time—without spending much at all. Not interested? Oh, money’s not the issue? I get it. But surely you’ve learned by now that money can’t buy happiness, and costly family vacations don’t guarantee cherished memories. Let me tell you about a lesson I learned as a young father 25 years ago. Back then, my kids were nine, six, and three, and we were living in Southern California.

Is it possible to feed a family of five with delicious Chinese food while enjoying a scenic view together? We found this small Chinese Wok restaurant near Christy’s (our daughter’s) school, offering one main dish with rice or noodles for just $0.99! After picking her up, we bought four plates and headed to our go-to hangout—the Claremont Village, nestled near the old schools, where quaint gift shops and restaurants line the sidewalks.

After many visits, we had discovered a hidden gem: a built-in cement table tucked in a quiet corner facing the sidewalk. There were benches, a nearby fountain, a trash can, and even a public restroom (which came in handy). We brought our own drinks, chips, and nacho dip. Christy even packed wet wipes. We sat outdoors, ate together, watched people stroll by, admired the Christmas decorations, and soaked in the crisp December air. And the whole outing? Around $5.00. (That included a Starbucks coffee for my wife—just 50 feet away. That little gesture made her day.)

My kids loved it, and so did I—not only because of the fun we had but because it cost us so little. I still remember that day vividly. It was spontaneous, simple, and full of joy. Not every family outing turned out so perfectly, but this one did. That day I truly understood the meaning of:  “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.”

At the heart of that joy was the Lord’s love. Our family’s not perfect—we’ve had our share of bickering and tension—but the love we’ve experienced in Christ has always led us from “a time of war” to “a time for peace.” So before you pour time and money into your next elaborate vacation, work on love—starting with those closest to you. Because when you grow in love, you might just find yourself enjoying your family more while spending less.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to be the father/mother who truly loves my children with affection, prayer, and teaching of God’s Word, instead of trying to buy their love by getting them the latest gadgets. Help me to have discernment so that I will not spoil my kids to their detriment. Lord, I need wisdom, discipline, and courage to be the parent that my kid(s) needs. Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 40

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on March 17, 2018, was written by Jasmin Izumikawa, a longtime member of Church of Southland.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Perseverance in Prayer”

Daniel 10:12-13

“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days.”

Eph. 6:12

“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,…and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 

Perseverance in prayer can be wearisome, especially when our prayers seem to be unheard and unanswered. Perhaps you have brought your prayers to the LORD, time and time again, only to hear no answer or to see no changes after. The temptation to stop praying then becomes great, but that is when we need to persevere in prayer. “Ask . . . seek . . . knock . . . and you will find and it will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7). How often we may have missed an answer to our prayers because we did not persist in our prayers. 

With the coming of spring, I spent a weekend planting seeds to start growing in the greenhouse. It took several hours to sort the seeds, prep the soil mixture, label each variety, and carefully place a small seed in each pot. After what I felt was a job thoroughly done, I returned a day later to the greenhouse to check on them. To my great discouragement, I found the small greenhouse had fallen to the ground, trays in disarray, and seeds drowning in a swampy puddle. Overnight, the wind had knocked down the greenhouse along with all of the newly planted seeds inside. I quickly salvaged what I could and returned the next day to plant new seeds in new soil again within a more secure greenhouse. 

Perseverance in prayer reminds me of my experience with the greenhouse. I must “visit” my prayers again and again, and to see my prayers answered I must pray continuously, because we know Satan works hard to hinder our prayers from breakthrough (e.g., keeping a prayer journal may be helpful to do this).  

Daniel’s prayer was answered the moment he began to pray, but the angel delivering the answer was thwarted by the enemy. 

Do not lose faith as you persevere through days, weeks, months, and even years for prayers to be answered. Remember the parable of the persistent widow, through which the Lord taught us that we “should always pray and not give up” (Lk. 18:1). Soon there will be breakthrough, like seedlings from a well-watered greenhouse. Overpower the enemy with your constant prayers and wait with assurance that God delivers at the right time. 

Prayer: LORD, help me to live a life of persevering prayer. I sometimes feel defeated when I see that another day goes by without change or an answer, but I trust You and believe that You will deliver the answer in the right time. The enemy may try to knock down my prayers, but I will continue to pray. I wait for You alone and I want to experience and recognize Your voice and assurance. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 38-39

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on July 20, 2018.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Guardians of Justice”

Jeremiah 22:1-5 (NET Bible)

The Lord told me, “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah. Give him a message from me there. 2 Say: ‘Listen, O king of Judah who follows in David’s succession. You, your officials, and your subjects who pass through the gates of this palace must listen to what the Lord says. 3 The Lord says, “Do what is just and right. Deliver those who have been robbed from those who oppress them. Do not exploit or mistreat foreigners who live in your land, children who have no fathers, or widows. Do not kill innocent people in this land. 4 If you are careful to obey these commands, then the kings who follow in David’s succession and ride in chariots or on horses will continue to come through the gates of this palace, as will their officials and their subjects. 5 But, if you do not obey these commands, I solemnly swear that this palace will become a pile of rubble. I, the Lord, affirm it!”

 “The administration of justice was one of the main duties of kings all over the Near East. The king was the guardian of justice.” (Thompson) 

Think about that for a moment—those in power are charged by God with the responsibility of guarding justice for all. We no longer have a monarchy with inherited leadership. We have the freedom (privilege and responsibility) to choose our leaders. And, if our hearts are aligned to the heart of God, justice toward the oppressed and vulnerable should be as high on our list of priorities for leaders as it is on God’s. Leadership comes in many forms, and whether it’s in our churches, companies, local or national governments, our leaders should be those whom we trust to faithfully serve as “Guardians of Justice.” 

Furthermore, God offers a very specific list of people in need of special care as it relates to the administration of justice (v.3). This list is not arbitrary—it includes the most vulnerable and most likely to be exploited and denied justice. 

(1) Those robbed by oppressors: This is not incidental stealing (e.g. someone steals your wallet), but systemic oppression where people (particularly laborers) are unfairly compensated and defrauded by those in power. 

(2) Foreigners: Throughout the Scriptures God takes very seriously the way in which a nation cares for those who’ve come to them from other lands, peoples, and cultures. 

(3) Those without protection and provision: In Jeremiah’s society, where men served as providers and protectors of the family (i.e. those with power), children without fathers and women without husbands were extremely vulnerable and therefore demanded special care.

With this specific list in mind, let’s revisit a question we considered yesterday. Who are the vulnerable in our world today (those who fit into the categories God gives us in the verses above)? And are we a people who take seriously the cause of justice for exploited laborers, immigrants, orphans, and vulnerable women and children? What would it look like to hold our leaders in various arenas accountable for their role as “Guardians of Justice”?  

Prayer: Almighty God, open my eyes to see those in need of justice in my community and the society in which I live. Help me to not only personally exercise the justice You require, but to also wield my agency to demand that those in leadership to do the same. May Your Church be “guardians of justice” in the world. Forgive us for the ways we’ve fallen short. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 37

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Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 13:1-10 (NRSV): Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; 4 for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. 6 For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, busy with this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is due them—taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. 8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Questions to Consider

• What are Paul’s instructions regarding the believer’s posture toward governing authorities? What do you think about what he says? How do these instructions affect how you understand the weight of responsibility we have in selecting or electing leadership in various arenas?
• How do Paul’s words guide us when we are dealing with corrupt governing authorities (e.g. those who are “a terror to good conduct” or who refuse to approve what is good – v.3)? With the overall witness of Scripture (and God’s call for justice that we’ve discussed this week) in mind, what do you think should be your response/posture in those cases? 
• How does Paul end these instructions? Why is this important? Spend some time reflecting on vv.8-10—how would you summarize these instructions in your own words? 

Notes

• Paul suggests that believers should be subject to the laws of the land (and by extension those who govern/make the laws). He believes that God “institutes” authorities (via passive allowing or active willing, Paul does not specify).  I do find that Scripture suggest that God affirms culture and societies (the space and place where peoples come together to do life and build community in the fullness of their unique histories and gifts)—included in which are the languages, cultural milieu, and, of course, government structures—because God affirms the integrity and agency of humans created in the image of God. // This is a sobering reality when we think about our responsibility in electing governing officials. Societies have a real and profound impact on the people within them (and around them), and we are to take that impact very seriously. 

• Consider one commentator’s reflections on this question. These reflections are, of course, not exhaustive (and admittedly moderate). 

“The problem, of course, is that rulers are sometimes, perhaps often, a cause of fear for those who do right. Government authorities sometimes abuse their powers for selfish ends. If they do not but serve the welfare of the people as they should, we have no fear of them and can submit to them fairly easily. What if they are evil?

“The first way some people have interpreted this verse is to assume that Paul was speaking only of the norm. The normal situation would be a good government that punishes evil and rewards good. Obviously rebellion and revolution would be wrong in such a situation. However those actions might not be wrong if the state ceased to serve its God-given function and began denying the rights and removing the liberties of its citizens. Moderate advocates of this interpretation usually do not suggest that the church as an institution should lead a revolution. Most of them would say, however, that Christians as individuals could justifiably participate in a revolution against such a government. Christians should speak out against such abuses at least. We must be careful not to confuse submission with silence. Silence can express approval.

“The second way of interpreting this verse is to take Paul’s words at face value and trust in the fact expressed in 8:28. The Christian who takes this view would not participate in a revolution though he might speak out against a government’s evils. He should prepare himself to accept the consequences of his actions. Such was the position of some pastors in Nazi Germany during World War II, for example, who went to prison not for revolting against the government but for speaking out against it. Another alternative might be to flee from the persecution of a hostile government (cf. Matt. 10:23). This is what the Huguenots, who fled from France to England, and the Puritans, who fled from England to America, did.” (Constable)

• Jesus summed up the law in two moves: love God and love your neighbor. In the commentary on social/horizontal interactions (our relationships with one another as opposed to our relationship with God) in Romans 13, Paul summarizes the law very similarly—“love your neighbor as yourself.” In other words, every commandment given from God finds its origin and telos, it’s purpose and meaning, in God’s intent that we love our neighbor as ourselves. This is important because any interpretation or application of God’s commands that do not align with this central mandate (to love our neighbor) cannot be what God intended. Please see Luke 10:29-37 for help with understanding the term “neighbor” in the New Testament. 

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Evening Reflection

Twentieth-century German pastor, Lutheran theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: “We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.” Consider Bonhoeffer’s statement above. What do you think about his assertion? How do you think it aligns with the heart of God? How might God empower you to “drive a spoke into the wheel [of injustice]”? Spend some time considering these things with the Lord this evening. 

Todays’ AMI Quiet Time is written by Pastor Ryun.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Winning isn’t Everything; It’s the Only Thing. No, There Is Something More Important.”

1 Corinthians 6:7b-8:

Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? But, instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers. 

Upon witnessing Serena Williams’s outburst during the U.S. Open Finals, I caught a glimpse of what I must look like during my own episodes. The major difference, of course, was that Serena’s meltdown unfolded before the watching world—mine occurred before my wife and kids. Like Serena, I often felt that my anger—even my rage—had a just cause. But the Holy Spirit is never far from my ears, reminding me first: “Man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:20); and second: “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror” (1 Cor. 13:12). In other words, my anger was often rooted in a limited, distorted view of what really happened. I saw only what I wanted to see—enough to make myself right in the eyes of my family. Perhaps that played a part in Serena’s implosion, too. But life doesn’t have to be lived that way. “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing,” some say—but it doesn’t have to be our mantra. We can choose to place compassion and decency above the need to win—whether in marriage or on the tennis court.

In 1995, Pete Sampras faced Jim Courier, a longtime friend, in the Australian Open quarterfinals. Sampras’s coach, Bill Gullickson, had just suffered his third stroke and returned to the States before the match. Grief-stricken and visibly shaken, Sampras began losing badly. Then, from the crowd, a voice called out, “Win one for your coach!” Sampras broke down and started to cry. Courier, instead of capitalizing on the moment to secure a victory and move one step closer to millions in prize money, paused. He delayed his serve, allowing Sampras time to regain composure. Then he called out, “Are you all right, Pete? We can finish this thing tomorrow!” In that moment, it no longer mattered who won—compassion had won over the mantra of ruthless competition.

Paul addresses the Corinthian believers who were suing one another over financial matters, saying, “And this in front of believers… Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Cor. 6:6–7). Why? So that “God’s name [is not] blasphemed among the [unbelievers] because of you” (Rom. 2:24). If a tennis player can display that kind of compassion despite the stakes, how much more should Christians—who live with souls in eternal balance—extend mercy for Christ’s sake?

I don’t condemn Serena. I’ve stood where she stood. So maybe I’d say: “Serena, there is peace—not in another championship, but in the forgiveness that God offers in Christ.” And perhaps, as I’ve had to do so many times with my wife and children, you might consider saying, “It’s my bad; that’s on me. I apologize.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to live in harmony with others, being sympathetic and loving toward my brothers and sisters, as well as being compassionate and humble. Lord, help me not to pay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing (1 Pet. 3:8-9), for that’s what You did for me. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 36

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Lunch Break Study (by HeeJung Lee)

Read Colossians 3:14-17: “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Questions to Consider

• What type of conversations do you find yourself engaged in these days?
• How much do you find yourself despising all that is wrong and being attracted to whatever is good, noble, pure, and lovely?
• Are you ruled by your feelings and your own will, or do you submit to the Word of God in your daily choices of thought, attitudes, and will?

Notes

• Scriptures tell us that out of the abundance of the heart of the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Doing an inventory of your words and conversations is a good start to getting a gauge on what is dwelling in your heart and how you are doing spiritually.
• Love is not a good deed. Love, as explained in the Scriptures, is one’s nature—a way of being that is the compelling motive behind deeds and actions. Love is drawn to all that is upright, pure, and promotes the well being of others. If this is not the operation of your thoughts and heart, then you may be needing to first be filled up with God’s love for you so that you are not living out of an orphan spirit trying to gain His approval by outward acts of righteousness. You are already approved by God because of Christ’s righteousness in you. His desire is for you to be filled up in the knowledge of His love for you first, and then you will be able to overflow His love to others. All unhealthiness of the heart needs to be addressed first so that this can happen.
• The ways of flesh oppose the ways of the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). The more we incline to self lordship, the less we are being filled with God’s love. Then we will find it difficult to see and feel as God does because we will grieve the Holy Spirit in us. The more we submit to the Word of God, it becomes easier to think and make choices that are in obedience to God’s commands. We will be more filled with the Holy Spirit and able to walk in His nature.

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Evening Reflection

We began the day by considering the heart of love and how it is drawn to all that is good and right. In light of this meditation, how did you find your heart operating today?

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by an anonymous writer, was first posted on September 19, 2018.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Through Thick and Thin”

Jeremiah 37:11-21 

Now when the Chaldean army had withdrawn from Jerusalem at the approach of Pharaoh’s army, 12 Jeremiah set out from Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin to receive his portion there among the people. 13 When he was at the Benjamin Gate, a sentry there named Irijah the son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah, seized Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans.” 14 And Jeremiah said, “It is a lie; I am not deserting to the Chaldeans.” But Irijah would not listen to him, and seized Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. 15 And the officials were enraged at Jeremiah, and they beat him and imprisoned him in the house of Jonathan the secretary, for it had been made a prison. 16 When Jeremiah had come to the dungeon cells and remained there many days, 17 King Zedekiah sent for him and received him. The king questioned him secretly in his house and said, “Is there any word from the Lord?” Jeremiah said, “There is.” Then he said, “You shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.” 18 Jeremiah also said to King Zedekiah, “What wrong have I done to you or your servants or this people, that you have put me in prison? 19 Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you and against this land’? 20 Now hear, please, O my lord the king: let my humble plea come before you and do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the secretary, lest I die there.” 21 So King Zedekiah gave orders, and they committed Jeremiah to the court of the guard. And a loaf of bread was given him daily from the bakers’ street, until all the bread of the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.

We live in a world of ideas. Whether at school, work or church, one will most certainly encounter someone expressing their ideas.  However, one of the many critiques set against this age of ideas is society’s growing inability to discuss ideas without becoming combative. Timothy Muehlhoff of Biola University once lamented how we now live in what he calls the “argument culture.” Interestingly enough, I don’t believe we’ve only recently entered the argument culture. Mankind has been fighting over ideas for quite some time, from current socio-political issues to biblical times. Sometimes debates over ideas have been civil, while others have not. In extreme cases, people have even experienced violence for expressing themselves. In fact, the further back in time one goes, the more violence over ideas one would expect to see. The prophet Jeremiah, for example, was imprisoned and beaten for faithfully expressing the Word of God. 

In the passage above we see Jeremiah make his way to the land of Benjamin to claim property. When Jeremiah reaches the gate, the captain, Irijah, accuses Jeremiah of defecting to the Chaldeans. Several years prior to this, Jeremiah had been preaching the word he’d received from God, warning Israel of the coming destruction of the city (Jer. 21:9 [NASB]). Irijah probably concluded that Jeremiah’s message stood against the best interests of Benjamin. Because of this, despite Jeremiah’s denials, Jeremiah is arrested and imprisoned without trial. Pausing here in the narrative, I can’t help but wonder how often the message of the gospel is deduced to be against the best interest of the people, especially here in California. The reality of the current cultural climate is sometimes troubling to reflect on. How often do I sweep my convictions aside, succumbing to social pressure? In Pastor Josh’s words, “How often do we [I] live as if God didn’t exist?” Do I have the strength to go to prison for the gospel? Or to the grave?

As the passage progresses, things do not improve for Jeremiah. He is brought from the prison, in secret, before King Zedekiah and asked, “Is there a word from the LORD?” (Jer. 37:17 [NASB]). Now it’s obvious, Zedekiah isn’t asking for the actual word of God, rather, for some favorable news regarding the kingdom. Sometimes I ask myself what makes someone a hero. Generally, a hero is someone admired for their courage or accomplishments, or perhaps both. Unflinching, Jeremiah looks into the eyes of the king, and delivers God’s message exactly as revealed: “You will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon!” (Jer. 37:17 [NASB]). What makes someone a hero? Standing in the face of the authorities that threaten you with prison and death, and holding firm to God’s word. I hope we can all look to God for the strength to follow Jeremiah’s example. Let’s stand hand-in-hand together for God’s word, holding steadfast to the Truth, speaking it to the world in love. 

Prayer: Father, it’s easy for me to be strong and stand up for You in church, around brothers and sisters in Christ, and in my quiet time alone with You. It becomes much more complicated when I fear for my job, my freedom, my safety or even meaningless things, like social status. I pray You would remind Your church every day, that in You we find the resolve to stand up for the Truth. We need You more and more each day. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 35

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Lunch Break Study

Read: 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;” (NASB)

Questions to Consider

• What did Paul’s “course” look like? 
• What would “finishing the course” look like in today’s day and age?
• Reflect on this passage and consider what “finishing the course” would look like in your own life.

Notes

• Paul went from high social status as a Pharisee, to (what the pagans considered) a persecuted “cult leader” as he traveled all over to spread the gospel and plant churches. Like the rest of the apostles, Paul endured beatings, imprisonment, torture and ultimately death for the sake of Christ, all with complete confidence in his convictions and commitment to God. Paul, like Jeremiah and the others God has called for His work, sets a shining example for the church to follow. 
• Though the difficulties we experience may take many forms, finishing the course in modern times may look much the same as the past: looking to God for the strength to stand beside brothers and sisters in Christ for the sake of the gospel.
• Personal response.  For me, I want to ultimately serve full time in ministry. I’m not sure exactly how that will manifest, or where in the world my service will take me, but I simply hope I can faithfully serve God and His people, until my days are spent.

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Evening Reflection

According to Pastor Peter of Kairos Church, the verse most taken out of context in the Bible may be Phil. 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Time after time this verse is cited when we haven’t trained quite as hard as we should have for the upcoming Spartan race. However in the context of standing firm for the gospel, Paul’s words are quite relevant. Reflect on the idea of finding strength to endure in God, and what that means for you.

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on October 16, 2018. Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Jeremiah 46:1-6

The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations. 2 About Egypt. Concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish and which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: 3 “Prepare buckler and shield, and advance for battle! 4 Harness the horses; mount, O horsemen! Take your stations with your helmets, polish your spears, put on your armor 5 Why have I seen it? They are dismayed and have turned backward. Their warriors are beaten down and have fled in haste; they look not back—terror on every side!” declares the Lord. 6 “The swift cannot flee away, nor the warrior escape; in the north by the river Euphrates they have stumbled and fallen.”

In today’s passage, we see the Egyptian empire fighting for its life as they prepare themselves for war against the up and coming Babylonian army. Verses 3-4 illustrate in vivid language the Egyptian’s frenzied preparations for battle. You can almost feel the army’s desperate attempt to muster up as much energy as possible in order to defeat the oncoming threat of the Babylonians. However, immediately in verses 5-6, we see that all their strategizing was for naught. They were surrounded by “terror on every side” and could not escape from the clutches of the enemy.  They were doomed to destruction. 

It is an interesting passage, to the say the least. Prophets like Jeremiah were commissioned to speak on behalf of God specifically to Israel. However, we see Jeremiah also proclaiming judgment and predicting the fate of foreign super powers. What passages like this were meant to do was to show that God was not just God of Israel but the supreme ruler of the entire world—that it was not the powerful empires like the Egyptians who controlled history, but it was God Himself. No matter how much they tried to survive, we see God using the Babylonians as an instrument to destroy them. They were merely at the mercy of God’s plans. 

Simply put, God is the Author of history. We might feel as though that powerful people control the fate of the world, and there is not much we can do to change its course to something more hopeful. But we see in this passage that God is in control. As I read through the news, and see all the evil and injustice that runs rampant, this passage—in some strange way—gives me comfort. In many ways, it feels as though the world has gone mad, divided as ever, but we know that God is sovereign, and that there is purpose to the chaos we experience in the world. Although it is so easy to feel hopeless in the face of the evil, let us as Christians find hope in the God who is the true Author of history! Let us, as believers, pray for the world to be healed in all of its brokenness, in spite of all the terrible things we’ve witnessed. 

Prayer: Father, in the midst of the problems I see in the world, it is so easy to become hopeless and give up being the light to a broken world. Help me to find hope in the truth that You are in control, and that Your plan of redemption will ultimately prevail over all things. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 34

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Lunch Break Study 

Read Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Questions to Consider

• How and why were things in heaven and earth created? 
• What are the two main roles we see attributed to Jesus in this passage? 
• How might this passage comfort you? 

Notes

• All things were created by Christ and they were all created for Him. What this implies is that Jesus is in control of everything—from the point of creation, to their ultimate purpose. He is the Author of all things. However, not only has He created and given them their ultimate purpose, He is the one that sustains all things. 
• The first half of the passage (vv.15-17), we see Christ as the Creator. The second half of the passage (vv.18-20), we see Him as the Reconciler, who makes peace by His work on the cross. 
• Personal response. 

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Evening Reflection 

“New creation itself has begun, they are saying, and will be completed. Jesus is ruling over that new creation and making it happen through the witness of his church. ‘The ruler of this world’ has been overthrown; the powers of the world have been led behind Jesus’s triumphal procession as a beaten, bedraggled rabble. And that is how God is becoming king on earth as in heaven. That is the truth the gospels are eager to tell us.”— N.T. Wright 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, which was first posted on June 20, 2018, is provided by a writer who wants to remain anonymous. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Breaking Bad Habits”

Jeremiah 14:10

Thus says the LORD concerning this people: “They have loved to wander thus; they have not restrained their feet; therefore the LORD does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.”

In a 2015 Ted Talk called “A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit,” psychiatrist Judson Brewer talks about the relationship between mindfulness and habit. Research shows that a habit is formed when a specific behavior makes us feel good and so our brains remember it. A habit, such as snacking or smoking, is reinforced when our brains realize we are feeling bad, so we use the behavior to feel good again. Think about the way we flip open our laptops as soon as we get home or eat junk food when we’re stressed. It isn’t surprising that research supports that we aren’t very mindful or aware of what we do, better yet, why we do them.

In today’s passage, God describes the people of Israel. Firstly, He says that they “have loved to wander…” Rather than worshipping God alone, the Israelites always ended up adopting other Canaanite gods and falling into idolatry. Perhaps the Israelites wanted the best of both worlds and reap the “blessings” of following two gods. Or maybe they genuinely thought God wouldn’t deliver them from current hardships, so they felt no choice but to turn to alternatives. Regardless, we see that their natural inclination was not to remain in God, but to wander for self-satisfaction and happiness.

Secondly, the Israelites “have not restrained their feet…” In other words, the Israelites, knowing their inclinations, did not set up restrictions to prevent themselves from wandering again. This pertains to wisdom and maturity. If we know we fall into the temptation of “X” sin, why do we not take practical and faithful measures to prevent us from falling the second, third, or fourth time? Just as research showed that we easily form mindless habits, a humble look into our past shows how we can mindlessly fall into the same patterns of sin. For example, if we know we are prone to be exclusive in friendships, are there any ways we have started being exclusive in community? Today, let’s humbly assess the patterns in our life and see how we can make them more God-centered.

Prayer: You are a good Father because You not only encourage us when we mature in faith, but You also discipline us when we sin against You. Today, we recognize that You do not ignore disobedience. Help us to remember that to love You is to obey You, so fill us with your Holy Spirit to do so.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 33

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Lunch Break Study

Read Galatians 4:1-7:  I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Questions to Consider

• In this passage, what happens when we receive adoption as sons of God?
• Sometimes we try to be better Christians merely by sinning less and doing more good things. However, the foundation of our identity is not in what we do but who we are—that is, we are already sons and daughters of God. How does that change our perspective on what it means to grow spiritually?

Notes

• We receive the Holy Spirit into our hearts and experience true and mature sonship to God. We no longer experience the distance that a child heir or slave would feel to the father of a household. Instead, our new hearts cry out “Abba! Father!” in our relationships to God.
• Personal reflection.

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Evening Reflection

One area of our lives that we can be mindless with is our speech. James 3 talks about how our tongue can worship God but also stain or discourage the body of God. Are there any ways we talk to others (or talk about others) that have been compromising? Instead, let’s turn it around and use every opportunity to bless and build up others with our words.