July 7, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 23, 2018, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato. Jason, along with his wife Jessica and their three young children, is serving in Japan as an AMI missionary.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The King of Kings”

Jeremiah 23:1–4 (ESV)

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD. [2] Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the LORD. [3] Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. [4] I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD. 

Imagine that you are an ordinary Storm Trooper working on the Death Star.  The day is going well but here comes Darth Vader and it appears that he’s having a bad day.  Due to the terror in your heart, you accidentally trip and fall.  Thankfully, he laughs instead of using the force to choke you to death.  You realize this is not a healthy working environment but at this point you don’t have a lot of options.

Similar to this storm trooper, people of the ancient world did not have a lot of options when it came to who their leaders were.  Kings were often chosen by lineage or by other kings with large military forces.  Leaders ruled through fear and with absolute power.  They were often more concerned with themselves than with the people they led.

But Israel is supposed to be different.  Israel’s kings are to be shepherds of God’s people, caring for them and leading them into the blessing of God.  Unfortunately, most of Israel’s kings are no better and sometimes even worse than the surrounding kings.  

Thankfully, for God’s people, their human king is not at the top of the food chain.  No, the kings of Israel are responsible to the King of Kings!  As the Good Shepherd, God declares woe to leaders of God’s people who destroy and scatter the sheep.  He will hold them accountable for their evil deeds, and He will gather His sheep from the nations to which they’d been scattered.  Despite the wicked shepherds of Israel, the Lord will make His sheep fruitful and they “shall fear no more, nor be dismayed.”

In this imperfect world, our leaders may not always have the heart of the Father whether they be bosses, parents, or pastors.  But we are free from the need to judge them because God alone is their Judge.  We are free from the need to rebel against them because the Lord will provide for us.  We are free from the need to fear or appease them because God is in control.  We are free to fear God only and submit to our earthly authorities as He commands us because the Lord is our Shepherd.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You are my Shepherd!  Forgive me that I am often tempted to take matters into my own hands.  Give me faith to trust in You and submit to the leaders you have placed in my life. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezra 1 

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Questions to Consider

  • Why does God appoint spiritual leaders in our lives?
  • To whom are our leaders accountable?
  • When we resist our leaders or make it difficult for them to lead us, who suffers?

Notes

  • God appoints spiritual leaders to keep watch over our souls.  He knows that we are often most blind to our own sins and we need others who can speak the Word of God into our lives.
  • Our leaders are accountable to God.  Human leaders like politicians or CEOs are accountable to those whom they are leading, but spiritual leaders are not ultimately accountable to their flock but to God Himself.  This is a far more serious thing.
  • When we resist our leaders, we suffer!  God knows that our leaders are not perfect.  He does not ask us to submit to our leaders because we trust them but ultimately because we trust Him to work for our good as we obey Him in faith.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on any interactions you’ve had today with a human leader or authority figure.  Did your actions and thoughts reflect trust in the Lord?  Ask Jesus to give you humility and wisdom so you can honor Him in these relationships.

July 6, Sunday

REPOST  Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on May 27, 2018, is provided by Jennifer Kim who had served as a staff in multiple AMI churches in the past, She is a graduate of Boston University (B.A.) and Alliance Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“That Which Precedes Repentance”

Jeremiah 6:22-30 

This is what the Lord says: “Look, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is being stirred up from the ends of the earth. 23 They are armed with bow and spear; they are cruel and show no mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation to attack you, Daughter Zion.” 24 We have heard reports about them, and our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor. 25 Do not go out to the fields or walk on the roads, for the enemy has a sword, and there is terror on every side. 26 Put on sackcloth, my people, and roll in ashes; mourn with bitter wailing as for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us. 27 “I have made you a tester of metals and my people the ore, that you may observe and test their ways. 28 They are all hardened rebels, going about to slander. They are bronze and iron; they all act corruptly. 29 The bellows blow fiercely to burn away the lead with fire, but the refining goes on in vain; the wicked are not purged out. 30 They are called rejected silver, because the Lord has rejected them.”

When my parents sold our family home of 16 years, I tried to convince myself that it was not a sad parting. While I loved our family home— and it was certainly God’s provision to give us such space—my primary concern was more for my parents. It wasn’t until I visited our home one last time to surrender my keys, when I found myself in a flood of tears. Seeing our home that had been filled with memories, keepsakes, and valuables completely empty for someone else to move their things in, hit me with the reality that I would never live in this house again. I realized at that moment that I needed to grieve this transition properly for me to walk into the new season that God had in store for myself and my family.

When we read today’s passage and God’s directive to bring a powerful and merciless nation again Jerusalem, God gives one last charge (i.e., warning) to the city. He tells the people to put on sackcloth, roll in ashes, and mourn with bitter wailing – the traditional mourning customs of the Old Testament. While we cannot know for certain whether God would have stopped the judgment of Judah if they went into mourning, my judgment would say that there would have been some grace from our Father. The reason is because mourning only comes when we have a heart of true repentance. When we understand the true nature of our sin and the effect it has on ourselves, those around us, and to God, our natural response is sorrow and mourning. It is in our sorrow in which we can express the need for God’s love, grace, and mercy that allows the space for God to come and do His work. 

Matthew 5:4 states, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” True freedom from sins can only be experienced when we go in repentance grieving and mourning our sins. While grieving is a necessary process in repentance, it is also a necessary process in bringing our true emotions to the surface so that God may shine His light into the dark areas. While I am still grieving the loss of our home, my grieving process has brought friends and church members to come alongside to help me during this transition. Without them I am not certain how I would have handled the transition, yet it was only in my pursuit to be honest and open about my sorrow that I was able to experience the love, grace, and provision through God’s people. When we learn to grieve our sins, our losses, and our pains in honesty before the Lord, it is then that He can truly come in and do His work of comforting, healing, and restoring us.

Prayer: God, forgive me for the ways I have sinned against You. Help me to see the deep sorrow that I cause You, myself, and others in my sin and bring me to true repentance. Thank You that true repentance is possible because of the cross of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 48

Saturday, July 5th

REPOST  Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on April 14, 2018, is provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, who serves in E. Asia as a missionary, is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Who First Came Up with Servant Leadership?”

Mark 10:35-45

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Robert Greenleaf, Director of Management Development at AT&T, coined the term “Servant Leadership” in the 1970’s. He describes the process as, “it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.” This changed the way how executives approached leading business organizations. However, long before Robert Greenleaf coined the term “Servant Leadership,” Jesus embodied servant leadership.

In this passage, James and John boldly approach Jesus to ask, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” Upon hearing this request, the other disciples became indignant, most likely, because they were jealous. However, Jesus calls the Twelve together and says, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.” 

Verse 42 reveals the heart of James and John and the other disciples. The rulers and high officials mentioned in the text were commanders second to Caesar. The way that these commanders led was to “lord it (authority) over” and “exercise authority over” their subjects. Because James and John thought Jesus came as political king, they coveted the right hand and left hand positions of Jesus.  However, Jesus challenges their world view of leadership and calls them to become servants. By adding the word “even,” Jesus wants to make it clear that the Son of Man, who is supposed to be served, came to become a servant. May we all, especially church leaders, develop the same heart posture for others. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, because you came as a servant, I am able to experience your goodness. Thank you so much for your servant’s heart. Whether in leadership or daily life, may I become more like you. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 46-47

July 4, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, originally posted on August 10, 2018, is provided by Pastor Doug Tritton. Doug has been pastoring Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia since 2021.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“All That Glitters”

Jeremiah 28:1-4

In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the Lord, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying, 2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the Lord’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. 4 I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the Lord, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.”

There is a proverbial saying that goes like this: “All that glitters is not gold”—meaning, the appearance of something does not necessarily tell you about its true nature. For example, imagine looking at a shiny new Porsche; it could look beautiful from the outside, but this does not tell you anything about the quality of its engine. It may not even work! A shiny Porsche that has a broken engine is useless!

When I was in college, someone approached me and invited me to come to a Bible study, promising that there would be ice cream there. As a young Christian, I thought to myself, “Ice cream and the Bible, sounds good!” However, before going, someone from my church cautioned me that this group was actually a cult—this group would often invite people to their Bible studies but then pressure people to keep coming back and make it very difficult to ever get away. All that glitters is not gold.

The practice of discernment is very important in the Christian life. Previously, we talked about the yoke of lies and being able to sift through all these voices and ideas we constantly hear which requires discernment. The difficult thing about discernment is that we need to look deeper than appearances. Hananiah’s prophecy, in today’s passage, sounded good on the outside, and it was something the Israelites wanted to believe! Yet, it was wrong, it was not from God. Discernment requires one to go deeper than the appearance of the message.

But how can we see beneath mere appearances? How can we actually discern between all the voices that we hear – voices on TV, the internet, our podcasts, or even in our own minds? Well, unfortunately, we really cannot do this on our own, because we are easily swayed by our wants and preferences. But spiritual discernment requires the Spirit—the Spirit of God. When King Solomon was on the throne, he asked God for wisdom—specifically, he asked that he may be able to “discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9).  And God answered this prayer for Solomon. This is a prayer that God answers.  So today, let’s ask God for the ability to discern, so that we may be a people who look beyond appearances and see things as God does.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to be a people who look beyond appearances. We know that You are a person who does that. You do not judge by appearances, but You look at the heart. May we not be swayed by things that seem good on the outside, for we know there are many wolves in sheep’s clothing around us. We need Your help. We need Your Spirit, so, Lord, send Your Spirit upon us that we may have discernment.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 45

Lunch Break Study  

Read Matthew 7:15-20: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Questions to Consider

  • How do we recognize false prophets, the ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing?
  • What happens to trees that bear bad fruit?
  • How should we be careful about our own words?

Notes

  • Jesus teaches us that we can recognize them by looking at their fruit. Things we hear should not simply “sound good.” If these ideas and messages don’t bear fruit, if they don’t bring transformation, if they don’t lead us closer to Jesus, then that is bad fruit. Discernment requires caution and care.  
  • The trees that bear bad fruit are cut down and thrown into the fire. This means that they do not last. Ideas that sound good and may go viral for a time, getting million shares in a day, may just fizzle and fade. Trees that bear good fruit last, they do not simply go viral; they stick and they bring transformation. They bring the kingdom in a greater way.
  • Though the warning in this passage is about false prophets around us, we need to be careful lest we become a false prophet. Sometimes it can be easier to not offend anyone by being pleasant sounding, but God calls us to speak the truth—even if that means we won’t be popular or comfortable. Discernment is not just external; it should also be internal—with our own words.  

Evening Reflection

Take time this evening to ask God for discernment. Reflect on this verse: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). Our God gives wisdom and discernment to us freely. As mentioned earlier, it’s a prayer He answers.

July 3, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, which was originally posted on June 22, 2018, is provided by a writer who wants to remain anonymous. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Burn It and Then See”

Jeremiah 14:22

Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O LORD our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.

One of the easiest ways to test the authenticity of gold jewelry is to burn it. Using a lighter, you can gently hold a small flame under your piece of jewelry. If your jewelry burns black, it is fake or at least partially so; but if your jewelry does not turn black but burns brightly, congratulations—it’s real, pure gold. 

In our passage today, the Israelites are currently in drought and famine as a result of their idolatry and disobedience to God. They are hungry, thirsty, and tired. And now, they are optionless. At this point, Jeremiah cries out on behalf of the people, “Are there any… false gods of the nations that can bring rain?” In the greatest time of need for the Israelites, their false gods did not show up.

Since most of us don’t experience physical drought and famine today, we are probably unfamiliar with truly feeling hungry, thirsty, and tired. We’ve gone after other idols—such as ministry achievements, career, relationships, etc. and being successful with such endeavors. Yet we’ve been left feeling empty. It’s during these times where we begin to ask, What can help me? What can make me whole? At the end of our passage, Jeremiah proclaims, “Are you not he, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.” We see here that in a time of drought and dire need, when all other options are exhausted, God is the only one who can provide. Many things in our lives can seem to give us life. It could be as “good” and harmless as our ministry activities, or as “bad” and frowned upon as a publicly toxic relationship. However, let’s ask ourselves, If I were to be stripped bare and have nothing else in life, would _________ give me life? Jesus tells us that only He is the way to life (John 14:6; 11:25).

In personal seasons of drought, we may feel like only our faith is being shaken and tested. However, what if God is not only testing our faith, but also putting our idols under a flame to prove that only He is true and like pure gold?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us not to run away from seasons of drought but to see what You are doing through them. Thank You that You are the one who will provide for us through the best and worst seasons of life. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 44

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 1:3-9: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, andunfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Questions to Consider

  • What does Peter say that we (as believers) have been born again to?
  • How does this impact how we face persecution, and similarly, suffering?
  • This is an important passage in the OT where God reveals Himself in a direct way. Is there anything new that you have learned about who God is, biblically?

Notes

  • We have been born again to an inheritance, a destiny, a future that is imperishable and waiting for us in heaven. 
  • First, we can be grieved or grieve over persecution and suffering, not ignore it. However, we can recognize that persecution and suffering is being used to refine our faith, which is more precious than gold or anything we can earn in this world. We can also be greatly encouraged knowing that our perseverance is resulting in praise and glory and honor with Christ when He returns. Our perseverance and steps of faith are eternally meaningful.
  • Personal reflection.

Evening Reflection

Is there anything in your life that you feel like it can make you more whole than God can? Let’s not delay but bring that to the Lord and ask Him to realign our perspective.

July 2, Wednesday

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

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. 

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.”  

July 1, Tuesday

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

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.

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.

June 30, Monday 

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

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.

Evening Reflection

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

June 29, Sunday

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

June 28, Saturday

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