January 2, Tuesday

The AMI QT Devotionals from January 1-7 are provided by Pastor Jason Sato of OTR in Cincinnati. Jason, a graduate of UC San Diego (B.S.) and Westminster Theological Seminary in California (M.Div.), is married to Jessica, and they have three young children: Jonah, Lily, and Ayla (three months old).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Journeying Onward

Genesis 33:12–17 (ESV)

Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you.” [13] But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die. [14] Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, at the pace of the livestock that are ahead of me and at the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir.” [15] So Esau said, “Let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” [16] So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. [17] But Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built himself a house and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. [18] And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. [19] And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent.

Picture a scene with me. You are going on vacation with your family to Disneyland. Your children are thrilled. You’ve mapped out which rides to go on and how to spend the day. The day arrives, and everyone gets out of the car and rushes toward the entrance. But while making your way through Downtown Disney (a collection of stores and restaurants outside of Disneyland), you decide that you might as well just stay there. Downtown Disney is exciting enough so why go to the trouble of walking further?

Of course that would be ridiculous. Your family would protest and leave you in Downtown Disney if necessary. Yet so often we find ourselves distracted, lazy, or tempted to settle in our journey of faith. In our passage this morning, Jacob finds himself at this type of crossroads.

Jacob has finally repented and been restored to his brother Esau. In his joy, Esau invites Jacob to come and live with him. But Esau lives in Seir, the country of Edom, outside the Promised Land (Genesis 32:3).

While tempting, Jacob politely declines and respectfully insists that he must part ways with Esau. Certainly Jacob’s children and flocks are frail, and there may be a need for

Esau to leave some of his people to guide Jacob’s family to Seir, but these are not Jacob’s true concerns. Jacob knows that loving his brother Esau is not the same thing as following him away from God’s promise. Instead, Jacob settles in Succoth and buys property in Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan.

To live with Esau and perhaps even renew their relationship may have been tempting for all the right reasons, but Jacob knows that he must follow God first. Maybe this foreshadows Christ’s call for us to follow him even at the cost of leaving behind our family.

May God grant us a deeper and more sacrificial love for our family and friends and the restoration of broken relationships, yet also the conviction and courage to continue to seek God’s face first, and not grow satisfied with the good people and things of this life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being the God who redeems and restores. May every miracle and blessing increase my love and longing for You.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 14:16–24 (ESV): But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. [17] And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ [18] But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ [19] And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ [20] And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ [21] So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’

Question to Consider

Who was invited to the great banquet?
Why did some say they were unable to attend the banquet?
Why was the banquet host angry?

Notes

Everyone! Many people were invited and when they would not come, even the poor, crippled, blind and lame were invited as well.
They were busy with good things – a field, oxen, and a new marriage.
Verse 18 says that these good things were excuses to not attend the banquet. There was no real desire to be there and enjoy the fellowship and hospitality of the host.

Evening Reflection

Reflect upon your day. What blessings has God generously given you? What do these blessings say about God (i.e. is he gracious, faithful, etc.)? Take a moment to praise God for His goodness to you.

January 1, Monday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Eyes to See

Genesis 33:1–11 (ESV)

And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants. [2] And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. [3] He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. [4] But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. [5] And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” [6] Then the servants drew near, they and their children, and bowed down. [7] Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down. And last Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down. [8] Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob answered, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.” [9] But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” [10] Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me. [11] Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Thus he urged him, and he took it.

First, a joyous New Year to all!

Now back to Genesis:

In the movie Liar Liar, Fletcher Reede is a lawyer who lies to everyone – judges, clients, even his own son. But because of his son’s birthday wish, Fletcher is magically unable to lie. Throughout the movie, Fletcher does everything he can to regain his power to lie until he begins to speak about his parenting and blurts out, “I’m a bad father!” It’s the first time he faces the truth about who he is.

The night before a meeting with his brother Esau, Jacob wrestles with God. He leaves this encounter with a permanent limp, the blessing of God, and the truth. Jacob is finally able to acknowledge his sin against God and his brother Esau. Before he fled his home, Jacob had stolen the blessing of his father Isaac from Esau. Isaac had blessed Jacob, saying

May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine…Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. (Genesis 27:28-29)

When Jacob finally sees Esau again, he attempts to return to Esau his stolen blessing. He and his family bow before Esau seven times and insist that Esau receive his livestock as a gift (or blessing). Perhaps Jacob had initially thought to simply avoid Esau’s wrath, but now after his struggle with God, Jacob has a genuine desire to return to Esau what was rightfully his. For Jacob, seeing Esau’s face and righting his past wrongs would right his own wrongs with God.

Certainly Isaac, Rebekah, and Esau had a part to play in the brokenness of the family, but only when Jacob could see himself clearly that his heart and life could change.

Prayer: Search my heart, O God, and grant me grace to bring to You all that I am, the good and the bad. Please forgive me for ways that I have sinned against others in my life. Please bring healing and reconciliation in my broken relationships.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 19:5–10 (ESV):  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” [6] So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. [7] And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” [8] And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” [9] And Jesus said to him,
“Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Question to Consider

What was the crowd’s view of Zacchaeus?
What was Jesus’s view of Zacchaeus?
What was Zacchaeus’s response to Jesus’s love?

Notes

The crowd despised Zacchaeus because he exploited his position and power to make himself wealthy.
Jesus viewed Zacchaeus as a man lost in sin, the kind of person that Jesus came to seek and save.
Zacchaeus repented, not simply in word but in deed. He willingly made restitution to those he wronged even though it would leave him in poverty.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. Have you sinned against those around you? How can you act to restore your relationships?

December 31, Sunday

The AMI QT Devotionals from December 25-31 are written by Phillip Chen, college pastor at Church of Southland. Philip, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, is currently studying at Talbot School of Theology. He is married to Esther.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Scars of Remembrance”

Genesis 32:30-32 (ESV)

So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Peniel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip on the sinew of the thigh.

When I tore my ACL in college, it wasn’t a quick and sudden tear—rather, it was a slow and partial tear each time. Every time I went to the doctor, he would say that it was just a sprained knee, and that I would need to rest it before resuming athletic activity. I ended up partially tearing it quite a few times—in football, in basketball, and even one time at one of those trampoline parks. I finally spoke to a doctor who told me to get surgery, and I did. To this day, the scar and the slight numbing sensation around my knee is a reminder of all of the painful moments of the tears and the post-surgery rehab. As I was chatting with a college student recently about how I don’t really play sports that much anymore—even though I am medically cleared to do so—we concluded that it was kind of like PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), where I am too scared to get hurt again because of the painful memories of getting hurt.

In today’s passage, we see that Jacob (Israel) is left with a limp because the angel of the Lord touched his hip socket and was put out of joint. We don’t know if this is a permanent limp, but this event must have been a very memorable one, for the people of Israel refuse to eat the sinew of the thigh on the hip socket because of this story (v.32). But why is there such an emphasis on this limp, and what is the significance of this?

When I think of the scar on my knee, it brings back painful memories of what happened, and regardless of how hard I try to forget it, I can’t because it is a part of me. Perhaps Jacob’s limp was meant to serve a similar purpose—bringing back memories for Jacob of the specific moment God blesses him. In this moment, Jacob has been stripped of everything that he has sought to use as a covering, and in this vulnerable place, he wrestles with God. Perhaps God purposely caused this limp so that he would forever remember this encounter with God.

As we carry physical scars, we also carry emotional and spiritual scars. Scars are not always a negative thing, because they often signify healing. Scars form after wounds have been healed. Are we aware of the ways our scars remind us of important moments in our lives? How fitting that today is the last day of the year— it is a time of reflection, and what better way than to look back on the different scars and marks we carry from our encounters with God. What has God done this past year in your life? What are ways that He left scars upon you because you needed to be healed of things? Let’s not only look forward with vision and expectation, but to do so with the reminder that we have each encountered God in powerful ways; and the scars that we carry are marks that stay with us for the purpose of reminders.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the scars of remembrance in my life. Thank You for the reminder that You are present in my life and the ways You have healed me. As I start out this new year, I pray that the orientation and direction of this year would be dictated upon the ways You have touched me this past year. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 15-16

December 30, Saturday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Wrestling with God”

Genesis 32:22-29 (ESV)

The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel,[f] for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him.

Often times, we read this passage and we focus on Jacob’s tenacity and his unwillingness to let go of God until He has blessed him. We talk about how this applies to us and our approach in prayer, boldly and confidently wrestling with God until He has answered us. We talk about the perseverance, the grit, and the tenacity that Jacob had which we should emulate. Yes, we can learn a lot from Jacob and his desire to be blessed, but this morning, I’d like to focus on God’s willingness to wrestle with us.

I used to wrestle a lot with my dad as a child. There were many times when I thought I would almost beat him. We would wrestle for a while, and it would seem like we were both tied until the very end when he would pin me. Of course, looking back, I realize that my dad could have easily pinned me if he wanted to – but the continuation of his wrestling was an act of endearment towards me. In fact, the more I think about these wrestling matches, I realize that my dad had to harness his strength and power while exerting self-control to make it seem like he was trying without hurting me. There was actually a lot of love and tenderness in this father-son wrestling match.

This passage depicts Jacob wrestling with a man whom he encounters. We later finds out that this mysterious man is an angel of the Lord – or at least someone who caused Jacob to refer to as “seeing the face of God.” This is such a strange sight, because God actually comes down to wrestle with Jacob. Jacob is no match for God – but when I think of this scene in conjunction with the wrestling matches I had with my father, I am reminded of a father wrestling with his son and how endearing this scene would have been.

Many times, I think we can view God as someone with whom we have to wrestle, that His will is always opposing our sinful will. We can view God as a cosmic killjoy who is withholding blessing from us and wanting us to work to earn blessing from Him. If we don’t work hard enough, we don’t get the blessing. We see him as a stingy God who makes us work so hard to get so little. In our minds, we might see God as generous, but in our prayers and in our interactions with Him, we see Him as a distant and disengaged God who doesn’t want to really pour out blessings upon us. We think of Him as someone with whom we have to wrestle. Yet when I think of a father wrestling with his son, I see love and tenderness rather than stinginess and disengagement. Now when I read this story, I see a loving Father who wants to wrestle with one of His sons because He loves him so dearly. He comes face to face with Jacob to wrestle him for the sake of the interaction. I don’t think God’s intention was ever to withhold blessing from Jacob. This wrestling match wasn’t something that Jacob had to win on his own accord so that he could receive a blessing. The wrestling match itself was part of the blessing that God intended for Jacob. God was willing to come down in the form of man to wrestle with Jacob, and that itself shows us His desire to draw near to us and bless us.

As we reflect upon this past year, what are ways that you can see God ‘wrestling’ with you? May we be encouraged to know that you and I have a God who draws near to us and wrestles with us, ultimately so that we may partake of His abundant blessings.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your love for us. Thank You that You are not a distant God, but You are a God who draws near to us. Thank You that You don’t withhold blessing from us, but You actually seek us out so that You can pour out Your blessing upon us so lavishly. Help us to believe this truth, uprooting wrongful views we have of You. Even in the ways our earthly fathers have failed to accurately show this picture, help us to realize the goodness and the love of Your heart as our Father. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 13-14

December 29, Friday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“No More Barriers”

Genesis 32:13-21 (ESV)

So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau, 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. 16 These he handed over to his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on ahead of me and put a space between drove and drove.” 17 He instructed the first, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? And whose are these ahead of you?’ 18 then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.’” 19 He likewise instructed the second and the third and all who followed the droves, “You shall say the same thing to Esau when you find him, 20 and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.” 21 So the present passed on ahead of him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.

Over the course of two decades, Jacob accumulated much wealth, power, and status: innumerable livestock, a large family and many servants. When he was fleeing from Esau’s presence, he left only with the clothes on his back; but now, in his return to meeting Esau, he is a wealthy man. In case Esau came as an enemy, Jacob’s plan is to split up the camp into different groups, so that if one group was attacked, the others have a chance to get away. He sends these groups out to meet his brother in different waves. And then finally, he is left all by himself in the camp. Tactically, this seems like a great idea—a very strategic and well thought move. However, I wonder if God intentionally planted this idea in Jacob’s mind so that he would be all alone that night, because we read in the subsequent verses of Jacob’s wrestling match with God.

God could have wrestled with Jacob at any given point and time, but perhaps it was in this moment—when everything has been sent away—that God chooses to show up to Jacob in a powerful way. Maybe before this, Jacob had become dependent upon the things that he has acquired over the years for his confidence and security. Who knows? He might have even missed this opportunity if the things that he had used as a defense mechanism had not been taken away.

We all have our own defense mechanisms, which we use as walls to protect ourselves. We all have layers that need to be peeled off. It is only human nature for us to discern whether we can trust others before letting them into the deeper layers of our lives. We all have built-in barriers which we set up to protect us from harm. While not necessarily a bad thing, we don’t realize that we do this with God as well. We have all these things in place that actually end up becoming obstacles for intimacy with God.

What do you use as a barrier in your life? Is it your education? Is it your career? Is it your relationship with your family, friends, or spouse? What are things that you need to set aside so that God can encounter you in a powerful way? If you are going through a season of stripping away – where it seems like everything you had put your confidence in is being taken away, pay close attention. Many times, God allows or even orchestrates this as preparation for a powerful encounter with Him.

Prayer: Father God, I desire to place my confidence and security in you. I confess there are so many other things that I have looked to for confidence and stability, but I remember that you strip those things away because you love me and care for me. Help me to look to you in those moments. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 12

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 12:7-11 (ESV): It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Question to Consider

Why do we have to endure discipline?
What is the best attitude towards God’s discipline?
What are some ways that God is disciplining us for our good?

Notes

God disciplines us because we are His sons and daughters. Every parent that loves their children must discipline their children so that they may grow up in a healthy manner. In hindsight, we look at the discipline of our parents as one that might not have been fun, but was necessary to mold us into who we are today. In the same way, we look at the discipline of our Heavenly Father as one that might not always be enjoyable in the moment, but is necessary to produce the fruit of righteousness within us.
The best attitude towards God’s discipline is one that is founded in trust. Because we trust God is looking out for our good, it shouldn’t matter too much if he takes things away from us or gives us certain burdens to carry. Though we may have questions and become frustrated, if our baseline attitude is trust, we are able to respond to our Heavenly Father with respect and faith.
Personal Response

Evening Reflection

When you think of the Israelites, who had to wander in the wilderness for forty years for their lack of faith, what feelings does that bring up? God is greatly interested in maturing our faith in Him, and He will do whatever it takes to reach out to us. For the Israelites as a nation, it took forty years. For us, I hope it doesn’t take nearly as long. As we end the day, let’s yield ourselves to God and let go of any barriers that prevents us from placing our trust in Him.

December 28, Thursday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Looking into Deep Wounds”

Genesis 32:6-12 (ESV)

And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, 8 thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.” 9 And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. 12 But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’”

In today’s passage, we see that Jacob is preparing for his encounter with Esau. Years have passed since their last meeting, and they are entirely different people at this point; but when Jacob hears that Esau is coming with four hundred men, immediately he assumes the worst. I can’t blame Jacob for feeling that way – after all, the last time Jacob had seen Esau, he had stolen his birthright and blessing from Isaac. So Isaac begins to make preparations, in case Esau is coming to attack him. Jacob then prays to God and asks for His protection. Regardless of the fact that God had promised him the same descendants as Abraham, he is insecure about the fact that Esau is about to come and wipe him and his family out. Jacob is a total mess, and I’m sure we would be too if we were in his place.

It’s interesting that some of our deepest insecurities easily override God’s promises in our lives. We may have encountered God in a powerful way and heard from Him directly. We might have even experienced a partial fulfillment of His promise in our lives – yet there are some insecurities that are buried so deep in our lives that they automatically override what God has done as well. The moment those insecurities or past wounds flare up, we forget entirely all that God has spoken into our lives. All of a sudden, we question whether we heard God correctly or whether He even said anything at all.

Our nature is not so different from Jacob’s – he’d been running away and hiding from his brother all these years. We all tend to run away from our previous wounds: sin, brokenness, insecurities, severed relationships. We would prefer to hide rather than address them, but I suppose what happens to Jacob is what ends up happening to all of us. There comes a point when we realize we can’t run or hide anymore, and we need to address our problems head on. When we finally confront them, we realize that doing so can be for our good and for our benefit.

Prayer: Father God, I confess that there are things that I am running away from. There are certain areas of brokenness that I just don’t want to deal with. There are wounds and hurts to which I may have numbed myself. There is so much buried deep within from which I need healing and restoration. May my spirit be open to your healing and your restoring hand upon my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 11

Lunch Break Study

Read John 21:15-19 (ESV): When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Question to Consider

Why does Jesus ask Simon Peter three times if he loves him?
Why would Jesus tell Peter how he is going to die?
What are some things that God is calling you to confront and how does he want you to confront them?

Notes

Jesus is determined to restore Peter. He questions Peter three times just as Peter denied Jesus three times. He questioned whether Peter truly loves Him just as Peter probably questioned in His own heart whether he truly loved Jesus or not. Jesus wants to restore Peter not only personally, but to the ministry that He has called him to do – to feed his sheep, to be a fisher of men.
Jesus has a customized plan for each one of us. When Peter asks about whether another disciple will be led to the cross (as he eventually would be), Jesus tells him not to worry about it… because Jesus has a custom-tailored discipleship plan for each individual. God knows exactly what we need and it looks different for each person.
Remember, God has a customized discipleship plan for each one of us. Respond in a way that is personal for you.

Evening Reflection

What are some things that you might be running away from? It could be something from this past year, or even something that happened in your childhood. What are things that you are so fearful of? What are previous wounds that you are covering up? Bring these things to the Lord – ask Him to give you the strength to find restoration in these things.

December 27, Wednesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Keeping Our Promises”

Genesis 31:43-50 (ESV):

Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day for these my daughters or for their children whom they have borne? 44 Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I. And let it be a witness between you and me.” 45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 And Jacob said to his kinsmen, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. 48 Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore, he named it Galeed, 49 and Mizpah, for he said, “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight. 50 If you oppress my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no one is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.”

Our church is notorious for having a lot of leftover snacks—from the leftover snacks of different retreats to the snacks that each of our ministries buy for future events, there is always food lying around somewhere. And what I’ve learned is to make sure to label everything, if I am saving it for something—otherwise, it will most definitely get eaten. Sometimes, even the snacks that are labeled get taken! So recently, I’ve started labeling our snacks with our ministry name, and then adding the line: “Please do not take, God is watching you.” Hopefully, this will deter whoever has been taking my snacks. I might not be there to protect these snacks from being stolen, but God is watching. The funny thing is, more often than not, this is a great deterrent.

In this passage, we see that Laban and Jacob are getting ready to part ways. If you remember, Jacob had fled, with his wives and his flock, but Laban had caught up to him. He accused Jacob of stealing his household gods, but they were nowhere to be found. As Laban is about to leave to return home, they take a bunch of stones and make a tower with it, calling it Galeed, which means “a heap of witness,” and Mizpah, which means “watchtower.” This heap of stones is to act as a watchtower to watch over both sides of the family, when they cannot see one another.

If you google Mizpah, you’ll see pendants that sell pretty well. Apparently, people have monetized it and made it into a romantic item, where “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight,” is a symbolic token of God watching over their love for one another. However, in the context of this passage, Mizpah is more of a warning—that God is watching whatever they do in the dark, and that God will be the final judge in these matters.

Sometimes we forget the fact that God is always watching—whether it’s the business deals or in our dealing with the different relationships that we have. Do we do things with the understanding that God is watching our every move? In Luke 12:3, Jesus says that whatever is said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what is whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. Sometimes we may get freaked out that we are being watched (especially with the NSA surveillance leak), but we should actually be comforted by the fact that our God is the ultimate watchtower of our lives, watching us for our well-being. May we live our lives with integrity and purity in light of this reminder that our God is the ultimate watchtower of our lives.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for being the watchtower in our lives. Thank You that Your loving eyes are upon us, both in the good times and in the bad times. We ask for Your eyes of love and hand of protection to be upon us. May we live our lives in a way that is godly and honoring to You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 139:1-12 (ESV): O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. 7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

Question to Consider

What is the psalmist trying to communicate?
What patterns do you notice in this psalm?
Read this psalm in its entirety twice, then pause and ask God to speak to you through this psalm. What is He saying?

Notes

The psalmist is communicating that God is always with him. The key verse is verse 7, where David says that he cannot run away from God’s presence. Whether he goes down to Sheol, or if he ascends up to the heavens, God’s presence is always with him. His eyes are always upon him.
David uses contrasts (opposite ends of the spectrum) to explain this idea that God is always with him. Whether he is in the heavens or in the pits of Sheol, God is with him. Whether he is taken up in the wings of the morning or in the uttermost parts of the sea, God is there leading him. Whether he is in darkness or light, God is there with him. Whether he is laying down or rising, God is with him.
Personal response.

Evening Reflection

How do you react to the fact that God is a watchtower in your life? Does it bring you comfort? Does it bring you peace? Does it bring you anxiety or fear? Bring this up to the Lord and allow Him to minister to you tonight.

December 26, Tuesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Circle of Lies”

Genesis 31:17-21 (ESV)

So Jacob arose and set his sons and his wives on camels. 18 He drove away all his livestock, all his property that he had gained, the livestock in his possession that he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to the land of Canaan to his father Isaac. 19 Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel stole her father’s household gods. 20 And Jacob tricked Laban the Aramean, by not telling him that he intended to flee. 21 He fled with all that he had and arose and crossed the Euphrates, and set his face toward the hill country of Gilead.

In Quantico, a TV show that I recently started watching, the setting of the story is at The Farm—a covert training facility for the CIA, where the CIA operative recruits are trained to deceive others and develop alternative personalities for their missions. It’s insane to think that there are people who can be so skilled at deception, to the point where you could not tell their true story from their cover story. Though you and I may not be professional liars, it’s probably fair to say that we’ve told our share of white lies.

As we continue on in this story, Jacob is currently fleeing from Laban; he deceives Laban by not telling him that he intended to flee. However, after a few days, Laban is told that Jacob had fled, so he takes his people and chases after him for seven days and finally catches up to Jacob. Laban is furious at Jacob, and in their confrontation, he mentions that he is most angry that Jacob had stolen his household gods. Jacob denies it, but little does he know that Rachel had stolen the household gods as they were leaving. Let’s call it as it is—this is a messed up family! There is so much deceit involved. If you recall, in Genesis 29, Jacob serves seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage, but finds out that Laban has deceived him by giving him Leah instead. Thus, he works another seven years for Rachel. Laban deceives Jacob, Jacob deceives Laban, Rachel deceives both Jacob and Laban—the cycle of deception never seems to end.

This passage is a reflection of the ugliness of human sin that breeds distrust and deception. We have seen the destructive nature of deceitfulness and can even share firsthand of experiences in our own relationships with those around us. In fact, it seems as if many of us are unable to share vulnerably and openly with others in the family of God, because of the distrust and deception we might have experienced within our own churches. It might even seem hopeless, as this is human nature, but nevertheless, we have hope in the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

In light of this Christmas season, we look to Jesus—who “committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). This Jesus was the perfect man who died on our behalf, so that we would have His Spirit of Truth dwell within us, compelling us to live a life of truth rather than deceit.

Prayer: Father God, I ask that Your Holy Spirit would purify my lips, that I may be a voice of truth rather than a voice of deceit. Help me to be one who speaks the truth in love, modeling after Your Son Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 9

Lunch Break Study

Read John 16:13-15 (ESV): When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Question to Consider

Read John 16:1-15: what is the context and setting of this passage?
Why is the Holy Spirit described as the “Spirit of truth”?
What truth is the Spirit trying to remind you as we reach the end of 2017?

Notes

Jesus is nearing the end of his earthly ministry and is preparing His disciples for what is to come. He is telling them of this Spirit whom they would receive in place of Him—a Helper who would be the exact same help that Jesus was to them.
I think there lies a deep meaning in the fact that the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of truth, whereas Satan is referred to as the Father of lies. The Holy Spirit leads us in truth and speaks truth to those that will hear, whereas Satan’s aim is to lie and deceive.
Personal response

Evening Reflection

What are ways that you have hurt others or been hurt by others through deception? If anyone or any situation comes to mind, ask God to give you the courage and strength to reconcile with others. Allow the Spirit of Truth to speak freely into the situation.

December 25, Monday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Dealing with Injustice”

Genesis 31:4-7 (ESV)

So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was5 and said to them, “I see that your father does not regard me with favor as he did before. But the God of my father has been with me. 6 You know that I have served your father with all my strength, 7 yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me.

When I was a kid, I would throw temper tantrums if I felt like I was being mistreated. Once, some family friends were over and we were playing video games. It was my turn to play, but my friend would not give up the controller. Feeling slighted, I could not let this injustice to continue unaddressed. So I ended up wrestling with him and eventually biting him because he wouldn’t let go of the controller. Today, I am proud to say I handle any injustice committed against me in a much milder manner.

How do you deal with injustice that you feel was committed against you? In Genesis 31, we see that Jacob has come to a place where he is fed up with his father-in-law who has deceived him in so many different ways. And now Jacob feels the rising hostility of Laban and his sons against him because his flock is doing much better than theirs.

Although this passage is not meant to be a prescriptive one, (meaning it is not meant to be a passage teaching us how we ought to react to injustices), it does tell a story of injustice that was unfolding between Jacob and Laban. Jacob ends up taking his household and all of his flock and leaving town. He does not retaliate or lash out in revenge, but trusts that God has protected him and his household all this time. He trusts that God is the ultimate judge.

Perhaps you have a boss that has been unfair to you, or a professor that seems to grade in an unfair manner. Maybe you have friends or family members who continue to deceive you and treat you horribly. Or maybe you are sick of the great injustices of this world. So how do you react to injustice? Again, this is not a prescriptive passage, but it is helpful for us to consider how we react towards injustices. Do we feel the need to retaliate? Do we feel the need to stay silent? I do believe that different injustices require different responses. Sometimes we do need to speak out and act out against injustice, and other times we need to hold our tongues. However, the truth of this passage is that God sees everything. He will be the final judge, and we can take solace in the fact that His justice is perfect.

In light of this Christmas season, we look to Jesus – who endured the ultimate injustice without retaliation. Isaiah 53:7 says, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”

Prayer: Father God, we recognize and repent for the way our sin has created so many injustices in this world. We repent because we are complicit and implicit offenders of your perfect justice. Particularly in areas where we feel the brunt of injustice, give us the grace and humility to respond like you would. But ultimately, we ask that you give us peace and trust in your perfect justice. May the fullness of your kingdom come quickly! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 8 and Luke 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Question to Consider

Who is this child that Isaiah the prophet is talking about?
What does this passage say about what His reign will be like?
Reflect on what these names mean to you: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Notes

In light of Christmas, this is a popular passage that reminds us that the prophets were looking to the Son of God who was born into this world – Jesus Christ, who has come to establish His perfect government.
We see that there will be no end to his reign. It will be full of peace, and His perfect justice and His perfect righteousness will be the bedrock of this government.
Personal Reflection.

Evening Reflection

Did you struggle with injustice that was committed against you or against others? Bring these things to the Lord in prayer and reflect upon them. How has God called you to respond to injustice and be the one who represents His justice in this world?

December 24, Sunday

The AMI QT Devotionals from December 17 to 24 are provided by Pastor Yohan Lee of Remnant Church, New York City. Yohan graduated from University of Pennsylvania and Cairn University, where he studied theology. He is married to Mandie, and they have four adorable children.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“They Came”

Luke 2:8-12

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Good morning! Since it is Christmas Eve, I thought I’d break from our Genesis study to give us a little Christmas devotional. But a little warning—this might seem like a series of random thoughts, but it’ll come together in the end.

I think we are all familiar with the term FOMO (fear of missing out). I have the opposite problem: At my old church, people would often make a joke that I had JOMO (joy of missing out), because I never wanted to go anywhere or do anything. I never feared missing out on something potentially amazing, because I’m not easily awed, and I’d probably be more content having a relaxing evening at home—I know, it’s like I’m 70 already!

As I was writing this morning’s devotional, I asked my wife why, of all the people in Bethlehem, God would choose to tell these shepherds about the birth of his Son. My wife jokingly commented that this is what God told the shepherds: “Hey, you guys with the sheep, you don’t seem so busy, so why don’t you go visit that manger over there—there is something cool inside.” But it got me thinking…perhaps my wife was on to something. Perhaps, the reason God invited these shepherds is that He knew they would actually come and celebrate the birth of His Son. As I thought about it more, I wondered if I would have come. I’d like to believe that if angels came and lit up the sky, I’d be prone to listen to them. But at the same time, my JOMO might start to kick in, or I’d be like, I’m already in my pajamas, I’m settled for the night. Perhaps I would have missed out.

Before I had kids, I wondered why in the world parents would want visitors right after their new baby was born. I mean, come on, mom just gave birth: she’s tired, hasn’t really cleaned herself up, they are just learning to take care of this new life, etc. So why would you want guests? But after having kids, I realized how proud parents are to show off their new baby—to any and everyone who would want to come. Now, visiting newborns is one of my favorite aspects of being a pastor; I love blessing the baby and the new parents. And most of the times, the parents are so thankful to have me come by—you can see the excitement as they show off their new child. Perhaps the reason God invited the shepherds that evening is because He wanted to share His Son and His joy with them, knowing that they would not turn down His invitation. As we head into Christmas (and really all of Christian life), do you see how God invites you to share His Son and His joy with you? Let’s thankfully accept this invitation and not miss out on what God has for us!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son into the world to save us. Thank You that You also want to share Your joy with us. Help me to see and respond to Your invitation, so that I can share in Your joy and Your presence. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 7