August 25, Friday

The AMI QT Devotionals for August 24-25 are written by Jonathan Moon, who serves as a staff at Radiance Christian Church (S.F). Jonathan is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is married to Stephanie and they have a toddler named Elijah.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

A Portrait of Dedicated Missionaries

1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 1:29

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God; for this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

As my wife and I pray about going to the mission field, we’re trying to figure out what it means to be a missionary and what missionary work looks like. Being in Cuba and staying in Pastor Gustavo and Angela’s home (with their two young daughters) gave me a glimpse of what that looks like.

First, what stands out about them is their love for God and the Cubans. This was readily visible in the way they talked about their ministry and how they desire to glorify God in all things with thankfulness; as they shared, they constantly had smiles on their faces, even though life in Cuba isn’t easy for foreigners. To give you an idea, these are a few examples: they were using a dial-up connection since Wi-Fi is not allowed inside; supply of certain foods is inconsistent (milk, for instance, may not be available for months); then there is a constant security concern due to government monitoring.

But none of this seems to affect this missionary couple who is obviously overworked: Gustavo, who heads the seminary, oversees all the operations, including leading worship and prayer meetings, and disciples and cares for 71 seminary students. Angela wakes up early to prepare breakfast and lunch, takes care of the girls, and she is constantly translating materials from Korean to Spanish for the next teacher who will come the following week, as well as interpret for the current teacher!

So often, we grumble when we have to serve the church. We feel that after having served once or twice a week, we have done our “duty” and no one should dare to ask us to do more. We have a hard time letting go of our free time or saying no to fun events in order to serve the church or attend a church event. But what if we realize that NONE of that is more important than God? What if we realize that our friends can wait, our free time is not that precious, work is work, and God will take care of us? What if we live our lives wholly and completely devoted to Him, where we give Him everything and not just the small moments that we spare for Him? What impact would that make? What would we be able to do for the Kingdom? I guess we won’t know it until we actually dare to live it.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ who left the glory of heaven to dwell among men to save them. I also thank You for people like Pastor Gustavo and Angela for their dedication, sacrifice, passion, and obedience to God. Help me to let go of my sense of entitlement to live more fully for You.
Amen.

Bible Reading for Isaiah 13

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 3:4-11: If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Questions to Consider

Would you say that the apostle Paul had a lot to give up in order to “take up his cross and follow” Christ (Lk. 9:23)? What were some of his credentials (cf. Gal. 1:13-14)?
In what sense does Gustavo and Angela capture Philippians 3:8 in which Paul talks about counting everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus?
What is the ultimate goal of giving up that which was beneficial to me before: to produce more fruits for Christ or to know Him better.

Notes

Paul had many things going for him: he was a leading Pharisee, an immaculate keeper of the law, And a true Jew who was also very well-educated (Acts 22:3).
There is something to be said about Pastor Gustavo and Angela’s dedication, sacrifice, passion, and obedience to God. They have embodied Philippians 3:8 and have counted all as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, for whose sake they have lost all things.
The ultimate goal is to know Christ better by a way of identifying with His great suffering through our small suffering for His sake.

Evening Reflection

Though we are not all called to be missionaries overseas, we are all called to be missionaries where we are. Before we go to bed tonight, let’s ask ourselves these questions: What am I doing to expand God’s Kingdom where I am? Am I serving as little as I can or want, or is God’s work my main priority? Am I ready to count it all as loss for Christ? Spend some time in a reflective prayer.

August 24, Thursday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

Finding Joy in an Unlikely Place

Acts 2:42, 46-47

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. . .. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.

Last month, I went to Cuba with great excitement to see what God was doing and be trained under Dr. Ryun who went there to teach at a seminary. Cuba was what I had imagined: the cars were old, the infrastructure was outdated and in poor condition, technology was lacking, and the signs of poverty were very evident.

However, after a week of spending our days worshiping, fellowshipping, and teaching, I was amazed and encouraged by what God was doing in the lives of the 71 seminarians. It felt like I was living out the experiences of the early church of Acts: “Devot[ing] themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Every day, these students, many pastors and church leaders, would get up at 5:30 a.m. to pray and worship together. The fervor of their prayers and the joy in their singing was clear, as their voices roared throughout the seminary. A short devotional followed this, and then they broke bread together. After breakfast, they got ready for a grueling day of five sessions of lectures on different courses. What was encouraging was seeing that each session started with a prolonged time of worship and praise, and that they went through whole the day with an eagerness to learn.

And everything—singing, dancing, learning—was done with so much joy. In a country where things are lacking, the heat and humidity are suffocating, and poverty is rampant, you would expect complaining, dissatisfaction, and unhappiness, but not in the believers that we met. On the contrary, their hearts were filled with joy, and they relied on God for their daily spiritual and physical sustenance, trusting that God will take care of them as He takes care of the lilies of the field (Matt. 6:25-34).

How about us, whose privileged life is unfathomable to Cubans? Are you filled with joy? Is knowing God sufficient for us, or do we seek the things of this world to satisfy our needs and provide us with a false sense of security? Let us worship God and sing to Him even though life may seem hard, or those around us are more successful than us.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for grumbling and complaining about life, despite all that You have done for me. Remind me how much joy and fun worship can be; show me what it really means to have joy in the Lord. Thank You once again for Your Son Jesus who willingly took my place to give me life eternal.
Amen.

Bible Reading for Isaiah 12

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 1:12-19: I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance . . ..

Questions to Consider

What made Paul’s circumstance a difficult situation to have joy?
Despite his trying circumstances, what gave Paul joy?
What present circumstance facing you is robbing you of joy? Identify its cause and process it through God’s abundant measure of grace, mercy, and love towards you.

Notes

First, he was under a house arrest in Rome (no freedom) that would last for two years (Acts 28:30); second, some of Paul’s colleagues were actually glad that he was in prison because it gave them opportunities to preach the gospel with the wrong motive of shining before men.
First, Paul saw this house arrest as a blessed opportunity to share Jesus with his captors. It’s as if Paul was saying, “I’m not chained to them…They are chained to me!” (David Alas). The second reason for his joy was his eventual deliverance from the present predicament.
Personal response

Evening Reflection

Joy is inward disposition while happiness is circumstantial (like your favorite team winning the championship). As you review your day, how was your joy in the Lord? Ask the Lord for greater joy to permeate your life as you strive to live for Him tomorrow.

August 23, Wednesday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

Rain Clouds

Acts 13:48-52 (ESV)

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

At the end of the youth camp in Vietnam, we took all of the children (the same ones from yesterday’s zombie apocalypse and more) to a large water park in a neighboring city of Ho Chi Minh City. The kids had been looking forward to it all week. As we rolled into the parking lot of the park that morning, we could see their cute faces brimming over with excitement.

And thankfully enough, the children got along well and were having a blast with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The day ran swimmingly, all until about 1PM, when we noticed that the sky had turned an ominous shade of gray and felt the grumbling of a rain cloud from a distance. Rain was coming. Before we knew it, it began to downpour over the park. I turned to the local staff to watch for a cue, expecting them to signal for everyone to head indoors. Instead, I witnessed the leaders embrace the warm rainfall and head towards the biggest water slide in the park with the children. I followed their example and as I zipped down the slide, I realized that the rainfall was not harsh and cold, but surprisingly gentle, warm, and even enjoyable. At first, I thought the rain would be a setback and the cause of an early end to our perfect day. However, to our delight, it did not stop us from continuing in a memorable day of fellowship.

In our passage today, Paul and Barnabus also face an unwelcome rain cloud. We read that the two had been running a fruitful ministry, through which many Gentiles (the very people they had journeyed to reach) were coming to faith. But, when the Jewish leaders caught wind of this, they ended Paul and Barnabus’ “successful” ministry and drove the two out of Pisidia. Instead of seeing this as a setback to their ministry, the two became filled with the Holy Spirit and continued onto Iconium and Lystra to preach the gospel. The persecution Paul and Barnabus faced was no gentle rain and a “setback,” at the least. However, we see that the filling of the Holy Spirit produced supernatural joy and perseverance in the midst of trial and suffering. Many times, when we feel hard-pressed, we are tempted to quit early. This morning, let’s recognize the unforeseen rain clouds in our lives and ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit to press on.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 11

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Questions to Consider

The writer is probably not prescribing blind happiness, which would be ignorance. What type of joy is he talking about?
When I think about the “will of God,” I usually spend my time pondering what my next step in life is. However, what is the will of God for all believers in this passage?

Notes

The joy of the Lord comes from our intimate relationship with Him and the promises of God that He will never forsake us (Deut. 31:8). It takes active faith and trust to be joyful in suffering.
To choose to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances. If read quickly, this can seem overly simplistic and impossible. However, for a believer who is on the journey of faith, this is a beautiful calling that will bring glory to God.

Evening Reflection

As you think about your day, did you experience God’s presence and promise over seemingly setbacks in life? Let’s ask the Lord to continue to build our faith in Him.

August 22, Tuesday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

“The Joy of the Lord”

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

This summer, I was part of a short-term mission’s team to Vietnam with AMI and served under Pastor Phi and his wife, Mai, for about two weeks. It was an incredible experience in which I witnessed God moving powerfully during times of worship and speak supernaturally through the prophetic prayers of those who were then strangers.

I’m not sure whether I will always remember what types of breakthrough came during these powerful moments, but I will never forget Mai’s relentless and life-giving smile. During the last day of our youth camp, I was tasked with waking up the children who were napping in the auditorium during our lunch break. For a lack of a better illustration, the next scene felt like a zombie apocalypse of little children. In a matter of three seconds, the hundreds of children who were sleeping ever-so- peacefully on the auditorium floor, all jumped to their feet and began running around and screaming in excitement. I remember standing there with my mouth agape, looking at my team members who held very similar expressions on their faces, wondering if and how we were going to get through the day. However, when I looked up, I saw Mai walking onto the stage with a microphone in hand, a hop in her step, and a smile as big as the children’s. In that moment, I felt the presence of God. I realized that it was not ministry experience, physical stamina, or even grit, which would get us through the day; it was going to be the joy of the Lord.

In today’s passage, Nehemiah addresses the Israelites who were mourning and repenting in response to the Word of God. He tells them to stop grieving and, instead, to worship and share their abundance with those in need. The fuel behind their worship and service was revealed to be the joy of the Lord.

I’m sure Mai was physically tired, probably more than we were; but, the same joy that fueled Nehemiah was empowering her love for these children, many who had traveled long distances to attend the camp. Even in the midst of tiredness and unexpected circumstances, she received excitement and energy from the heart of God, which became her strength. So today, don’t get easily upset over small annoyances; instead, be joyful in the Lord and serve others.

Prayer: Lord, I confess that I often forget to ask for the joy of the Lord to be my strength. Thank You for the reminder that the true source of strength, stamina, grit, and positivity is not found in myself but in my relationship with You. Please fill me with a greater measure of joy today.
Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:11-3: Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Questions to consider

What are some seasons in Paul’s life in which he might’ve felt he was “abounding”? What are some seasons he was “brought low”?
What is Paul’s secret of facing both types of seasons?
Where are you finding your strength to get through the rest of your day?

Notes

Paul experienced great joy and satisfaction when the churches he planted bore great fruit (1 Thess. 2). At the same time, Paul was no stranger to being “brought low,” as he was heavily persecuted throughout his lifetime.
Paul’s secret was to focus not on himself, but in the Lord. He was not the creator nor the giver but the recipient of contentment and strength from the Lord.
Personal response.

Evening Reflection

When we think of joy, we are prone to focus solely on our own joy and contentment. However, we learned today that our joy in the Lord could be encouraging and contagious to others. Where is one area of your life where you can be less of a bystander and more of an agent of joy and hope?

August 21, Monday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1 John 3:18-20 (NIV 1984)

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongues but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20 whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”

When facing a temptation—like looking at porn or spreading rumors—recognizing the choice between sinning and not sinning isn’t as hard as choosing not to sin. What’s difficult is having to choose between two seemingly valid options. Consider the following example which I wrote while attending seminary in Southern California.

“Last Wednesday, I was once again fighting the traffic to get to my 8 am class. The ride to the school, located about 30 miles from my home, usually takes anywhere from 45 minutes to one and a half hours. I try to be on time out of respect for my professor and to avoid my grade being docked for tardiness. That morning, as I was cruising fast, I saw an elderly man pushing his stalled car off the road; I continued to drive. Immediately, however, my conscience began to bother me: Well, what is more important: my grade or helping that man out? So, I made a U‑turn to return to him, only to find that he was already being helped. Although I was late to my class, again, I didn’t feel as bad as other times because I felt like I had made the right decision (though a tad late).”

After citing this incidence that happened some 30 years ago, I began to feel that perhaps I had patted myself on the back for no good reason, and as a result, my readers would frown on me. But then I realized that that is my point: as believers, we should cultivate a sensitive conscience so that we don’t feel totally satisfied with the good that we’ve done, either because we could’ve done it better (e.g., stopping for the elderly man right away) or chosen another action that is better.

Facing such situation, John tells us to find rest for our condemned hearts in God who is greater than our hearts—meaning, don’t seek satisfaction or escape from guilt by justifying our actions, however good or almost good they may be, but throw yourself at God’s mercy. John says that God knows everything—meaning, He knows you tried, He knows you feel bad, and He knows you love Him. With that in mind, “let us not love with words or tongues but with actions and in truth” today.

Prayer: Dear God, I’ve failed to reflect Your light to the world so many times. At the same time, I’ve tried to justify my standing before You with good deeds, which shows how deficient my understanding of Your grace and mercy is. Thank You for being always being gracious and merciful towards me. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 18:9-14: To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Questions to Consider

In light of 1 John 3:18-20, how would you advise the Pharisee who was quite confident of his own “Christian” performance?
In light of 1 John 3:18-20, how would you advise the tax collector who felt so miserable over what he failed to carry out?
What is your main struggle? Is it more like that of the Pharisee or the tax collector? Pray about what action to take in order to find peace for your troubled heart.

Notes

An example of an advice: “Mr. Pharisee, while ‘you give a tenth of your spices . . . you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness’ (Mt. 23:23). Therefore, don’t feel too good about yourself by selectively appraising your life; instead, throw yourself at God’s mercy.”
An example of an advice: “Mr. tax collector, you did the wise thing by throwing yourself at God’s grace and mercy since you’ve done little to please Him. Now that you have been ‘justified before God’, I urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain’ (2 Cor. 6:1). From now on, ‘produce fruit in keeping with repentance’ (Mt. 3:8)—‘not with words or tongues but with actions and in truth’.”
Personal response.

EVENING REFLECTION

Looking back to your entire day, did you experience feeling guilty or ashamed? Was it over a sin or genuine mistake on your part, or something good that you could have done better or should have done? Before vowing to do better tomorrow, thereby feeling better about yourself by your deed, let’s find our rest in God. Throw yourself at God’s mercy and repeat what the tax collector told God: “‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner and someone who doesn’t produce as good a fruit as I should.”

August 20, Sunday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided Jasmin Izumikawa. Jasmin, a member of the Church of Southland, is currently a high school teacher.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

Perseverance in Prayer

John 17:1
“He lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you . . .’”

On a recent flight, I watched a movie on the plane that began with a scene of a reporter asking “Miss Elliot, aren’t you scared? Given the history, given the dangers?” Elliot replied, “Of course. I’m scared that I might let the mission down in some way. . .. Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” Her answer caused me to think about the conflicts and fears that I had been holding onto rather than lifting up to the LORD in prayer. This of course seems like a normal reaction by most of us who “fix our eyes . . . on what is seen, [not] on what is unseen” (1 Cor. 4:18).

How did our Lord Jesus handle his mission when one wrong move (think the temptation of Jesus by the devil) could have destroyed everything, thereby ensuring that humans would be forever lost in their sins? Jesus, as he was about to offer his last prayer before the crucifixion, “lifted up His eyes to heaven”; instead of allowing the suffering and death which lay before his sight to turn him away from obeying God’s will (Mt. 26:39), he fixated His eyes on the unseen: that is, the Father and His will which he came to fulfill.

What a beautiful stance to take—taking a position of humility, hope, and faith towards the LORD, in spite of the reality of such sorrow. It takes a deep and loving relationship with the Father for us to pour out our prayers even in the greatest difficulties.

So, do we pray to acknowledge God’s will above our own requests and conflicts in life? Do we pray with tenacity, especially when difficulty lies ahead? Perhaps there is something you have stopped praying about after long periods of wholehearted effort, or maybe you have grown weary of praying over the same problems after all this time. Take heart and lift your prayers again and again to the LORD, because we must commit to prayer rather than neglect our conversations with the Lord.

Remember, it takes perseverance in prayer to be effective and victorious, as evidenced by the parable of the persistent widow (Lk. 18:1-8) which begins with these words of Jesus: “They should always pray and not give up.” Let us take the stance of a believer who has truly received the gift of eternal life by our loving Father, and lift up our voices in deep and steadfast prayer.

Prayer: LORD, thank you for the gift of eternal life. Thank you for being my loving Father and for hearing my prayers. Cover me with your grace and love so that I may be a channel of mercy and blessing to my spouse, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Fill me with kindness so that I may bring Your words to those around me with gentleness and humility. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 8

August 19, Saturday

Today’s AMI Devotional is written by Mei Lan Thallman who serves at Grace Covenant Church, Philadelphia. Her husband Pastor Kirt and Mei Lan are proud parents of Nate (14) and Naomi (12).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

Bucking NO More

Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body.31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Bucking Horse Summer is a prime time for weddings. This year we’ve received six wedding invitations and have been to three already. Over six years of shepherding the young adult congregation at GCC, we have walked many dating couples through dating and premarital counseling, and have ultimately been a part of their wedding date.I always cry tears of joy and celebration at these weddings, recalling each couples’ unique struggles and journeys that have brought them to this sacred moment of making a lifelong commitment to each other as husband and wife.

My husband and I celebrated our 21st year anniversary this June. Floods of memories brought me back to that special day, but the one that stood out the most to me was God’s transforming power in my life as a bride. The pastor who married us in Taiwan knew both of us very well—he was our pastor, Kirt’s mentor as a seminary intern, and my boss (I served two years under him as church secretary). In our marriage sermon, he described me as a bucking horse whose natural tendency is to buck and kick at my husband’s attempt to lead me. As funny as I must admit this illustration was, our pastor spoke out of love, wisdom and prophetic insight. For many years in my marriage I unwisely resisted, challenged and rebelled against my husband’s leadership, rather than cooperate with his love for me to lead us before the Lord.

By God’s unrelenting grace and love, and much credit to my husband’s persevering trust and commitment to Christ, they never gave up on me nor did they allow me to stay in my dysfunctional and destructive old self, thought and behavior patterns. They stood by my side through my darkest moments and gave me the courage to face and overcome past brokenness. Together they loved me to love life abundantly and encouraged me continually to becoming the woman God created me to be. I am far from reaching perfection, but I am proud to testify before the world that my God is not through with me yet. I am His work in progress, until I meet him in eternity. Whether you are single or married, male or female, Jesus is your beloved and he is committed 100% to your sanctification of becoming his radiant bride. Please don’t buck his work by resisting his lordship. Surrender to his love and care for you. He is your trustworthy bridegroom.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being our Bridegroom by your unrelenting sacrifice on our behalf; for teaching us how to love and submit by your example to the Father; and for showing us that true freedom and ultimate fulfillment is found under your lordship, protection, provision and unchanging truth. Help us to faithfully cooperate with your sanctifying work in our lives as your radiant bride to the world around us.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 6-7

August 18, Friday

Today’s AMI Devotional is written by Pastor Joshua Kim who serves at the Church of Southland.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

John 15: 4-6
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”

In an effort to live a healthier lifestyle, Christina and I recently subscribed to Blue Apron—a meal delivery service that provides all the ingredients you need to make several meals throughout the week, all shipped in this refrigerated box. The only issue is figuring out a way to preserve your ingredients, the trickiest ingredient in my recent order being basil. You can’t just stick basil in the fridge. What I learned online is that you have to put the stem of the basil leaves in a cup of water, cover the top with a plastic bag to sustain it. But even with this type of complex storage method, we noticed that some of the leaves started to brown before we could use it.

Today’s passage is probably familiar to many of us. It is a source of encouragement to those who feel powerless; it is a call to intimacy, clinging to the true Vine of our lives, the source of everlasting spring of life. But despite our familiarity with the passage, I wonder if we miss out on the full weightiness of Jesus’ words.

I think part of the reason for that is because when Jesus says apart from Me you can do nothing, we see in this world and even in our own lives plenty of time where we are not only able but able to do a lot and succeed in life apart from Christ. It doesn’t appear to us that we really can’t do anything apart from Christ.

But what does it mean to live by faith? Hebrews 11 teaches us that faith is believing in the things that we hope for and certain of what we do not see. In other words, if we are to live by faith, we not only trust and hope for the positive things that Jesus promises us, but we also have to seriously heed the warnings as well. Often we focus on the promises of blessing but can soften the warnings of disobedience. And here, Jesus teaches us that a life lived apart from Him equates to nothing: no fruit. Just like the basil in my Blue Apron kit, it looks as if it is being sustained, but unless it is still attached to the vine, it ultimately shrivels up and becomes unusable.

Brothers and sisters, we must take Jesus’ words seriously: apart from Me you can do nothing. This means that whatever we think we have accomplished on our own means nothing in eternity. And if we do not bear fruit by being attached to the true Vine, then we will be cut off and cast into the fire. May we be a people whose primary concern of life be our intimate love relationship with the true Vine.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for giving people like us—worthless, sinful people—an opportunity to be grafted into Your Vine so that we may bear fruit. Thank You for the opportunity to find true meaning in life. Forgive us for softening Your words; may we not only believe in faith the promise of fruit but heed the warning of a life apart from You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 5

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10: For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on[a] we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Questions to Consider

What comes to mind when you consider the difference between at tent and a house? How does this help you to understand what Paul is talking about in verse 1-5?
In verses 6-10, Paul discusses what it’s like to live in the body versus what it will be like to be with the Lord. What will not change in terms of the purpose of our lives according to Paul?
Upon reflection and study of this passage, what does it mean for you to live by faith and not by sight?

Notes

When you consider a tent, you know that it is only a temporary shelter, and thus, the discomforts of a tent is more manageable because you know it is only temporary. Versus a house, which signifies a permanence, comfort, a place of belonging. Paul is contrasting the necessary yet temporary part of our life here on earth. But what allows us to always be of good courage (v.6) is that we know it is only temporary. God has promised us an eternal, heavenly dwelling.
There is a sense of incompleteness. I don’t think Paul is saying that when we are in the body, we are cut off from God; the rest of scripture teaches us the opposite. But there is a sense where we have yet to experience while we are in the body, the fullness of God. In other words, there is more we can expect in faith. Of course the preference is that we are with the Lord, but we also trust that God has a perfect timing for this. No matter what condition we are in, Paul teaches us that our aim, our purpose in life is to please the Lord. In other words, our life is meant to be in relation with God, whether here on earth or in heaven.
Personal response. Try to be specific – in what areas of your life are you relying more on what you see than what our faith testifies.

Evening Reflection

One of the greatest challenges of walking by faith and not by sight is that what we see is unavoidable—it’s right there in front of us. This is why prayer is so important. Prayer is how we see a perspective greater than our own. As you prepare for the end of your day, spend some time with the Lord and commit a specific way of how you will start the next day that will help you to walk by faith. Ask for His help to fight the temptation of relying on our own sight.

August 17, Thursday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional is written by Pastor Shan Gian (Fenway Site Pastor, Symphony Church).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

“The Great Staircase”

Psalm 61:1-3

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; 2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, 3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

I’m typically not one to enjoy touristy sites, but a few years ago I had the privilege of going with a group of people to the Great Wall of China. It was a beautiful sight; we not only got to see the wall up close and personal, but we got to walk on the surface itself and climb up to the highest point.

It was a great experience, but what we visited that day was not a great wall, but rather (as Pastor Young puts it) “The Great Staircase”. To reach the highest point, we must have climbed something to the tune of 40 flights of stairs. It was physically exhausting.

But what made this trip up the Great Stairs of China especially painful was that as we went up the stairs, we could see what we thought was the summit of the Wall. So even though we were getting tired, in our minds, we kept thinking, “At least we just have to get to that part.” But when we got to “the top”, we discovered the stairs didn’t end there; there was another long stretch of stairs to go until we reached the actual summit. So again, we’d push ourselves to get the “real” summit, but when we got there, that wasn’t it! Yet another long stretch to go. We repeated this at least 5 times over. Get to the top, it’s not the top. Keep going. Get to the top, bamboozled again. Keep going. We were so close to giving up not just because we were physically tired but because our spirits were constantly being crushed.

When David says in Psalm 61, “Lead to the rock that is higher than I,” I think he might have understood my Great Wall experience. In his life and in our lives, we seek to ascend different summits: the summit of education, the summit of career, the summit of material wealth, the summit of relationships, etc. But every time we reach one of these summits, we discover that it’s not the top, and then we have to keep going to the next summit. This happens over and over again because any summit we can reach is never high enough, and the results are just like my Great Wall experience: tiring and spirit-crushing.

I think David asks God to lead him to a rock that was higher than himself, because he had experienced the same letdown of reaching his own summits and heights on his own power. David knew that only God could take him to a place where he would be secure. He knew that only God could lead him to the ultimate summit.

As we reflect on these words from David, consider what summits we’ve been trying to reach in our own lives. Let us lay down those pursuits that tire us and crush our spirits and ask God to lead us to the rock that is higher than us.

Prayer: Jesus, I pray that you will lead me to places where only you can take me. I lay down my own pursuits and ambitions and recognize that I will only find joy and contentment with you. Lead me to you, Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 10:17-22: And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Questions to Consider

What summits had this man already ascended?
Why does Jesus tell him to sell all that he had and give to the poor?
How do we see the grace of Jesus in this passage? How can we experience that grace in our own failures?

Notes

This “rich young ruler” should be commended in a few ways. He (at least in his own view) lived a very moral life in keeping all of these commandments. Also, in going to Jesus, he was seeking eternal life. Finally, in the eyes of the world at least, he was commendable in that he had great wealth.
Jesus’ concern for this man was not that he lacked compassion for the poor, but rather it was his attachment to his possessions. This young man had achieved great things in many respects, but in reaching his summit of wealth, he was not willing to let it go in order to reach higher heights and the far greater riches of the treasures in heaven.
It says in verse 21 that Jesus looked at this young man and loved him. As we study this passage, we notice that this young man is a classic example of someone we all might dislike because he was young, proud and rich. But Jesus, in spite of knowing all of this young man’s flaws and sins, looks at him with eyes of love and grace. We are not very different from this rich man, and like him we are often unwilling to lay down our pride or achievements or riches; but Jesus looks at us with the same eyes of love and grace. In our own failures, all we need to do is to seek the love and grace that Jesus reserves for us.

Evening Reflection

Do you feel worn out and tired by life? Do you feel like you have striven to succeed but getting nowhere? Perhaps, you’ve been reaching for heights that pale in comparison to the rock that God wants to lead you to. Tonight, surrender your life and heart to God, and ask for Him to lead you.

August 16, Wednesday

The AMI QT Devotionals for August 14-16 are provided by Joanna Tzen, who graduated from U. Penn and currently works in Philadelphia. Her husband Paul and Joanna attend and serve at Grace Covenant Church.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

Murphy Was Wrong!

Genesis 41:14

Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, and he was quickly brought from the prison. After he shaved and changed his clothes, he went in and stood before Pharaoh. 15 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.”16 “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”

You might have already heard of Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” While the so-called law doesn’t exactly come from the Bible, it appears that Murphy wasn’t completely off base when we examine the life of Joseph. As if being sold into slavery by his own brothers wasn’t bad enough, Joseph was thrown into jail on false charges as a result of his faithfulness to God at Potiphar’s house. There, after meeting two prisoners who had served as Pharaoh’s chief baker and cupbearer, Joseph was able to interpret their dreams. He hoped he would be remembered by the cupbearer whose dream of freedom he had interpreted correctly, but “the chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him” (Gn. 40:23). Joseph waited two more years before being remembered and then summoned to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Always spiritually alert no matter what the circumstances, Joseph attributes his gifting to God. And this is where Joseph’s life parts company with Murphy’s Law: after interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, he is lauded for his wisdom and appointed second in command of Egypt.

Even though we know Joseph’s happy ending, we can’t help but wonder what he thought as each day passed. As doubts crept into Joseph’s mind, he returned to the promises of God as his only hope. It was not the promise that he would one day rule over others as his dream predicted, but he clung to the hope of a faithful and trustworthy God. In fact, it appears that Joseph had long forgotten the dream, for it was when he saw his brothers for the first time in over 20 years that “he remembered his dreams about them” (Gn. 42:8).

What waiting period do you find yourself in today? Let’s return the promises of God when we are waiting and tempted to lose hope. As our hope is restored, we find strength to be faithful in our present circumstances. God continuously shapes and molds our character in the seasons of waiting. We saw how God used that waiting period to shape Joseph from a proud and impetuous boy, to a wise and humble man. When Joseph rose to power, he was no longer proud; but his faith was solidly founded on the One who had not failed him.

Prayer: God, I confess that I feel weak and hopeless in my season of waiting. Lift my eyes above the mountains to the One who can move them. Thank you for the unconditional love demonstrated on the cross. Remind me that You are working in my time of waiting.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 21:1: The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. 2 She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. 3 And Abraham named their son Isaac. 4 Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. 5 Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.Read Genesis 21:1: The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. 2 She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. 3 And Abraham named their son Isaac. 4 Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. 5 Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.

Questions to Consider

Who kept his word?
Who decreed the timing of Isaac’s birth?
What can we learn about our own character and God’s character during our waiting?

Notes

The Lord kept His word, and did exactly what He promised in bringing Abraham and Sarah a child.
Verse 2 says Isaac’s birth happened at just the time God said it would.
25 years had passed between God’s promise to Abraham in Gen 12 to Isaac’s birth in Genesis 21. God was refining Abraham’s character in that time, as had always trusted in his own schemes rather than in God’s promises. Abraham learned that God is trustworthy and His way is better than what we have planned in our own efforts.

Evening Reflection

Lord, remind me of what You are doing in my waiting season. You are refining my faith and shaping my character to reflect Christ. Remind me that waiting is not purposeless, and that there is joy coming in the end. Jesus’ death and resurrection shows me that You are for me and with me. Amen.