REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on August 16, 2018.  A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Yoked Part 1 – We’re All Yoked”

Jeremiah 27:1-2

In the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah[a] the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord. 2 Thus the Lord said to me: “Make yourself straps and yoke-bars, and put them on your neck.”

A major pillar of modern and post-modern society is the concept of “freethought”. This viewpoint contends that an individual’s thinking should be free from authority and tradition. A person should be free to make their own choices, to determine their own futures, and to form their opinions. This value is quite evident in many movies and TV shows, in which main characters are applauded for unshackling themselves from convention and authority (think: Frozen, or really any other recent Disney movies).

However, in this world where freethought is the highest ideal, we are being blasted on all sides to yoke ourselves to something. Advertisements implore us to yoke ourselves to certain values and thus buy certain products. TV shows subconsciously yoke us to certain patterns of thought and ideas of morality. Marvel yokes us to their fictional universe, making us feel incomplete if we miss any movie they produce. TED videos persuade us to yoke ourselves to certain ideas. These different forces lead us, mold us, and influence our decisions.

The reality is that we are all yoked to something. If you’ve been wondering all along what a “yoke” is, it’s a tool used to control beasts of burden like oxen. Oxen or horses are yoked together to pull some sort of load. A yoked animal is an animal that is being influenced and led by a driver. We are all influenced and being led by something. Freeing ourselves from all yokes, while considered the highest ideal in our society, is an impossibility. Thus, rather than trying to rid ourselves of all yokes, we need to be careful to yoke ourselves to that which is best.

Jeremiah was warning the Israelites to yoke themselves to God’s plan, which surprisingly meant being yoked to Babylon. Yet, God knew what was best for the Israelites, while the Israelites were constantly being yoked to ideas or plans that they thought best. We will continue to talk about this idea of being yoked over the next few days, but for today, let’s take a careful look at our lives and ask ourselves, “To whom or to what are we yoked? Who or what is influencing us?” Invite God to search your heart as you answer this question for yourself.

Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to see the yokes that have been placed over us. Sometimes we are unaware of how we are being influenced by the ideas and values that surround us, whether co-workers or TV characters or advertisements or anything else. Help us to see these yokes so that, in removing them, we can instead take on the yoke that is best. 

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Timothy 1

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Lunch Break Study  

Read Psalm 139:23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart!Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Questions to Consider

• What is the author of this psalm asking God to do for him?
• What do you think it means for God to lead us “in the way everlasting”?
• Invite God to show you any “grievous way” inside of you.

Notes

• The author is asking God to search his heart, to know his thoughts. This can be a dangerous prayer! God can see straight through us, even seeing things in us that we do not realize. Yet, this is a prayer that will help us to see the things that influence us away from God.
• For God to lead us in the way everlasting means for God to lead us His way. Our own ways and the ways of the world are temporary since they lead to death, but God’s way is everlasting. Asking God to lead us in His way is similar to the prayer in Psalm 23, inviting God to be our shepherd – a shepherd who lovingly leads us.
• A grievous way is a way that leads away from God. As mentioned earlier, this could be a yoke influencing us away from God and His plan. Continue to invite God to point out these grievous ways in our hearts.

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Evening Reflection

As we continue to talk about yokes this week, ask God to prepare your heart to truly be yoked to Him. Our God desires us to be yoked to Him and to Him alone. Consciously invite God to remove all yokes that are apart from Him so that we can be ready to truly yoke ourselves to Him.

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on February 18, 2018, is provided by Pastor Shan Gian. Shan, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), is the Lead Pastor of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan.

Spiritual Food for Thought for This Weekend

“Dirty Job”

Genesis 46:31-34

 Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

There used to be a TV show on the Discovery Channel called Dirty Jobs.  The title gives the basic premise of the show.  The host would go around the country and join actual workers for a day, doing their “dirty jobs,” jobs that were uncomfortable, hazardous, or disgusting and sometimes all of the above.  Some of the examples of the dirty jobs that he did were sewer inspector, pig farming, mosquito control officer, and diaper cleaner.  None of these jobs are at all appealing, but they are all necessary because someone has to do it.

If the Egyptians had TV and had their own version of Dirty Jobs, they definitely would’ve aired an episode involving shepherds.  We’re told in verse 34 that “every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”  We don’t know why exactly the Egyptians so disliked shepherd, but we can guess that it was mostly due to the fact that shepherding was a dirty job.  Shepherding was a tough job.  It was physically taxing as shepherds were outside all day long and likely slept in tents at night, still tending their flocks.  They were separated from most of the general society, outside city walls.  The work of a shepherd was constant because sheep are very needy and not the brightest of animals.  Shepherds had to lead the sheep to food and water, they had to defend them from predators, help them if they had fallen into a ditch, keep them away from danger.  And of course the job itself was dirty because sheep aren’t exactly the fluffy and white animals that we see in children’s books; they are dirty and smelly and thus so were the shepherds.  We don’t have to wonder too much about why the Egyptians despised shepherds.  

When we consider how despised shepherds were, it’s amazing to think that one of the most prominent and important descriptions of who Jesus is to us is that he is our shepherd.  We can understand that Jesus is our king or that Jesus is our judge.  He is God so he has authority and power, and he is to be revered and honored as such.  And yet, Jesus is our shepherd.  What the Scriptures tell us is that Jesus took on the dirtiest and toughest job and it didn’t just last for one day.  He leads us, his flock, from danger and to food and water.  He helps us when we fall down.  He attends to our needs.  Jesus himself got “dirty” when he took our sin on the cross and he was despised by humanity and separated from God.  Jesus is the good shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep.

This Lord’s Day, let us remember our great shepherd who loves us and did the toughest and dirtiest job imaginable so that we could be with him.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being the good shepherd who laid down is life for us.  You have come into the messiness of my life to show me your love for me.  Thank you Jesus for your amazing love and care for me.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  2 Timothy 6

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on June 9, 2018, is provided by Andy Kim who is the Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco. Andy is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.S.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

Jeremiah 10:23-24

“I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. 24 Correct me, O Lord, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.”

If you were to ask me in college what my future plans were, I could’ve offered you my 5 year, 10 year, and maybe even my 15 year plans; and each plan had milestones to track my progress. 

And so, it wasn’t surprising that I’d have such a hard time accepting my call into ministry. More than giving up financial security and a stable career, or even my well thought out plans, the most difficult part was giving up control. It meant allowing God to redirect all of my life, not just the parts I wanted Him to. For many of us, this is why the call to surrender can be so difficult. 

Jeremiah reminds us in our passage a timeless truth about allowing God to direct our steps. It was clear that every time the Israelites followed their own plans, destruction awaited them. Only when they obeyed and followed God’s leading, did they prosper and live under His blessings. Jeremiah confesses their inability to direct their lives apart from God and the need for God’s intervention. Where does this leave us in our plans? Proverbs 16:3 teaches us to “commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.” God doesn’t condemn us for making plans, because oftentimes our plans may be good. But the heart of this passage teaches us that first and foremost, we must be committed to the Lord. Our hearts, our motivations, and our lives must be fully committed to Him. May we give God complete control over the direction and destination of our plans. May we be open to God’s redirection, knowing that it is always for our better. 

Spend a few moments reflecting on the areas you struggle to give God control. It may be the last thing you want to do, but it is the necessary first step in living by faith. Take some practical steps today as symbolic acts of giving up control. Maybe for some of us it’s turning off our cell phones for a few hours; maybe it’s leaving a chunk of our day unplanned and simply open to be spontaneous with God; or maybe it’s allowing others to do some of the work. Whatever it may be, know that He is in complete control. 

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your plans of redemption and salvation. Your plans have always been to bless me so that I could live a life according to Your calling, not my own. I know that You work for the good of those who love You. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and not my own. I commit all of my plans to You and submit my life to You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 4-5

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on March 2, 2018,  is provided by Rebecca Wong, who, at that time, was serving as a staff at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Family Feuds”

Genesis 50:18-21

His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

What is the first word you associate with the word “dysfunctional”? Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be a glitching laptop, a broken zipper, or even a failing organ. I think most people would think of either “family” or “relationship.” Never in the history of mankind has there ever been a “perfect family”—and I think each and every one of us can personally attest to this.  We can even see dysfunctional families all throughout the Bible: Adam and his wife playing the blame game right at the beginning of time, their son killing his own brother, Abraham’s family tree of adultery, lies, deceit, and betrayal, and David and his sons targeting each other for the throne—just to name a few of the big ones.

While I hope none of us can relate to any of those extreme cases, family feuds happen to all of us and can be some of the hardest to deal with. But I’ve noticed that in Genesis in particular, a lifetime of family drama amazingly ends in some form of resolution. It’s no fireworks or happily ever after, but over time, we see brothers coming together, reunited by some kind of external factor, which is often the burial of their father. Perhaps this is an indication of that time’s cultural norm, but I think it can also set an example for how we can learn to deal with our own family conflicts. In Genesis 50, after Joseph and his brothers bury their father, they seem to follow this trend and reach the “happy ending” of the story. But reality isn’t so grand. People don’t change so quickly, and out of fear and mistrust, Joseph’s brothers lie to him to save their skin. However, what really stands out is Joseph’s response. I don’t know if he was fooled by their lies or simply chose to overlook it, but he counters their fear with love. He calmly points out how God used their mistreatment of him for the good of their whole family in the end, and even goes above and beyond, promising to “provide for [them] and [their] children” (Gen. 50:21).

Sometimes it might feel easier just to cut people out of our lives—and once in a while, it actually might be necessary. However, rather than giving up on people, perhaps we can take a step away from the situation and simply appreciate how God is working, despite the messiness and the drama. And with our eyes fixed on His goodness, perhaps we can gain a new perspective on a situation that hasn’t seemed to change, and seek to coat others in love and generosity.

Prayer: Father, I ask for harmony in my family and relationships. Please give me supernatural patience, that I can be more like You and show generous love when people don’t deserve it, for You do this and more for me every day. Thank You for being so good even in difficult situations. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 3

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Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 3:31-35: Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Questions to Consider

1. Why did Jesus seem to ignore His family?
2. How can we measure our priorities?

Notes

1. Jesus didn’t cut ties with His family. He makes sure His mother is cared for after His death (John 19:26-27). But in this particular passage, Jesus knew it was necessary to draw boundaries. His mission was to do the work of His heavenly Father, and when His earthly family got in the way of that, even going so far as to say He was out of His mind (Mark 3:21), He had to firmly and clearly draw the line.
2. Jesus used His family’s confrontation as a teaching point. He reshaped the worldly view of family values to point to the bigger scheme of God’s work. As believers, we are all now part of the family of God, and this is where our priorities should lie. It’s not that we should ignore or disrespect our parents, but if they get in the way of our obedience to God, we must draw the line and make sure to put God first.

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Evening Reflection

Take some time to think about those things that aren’t “sinful” in your life yet might be distracting you from a fuller life dedicated to God: it could be idle entertainment, your career goals, or family pressure. Lift it up to God and ask Him to work in your heart and relieve you of your attachments to these things, so that as you give it up to Him, He can use you for the betterment of yourself and His kingdom.

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on March 15, 2018, is provided by Joanna Tzen, a friend of AMI, who attended and served at Grace Covenant Church (UC) for a long time. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Waiting”

Luke 2:25 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Waiting is a part of life, whether it’s as simple as waiting for the bus or waiting for God to move in a particular area of our lives. Simeon was waiting to see the Messiah in his lifetime. This passage tells us he was righteous, devout, and filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit moved him to visit the temple courts where he saw Jesus. Verse 29 tells us Simeon was a patient man. He was an old man ready to go home to the Lord was waiting for his time to come. Once he saw Jesus, his purpose was fulfilled.

Have you ever waited with such purpose as Simeon did? I know when I find myself waiting, I get impatient, sometimes borderline hopeless, if I have waited for what I feel like is a long time. It’s easy for me to lose focus on what I am waiting for. 

I currently find myself in a very different kind of waiting season. My husband and I are expecting our first child in April. There is a sense of purpose and expectancy, along with a lot of trepidation, but also joy! It’s a different kind of waiting because there is a due date in sight, but there is still the uncertainty of how life will change after the waiting ends.

I’ve often thought about prayer as birthing something into the spiritual realm. It requires waiting and trusting in God. As I count down the days until my child’s birth, I’m thinking about how my own spiritual birthing experience has prepared me to depend on God in a similar way. 

Is God working in your life right now through a season of waiting? If so, how is He calling you to display the trust and focus that Simeon had in his life as he waited for the Messiah?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me first (1 Jn. 4:19) when I was completely unlovable. Forgive me for the things I have put before You and trusting in others more than I trust You. Remind me of Your faithfulness. Thank you that You never let me go. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 2

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Lunch Break Study

Read Lam. 3:24-6: I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;therefore I will wait for him.”25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;26 it is good to wait quietlyfor the salvation of the Lord.

Questions to Consider

• What does it mean in verse 24 where Jeremiah says, “The Lord is my portion”? 

• Why does this allow Jeremiah to wait?

• What can be learned while waiting? Do you recall what Abraham learned about himself while waiting for the Lord to deliver on His promise 25 years after it was made (Gn. 12:4, 21:5)?

Notes

• This refers to the territories that the tribes of Israel had. The Levites did not have a territory and the Lord was their portion. Jeremiah understands, in the same way, that the Lord is enough for him. The Lord is his security and his provision, much more so than anything that is physical.

• Knowing that the Lord is his portion, allows Jeremiah to wait because he trusts in who the Lord is. He knows the Lord is good (v. 25) and he keeps His promises. This hope (v. 25) allows Jeremiah to wait quietly (v. 26) upon the Lord.

• Abraham tries to fulfill God’s promise through his own human strategy: first, after waiting for 10 years he simply assumes that his servant Eliezar would be his inheritor (Gn. 15:2-3); then later he marries another woman who gives birth to Ishmael whom God rejects as the fulfillment of the promise (Gn. 21:10). What does this show about Abraham, the so-called the father of faith? No one has an unwavering great faith in God; that is to say, if we are to have great faith in Him, it will be the result of falling on our faces many times because of our lack of patience while waiting on God. As God was gracious to Abraham whenever he felt short, thereby never abrogating the promise made to him, it is through God’s infinite grace that we learn to trust Him and His goodness. 

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Evening Reflection

Lord, thank You that You walk with us in every season, particularly in times of waiting. The truth is that all of our waiting pales in comparison to waiting for Jesus. Fortunately for us, Jesus is already here. In every moment of waiting, may we have much joy and peace, because we understand the Messiah has already promised and secured for us our greatest need—a relationship with the Heavenly Father that can never be broken.

REPOST Today’s devotional, updated in 2018, is a revised version of what I first wrote in 1998, when my children were eight, five, and one year old

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Meaning of Raising Three Little Munchkins” 

1 John 4:20-21

If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.

As all parents know, raising children is hard work. Perhaps that’s one reason some choose not to have kids. But, of course, they are missing out—although what I’m about to share probably won’t change their minds! One of the most difficult aspects of parenting, at least for me, is the persistent feeling of guilt. Children inevitably make mistakes, and as parents, we often wrestle with how to respond.

I vividly remember telling one of our kids, “If you treat others the way you treated your sibling today, you could end up in jail one day!” Now, nearly twenty years later, I don’t even recall what my child did. If it had been such a serious offense, wouldn’t I remember it? Perhaps I overreacted. Ironically, just a few days later, I reprimanded the previously offended sibling for saying something cruel to the one who had offended days earlier—though now, I can’t recall what was said either. In both cases, I disciplined them severely, only to later question whether I had been too harsh.

Then Ephesians 6:4 echoed in my mind: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children.” Had I done that?

Other times, I chose mercy instead of discipline—only to question whether I should have intervened. Proverbs 13:24 reminded me, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Then, the worry crept in: Had my misplaced leniency set them on a path toward ruin?

Well, it’s 2018 now, and my children are no longer kids. How are they doing? There’s no definite answer yet, as their lives continue to unfold in their twenties. But one thing I’ve come to understand: We don’t have to be perfect parents for our children to turn out well. Their success is not entirely up to us—it is ultimately in God’s hands. Otherwise, how do we explain Jonathan, a righteous son who stood by his unprincipled father, Saul, until the end?

Looking back, I see that many of my fears stemmed from not fully trusting that God could overcome my parenting mistakes. Maybe I should have been more merciful at times—or more firm. But God knew my heart. As 1 John 3:20 says, “We can set our hearts at rest in His presence whenever our hearts condemn us because God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything.” He knew that I loved them and still do.

So, parents, before worrying about whether to discipline or show mercy, love your children first. Personally, I would choose mercy first and turn to discipline only after all other options have been exhausted. Why? Because that’s exactly what our Heavenly Father has done for us—and continues to do! As James 2:13 says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Through parenting, our understanding and appreciation of God’s love deepens. At least, that has been my experience. How about yours?

Prayer: Dear Lord, as You love us conditionally, help us to love our children unconditionally. Help us to love them for who they are, not because they can do things that makes us feel proud of our ability to parent. Father, please remove such delusion from us so that we can humbly ask You to help us to raise your children given to us for a time. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 1

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Samuel 20:30-34a, 31:1-2: Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? 31 As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!” 32 “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father. 33 But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David. 34 Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger . . . 31:1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa.2 The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua.

Questions to Consider

• Based on Jonathan’s exchange with his father Saul, how would you characterize Jonathan and Saul, respectively?
• How did Jonathan show his love and loyalty to his father?
• What does this say about parenting? Do parents hold all the cards in ensuring that our kids turn out perfectly? (For reference read Ezekiel 18:1-24).

Note

• Jonathan was a selfless man who, once recognizing God’s will that David—not him— was to succeed the throne, did all he could to defend his friend at the cost of his own life. On the other hand, Saul, wanting to keep the throne in the family, did everything to oppose God’s will, including trying to kill his own son (an irony, indeed) and later David.
• Jonathan, having left his father in righteous anger, returned to his father to fight along with him in what turned out to be their final battle. You and I know that many of us wouldn’t have done that. We have heard cases where adult children don’t call their parents forever after a big fight that happened years ago.  
• Of course, parents are responsible to do their part in raising them in accordance to biblical ways (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6), but they don’t control all the factors. Therefore, they shouldn’t get too much credit if their children turned out godly, and they shouldn’t get too much blame if their children turned out to be like Prophet Samuel’s sons, who “did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice” (1 Sam. 8:3).

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Evening Reflection

This is for parents and future parents. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” What’s the first thing that comes to your mind with respect what you want your child to model after? Going to church Sundays? That’s good. Not using profanity? Okay. How about apologizing to people (including your spouse and children) after making a mistake? How about being humble, loving and kind? There’s so much to pray about—pray for your child before going to sleep. Pray that you will be that humble and kind person your child wants to emulate (much like Timothy imitated the sincere faith of his mother Eunice).    

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional Spiritual, first posted on March 26, 2018, is provided by Hee Jung Lee. Hee Jung, a graduate of Biblical Theological Seminary, serves at Catalyst Agape Church (New Jersey) along with her husband Pastor Sam Lee. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Enter in!”

Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I imagine that it was a bright, sunny, and glorious day. One of those picture perfect days when Jesus was mounted upon a donkey, riding into Jerusalem with a massive crowd exalting Him.  Yet it would be this very week that He would be betrayed by the same people and face an agonizing crucifixion. The King of Kings entered into His fate and purpose for which He came into the world with great meekness and mercy. His entering into the world also was of the same manner: born to ordinary citizens in a place unfamiliar to the glamorous and powerful. Yet as Jesus enters into Jerusalem, the crowd rejoices greatly, with an unrestrainable acknowledgment of His majesty. It was as Prophet Zechariah spoke: “… Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” 

Zechariah enables us to see the humble image of how Jesus would choose to enter into His fate and bring salvation to all men. The donkey was an intentional choice whose symbolism speaks to us here. During that time period, whereas horses signified wars and rulership, donkeys represented peace. Jesus’ such entry was symbolizing the peace that He had come to restore unto mankind. He had not come in the terms as men would imagine, conquering and dividing; rather, He came to restore. Furthermore, His entry on a donkey symbolized how He had come not to be served as other kings, but to serve—even the least forgotten of people. 

His humble acceptance of His fate would offer freedom from oppression for all of humanity. The oppression from sin, unhealthy emotions, addictions, and ultimately, all spiritual oppression would no longer have power. So during this Passion Week, let us meditate upon the willingness of our Savior, who, without reproach, entered into His purpose to bring salvation and freedom to us. As we think upon this truth, we will realize how we too are able to enter into our daily purpose with meekness and without reserve to serve people as Jesus did. We do not need to enter in on horses, but on a mere donkey—as Jesus did—extending the world a power that is expressed through humility and loving service.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank You that Jesus eagerly embraced His purpose here on earth, in order that I would be restored to be able to understand mine. Thank You that I can face every day with great joy, to serve the ones around me with the same meekness and merciful  heart that Jesus had. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit today to be able to walk this out. Thank you!  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 48

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Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 10:32-45: Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again. Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”  But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Questions to consider:

1. Why is meekness an attribute needed to serve God’s purpose?

2. What is one habit that you can develop that will help you to embrace God’s purpose for you daily?

3. Are you serving the ones whom God has placed in your life? If not, what is one thing you can do in order to serve as Jesus came to serve?

Notes

1. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” Meekness is not passivity, as one would think; rather, it is where a person is able to bring themselves under control in order to serve another—in our case, to serve God’s purposes. It is a strength, not a weakness, that allows God’s purpose to be established on the earth.

2. Habits take time to develop and should be revisited daily in order not to neglect or forget the goal. Some say habits take 28-40 days for it to become a lifestyle.

3. We are all called to serve another. Every person that God has placed in our lives are meant to be loved by us in one way or another, to one measure or another. Consider whether you may be seeking more to receive than to give. Consider how you can switch that to be the giver and not the one seeking to receive. In Luke 6:38, it says that when we give, it will be given unto us. True satisfaction is in the giving.

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Evening Reflection

In light of our reflection this morning on entering into everyday with the meekness of heart to serve God’s purpose and to serve those around you, how did you fare today in walking out this devotional?

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on June 11, 2018, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Patience and Punishment”

Jeremiah 11:1-8

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Listen to the terms of this covenant and tell them to the people of Judah and to those who live in Jerusalem. 3 Tell them that this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Cursed is the one who does not obey the terms of this covenant— 4 the terms I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, out of the iron-smelting furnace.’ I said, ‘Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God. 5 Then I will fulfill the oath I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey’—the land you possess today.”  I answered, “Amen, Lord.”  6 The Lord said to me, “Proclaim all these words in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem: ‘Listen to the terms of this covenant and follow them. 7 From the time I brought your ancestors up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again, saying, “Obey me.” 8 But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts. So I brought on them all the curses of the covenant I had commanded them to follow but that they did not keep.’”

Several years ago, I watched a recording of a parenting seminar given at the Church of Southland by John Rosemond.  One of Rosemond’s big things was that parents need to be firm—meaning, give directions only once, and punish severely and overwhelmingly when they aren’t obeyed.  Rosemond, humorously, compares kids to degenerate gamblers—they’re willing to play “slots” with their obedience/punishment, even if they only win on rare occasions.  So in practice, you tell your child once to clean up his toys, then you walk away; upon your return, if the toys aren’t cleaned up, you punish the child huge (example given was three weeks of going to bed right after supper, so you’d have to be willing to cancel all events that occur after dinner time—no sports games, music lessons, parties, etc.).  The idea being that once a child has tasted such a torturous punishment, he will think twice about disobeying again. 

As a young parent, I walked away from that seminar thinking, This is amazing!  I’m going to do this!  However, after several years and more kids, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that my kids are gonna be wild and never listen to me.  It’s not that I don’t agree with Rosemond’s methods— I still think it’s brilliant—but  I just realized I’m too much of a softee to make it work.  You see, when my kids cry and beg me for another chance, I just melt and give in.  I don’t see the disobedience in them; I only see those three-year-olds who don’t know any better.  So, perhaps to my detriment, I give them chance after chance, hoping that next time they will learn.  

Yet in my weakness, I take comfort in the thought that perhaps God is more like me than tough guy and probably awesome father John Rosemond.  By the time Jeremiah walked the streets of Jerusalem in the 6th century BCE, this “covenant,” referenced in today’s passage, had been established for several hundreds of years with Moses.  And unfortunately, most of the Old Testament painfully details how time and again, God’s people broke covenant by worshipping other gods and committing evil act after evil act.  So while God’s words and eventual punishment may seem harsh, ask yourself this: How many times did God actually relent?  When you realize it is probably in the hundreds, you begin to see God as patient, not punishing. While we’re at it, let’s make this a little more personal:  How many times a month, week, day do you mess up?  If you’re like me, the answer is, “a lot”; but chances are more often than not, you are recipients of God’s gracious patience—not his punishment.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for your grace and patience in my life.  Thank You that You loved us so much that You sent Jesus for us.  Help me to overcome the thought that You are out to pounce on my mistakes, but to see how patient and kind You are. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 47

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Lunch Break Study

Read Galatians 6:7-10: Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Questions to Consider

• Given that those who are believers get mercy when we deserve wrath, how can we explain Paul’s statement that we reap what we sow?  
• Why is endurance so important in the Christian life?  Are you growing weary of doing good?
• Why do you suppose Paul emphasizes doing good to those in the “household of faith”?  What implications does that have for you personally?

Notes

• A couple of possibilities:  First, our salvation should be viewed as a process, where we are being transformed more and more into the image of Christ; therefore, we continually do “good” to become more like Him.  Second, he could be talking about reaping heavenly rewards, in addition to salvation.  In the radical middle theology, it’s likely both. 
• Christian life is often compared to a marathon, where completing is a worthy goal.  In that sense, finishing our life well and following Christ all the way to the end is something we should not take as granted—we need endurance.
• Jesus says that the world will know that we are His disciples by the way we love one another (John 13:35).  Perhaps we need to take special care of fellow church members and other believers.   

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Evening Reflection

Today’s themes were God’s patience and endurance; in many ways, two sides of the same coin.  Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to give in to?  Perhaps it could be a strained relationship, a situation in life, or perhaps a character issue?  Are you willing to endure patiently?  Can you trust that God has a plan and is good through your difficulties?  

REPOST  Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on February 11, 2018. A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Speak a Word”

Genesis 44:18

 Then Judah went up to him and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not your anger burn against your servant, for you are like Pharaoh himself.

Perhaps one of the most amazing realities of being a Christian is the ability to speak directly to God. At any point, any place, we have access to the Father – to speak with Him, to hear Him speak to us, to enjoy His presence. How amazing this is!

Even in this world, we do not have access to speak to people of fame or authority. As a big Eagles fan, I have been following the Instagram accounts of various players, because—in a way—it makes me feel closer to them. I want to thank them for bringing the trophy back to Philly, I want to congratulate them for playing a great game, and I want to hear their thoughts—yet, sadly, I cannot. Similarly, when I was working at my old company, I remember one time being in the CEO suite due to a random occurrence. I felt like I was in a place of power, and I wanted to speak to the CEO and hear his thoughts about the company—but, sadly, I could not. No way would he speak to a lowly employee like me. 

For Judah, there was fear when he came to Joseph, due to Joseph’s power and authority. He felt like he did not belong in Joseph’s presence, so Judah pleaded for the chance to speak to him. But our God—the Creator of the universe, the Creator of life, the One who spoke to create everything out of nothing—has made Himself available to us. Through Jesus, we can pray to Him, without fear, without hesitation. May we never take this for granted! Oh, how easy it is for prayer to become old news, a mundane chore we do. Today, let’s remember what prayer is: talking to our God in Heaven. Let’s come to Him without hesitation, knowing that He is available to us.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for listening to my prayers. There is no reason You should listen, but You do because You love me as Your child. May I yearn to always speak to You, without any reservation. Thank You for this wonderful gift of prayer. May I never take it for granted, but rather, help me to pray without ceasing. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 46

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on February 24, 2018, is provided by Pastor David Kwon who leads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.  David is a graduate of Drexel University (B.S.) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The God Who Transforms”

Genesis 48:8-12

When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?” 9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.” 10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. 11 And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.” 12 Then Joseph removed them from his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.

I enjoy watching “transformational reality shows”—they are reality shows where there is a great amount of change from the beginning to the end: for example, shows like The Biggest Loser, Fixer Upper, and Undercover Boss.  Whether it be a body being transformed by getting in shape, an old house getting restored, or changes made in a company—positive change gives us encouragement and gives us hope that change is possible.

One of the truths about Christian life is that God can change anyone.  No matter how bad we think we are, or the ingrained patterns of sin we fight on a daily basis, our God is a God who transforms.   And He doesn’t just change the outward behavior but gives us a deep heart transformation that makes us new and different people.  In the life of Jacob, we see that he started out as a liar, he was also proud, self-seeking, and careless.  Whether deceiving his father (Gen. 27), using his own wits to appease Esau (32:1–21), worrying more about his reputation than his daughter’s safety (ch. 34), or ignoring the fraternal hatred incited by his favoring of Joseph (ch. 37), Jacob was not an example of piety at the beginning of his life.  Yet at the end of his life, we see Jacob blessing the son’s of Joseph in a gesture of faith and love.  We see a changed man because of the love and grace of God!

I love what C.S. Lewis says about transformation in his book Mere Christianity:

Imagine yourself a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you thought of—throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but he is building a palace.

There is hope for change!  As we continue to obey and seek Him, He wants to change us from the inside out.  That is good news for us!

Prayer:  Lord, thank You that change is possible because of the power of the gospel.  Help me to be surrendered to the areas in my life that needs changing and becoming more like You.  Amen!  

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 44-45