April 11, Tuesday

The AMI QT Devotionals April 10-16 are written by David Son, who serves as the college pastor at Symphony Church in Boston. David, a graduate of UC Berkeley (B.S.) and Gordon-Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace who teaches at a public school.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR THE PASSION WEEK

“A Greater Vision”

Mark 11:15-18

And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.

In 1996 Steve Jobs returned to Apple to serve as the interim CEO of the company. People were familiar with Jobs because he was the co-founder back in ‘76, but no one could have predicted what he did when he came back. At the time of his re-entry, Apple was a slowly dying company. But to be fair, they were working on roughly 350 different projects, with the hopes of making a comeback. But Steve Jobs came in and overthrew all of them! He cut every single project and forced the company to focus on just 10 projects. Some might have called him crazy, but everyone agrees that he was a radical. Nevertheless, out of this revolutionary overthrow was born the iMac, iTunes, the iPod and the iPhone! Since then, Apple has become the most successful tech company in the world.

On the Tuesday before Jesus was crucified, He went into the Temple of Jerusalem and overturned the tables, both literally and figuratively. The Temple of Jerusalem was a slowly dying system (the glory of God wasn’t upon it quite like it was in the “olden days”) but to be fair, the Temple was the center of the entire Jewish faith. It had been that way for a multitude of generations. Worship, teaching, sacrifices, offerings, all these things took place at the Temple of Jerusalem. It would be an understatement to say that the Temple was the most important and holiest place in all of Judea. So it’s no surprise that the priests, scribes, and religious leaders were outraged by Jesus.

But much like the vision Jobs had with respect to earthly things, Jesus had, in a much greater way, a vision for spiritual things—a vision for a faith that is not chained to the adherence of ceremonial laws nor confined to a physical location. Jesus had in mind to completely do away with the old system of worship, which had turned into a complex system of do’s and don’ts. Instead, He Himself would be the Way to come to God. In Christ and through Christ, anyone could have access to the presence of God.

Although we live in the post-resurrection era, oftentimes we overcomplicate people’s access to the presence of God. When we’ve been “good,” we feel as though we deserve to receive God’s love. On the other hand, when we fall into sin, we tend to exclude ourselves from eligibility. But let’s be reminded that Jesus overthrew the old way, and He became our Way to the Father. May you live today in the fullness of the presence of God!

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for providing the way for us. Thank You for your blood, which cleanses us and makes us worthy to be with You. Help me during the times when I’m tempted to disqualify myself or others from Your presence based on our shortcomings. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 2

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read Hebrews 10:26-29: For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?

Questions to Consider

What does this passage say regarding deliberate (willful) sin?
What happened to people who deliberately disregarded the Mosaic Law?
How do we reconcile this with the grace and forgiveness of God?

Notes

For obvious reasons, this is not the most attractive verse for believers these days. The passage tells us that there is “no longer a sacrifice” for those who go on sinning deliberately. In other words, the continual practice of willful sin indicates that a person is not living in the forgiveness of God.
In the Old Testament, there was no sacrifice provided for a person who committed a willful, defiant act of sin (see Leviticus 15:30-31). That person would be “utterly cut off” and “his iniquity shall be on him.”
To be clear, this passage does not undermine the power of Jesus’ blood to cover our sins. Even sins that are committed consciously/willingly are certainly within the realm of Christ’s forgiveness. If that were not the case, no one could be saved. However, this passage is a sober reminder that a lifestyle of casual sin is not the norm for a follower of Christ. These days, there is a danger of becoming so comfortable with the doctrine of grace that Christians become okay with living with casual sin. The thought is, I’m never going to be perfect, so I’m not really that concerned with the sin in my life. Besides, Jesus’ blood covers it! But the Bible teaches that that is not an acceptable way to live! True repentance requires that we take our sin seriously. And although it’s true that we won’t achieve perfection while in the flesh, we must never become comfortable with the practice of sinning.

EVENING REFLECTION

Is there an area of your life in which you have stopped pursuing holiness? Perhaps it’s a sin that has plagued you for quite some time. This evening, invite the Holy Spirit to come and renew your love for the Lord in that area.

April 10, Monday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR THE PASSION WEEK

“The Prancing Dad”

Hebrews 5:8-9

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him

About a month ago, I was walking in downtown Boston, and I found myself walking behind a father and daughter, holding hands as they walked along the sidewalks of downtown. The man was probably in his 40’s, fully suited from head to toe. It was obvious that he worked in the corporate world in downtown. Next to him, holding his hand was his daughter who couldn’t have been more than 5 years old. As I was walking behind them, the daughter started skipping. In my heart, I thought, “Aww, what a cute pair…” But I didn’t expect what happened next to happen. Before I could finish my thought, the dad started skipping too! With his suit jacket flapping in the wind, and dress shoes clunking and skidding on the pavement, his gait was anything but graceful. In fact, he looked ridiculous! But as I watched them skip and prance ahead of me, I thought, “That man might be an important businessman somewhere, but he is certainly a great father.” And in that moment I understood a little more of God’s heart for us; although He is an Almighty God, He would willingly humiliate himself, endure ridicule, and go through suffering, all for the sake of being with us.

To be clear, our passage today is not at all saying that Jesus was imperfect at one point, nor was Jesus disobedient at any moment of His life. But it is telling us that God willingly took on flesh and experienced (learned) first-hand what it’s like to be human. Jesus walked, talked, ate, wept, and suffered with us. Furthermore, Scripture says that without falling into sin, He also endured every temptation that we experience. And that’s what made Him our ideal Savior and sympathetic High Priest.

This week is Passion Week, and we usually spend more time this week meditating on the suffering of Christ than in any other time of the year. As we remember what Jesus went through during this week, let us not forget that He did it all for the sake of being with us.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for willingly humbling Yourself, laying down Your titles and walking in our shoes. This week, as we approach Good Friday and Easter, may we understand Your great love for us. In your name we pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 1

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read Hebrews 2:14-18: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Questions to Consider

According to this passage, why did Jesus have to become fully man?
According to this passage, what is the pre-requisite for helping those who are being tempted?
How can we most effectively help others who are going through trials and temptations?

Notes

Jesus had to become fully man, “made like his brothers in every respect,” so that He could become a merciful and faithful High Priest. In other words, Jesus’ divinity is what made Him worthy to atone for all of our sins. But it’s His humanity that made Him an eligible representative for us. He had to become like us, in order to take our place upon the cross.
Verse 18 reads, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” It is true that God would still be able to help us, even if He hadn’t experienced temptation. But Jesus experienced temptation for our sake, so that we can relate to our Helper. When we are tempted, we can be sure that our Lord has been there Himself, and that He understands the struggles of being tempted.
Most of the time, we feel as if we need to have it all put together before we can provide help for someone who is going through a hard time. Help is seen as something that is given as charity from the strong to the weak. But if we take a cue from Jesus, our idea of help is transformed. Although He was strong, He made Himself weak in order to minister to the weak. He willingly endured temptation and suffering for our sake. Obviously this is not a command to go out and intentionally seek suffering and temptation, but rather it is a call to be honest with our own weaknesses and flaws, because God often uses our own shortcomings as a way to minister unto others.

EVENING REFLECTION

This evening, spend some time meditating on this passage from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

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

April 9, Sunday

The AMI QT Devotionals from April 3-9 are provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego. Peter is a graduate of U.C. Riverside and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). He and his wife Jessica have three very active children: Nathan, Abigail, and Jason.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“Prayer Walk That Opens a Closed Door”

1 Cor. 16:8

But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

09Last Sunday, a sister—showing a lot of enthusiasm—asked me, “Are you excited about our prayer-walk around the community this afternoon?” And with a genuine excitement, I replied, “Yeah, I’m really excited!”

For the past year, our church has been intentionally praying for our local community. We moved into an area called Kearny Mesa in the fall of 2015, and after finally settling down, we participated in several prayer-walks around the area. We also began to bless our community, asking for His Kingdom to come into our areas during our intercessory prayer times. Afterwards, as I have learned from Experiencing God study, we kept our eyes open to see what the Lord would reveal.

Today, it seems that God is opening up several doors within our community. Those three areas are: 1) Chinese International student population, studying at the universities of San Diego; 2) possibly the camper community (homeless) within Kearny Mesa; and 3) Vietnamese-American youths who are considered “unreached,” living within the U.S. Step by step we are walking through these doors, knowing that doors for effective work is being opened for us by the Lord.

We also understand that there will be some level of spiritual “opposition.” Whether the challenges come from within or from the outside, we know that open doors do not guarantee ease of entry. If you’ve ever followed Paul’s missionary travels throughout the Book of Acts, you will see that open doors often included opposition. Paul could have just as easily been tempted to think that opposition meant the door was closing just as soon as it was opening, or that he may have simply misunderstood God’s will. Thankfully, Paul understood that opposition would soon ensue open doors for God’s work.

We, too, understand that with these open doors into our community, we expect to face challenges, difficulties, and perhaps even opposition. The Word of God has already shown us enough patterns so that we are made aware. The Word of God also exhorts us to continually pray as prayer is part of our spiritual weaponry in standing firm and overcoming opposition.

Ask the Lord for open doors for God’s work. Then keep your eyes open. When the doors do open, get involved, but do so with prayer, for you know that difficulties may soon follow. Remember Paul’s words in Romans 8:37: “In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

Prayer: Lord, give me a heart for the people in my neighborhood, work, and church. Motivate me to share with them what You have given me. But first, help me to begin praying for them so that I may recognize what You’re already doing in their lives so that I merely need to join You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Timothy 4

April 8, Saturday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“Our Attitude towards Money”

1 Cor. 16:2

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

Have you ever thought about what factors have shaped your attitude towards finances? If you are an eager saver, where did you pick up those habits? If you are a generous giver, do you think it’s just your personality? If you are a carefree spender, have you ever paused to consider why you spend as much as you do?

As a pastor, I don’t ignore this topic during pre-marital counseling, since some studies indicate that couples argue about finances more than any other topic, no matter how much or how little they own. Some say that frequent financial arguments early in marriages may actually serve as a predictor of divorces. So, why would people who love each other deeply argue so much when it comes to finances?

Early on in our marriage, we, too, had our share of disagreements over this. We realized that joining of two people entailed joining two totally different orientations towards money. Money operates as a metaphor representing status or security or enjoyment opportunity among other things. At the times I wanted security, my wife wanted enjoyment; and at the times she wanted security, I wanted status, and so forth. Eventually, we had to sit down together and talk about why we viewed finances so differently and how we would move forward. We had to figure out who or what would shape our view of finances.

Here, Paul instructs the Corinthian believers how to handle a portion of their income at the beginning of each week. They are to set aside a sum of money as a collection that will provide relief for other believers. “But Paul isn’t just interested in raising money to help those who don’t have very much. He wants this to be a sign of something more, something bigger: to signal to the Gentile Christians that they are part of the same family as the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem; and, more importantly still, to signal to the Jewish Christians that those Gentiles out there are part of the same family as they are.” (Wright, N.T)

With that unifying goal of love in mind, Paul begins to shape a new way in which the Corinthian believers are to behave when it comes to money.

Earlier, I asked if you’ve ever thought about the factors that have shaped your attitude towards finances. I have another important question. Do the teachings of Scripture about money shape your attitude towards money?

Prayer: Lord, thanks for providing for me all these years. Please help me to be more generous towards You in recognition of Your Lordship in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Timothy 2

April 7, Friday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“Emotionally Healthy Follower”

1 Cor. 16:10-11

When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. ¹¹No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

I think almost everyone would agree that the role of a spiritual leader (e.g., pastor, small group leader, or ministry leader) is critical to God’s family. With this understanding, the topic of leadership has been studied in seminaries, churches, conferences, etc. We hold the view that the heathier the leader, the healthier the church or the small group. It is most likely with this assumption that the book Emotionally Healthy Leader has been read by hundreds and thousands of spiritual leaders.

But could this inadvertently place too much pressure or perhaps all the pressure solely upon the leadership?

I agree that it is absolutely important for the spiritual leader to grow in character, self-awareness, wisdom, and emotional and spiritual health in order to lead effectively. However, there is more. I’ve come to understand that good “followership” is just as crucial for a healthy body of Christ or a small group or a ministry.

I believe Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to display this character. He reminds the Corinthian believers to receive Timothy (a young, growing pastor) with the kind of reception so that he has nothing to fear. Timothy is not to be treated contemptuously, and when he departs, he is to leave in peace. Could you imagine what Timothy would have reported to Paul upon his return had this been carried through? Could you imagine the effect you might have upon your leaders should he/she experience your support and encouragement rather than contempt?

I remember two of our church members asking one day if they could meet with me. When that happens, for some reason I expect something negative. Typically, I assume that there is a problem in the church that needs my attention. As I sat down with them, they asked, “Can we just spend some time praying for you?” So we spent some time as they ministered to me. Afterwards, I asked, “Is there anything else?” I assumed that since they opened up the meeting by first praying for me, whatever would come up next was going to be really bad. But that was it. There was no other agenda than to simply pray for me, their pastor. I was moved.

Paul understood that it could have gone horribly for young Timothy. He asked for good followership. Timothy must have been moved by their reception and love.

Prayer: Dear Lord, this morning I pray for my __________ (pastor, small group leader, ministry leader) and ask that you bless them with your love and your strength. If there is any contempt in my heart towards them, please forgive me and cleanse me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Timothy 1

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read 2 Tim 1:15-18: You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

Questions to Consider

Having been deserted by “everyone” in the province of Asia, what do you suppose is going on in Paul’s mind?
What qualities does Onesiphorus show in these few verses?
What is the reward of Onesiphorus’ ministry to Paul?

Notes

Paul must have felt like a colossal failure. He had spent a lot of time in the province of Asia, particularly in Ephesus. He had preached the gospel to them, taught them, lived alongside them, wept and laughed and prayed with them. They had been dear to him and he to them. And now he says they’ve turned away from him.
Onesiphorus was “not ashamed” of Paul’s chains, something he urged Timothy to do earlier in 2 Tim 1. Onesiphorus doesn’t just stumble upon Paul in Rome. Rather he takes initiative to search for him and does not give up until he finds Paul. Finally, Onesiphorus brings Paul true refreshment.
Paul prays for Onesiphorus to receive mercy from the Lord.

EVENING REFLECTION

Spend some time thinking about the spiritual leaders you have or have had. Pray for them and their families and bless them for their work in the Lord.

April 6, Thursday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“Your Labor is NOT in Vain”

1 Cor. 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Dear co-laborer in the Lord,

As you’ve been serving the Lord over the years, most definitely you’ve experienced joy, passion, growth, and a sense of satisfaction. As a pastor, I love hearing from our church members that “so-and-so” just accepted Christ. The news brings so many people so much joy. At the same time, it’s very likely you’ve also had a fair share of fatigue, disappointment, failure, perhaps even betrayal. I’m sure you are battling against the cynical spirit that wants to devour you. That cynicism wants you to buffer yourself from taking risks once again, actively serving the Lord’s purposes.

I want you to know that Paul could have been cynical in his dealing with the Corinthian church. The church where he had spent more than a year ministering and teaching had become divisive, spiritually proud and abusive, stingy, flat out questioning Paul’s legitimacy of leadership, and making a mockery of the sacred Lord’s Supper, just to name a few of its dysfunctions. I suppose if anyone deserved to be cynical, it was Paul. Yet, this servant of God remained just as devoted to the gospel and to the Corinthian family of God as he had been on day one. The key: Paul understood that his labor in the Lord was not in vain. It’s never in vain.

Let Paul’s letter be an encouragement to you today. Allow his words to hold you steadfast. Let the words of Paul reaffirm to your vulnerable heart that your labor is not in vain. Whether you’ve been showing hospitality, serving young children, tirelessly setting up for worship services and ministry events, coordinating many of the unseen details in the background, teaching God’s word faithfully, laboring in prayer, ministering the sacraments, whatever you have been doing, remember that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Continue to give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.

I know that soon you will receive praise: “Well done, good and faithful servant…Come and share the Master’s happiness.”

Sincerely,

Your co-laborer.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as I serve You, help me to serve You with a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Guard my heart from an attitude of cynicism. In Your Name, Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 28

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read Matt 28:16-20: Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Questions to Consider

What is surprising about some of the disciples’ responses to Jesus?
There are four verbs in the Great Commission (vv. 19-20): 1) go, 2) make disciples, 3) baptizing, and 4) teaching. Of these four verbs, only one of them in the Greek takes the imperative (command) form. Which do you think is the main verb in Jesus’ command?
In what ways are you growing in the disciple-making process? Are you being discipled? Are you helping another person grow as a disciple of Jesus?

Notes

Strangely, some doubted. While we do not know the exact nature of this doubt, what is clear is that the majority did worship Him. Matthew firmly believes this was the right reaction.
Make disciples. Making disciples is the great imperative (command) of the Great Commission.
“Disciple” means not just head-learners, not just heart-learners, but life-learners (N.T. Wright).

EVENING REFLECTION

Spend some time thanking the Lord for the ministry opportunity that’s been given to you. While ministry can be burdensome at times, it is always a privilege.

April 5, Wednesday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“A New Spiritual Body”

1 Cor. 15:42-44a

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

As you get a little bit older, you’re a little bit wiser (or at least you should be). It’s one of the benefits of getting older as God’s children. But, you also begin to notice that your body isn’t what it used to be. I remember when I was younger, if I ever twisted my ankle playing a game of basketball, I was right back in the gym after 2-3 days of rest. Today, I find that I’m out for 2-3 weeks before my ankles feel strong enough to run again. As we get older, our bodies begin to remind us just how frail and weak we are, until one day it ceases to work altogether.

It’s a rather morbid thought. However, the Bible tells us that for the believers, that is hardly the end. The good news is that one day our mortal bodies will be completely transformed, taking on a new “spiritual body.” We might not know all of the fine details as to what that will look like, but Paul does give us few thoughts so that we approach even our mortality with a new perspective. He says that the new body will be “imperishable”; it will be raised “in glory” and “in power.” Those phrases, along with other illustrations that Paul uses to describe what is to come in verses 35-49, gives me a sense of optimistic anticipation.

If you’ve ever lost a loved one in this life, there is much pain and grief. But for the believers, there is more than just consolation. There is good news because there is a glorious new body that is promised to those who have fallen asleep. Can you just imagine your parent or your grandparent who have passed away being embodied with an imperishable body? A body that, if you could see it, you would describe it as one “in glory” and “in power”?

Do you ever fear death? Who hasn’t from one time or another? However, God’s word reminds us that we have no reason to fear death, for we will be resurrected one day in a new and improved body beyond our wildest imagination. By the way, I wonder if I’ll ever sprain an ankle with my resurrected body? Naw!

Prayer: Lord, thank You that Your Word promises me a new resurrected body for all of eternity. But as long as I live in this body of mine, help me to serve You by telling my family and friends of the good news of hope that is in Jesus Christ. In Your Name, Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 27

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read Matt. 27:50-3: And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

Questions to Consider

Upon Jesus’ death, what phenomena do Matthew record for his readers?
What is significant about the tearing of the curtain of the temple?
What is significant about the raising of the dead to life?

Notes

There are two: the tearing of the curtain of the temple and many holy people being raised to life.
Jesus’ death is the beginning of the end for the temple system that had opposed Him, that had denied Him, and that had prevented people of all nations into fellowship with God. Now people would have direct communion with God through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death.
This is a very odd story, but Matthew intends us to see the story as picture-language, a vivid way of saying “from that moment on, death was a defeated force.” It was a hint of what would come at the end of all things, the great final resurrection of which Paul speaks about.

EVENING REFLECTION

As Passion Week is approaching soon, reflect on the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and ask the Holy Spirit to shape your heart to reflect that of Jesus’.

April 4, Tuesday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Saved a Wretch Like Me

1 Cor 15:9-10

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.” John Newton, a former slave trader, penned these words into a hymn titled, “Amazing Grace” back in 1773. He probably never would have guessed that this hymn would be sung by millions of worshippers in so many languages. One biographer of John Newton estimates that this hymn is performed 10 million times annually, reminding the singers of the greatness of God’s grace over the wretchedness of our sins.

Do you at times struggle with a sense of guilt for the sins you have committed in your past? Although you know in your thought-life that you’ve been forgiven, the painful and shameful memories of your past still drag you towards the lies of low self-worth and a negative view of yourself. This can often hold you back from serving joyfully in the Lord’s gospel work.

Steve Arterburn, the author of Walking into Walls, has observed that many people today are still hurting over something that may have happened years ago. Unfortunately, it has become a wall they cannot get past. Rather than resolve the pain and move on, they continue to judge themselves as well as others. This then leads the wretched person to go on facing life in a negative, self-defeating way. Yet the good news of God’s grace shatters this wall.

Apostle Paul lived in the certainty of God’s grace. He understood that in the past, he had committed some of the most dreadful acts against God and God’s people. The very first Christian martyr was stoned while Paul (formerly Saul) stood over the dead corpse with satisfying approval (Acts 8:1). Could you imagine the immense guilt that must have burdened Paul’s heart after he became a Christ follower? In this brief statement, Paul reveals that of all people, he was the worst. But rather than wallowing in shame and guilt, he moved forward. Paul understood that God’s grace had enabled him to now serve God’s purposes.

You may have some skeletons in the closet. However, God’s grace fills us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Yes, we were all wretches at one point. Yet, God gives us the grace to move from our past sins into a new life in His Spirit.

Prayer: Sing the hymn: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound; that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost but now am found; was blind but now I see.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 26

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read Matt 26:6-13: While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Questions to Consider

What does the unnamed woman’s action reveal about her understanding of Jesus?
How would you have responded to the woman’s “waste” of the expensive perfume?
How does this narrative challenge us to think about our own finances, time, and talents?

Notes

In the context of Matt. 26, Jesus is anointed by this unnamed woman in preparation for His death. She understood this. Unfortunately, the disciples were more concerned with money, even if it was truly for the poor. Jesus had to remind them that they “would not always have” Him, as He would soon go to the cross.
We might criticize the disciples for their judgmental comment, but self-righteousness tempts all of us.
Loving Jesus may seem to be a waste of time and other resources in the eyes of the world. However, Jesus considers our devotion to be a beautiful thing.

EVENING REFLECTION

How have you seen God’s grace work in your life today? Spend some time thanking the Lord for His Grace. From Evangelism Explosion:

God’s

Riches

Christ’s

Expense

April 3, Monday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“Preaching the Gospel…to Yourself”

1 Cor. 15:1-2

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

Are you a snoozer, or are you the type of person who gets up at the first beep of your alarm? And once you’re finally out of bed, what is your morning routine? Yes, we groom ourselves, brush our teeth, change our clothes, etc., but besides those routines, what are the thoughts that fill your mind each morning? Do you wake up with a sense of gratitude for another new day? Or do you find yourself hoping for the day to pass before it has even begun?

This morning, I woke up knowing that I had tons of things to take care of: get the kids ready for school, prepare for meetings, reply to emails, browse through the news and current events, set appointments to meet with people, just to name a few. When it comes to my thought-life, that seems to me my morning routine. Each morning, it’s as though we have a “to-do-list” app in our minds that just opens up, reminding us of everything that needs to get done for that day. Some days, it can be overwhelming for many of us.

But what if each day began with the reminder that you are loved by God, fully forgiven through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Spirit of God so that you live out the purposes of God each new day? What if your day began with the reminder that you are part of a family of God that cares for you? What if every morning you were reminded that God invites you to His Kingdom works and that your life is full of meaning? What if there was a reminder that no matter what you might face today, you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus?

Paul reminds the Corinthian church of the “good news” that he had preached time and time again. It’s the gospel that saved them, and because it was so easy to forget it, he reminds them again.

A popular pastor once admitted that he preaches the gospel to himself everyday. Not a day passes where he does not “remind” himself of the good news of Jesus Christ. Take a few moments now to preach this good news to yourself.

Paul Tripp said, “No one is more influential in your life than you are. Because no one talks to you more than you do.” You’re probably going to say a lot of things to yourself today. Let’s make one of those things you say to yourself today be a reminder of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, Your gospel has saved me from death into life. Thank You for Your sacrifice and Your love for me. Continue to remind me that I do not live my life alone nor aimlessly. Thank You for a new life, a new purpose, a new family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 25

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read Matt 25:1-13 (NIV): At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Questions to Consider

What is the significance of the bridegroom returning at midnight in this parable?
In your own words, what does it mean to “keep watch” for Christ?
As each new day comes and goes, do you find yourself becoming more like the wise virgin who is ready or more like to the foolish virgin?

Notes

No one knows the moment when the Lord is coming. There is a need of being prepared at all times for the coming of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
In light of the authority of Jesus and the truth of His Word, we need to ask ourselves, “Am I ready for His return?” Even if Jesus doesn’t return today, we may take our last breath in the coming hours. We must, therefore, be prepared to meet God.

EVENING REFLECTION

What can you do tomorrow morning as you awake to remind yourself of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Make a concrete plan, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you wake up tomorrow morning to a new day.

April 2, Sunday

The AMI QT Devotionals for March 28-April 2 are provided by Doug Tritton. Doug, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently serving as a staff at Symphony Church (Boston) while pursuing a M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary. He is married to Cindy and they are proud parents of Audrey.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

God is Really Among You

1 Corinthians 14:20-25

Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

The past two days we’ve been looking at the gifts of prophecy and tongues. We talked about how both are to be desired, but prophecy even more so. Today, we will explore in a little more depth why prophecy is to be desired above tongues. At first glance, it seems fairly obvious why prophecy is to be desired over tongues – prophecy is understood by all who are around, while tongues are understood only by God.

But there is a theological reason as well, which is mentioned in this passage. In v.21 Paul quotes a passage of Isaiah, and looking directly at this passage, this is what Isaiah 28:11 says, “For by people of strange lips and with a foreign tongue the LORD will speak to this people.” This passage is from a judgment God proclaimed against His people Israel, that because they did not listen to Him, He would speak through a different people, with a different language (think Pentecost, when the church spoke in many languages which outsiders could understand yet the Jews in Jerusalem could not understand).

When Paul is saying in v.22 that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, he is saying that tongues are a sign that unbelievers are outside of God’s covenant. Basically, tongues demonstrate to outsiders that they do not belong to God. Imagine a non-Christian coming to service and people are speaking in tongues for all to hear but there is no interpretation; this will not draw that person to God. In fact, Paul even says that person will think this church is out of their minds! (v. 23)

However, when prophecy is spoken, all can understand, even non-Christians. Thus, prophecy is a sign for believers – it demonstrates the availability of God’s voice to His people and His faithfulness to His people, that they are His covenantal people. So, if a non-believer comes to service and hears prophecy, that person will know that God is there and they will be convicted (v.24-25). This is why prophecy is to be desired above tongues – prophecy demonstrates the reality of the church being His people and opens up the heavens to even those who do not yet believe.

In summary, tongues in a sense closes the door of the Kingdom on unbelievers while prophecy opens up the Kingdom to all. Though this passage is specific to tongues and prophecy, there are many ways that we either close or open the door of the kingdom to outsiders. Let’s reflect on our lives, on our interactions with unbelievers. Are we living in a way that invites others in, or are we living in a way that pushes people out? This is a great question to always keep in mind in all areas of our lives – in church, at home, at work, in school, at the coffee shop…anywhere.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have remained faithful to us, Your people. Though we do not deserve to be Your people, still You have called us Yours. Help us to live in a way that makes the reality of Your Kingdom open to all people, for we know that You desire all to be saved. Help us to demonstrate that truth in the way we interact with others.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 22