February 11, Saturday

The AMI QT devotionals from Feb. 6-12 are provided by Cami King. Cami, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, recently completed her M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary. She is currently serving as a staff at Journey Community Church in Raleigh.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The Humble Circumstance of Our Calling

1 Corinthians 1:2

Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters. Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position.

A pastor recounted the following story:

In 1994, two Christian missionaries answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics in a large orphanage.

It was nearing Christmas and they decided to tell [the children] the story of Christmas. It would be the first time [they] had heard the story of the birth of Christ. When the story was finished, they gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger.

… It was all going smoothly until one of the missionaries sat down at a table to help a 6-year-old boy name Misha. When the missionary looked at the little boy’s manger, she [saw]not one, but two babies in the manger. She called for the translator to ask Misha why there were two babies in the manger.

Misha began to repeat the story very seriously. He related the happenings accurately until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger.

… He said, “And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don’t have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn’t because I didn’t have a gift to give him like everybody else did.

“But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift. So I asked Jesus, ‘If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?’ And Jesus told me, ‘If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me.’ So I got into the manger and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him – for always.”

The longer I live as a Christian, the easier it is for me to forget the circumstances around which I was called by our precious Savior out of darkness and into the marvelous light. I love stories like the one above that in fresh way offer a renewed appreciation for the “circumstances of our calling.” Like a little orphaned child with nothing to give to Jesus, we were invited into close intimacy with the living God and given a home with Him in His family. Spend some time to remember when you first heard the gospel and the first time you made it your own.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your calling in my life – that above all things, You call me Your child. Help me to remember the humble and needy state in which You found me. May this renew my love and affections toward You and melt away the pride, self-righteousness, and even apathy that passing years can bring in the human heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 21 & Jude

February 10, Friday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

1 Corinthians 1:26-31: Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters. Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. 27 But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, 29 so that no one can boast in his presence. 30 He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

You may have heard this familiar story about Muhammad Ali…

In Muhammad Ali’s heyday as the heavy weight champion in boxing, he had taken his seat on a 747 which was starting to taxi down the runway for take off. The flight attendant walked by and noticed Ali did not have on his seatbelt, and said, “Please fasten your seatbelt, sir.” He looked up proudly and snapped, “Superman don’t need no seatbelt.” Without hesitation she stared at him and said, “Superman don’t need no plane.”

God has made each of us great in different ways. But our greatness gets in our own way when we forget its source – not ourselves, but a gracious God who in loving creativity made us and endowed us with our gifts and talents. Most of us are as guilty as Ali (although certainly without as good a reason) of thinking as ourselves Super[wo]man and boasting in our abilities (even if not in such forthcoming terms). What’s worse, our society rewards this kind of warped, inflated sense of self – so much so that we resent words like weakness and lowliness.

But Paul reminds us today that it is our very condition of weakness, the ways in which we’re regarded as nothing in the world, which affords us opportunity to be used powerfully by God. Why? So that no one will be mistaken – we are not superhuman, we just serve a Super God!

What are the things about you that you take most pride in? Is it your intellect, beauty, talents (e.g. musical, artistic, etc.), wealth/resources, family, or accomplishments? Truth be told, we had no control over what gifts we were born with, whether it be our personality type, the opportunities we were afforded, our family of origin, our country of origin, who would be in our social circle. As much as we may work hard to make much of what we have, all we have (our very breath) is from the Lord. And all the ways we are “super” are not a declaration of our own glory, but of the glory of the God who made us.

Prayer: Almighty God, forgive me for my tendency to forget that all I am and all I have is from You. Thank You for the ways You’ve made me. Thank You for all my gifts and talents. Thank You for the resources and opportunities in my life. Help me to faithfully engage each of these things today not for my own glory or to make a name for myself, but for Yours. May I boast only in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 20

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read 2 Corinthians 4: 7-12: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death works in us, but life in you.

Questions to Consider

What is Paul communicating through the image of treasure in clay jars (or “earthen vessels”)?
How might vv. 8-9 encourage those striving to live a faithful Christian life while faced with their own weaknesses?
According to the passage, what makes it all worth it for those afflicted? How does this encourage you?

Notes

The image is striking – why would anyone put something that is truly valuable in a cheap container? Why would anyone put beautiful jewels in something made of dirt? Why would anyone put something precious in an easily-broken jar? So that the jewels might shine and their beauty be unmistakably distinct from the humble container holding them. This is what God has done by placing His Holy Spirit, His gospel message, and His coming Kingdom in us.
First, it reminds us that affliction, being perplexed, persecution, being struck down, and the like are all normal part of the Christian journey. When we come face to face with our weaknesses and limitations – be it a result of our own sinfulness or of persecutions from those around us – we can take comfort in knowing we’re right on course with those who’ve gone before us. It also assures us that no circumstances or weakness or limitation can utterly ruin us – it may stretch us, test us, challenge us, wound us – but it cannot destroy us. In fact, God is using all these things to “manifest in our body” the life of Jesus. That’s good news!
As previously stated, God uses the tough stuff to birth in us the life of Jesus. The very things that should destroy us are being used by our heavenly Father to shape and mold us into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

EVENING REFLECTION

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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:19).

This morning we spent time thinking about ourselves in which we take most pride. What are some of your greatest weaknesses? (It can be a personality trait, past experience, present season of suffering, persistent sin struggle, personal or professional limitation, etc.). Spend some time reflecting on these things with the Lord, believing that He is forming Christ-likeness in you. Offer your areas of weaknesses to God as areas where His grace can prove sufficient and where His power can be revealed in your life.

February 9, Thursday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Don’t Pity the “Fool!”

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Two preachers share embarrassing moments:

Hannah: I was preaching about Law vs. Grace and used Deuteronomy 23:12-14 as an example for crazy laws. One of the students generously volunteered before service to read the passage out loud…when it came time to read, he misunderstood what verse I said to begin with and just started at verse 1. I lost all attention for the rest of service.

Deuteronomy 23:1 definitely shouldn’t be read out loud in a youth group.

(“No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD” Deuteronomy 23:1.)

Robert: My most embarrassing preaching story was my 1st experience with a ‘lavalier’ mic! The choir sang and I got up to preach, but I was still getting over the stomach flu!

I felt some moving so I called the choir back to sing and ran out as they sang, “Let the Lord have His Way.” I barely made out of the auditorium. Suddenly, my wife ran into the men’s restroom and said, “Your mic is still on!”

Needless to say when I came back to the pulpit, we just dismissed!

Many moments in a life lived serving the Lord can leave us feeling silly, embarrassed, or even foolish. But unlike the funny stories above, for those who’ve positioned themselves long enough before God in a posture of surrender and obedience, the trajectory of life with Christ can manifest a more sobering foolishness. Promotions foregone in an effort to build a healthy family, shortcuts not taken in an effort to live with integrity, money given away in an effort to invest in the mission of God, relationships over working late, missions trip over summer internships, forgiveness over revenge, hope over despair – all these things look rather foolish to the world around us. But the humble life to which Jesus calls each of us is one He Himself lived perfectly and is one that will bear a profound witness to the goodness of the gospel if we are willing to walk it out.

Prayer: Lord, help me to walk humbly before You today in obedience and surrender. May the decisions I make be guided by the conviction of Your Holy Spirit and the truth of Your Word. Make me willing to be foolish in the eyes of the world for the sake of walking faithfully in the power of Your salvation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 19

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read Romans 1:18-23: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

Questions to Consider:

According to the passage, what are some ways God has made Himself known to us?
One Bible translation titles this passage, “Unbelief and Its Consequences.” What are the consequences of unbelief?
How have you experienced the truth of vv.21-22 in your life (perhaps in your thinking before you became a Christian, or more recently in some of your not-yet-sanctified thoughts)?

Notes:

God has made himself known through His invisible attributes, power, and nature displayed in the world He has made. If we are careful to take note of the created world around us, we will be hard pressed to miss God’s self-revelation.
Unbelief (suppressing the truth) results in foolishness that leads us to ungodliness and unrighteousness, which are both subjects to the wrath of God. When we turn away from God and shut our eyes to His self-revelation, refusing to acknowledge Him (honor Him/give Him thanks), we find ourselves thinking, believing, and doing all sorts of things utterly void of genuine wisdom.
Spend time in personal reflection.

EVENING REFLECTION

In her song “Fool For You,” Nichole Nordeman reflects on the times in life when “faith and common sense do not align,” and she found it difficult to live a life that seemed foolish to those around her (and to her own doubting heart). She concludes her musings by calling to mind the life of Jesus who, “unaware of popularity and unconcerned with dignity,” came and made Himself a fool for all of us through His incarnation and crucifixion.

^“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (I Cor. 1:18).

Spend sometime reflecting on the life of Jesus in light of our passage from this morning. How does this encourage you to make choices and live a life may seem foolish to those around you? (Feel free to listen to Nichole’s song during your time of reflection! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEpoBGJ9LlA)

February 8, Wednesday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Conflict Resolution

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. 12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name. 16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other.17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

Here is how you can turn a disagreement into a feud:

Be sure to develop and maintain a healthy fear of conflict, letting your own feelings build up so you are in an explosive frame of mind.
If you must state your concerns, be as vague and general as possible. Then the other person cannot do anything practical to change the situation.
Assume you know all the facts and you are totally right. The use of a clinching Bible verse is helpful. Speak prophetically for truth and justice; do most of the talking.
With a touch of defiance, announce your willingness to talk with anyone who wishes to discuss the problem with you. But do not take steps to initiate such conversation.
Latch tenaciously onto whatever evidence you can find that shows the other person is merely jealous of you.
Judge the motivation of the other party on any previous experience that showed failure or unkindness. Keep track of any angry words.
If the discussion should, alas, become serious, view the issue as a win/lose struggle. Avoid possible solutions and go for total victory and unconditional surrender. Don’t get too many options on the table.
Pass the buck! If you are about to get cornered into a solution, indicate you are without power to settle; you need your partner, spouse, bank, whatever.

(Ron Kraybill, Tell it to the Church, Lynn Buzzard, David C. Cook, 1982, p. 23)

Disagreements are inevitable in community. Anyone who grew up with siblings knows that time and proximity are the only two ingredients required to eventually stir up conflict between two individuals who differ in anyway. Having conflicts is unavoidable – we can’t do much about that. But handling conflicts – now that’s another story.

Paul speaks to us about the importance of handling conflicts well whenever they arise in the community of faith. We have to be careful to handle conflicts appropriately and swiftly so that there are no divisions among us. Why? Because we are family! God’s family – we are united as One in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer: Lord, please help me to be a peacemaker in my faith community. I specifically want to surrender these specific areas of conflict that I am facing today – [name them]. Give me a heart of humility in my dealings with others and remind me of the precious bond Your children share through the blood of Jesus. In His name I ask these things. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 18

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read James 4:1-10: What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Questions to Consider

What does James say causes conflicts in our relationships with one another? Looking at conflicts you’re currently experiencing or conflicts you’ve experienced in the past, how do you see the truth of vv. 1-2 play out?
What is James’ solution to our problem with conflicts?
What are some ways God is calling you to draw near to Him? What are some ways God is calling you to humble yourself? How could this affect situations of conflict in your life?

Notes

James says that conflict is caused by our own pleasures (or desires) waging war within us. We find ourselves in conflict with others because we have conflict within ourselves. We have felt needs or desires that aren’t being met. As a result, we try to meet them in other people (who often fall short), and then blame them our predicament – usually subconsciously. Every conflict can be boiled down to an unmet (whether perceived or real) need or desire (be it legitimate or illegitimate).
The Sunday School answer rings true here – JESUS. The Lord is the source of all that we need and when we feel like our needs (and desires) aren’t being met, it’s best for us to go the source – to the one who provides all things for us. And when we go to Him, we must do so with an open heart, giving Him room to examine our motivations and reform our desires.
Spend time in personal reflection.

EVENING REFLECTION

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Jesus’ words above suggest that there is more riding on our relationships with one another than merely our own happiness. The fate of those outside the community of faith is bound up in our relationships. It is by our love for one another – and our willingness to lovingly address the inevitable conflicts that arise – that the world will come to know we belong to Jesus and will begin to see just what His love is all about.

What are some ways you’ve seen how poorly handled conflict deter others away from the Church and the Good News we proclaim? Spend some time praying for your Church community. Ask that God would help you all to demonstrate his love especially in situations of conflict.

February 7, Tuesday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Practicing God’s Presence through Thanksgiving

1 Corinthians 1:4-9: I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Practice of the Presence of God is a collection of the writings and philosophies of Brother Lawrence (a 17^th century monk) that teaches Christ-followers how to be constantly aware of God’s presence. I recently revisited this volume, hungering for a greater sense of the presence of God in my own life. David Santistevan, a Christian blogger, summarizes what he learned from the book as follows, “Practicing the presence of God is about turning all of your life experience into a prayer. Nothing you face in life is exempt from surrender to Jesus. Every victory, every trial, every annoyance, every disagreement. Turn it around. Bring it into the presence of God.”

One of the practical ways to do this is to actively and intentionally praise the Lord throughout the day. Santistevan integrated the practice of praise into his day by intentionally adding to every complaint (stated or unstated) one word of thanksgiving. Why? Because on this side of heaven, in our fallen world, there is always going to be something to complain about (something is always going wrong). But – as a familiar placard in my parents’ home often reminds me – in Christ, “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” When we spend our time complaining we find ourselves turning inward – to our unmet needs, unmet desires, unfair treatment, etc. But when we begin to thank God (and to do so sincerely – not half-heartedly saying thank you for things we’re not really thankful for) we turn our hearts to the Lord and find ourselves more aware of Him and just what He’s up to in His redemptive work in the brokenness around us.

Paul reminds us that, as members of Christian community, one thing for which we can almost always thank God is one another. Read the passage above again – Paul is pretty specific about why He’s thankful for his friends. What about you? What relationships in your life fill you with thanksgiving? Friends supporting you through tough times, sharing inside jokes, and building memories are precious treasures and gifts from God for which we can always give thanks.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship and partnership in the Gospel. I am particularly thankful for [name your friends] today for these reasons [be specific]. Help me to see you at work in all the brokenness around me and help me to be more aware of You throughout my day today – to the glory of Your name and furtherance of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 17

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read Psalm 100:1-5: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Questions to Consider

What are some reasons the psalmist give for praising and thanking God? How does he encourage us to do this?
What are some specific things you’re thankful to God for today? Spend sometime articulating your thanks to Him.

Notes

We praise God and give Him thanks because of who He is (He is God and He is good), because He made us, because has called us His own people and cares for us like a shepherd cares for his sheep, and because He is steadfast in His love and faithfulness to us. We do this by making a joyful noise and singing, by coming into His presence (spending time before Him), by knowing who He is (intentionally remembering and allowing ourselves to forget) and verbally declaring the thanksgiving in our hearts.
Spend sometime in personal reflection.

EVENING REFLECTION

Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalm 136:26)
There are countless verses in Scripture that remind us to praise the Lord. Find one of your own and spend a few moments meditating on it this evening (allow the significance of every word to hit your heart). Then write it down and stick somewhere you’ll see it everyday (e.g. your bathroom mirror or car visor) to help you cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. Our God is great and worthy of praise!

February 6, Monday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Living With Purpose

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I never skip an opportunity to draw attention to the salutations in Paul’s letters. They are some of my favorite parts in all his writings, because they are usually so loaded with theological significance and remind us of the importance of identity. Our identity is the source and foundation for all we say and do. And as believers, remembering who we are in Christ is imperative to not only living as Kingdom People but also to doing Kingdom work. In today’s passage, Paul reminds us that we are sanctified by the blood of Jesus, knitted together as one family, and given a calling (as saints, and more specifically for Paul, as an apostle)! Being called God’s own people gives us a glorious identity and purpose.

My small group is going through Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life together, where we are exploring the question, “What on earth am I here for?” During the first week’s readings (there is a short chapter to read each day) I was reminded just how easy it is for me to go through any given day without giving much thought to who I really am and what I’m here to do. Identity and purpose go hand and hand and both require intentionality. Living into my true identity as a child of God and living out my God-given purpose won’t happen incidentally or accidentally (or as Pastor Rick would say – The only way to live with purpose is on purpose).

How often do you think about who you are and what you’re here to do? I was challenged recently to start each day with intentionality by reminding myself every morning of who I am and what I’m on earth to do. You should try it! As we do this over and over, we learn to lean into all that it means to be a child of God and are empowered to make the most of every opportunity to do Kingdom work in the community around us.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for calling me Your own through the finished work of Jesus. Thank you for giving me a purpose and allowing me to participate in bringing forth Your Kingdom. Help me today to walk more fully in my identity as Your child and to live out more intentionally Your purposes for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 16

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read 1 Peter 1:13-21: Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Questions to Consider

In what ways does Peter remind us of the importance of being intentional with how we live each day?
On what foundation is Peter encouraging us to carry out his instructions in this passage(vv. 17-18)? Why is this important to keep in mind?
What might it look like for you personally to put this passage into practice in your life? What is one practical step you can take today toward that end?

Notes

Peter encourages us to prepare (our minds for actions), to be sober-minded, and to set our hope fully on the grace of Christ. All these things are actions that require intentionality. They won’t just happen on their own.
Peter reminds us that we are God’s own children and that we were ransomed by the precious and imperishable blood of Jesus Christ. This identity has to be at the foundation of all we do. If we forget it, we will quickly lose sight of our purpose and lack the power to complete our mission.
Spend some time in personal reflection.

EVENING REFLECTION

“I’ve always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.”

(Lily Tomlin in The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, by Jane Wagner)

If we’re not careful to remember our God-given identity and purpose, we’ll end up becoming someone entirely different and doing things that in the end leave us feeling unfulfilled.

Have you ever lost sight of your identity in Christ? Have you ever lost sight of the mission of God in your life? What was the result?

Spend some time articulating in your own words your identity and purpose as you understand them from Scripture. (e.g. I am [fill in the blank] and I am here to [fill in the blank].) Write it down somewhere and return to it often so you can be sure to live each day with purpose.

February 5, Sunday

The AMI QT Devotionals for February 4-5 are provided Jasmin Izumikawa. She is a member of the Church of Southland and is currently a high school teacher. She has lived the miracle of healing through the prayers of her AMI church family through her battle with lymphoma.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Psalm 77:19 Your way was in the sea and Your paths in the mighty waters.

Recently, our drought in California had been broken for a few gloriously rainy days. As nice as it was to have the rain, driving on the road was dangerous. Roads were flooded and my windshield wipers were not doing much to clear my view from the penetrating rain. Larger vehicles would splash waves of water onto my windshield, blocking my vision for a few seconds at a time. It felt like being in a carwash but at 45 miles an hour! It occurred to me that the most frightening thing about driving in the rain was not so much sliding around but the lack of peripheral vision around me.

Sometimes, when we do not have excuses or complaints to hide behind anymore, and the only way out is through the stormy sea, we begin to learn how to trust in the LORD. Maybe you can relate to this now in your job, relationship, or lack thereof that has you feeling doubtful of God’s favor or direction in your life.

Is there someone you need to forgive and show grace to at this time? Perhaps we need to start by asking, What is the LORD strengthening me to do now? LORD, will you give me eyes to see Your handiwork today? What will you show me today? Wherever we are, let us not lose sight of where God leads us this year.

Your way was in the sea

And Your paths in the mighty waters,

And Your footprints may not be known. . ..

You led Your people like a flock

By the hand of Moses and Aaron

(Ps. 77:19-20).

Prayer: LORD, Your way sometimes looks like a challenging journey, but I know Your way is right—Your way is forgiveness, humility, grace, and hope. Give me sight to see where You want to lead me. I place my trust and faith in You, LORD. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 13-14

February 4, Saturday

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I will remember my song in the night.

Psalm 77:6

Waking up in the mornings was easy to do when I was home recovering from chemo, because I barely slept at all. Those days of silence were spent in countless sleepless hours late into the night and into the early morning. Although I was finally finished with treatments, I had little to celebrate in my heart. Sorrow had silenced me for many months. So in the days and weeks to come, I spent my sleepless nights staring at the ceiling and watching the light from passing cars sweep across my dark room until it was morning again.

I remember one early morning while I lay in bed, a song broke the silence. This wasn’t a quiet Moonlight Sonata rising with the morning sun. It was a song boldly sung by a bird outside my window. The tenacity of this bird to rehearse its long-winded aria at my dark and silent hour was striking to me. The next morning, she arrived again, breaking the silence with the same piercing tune. In that very early morning, while it was still dark, I began to envy a bird that was able to sing even in the dimness of night.

This caused me to think, Had I forgotten what the LORD has done? His healing and grace had rested on me, and yet, why could I not praise Him? Why could I not speak thankful words to Him? As I began to cry out to the LORD, I believe my true healing began.

Many times, when we find ourselves trapped in our fears and doubt, we begin to question God’s love and acceptance for us. Remember that even in your darkest hours, God is boldly rich in love for you. His heart aims to serenade you at times when there is pain and loneliness. Be comforted and remember your song in the night.

I will remember my song in the night;

I will meditate with my heart

I will meditate on all Your work

And muse on Your deeds.

Your way, O God, is holy;

What god is great like our God?

(Ps. 77:6, 12-3)

Prayer: LORD, thank You for the gift of life and for meeting me in my darkest hours. Heal my heart and strengthen me. You humble my heart with Your loving kindness; how could I keep my joy silent? I want to draw nearer to You and rest in Your loving arms. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 13-14

February 3, Friday

The AMI QT Devotionals from February 2-3 are provided by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S. F. Mark, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.), has been married to Mira for 20 years; they have two children, Jeremiah and Carissa.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the respective views of AMI pastors.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

An Inconvenient Truth about Abortion (2)

1 Corinthians 10:12^b, 24 (NIV)

But we do not use this right. . . . 24 “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. . . . Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others

2 Kings 16:2-3 (NIV)

Ahaz . . . followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire.
What conservative churches failed to accomplish, social liberals have done it—that is, making smoking an unconscionable act in public. Their main argument: smokers have no right to pollute the air that I breathe since second-hand smoke is hazardous to my health!

Ironically, one major argument for legalized abortion, advocated adamantly by this anti- smoking crowd, is that every woman has a right to control her own body. So, while social liberals will curb the “rights” of smokers to protect our lungs, most of them will do nothing to protect the whole person in the womb because women have the right to do whatever they want with their body.

This philosophy stems from the ideas of Margaret Sanger, who was the original founder of Planned Parenthood. Sanger wrote that women are enslaved through their reproductive powers by men who dictate and control the standards of sex and morality. “No woman” she said, “can call herself free who does not own and control her own body. No woman can call herself free until she can choose consciously whether she will or will not be a mother.” This seems eerily close to the reasoning that Ahaz must of have had when deciding to sacrifice his own son. For power and control, there was no price he was not willing to pay.

As Christians, it is vitally important that we have the right perspective on the issue of abortion. In the early days of Christianity, a large part of its explosive growth was the fact that it was a haven for women who had given birth to baby girls or simply a baby that seemed weak. In Roman culture, infanticide was widespread and men forced women to kill unwanted babies through the practice of exposure. The church was a refuge for these mothers and their newborn children, because it recognized the value of life—no matter how small, weak, or helpless.

Today, Christians are again called to be the protectors of life and to help women see the wonderful gift that God has placed inside their womb. And those who are considering abortion should remember what God says about so-called “our rights”: “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others” (1 Cor. 12:25b).

Pray that our lawmakers and civil leaders regain their conscience and present viable laws that will, at least, make abortion “rare” (Hillary Clinton). May our churches respond to women in crisis by offering a real alternative in conjunction with Christian groups, such as National Right to Life, whose mission is to do just that.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for being preoccupied only with my life, my family and my church. Open my eyes not only to the matter of abortion but to other matters, such as poverty and slavery that destroy lives. Help me to care—beginning today. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 12

*Today’s AMI QT Devotionals is a reprint from 2014.

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Read 1 Cor. 8: 9-13: But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Ps. 22:10-11: Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. 10 On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help

Questions to Consider:

The Corinthian passage deals with former idol-worshipers who, now, as believers, became stumbled upon seeing Christians eating food that had been sacrificed to idols. What is Paul’s instruction to these “eaters?”
Extract the main principle from Paul’s inspired instruction and apply it to the argument that every woman has a right to control her own body.
Ultimately, why is that no one has the right to wipe out that which is in the womb of the mother?

Notes

“Yes, you have the right to eat whatever you want; I said elsewhere regarding food, ‘Nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (1 Tim. 4:4). But there is something more important than eating: acting lovingly toward our brothers and sisters. Therefore, if what we do (in this case, eating certain foods) makes them stumble, then we shouldn’t do it.
The extracted principle is: I will curb my right to do that which is “permissible” (1 Cor. 10:23) for the good of others. In other words, seeking the good of others (something legitimate and reasonable, of course) triumphs over the exercise of my rights, particularly when others are affected.
The phrase, “From my mother’s womb you have been my God,” would make no sense if we are talking about a glob of tissues. There are two possible objective points from which life can be considered having begun: at conception or birth. All other alleged points are arbitrary and subjective, including so-called the “age of viability.” God’s word indicates at conception, and that’s why abortion cannot be morally defensible, because it is taking the life of another human being.

EVENING REFLECTION

Some advocates of abortion are really clever. They say to those who oppose them, “Whereas you are concerned over those who are yet born, you don’t care in the least for those children who have been born.” They may have a point. What can we do to authentically demonstrate that we care for the living as well? Perhaps, one powerful expression is adopting orphaned and unwanted children. I know several Christian families who have provided a loving home for these children, and by doing so, they have made the most powerful statement against abortion. Another way is to sponsor children living in poverty with a monthly support through Christian organizations such as Compassion International or World Vision. Pray about it.

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me” (Matt. 18:5).

February 2, Thursday

Disclaimer: The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the respective views of AMI pastors.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR TODAY

An Inconvenient Truth about Abortion (1)*

2 Kings 16: 1-6 (NIV)

In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. 2 Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. 3 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. 4 He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. 5 Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem and besieged Ahaz, but they could not overpower him. 6 At that time, Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram by driving out the people of Judah. Edomites then moved into Elath and have lived there to this day.

While I squirmed over having to present a morning devotional based on a passage dealing with infanticide, we, as followers of a holy God, need to deal with the horrifying nature of sin head on.

In reading about the reign of King Ahaz, I think most of us would agree with the biblical assessment that this man did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Faced with the threat of being conquered by his political enemies, Ahaz committed the unthinkable act of sacrificing his son to pagan idols in the hope that they would deliver him from this situation. His desire to maintain power and control overrode any remnant of moral conscience that this man may have had and became his excuse to commit the inexcusable sin of sacrificing his child. And it appears that Ahaz’s idols gave him exactly what he desired: he withstood the attack of the armies of Aram and Israel. However, in the annals of biblical history, this was a victory that felt more like a defeat.

In 1973, there was another victory that seemed rather hollow, because it, too, involved the sacrifice of children: the landmark Supreme Court case known as Roe v. Wade. Ironically, some who oppose infanticide do an about-face over feticide, which actually is infanticide unless the humanness of the one in the womb, whether 12 or 32 weeks old, is categorically denied.

This morning, I want to be sensitive to those women who have endured the shame of abortion and offer the forgiveness and healing of Christ. Yet, at the same time, I would like to shed light on this issue. The advocates for on-demand legalized abortion celebrated the decision as a victory for all women, but they forgot to mention the countless children lost as a result of the verdict. And since that decision in 1973, over 50 million abortions have been performed in the United States. Planned Parenthood, an organization that performs most of these abortions, plainly states that one of out of three babies conceived in the United States is deliberately aborted. Over 1 million abortions will be reported in this country this year alone. These aren’t just numbers but real people who could have been our brothers or sisters, brilliant scientists or outstanding theologians.

Maybe you have had an abortion? Confess that sin to Christ and receive His forgiveness and healing. There is no sin that God won’t or can’t forgive.

Prayer

Lord, Your word tells us that You have known us from the very moment we were conceived, and that we were wonderfully and fearfully formed in our mother’s womb. Help us to understand the sanctity of life and the awesome privilege of having children who bear Your image. May You protect our marriages, our families, and especially our children as we live against the tides of this culture. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 11

*Today and tomorrow’s AMI QT Devotionals are reprints from 2014.

LUNCH BREAK STUDY

Matthew 19:13-15 (NIV)

13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. [1]

Questions to Consider:

Why did the disciples rebuke people for bringing their children to be blessed by Jesus?
What is Jesus’ attitude towards the children?
What does it mean that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children?

Notes

Ancient cultures held children in low-esteem and did not see it worthwhile to go out of their way for them. In addition, the disciples were intent on getting to the next place of ministry and saw this interruption as a hindrance.
Jesus’ attitude is completely opposite of the disciples. He gladly takes the time to lay hands and to pray for each child. As believers, we should treat all children with the same attitude that Jesus did—as special recipients of God’s love, even prior to their personal commitment to Christ.
Childlike dependence and innocent faith are the hallmarks of an authentic relationship with our heavenly Father. Although there may be room for doubt, cynicism, and a critical heart, these things can easily poison our walk with God. What this verse does not mean is that all children go to heaven.

^[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Mt 19:13–15). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

EVENING REFLECTION

I recently read a post from a person, who I thought was a committed follower of Christ, stating that he was indifferent to the subject of abortion. This deeply saddened me because I don’t believe this espouses the heart of God. Although we don’t want to make hot button topics bigger than they are in relation to the Gospel of Christ, at the same time, we must hold unwavering to a Christian worldview and ethic. It is important that we think through our position on many cultural and societal matters and hold fast to the Scriptures as our guide. Take time tonight to ask the Lord to give you clarity on the controversial issues that Christians face and the courage to stand for the truth.