July 11, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on August 17, 2018, is provided by Pastor Barry Kang, the lead pastor of Symphony Church in Boston.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Plans Are For Our Good!”

Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. 

Let’s review the circumstances of the Jewish exiles in Babylon:

  • Israel had been living in rebellion against God for centuries, ignoring prophet after prophet who urged them to turn back to the Lord.
  • Finally, God uses Babylon as a means of disciplining Israel.  Babylon conquers Jerusalem and destroys the temple.
  • The elites of Jerusalem were uprooted and brought to live in Babylon by their captors.
  • Prophets in Jerusalem and Babylon begin to prophesy that God will bring the exiles back soon and they just need hold on for a little longer.  But God, through Jeremiah, categorically denies that these prophets are from Him.
  • Instead, Jeremiah tells the exiles that God wants them to get used to living in Babylon (the enemy state) and even start caring for Babylon (again the enemy).  
  • Instead of two years, it will be seventy years before they return.  Many of the current exiles hearing this message will not be alive then.

It seems like it’s all bad news so far.  The Jewish exiles were not wherethey wanted to be, they were not doing whatthey wanted to be doing, and the when of God’s plan didn’t match their timing.  Then in verse 11, God tells His people that in all of this, He has a plan—a  plan to prosper them, not to harm them, a plan to give them a future and a hope.  His plan was in operation—not in spite of all the bad stuff, but even through the bad stuff.  And this is true for us as well.  God has a plan for us—a plan to prosper us, not to harm us.  A plan for our future and to give us hope.   Sometimes our circumstances may suggest otherwise to our limited perspectives, but the truth is always that God has a plan, and it is always for our ultimate good!  God’s cosmic plan saw its peak in the death and resurrection of Jesus, which means that we don’t have to worry about our tomorrows, because Christ holds that tomorrow in His hands.  Let us seek to submit our plans—all the when’s, where’s, and what’s—to Him today!

Prayer: Father, we thank you for Your love and plan to pour grace and truth into our lives.  No matter our circumstances, help us to trust that Your hands are around us.  I want to be surrendered to Your control, Your timing, and to Your will, knowing that Your ultimate goal is for our welfare.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezra 5

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:28-31: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Questions to Consider

  • For whom does Paul say “all things work together for good”? 
  • What kind of “good” do you think Paul is talking about here?
  • What does passage tell us about the purpose to which we are called (vv. 29-30)?

Notes

  • Romans 8:28 tells us that the Holy Spirit (c.f. Romans 8:26-27) will work all things for good for “those who love God,” who are also “called according to his purposes.”  This is not a general promise of ambiguous good for all people, but specifically for those who love God and live according to His will.
  • Again, the Bible does not promise general, subjective good for all people.  The “good” here in context is our “ultimate good” or “true good”; it cannot mean anything we might see as good, such as pleasure or fame or fulfilled personal ambition.  Rather, the “good” flows out of God’s good purposes.
  • Romans 8:29-30 tells us that God purposes us through His plan to become like Christ.  We are also to become part of one family with Christ as the oldest brother.  Finally, God’s purpose is that we would be justified (i.e. declared “not guilty”) and also glorified!

Evening Reflection  

Part of trusting in God’s plans requires that we redefine what we consider to be “good.” Let us reflect upon what we desire (consider to be good) and compare it to what God considers good.  Can we surrender and adopt new definitions of good if necessary?  Journal your meditations.

July 10, Thursday

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotionals, first posted on October 25, 2018, is provided by Pastor Paul Liu who pastors the Grace Covenant Church Singapore. He is a graduate of University of Illinois (BA) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Point of Reference” 

Jeremiah 48:1-5

Concerning Moab.

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Woe to Nebo, for it is laid waste! Kiriathaim is put to shame, it is taken; the fortress is put to shame and broken down; 2 the renown of Moab is no more.
In Heshbon they planned disaster against her: ‘Come, let us cut her off from being a nation!’ You also, O Madmen, shall be brought to silence; the sword shall pursue you. 3 “A voice! A cry from Horonaim,
‘Desolation and great destruction!’ 4 Moab is destroyed; her little ones have made a cry. 5 For at the ascent of Luhith they go up weeping; for at the descent of Horonaim they have heard the distressed cry of destruction.

One of the privileges of planting an AMI church in Asia is receiving one-year interns.  We love our interns!  But an inevitable rite of passage when you move half-way around the world is—getting lost.  Our interns get lost all the time.  One of our first interns got on a bus and ended up in another city—now, that’s lost!  So it’s not unusual to find our interns holding their mobile devices to eye level and literally do a pirouette, trying to find their bearings using Google Maps.  In a sense, they’re doing what travellers have done all throughout the ages, which is to use a compass to orient themselves to true north (or magnetic north if you want to be picky).  Instead of relying on intuition or chance, we look to a more consistent and constant measure.  We need this in life as well, which is why the most important voice you need to hear today is—the voice of the Lord your God.  And not because He always flatters or pampers—He doesn’t—but we need His voice because He cannot but bring the light of His truth to bear on our hearts.  In a world that deals in shade of grey, God’s voice is our True North.  

In today’s text, we move from Israel’s Western neighbors, the Philistines, to their neighbors to the East, the Moabites.  God gives them a warning that judgment would come upon them as well as the Philistines.  There used to be a time when you would cry, “Woe is me!” if you were discouraged or overwhelmed.  It’s a cry of self-pity because we usually think we deserve more or deserve better.  And if we veer towards feelings of worthlessness, it’s still ME at the center.  It’s not an easy cycle to break, and our perspective is often skewed, which is all the more reason why we need a surer reference point to gauge our life’s trajectory.  God says to Moab, “Woe to you”—these are words of warning because the Moabites rejoiced in their own “renown.”  They took great pleasure in the recognition of others but cared very little for God’s opinion of them.  They valued what is fleeting and temporary over what is true and unchanging—to their tragic demise.  

Let’s build our lives on the firm foundation of God’s truth rather than the opinion of man or the spin of a short-term deal.  One will secure your life, the other will get you lost.  

Prayer: Speak, O Lord.  I want to hear.  Help me to trust in Your wise leadership today rather than live out of neediness or insecurity.  Guide me, Holy Spirit, to live a life that honors You! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezra 4

Lunch Break Study  

Read Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Questions to Consider 

  • What characteristics about God are emphasized when the psalm writer uses the images of refuge, help, and fortress?  
  • Notice that the context of the psalm writer’s confidence takes place in calamity and trouble.  What kinds of trouble does the text hint at?  
  • What lessons can we learn from the psalm writer about dealing with life’s troubles?

Notes

  • All of these images represent practical aid by means of God’s strength.  In verse 1, God is described as a “refuge,” and the idea is associated with the word “strength.”  Both a refuge and a fortress offer protection from harm and give confidence to those sheltering within.  The psalm writer goes a step further by personalizing God’s help – He is “OUR refuge and strength” and His help is described as “present” rather than distant.  
  • In vv.2-3, the psalm writer lists the sounds of natural disaster to describe the trouble circumstances stir in our hearts.  We become anxious and worried, moved by a myriad of voices in our lives (the culture’s dream, the ideal look or figure, a demanding boss, a critical parent, deadlines or goals screaming out to us, etc).  In addition, vv.6 and 9 mentions social and political unrest—yet more fuel for our worry or reasons for us to withdraw. 
  • We can deal with our trouble by:  (a) remembering the strength and concern of God; (b) listening for his powerful voice (v.6); and  (c) learning to turn down the noise of our world so we might hear the voice of God (Be still).  

Evening Reflection

Since we live in such a fast-paced world, let’s take a moment to be still.  Turn off your phone; put your device to sleep; turn down the noise; and focus all of your attention on the reality that God is with you.  He always is—we’re just not always aware of His presence.  Try to be silent and reject every other thought.  It’s not that it’s unimportant; rather, God is more important.  Express to Him your need, and praise Him for He is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

July 9, Wednesday 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on October 31, 2018, is provided by Pastor David Kwon who leads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.  David is a graduate of Drexel University (B.S.) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Love That Hates”

Luke 14:25-35

Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33  So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.  34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

All of us are probably familiar with what we called the “terms and conditions” of a product or service—but we hardly ever read it closely.  Think about it: when was the last time you actually read the terms and conditions before signing or clicking the OK button? In college, I had a friend who signed up for a car detailing service, unaware of the following terms and conditions: there was a discount price for the first three washes and details, but after that the price jumped up to almost double the cost.  So after he got his car detailed the fourth time, he was shocked at the enormous bill!  His failure to read and understand the terms cost him dearly.  

In today’s passage, Jesus makes it clear that when we decide to follow Him, we have to be willing to follow on His terms and conditions.  This passage is probably one of the harshest, but also the clearest, teachings on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.  His main idea is this:

Salvation costs you nothing, but discipleship will cost you everything.  Salvation occurs in a moment. Discipleship takes a lifetime.  Salvation is something God did for us.  Discipleship is something you do for God.  It is not for the casual or consumer Christian who desire to follow God on his or her own terms. 

The parable we see in today’s passage is about a tower and a king.  Whenever someone builds a tower, a wise person assesses the expenses and cost.  Jesus is addressing people who make decisions solely based on excitement and emotions, thus making hasty decisions to follow Him.  Jesus is telling them to think about the commitment that is required; it’s not just about emotions and excitement but a lifetime of discipleship.  The second picture is of a king who is outnumbered.  Instead of just jumping into war, a wise king would assess the cost of war before entering into battle; and if he knew he could not win or complete the battle, he would surrender.  The same goes for discipleship: we must access and count the cost before we are willing to follow.

Why would anyone follow Jesus like this?  We need to remember this is an invitation that Jesus gives us to experience abundant life.  It is out of His unconditional love and amazing grace that motivates us to follow Him.  Let’s continue to follow Jesus on His terms, and may we be filled with joy as we do.

Prayer:  Lord, we acknowledge that it is not easy to follow You, but I pray that You would give us the courage and strength to follow.  Give us great joy as we count the cost daily.  Amen!

Bible Reading: Ezra 3

Lunch Break Study

Read John 15:1-11: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Questions to Consider

  • What do you think it means when Jesus says that we are called to “abide in him”?  Why is this so important?
  • What is the fruit Jesus is referring to and what is required to bear it?
  • What is the result of abiding in Christ, according to verse 11?  Is this true in your life?  Why or why not?

Notes

  • To abide in Him simply means to be in union with Christ.  It’s having a constant and intimate relationship with Him so that we would grow into His likeness.
  • Bearing fruit means that we produce the character of Christ in our lives (see Galatians 5:22-23).  Jesus says that this often requires pruning of our selfish nature and old ways, so that He can do the work that is required for transformation.
  • As we abide, we are promised joy to the fullest.  As we walk in obedience, we are promised true joy that only comes from Him.

Evening Reflection

Spend time in prayer, asking the Lord specifically to have unconditional heart to follow and obey no matter the cost.  Pray that your love for Christ would be the highest priority over any other love and as you do, ask for an increase of joy.  

July 8, Tuesday

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted September 4, 2018, is provided by Pastor Mark Chun. Mark is now serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in S.F. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Obedience in Contemporary Western Christianity”

Jeremiah 35:8-16 (ESV)

We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, ourselves, our wives, our sons, or our daughters, 9 and not to build houses to dwell in. We have no vineyard or field or seed, 10 but we have lived in tents and have obeyed and done all that Jonadab our father commanded us. 11 But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and the army of the Syrians.’ So we are living in Jerusalem.” 12 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 13 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the Lord. 14 The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me. 15 I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, sending them persistently, saying, ‘Turn now every one of you from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to serve them, and then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to you and your fathers.’ But you did not incline your ear or listen to me. 16 The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me.

In contemporary western Christianity, obedience to God or our lack thereof is seldom addressed.  Pastors and preachers make it seem like obedience is not required in a relationship with God, and they present God’s commands as a suggestion or something that only needs our consideration.  The notion that we have to do something simply because God has commanded us to do those things seems archaic and legalistic.  Everyone wants a reason to obey, but at the same time they reject the best reason for obedience—which is that God has commanded it.  

The story of the Rechabites is given to us as an example of obedience to a father’s commands.  As we read yesterday, the prophet Jeremiah purposely tested the faithfulness of these men by putting out wine in front of them, but in observance of their father’s wishes, the Rechabites politely refused the offer. Their loyalty and obedience to an ancestor who has been dead for over 200 years stands in stark contrast to the lack of loyalty of the Jewish people towards the living God.  Even though the commands of Jonadab, their father, seem obscure, irrelevant, and a bit extreme, his sons and their sons after them kept these commands for generations without question.  Sadly, the commands that are given to us by our heavenly Father, laws that we know are written for our benefit, are seldom obeyed with the same level of zeal, commitment, and ardor.   

We have become a nation of people who love to give our ceremonial sacrifices to the Lord but have neglected the higher call to obey His Word.  Our churches are still filled to overflowing on Sunday but obedience to the word of God is sorely lacking Monday through Saturday.  One of the main themes of Jeremiah is the importance of obedience above and beyond any religious sacrifice, because in the end, obedience to God is the most accurate measure of our love for God.  A willingness and desire to obey God is the first step in learning how to love God with all of our heart, strength, and mind.   

Prayer: Father, as we begin this day, set our hearts on obeying Your voice.   Help us to see that the path of peace, joy, and wellness are found as we faithfully obey Your word.  Give us the resolve to fight our own desires to sin, and teach us to walk in the Spirit so that we might live for You more fully.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Ezra 2

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Samuel 15:17-24 (ESV): And Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. 18 And the Lord sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?” 20 And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” 22 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23  For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.” 24 Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.

Questions to Consider

  • What sin was Saul guilty of?
  • Why did he fall into that sin?
  • What was the consequence of that sin?  

Notes

  • Saul was guilty of partial obedience.  Instead of destroying everything of the Amalekites, Saul and his armies spared the best of the plunder for themselves and only destroyed the things that were worthless.  In fact, the greater sin was not just the act of disobedience but assuming that they could appease God by sacrificing some of their treasures in His name.  It is easy to justify our disobedience with all of our religious activity.  
  • In the end, we see that Saul fell into this sin because of his own insecurities and the pressures of the people around him.  Saul clearly understood what God had commanded him, but he could not bring himself to stand up against the desires of the people.  They would have listened to their king, but Saul failed as their leader.  
  • The consequence of sin was the rejection of Saul from being king over Israel.  It seems rather harsh, especially in light of what seems like genuine repentance after the fact.  However, it’s evident from this example, and many others to come, that Saul is not a man after God’s own heart.  He is not fit to be the first king of God’s people, and so the throne was rightly taken from him.   

Evening Reflection

Every day presents opportunities to either obey God or to disobey.  Therefore, it is important to be sensitive to His voice so that we can grow in our obedience.  Pray that God would give you ears to hear and a heart to understand all that His Spirit is saying.  Take some time to reflect on your day, and to pray over areas of sin so that you might be washed in His forgiveness.   

July 7, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 23, 2018, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato. Jason, along with his wife Jessica and their three young children, is serving in Japan as an AMI missionary.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The King of Kings”

Jeremiah 23:1–4 (ESV)

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD. [2] Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the LORD. [3] Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. [4] I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD. 

Imagine that you are an ordinary Storm Trooper working on the Death Star.  The day is going well but here comes Darth Vader and it appears that he’s having a bad day.  Due to the terror in your heart, you accidentally trip and fall.  Thankfully, he laughs instead of using the force to choke you to death.  You realize this is not a healthy working environment but at this point you don’t have a lot of options.

Similar to this storm trooper, people of the ancient world did not have a lot of options when it came to who their leaders were.  Kings were often chosen by lineage or by other kings with large military forces.  Leaders ruled through fear and with absolute power.  They were often more concerned with themselves than with the people they led.

But Israel is supposed to be different.  Israel’s kings are to be shepherds of God’s people, caring for them and leading them into the blessing of God.  Unfortunately, most of Israel’s kings are no better and sometimes even worse than the surrounding kings.  

Thankfully, for God’s people, their human king is not at the top of the food chain.  No, the kings of Israel are responsible to the King of Kings!  As the Good Shepherd, God declares woe to leaders of God’s people who destroy and scatter the sheep.  He will hold them accountable for their evil deeds, and He will gather His sheep from the nations to which they’d been scattered.  Despite the wicked shepherds of Israel, the Lord will make His sheep fruitful and they “shall fear no more, nor be dismayed.”

In this imperfect world, our leaders may not always have the heart of the Father whether they be bosses, parents, or pastors.  But we are free from the need to judge them because God alone is their Judge.  We are free from the need to rebel against them because the Lord will provide for us.  We are free from the need to fear or appease them because God is in control.  We are free to fear God only and submit to our earthly authorities as He commands us because the Lord is our Shepherd.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You are my Shepherd!  Forgive me that I am often tempted to take matters into my own hands.  Give me faith to trust in You and submit to the leaders you have placed in my life. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezra 1 

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Questions to Consider

  • Why does God appoint spiritual leaders in our lives?
  • To whom are our leaders accountable?
  • When we resist our leaders or make it difficult for them to lead us, who suffers?

Notes

  • God appoints spiritual leaders to keep watch over our souls.  He knows that we are often most blind to our own sins and we need others who can speak the Word of God into our lives.
  • Our leaders are accountable to God.  Human leaders like politicians or CEOs are accountable to those whom they are leading, but spiritual leaders are not ultimately accountable to their flock but to God Himself.  This is a far more serious thing.
  • When we resist our leaders, we suffer!  God knows that our leaders are not perfect.  He does not ask us to submit to our leaders because we trust them but ultimately because we trust Him to work for our good as we obey Him in faith.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on any interactions you’ve had today with a human leader or authority figure.  Did your actions and thoughts reflect trust in the Lord?  Ask Jesus to give you humility and wisdom so you can honor Him in these relationships.

July 6, Sunday

REPOST  Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on May 27, 2018, is provided by Jennifer Kim who had served as a staff in multiple AMI churches in the past, She is a graduate of Boston University (B.A.) and Alliance Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“That Which Precedes Repentance”

Jeremiah 6:22-30 

This is what the Lord says: “Look, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is being stirred up from the ends of the earth. 23 They are armed with bow and spear; they are cruel and show no mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation to attack you, Daughter Zion.” 24 We have heard reports about them, and our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor. 25 Do not go out to the fields or walk on the roads, for the enemy has a sword, and there is terror on every side. 26 Put on sackcloth, my people, and roll in ashes; mourn with bitter wailing as for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us. 27 “I have made you a tester of metals and my people the ore, that you may observe and test their ways. 28 They are all hardened rebels, going about to slander. They are bronze and iron; they all act corruptly. 29 The bellows blow fiercely to burn away the lead with fire, but the refining goes on in vain; the wicked are not purged out. 30 They are called rejected silver, because the Lord has rejected them.”

When my parents sold our family home of 16 years, I tried to convince myself that it was not a sad parting. While I loved our family home— and it was certainly God’s provision to give us such space—my primary concern was more for my parents. It wasn’t until I visited our home one last time to surrender my keys, when I found myself in a flood of tears. Seeing our home that had been filled with memories, keepsakes, and valuables completely empty for someone else to move their things in, hit me with the reality that I would never live in this house again. I realized at that moment that I needed to grieve this transition properly for me to walk into the new season that God had in store for myself and my family.

When we read today’s passage and God’s directive to bring a powerful and merciless nation again Jerusalem, God gives one last charge (i.e., warning) to the city. He tells the people to put on sackcloth, roll in ashes, and mourn with bitter wailing – the traditional mourning customs of the Old Testament. While we cannot know for certain whether God would have stopped the judgment of Judah if they went into mourning, my judgment would say that there would have been some grace from our Father. The reason is because mourning only comes when we have a heart of true repentance. When we understand the true nature of our sin and the effect it has on ourselves, those around us, and to God, our natural response is sorrow and mourning. It is in our sorrow in which we can express the need for God’s love, grace, and mercy that allows the space for God to come and do His work. 

Matthew 5:4 states, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” True freedom from sins can only be experienced when we go in repentance grieving and mourning our sins. While grieving is a necessary process in repentance, it is also a necessary process in bringing our true emotions to the surface so that God may shine His light into the dark areas. While I am still grieving the loss of our home, my grieving process has brought friends and church members to come alongside to help me during this transition. Without them I am not certain how I would have handled the transition, yet it was only in my pursuit to be honest and open about my sorrow that I was able to experience the love, grace, and provision through God’s people. When we learn to grieve our sins, our losses, and our pains in honesty before the Lord, it is then that He can truly come in and do His work of comforting, healing, and restoring us.

Prayer: God, forgive me for the ways I have sinned against You. Help me to see the deep sorrow that I cause You, myself, and others in my sin and bring me to true repentance. Thank You that true repentance is possible because of the cross of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 48

Saturday, July 5th

REPOST  Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on April 14, 2018, is provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, who serves in E. Asia as a missionary, is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Who First Came Up with Servant Leadership?”

Mark 10:35-45

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Robert Greenleaf, Director of Management Development at AT&T, coined the term “Servant Leadership” in the 1970’s. He describes the process as, “it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.” This changed the way how executives approached leading business organizations. However, long before Robert Greenleaf coined the term “Servant Leadership,” Jesus embodied servant leadership.

In this passage, James and John boldly approach Jesus to ask, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” Upon hearing this request, the other disciples became indignant, most likely, because they were jealous. However, Jesus calls the Twelve together and says, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.” 

Verse 42 reveals the heart of James and John and the other disciples. The rulers and high officials mentioned in the text were commanders second to Caesar. The way that these commanders led was to “lord it (authority) over” and “exercise authority over” their subjects. Because James and John thought Jesus came as political king, they coveted the right hand and left hand positions of Jesus.  However, Jesus challenges their world view of leadership and calls them to become servants. By adding the word “even,” Jesus wants to make it clear that the Son of Man, who is supposed to be served, came to become a servant. May we all, especially church leaders, develop the same heart posture for others. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, because you came as a servant, I am able to experience your goodness. Thank you so much for your servant’s heart. Whether in leadership or daily life, may I become more like you. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 46-47

July 4, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, originally posted on August 10, 2018, is provided by Pastor Doug Tritton. Doug has been pastoring Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia since 2021.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“All That Glitters”

Jeremiah 28:1-4

In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the Lord, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying, 2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the Lord’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. 4 I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the Lord, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.”

There is a proverbial saying that goes like this: “All that glitters is not gold”—meaning, the appearance of something does not necessarily tell you about its true nature. For example, imagine looking at a shiny new Porsche; it could look beautiful from the outside, but this does not tell you anything about the quality of its engine. It may not even work! A shiny Porsche that has a broken engine is useless!

When I was in college, someone approached me and invited me to come to a Bible study, promising that there would be ice cream there. As a young Christian, I thought to myself, “Ice cream and the Bible, sounds good!” However, before going, someone from my church cautioned me that this group was actually a cult—this group would often invite people to their Bible studies but then pressure people to keep coming back and make it very difficult to ever get away. All that glitters is not gold.

The practice of discernment is very important in the Christian life. Previously, we talked about the yoke of lies and being able to sift through all these voices and ideas we constantly hear which requires discernment. The difficult thing about discernment is that we need to look deeper than appearances. Hananiah’s prophecy, in today’s passage, sounded good on the outside, and it was something the Israelites wanted to believe! Yet, it was wrong, it was not from God. Discernment requires one to go deeper than the appearance of the message.

But how can we see beneath mere appearances? How can we actually discern between all the voices that we hear – voices on TV, the internet, our podcasts, or even in our own minds? Well, unfortunately, we really cannot do this on our own, because we are easily swayed by our wants and preferences. But spiritual discernment requires the Spirit—the Spirit of God. When King Solomon was on the throne, he asked God for wisdom—specifically, he asked that he may be able to “discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9).  And God answered this prayer for Solomon. This is a prayer that God answers.  So today, let’s ask God for the ability to discern, so that we may be a people who look beyond appearances and see things as God does.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to be a people who look beyond appearances. We know that You are a person who does that. You do not judge by appearances, but You look at the heart. May we not be swayed by things that seem good on the outside, for we know there are many wolves in sheep’s clothing around us. We need Your help. We need Your Spirit, so, Lord, send Your Spirit upon us that we may have discernment.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 45

Lunch Break Study  

Read Matthew 7:15-20: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Questions to Consider

  • How do we recognize false prophets, the ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing?
  • What happens to trees that bear bad fruit?
  • How should we be careful about our own words?

Notes

  • Jesus teaches us that we can recognize them by looking at their fruit. Things we hear should not simply “sound good.” If these ideas and messages don’t bear fruit, if they don’t bring transformation, if they don’t lead us closer to Jesus, then that is bad fruit. Discernment requires caution and care.  
  • The trees that bear bad fruit are cut down and thrown into the fire. This means that they do not last. Ideas that sound good and may go viral for a time, getting million shares in a day, may just fizzle and fade. Trees that bear good fruit last, they do not simply go viral; they stick and they bring transformation. They bring the kingdom in a greater way.
  • Though the warning in this passage is about false prophets around us, we need to be careful lest we become a false prophet. Sometimes it can be easier to not offend anyone by being pleasant sounding, but God calls us to speak the truth—even if that means we won’t be popular or comfortable. Discernment is not just external; it should also be internal—with our own words.  

Evening Reflection

Take time this evening to ask God for discernment. Reflect on this verse: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). Our God gives wisdom and discernment to us freely. As mentioned earlier, it’s a prayer He answers.

July 3, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, which was originally posted on June 22, 2018, is provided by a writer who wants to remain anonymous. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Burn It and Then See”

Jeremiah 14:22

Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O LORD our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.

One of the easiest ways to test the authenticity of gold jewelry is to burn it. Using a lighter, you can gently hold a small flame under your piece of jewelry. If your jewelry burns black, it is fake or at least partially so; but if your jewelry does not turn black but burns brightly, congratulations—it’s real, pure gold. 

In our passage today, the Israelites are currently in drought and famine as a result of their idolatry and disobedience to God. They are hungry, thirsty, and tired. And now, they are optionless. At this point, Jeremiah cries out on behalf of the people, “Are there any… false gods of the nations that can bring rain?” In the greatest time of need for the Israelites, their false gods did not show up.

Since most of us don’t experience physical drought and famine today, we are probably unfamiliar with truly feeling hungry, thirsty, and tired. We’ve gone after other idols—such as ministry achievements, career, relationships, etc. and being successful with such endeavors. Yet we’ve been left feeling empty. It’s during these times where we begin to ask, What can help me? What can make me whole? At the end of our passage, Jeremiah proclaims, “Are you not he, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.” We see here that in a time of drought and dire need, when all other options are exhausted, God is the only one who can provide. Many things in our lives can seem to give us life. It could be as “good” and harmless as our ministry activities, or as “bad” and frowned upon as a publicly toxic relationship. However, let’s ask ourselves, If I were to be stripped bare and have nothing else in life, would _________ give me life? Jesus tells us that only He is the way to life (John 14:6; 11:25).

In personal seasons of drought, we may feel like only our faith is being shaken and tested. However, what if God is not only testing our faith, but also putting our idols under a flame to prove that only He is true and like pure gold?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us not to run away from seasons of drought but to see what You are doing through them. Thank You that You are the one who will provide for us through the best and worst seasons of life. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 44

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 1:3-9: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, andunfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Questions to Consider

  • What does Peter say that we (as believers) have been born again to?
  • How does this impact how we face persecution, and similarly, suffering?
  • This is an important passage in the OT where God reveals Himself in a direct way. Is there anything new that you have learned about who God is, biblically?

Notes

  • We have been born again to an inheritance, a destiny, a future that is imperishable and waiting for us in heaven. 
  • First, we can be grieved or grieve over persecution and suffering, not ignore it. However, we can recognize that persecution and suffering is being used to refine our faith, which is more precious than gold or anything we can earn in this world. We can also be greatly encouraged knowing that our perseverance is resulting in praise and glory and honor with Christ when He returns. Our perseverance and steps of faith are eternally meaningful.
  • Personal reflection.

Evening Reflection

Is there anything in your life that you feel like it can make you more whole than God can? Let’s not delay but bring that to the Lord and ask Him to realign our perspective.

July 2, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on July 2, 2018, is provided by Esther Chailim. Esther, a graduate of University of California, San Diego (B.S.) and Talbot School of Theology (M.A.), is the Director of Ministries at Kairos Christian Church (San Diego).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Let’s Make a Change!”

Jeremiah 17:1-2

“Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron tool, inscribed with a flint point, on the tablets of their hearts and on the horns of their altars. Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles beside the spreading trees and on the high hills.”

The recently released film “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”  highlights the life and legacy of Fred Rodgers. His start into the television business came about after seeing a man getting pied in the face on TV as a form of comical relief.  To most people, these slapstick shows were entertaining and appeared to be harmless jesters.  But Mr. Rogers saw things differently. To him, using humor to avoid life’s most difficult realities was an extreme disservice to children.  Knowing how impressionable children were, Mr. Rogers, therefore, devoted the next three decades of his life teaching children how to deal with life’s weightiest issues through the lens of mass media. 

In Jeremiah 17:1-4, we read about how Judah’s sin caused God’s anger to burn forever. Their sin was so deeply engrained in them that Jeremiah describes the permanency as being engraved “on the tablet of their hearts, and on the horns of their altars.”  In other words, their sin was a mark of history, negatively affecting and influencing the generations to come.  Jeremiah proceeds to warn the nation about how God will punish them because of their rebellion.  The similarity between those broadcasting slapstick shows, and the rebellious nation of Judah, is that they were both only interested in instant gratification.  They were in it for themselves and did not care about the consequences that would later harm them or others. Thank goodness for Mr. Rogers, who constantly fought to challenge those norms! 

Every day, we are faced with the same dilemma of choosing to live our lives in line with God, or to turn from Him.  It is impossible for us to do it on our own, so that is why we need the help of the Holy Spirit.   As we reflect on our lives, here are some good questions to ask ourselves: Am I seeking out instant gratification or am I seeking the eternal rewards? Am I self-seeking, or am I seeking Christ? Am I being a positive influence to others, or a negative one?   I think what is most powerful about this film is that it brings to light a desperate need for more people like Mr. Rogers.  An ordinary, imperfect man, centered on Christ, called to minister to others (particularly children) through love and kindness. A man who challenged cultural norms and fought for the dignity of all children. Because of this, his ministry and legacy continues to live even beyond his years.  What once was a humble television show intended to change the way children deal with the difficulties of life has now become a film inspiring adults in the present day to continue that work and make a change in this world.   Now, before you think, I am no Mr. Rogers, remember that no matter who you are, you are a teacher to someone. 

So whether that person is a child, a sibling, a co-worker, a friend, or even a stranger, know that God gives us amazing opportunities to make a positive influence in other people’s life.  Speak truth, show kindness, and share the love of Christ! 

Prayer:  God, help me to live a life that influences others in a positive way.   I know that how I choose to live my life matters to You, so Holy Spirit, help me not to fall into temptation and continue walking in rebellion towards You.  Root me in Your truths and cover me in Your grace so that I am firmly grounded and able to minister to others with love and compassion.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 43

Lunch Break Study

Read Colossians 3:12-17: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Questions to Consider

  • As God’s chosen people, what character traits does He call us to strive for?
  • How can we have the peace of Christ rule our hearts?
  • Think about someone in your life whom God is calling you to extend a little more compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and/or patience towards. Pray for that person and ask the Holy Spirit to give you an opportunity to minister to them. 

Note

  • God calls His people to have compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. He also calls us to forgive and to put on love. 
  • We can have the peace of Christ by allowing the Word of God to dwell among us.  As we read and meditate on the Word of God, as we sing praises with a grateful heart, the peace of God will be upon us.  
  • Personal response. 

Evening Reflection

Read over Ephesians 4:29-32. Spend some time meditating on these verses and consider areas in your life where you may be tempted to fall into sin.  Does your speech corrupt others, or does it build them up? Are you quick to become angry or bitter, or are you able to forgive and show kindness?  If there are sins that you need to surrender to God, take this time to do so now. Acts 3:19 tells us to, “Repent, then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”