Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 17-23 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 1:10-14

10 And,  “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,

    and the heavens are the work of your hands;

11 they will perish, but you remain;

    they will all wear out like a garment,

12  like a robe you will roll them up,

    like a garment they will be changed.

But you are the same,

    and your years will have no end.”

13 And to which of the angels has he ever said,

   “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

“He is the Creator and the sustainer of all things. He is the unchanging, self-existent God, and that means that He depends on nobody. He is neither helped by our faith nor hindered by our unbelief.”
― Colin S. Smith (Pastor & Author)

In today’s passage, the author of Hebrews continues his description of Jesus Christ as the supreme Son of God. To emphasize his point, the author quotes from Psalm 102 in which the psalmist cries out to the Lord in anguish but also celebrates God’s transcending existence.  At the end of the Psalm, the writer calls upon the Lord as the One who laid the foundation for the heavens and earth, acknowledging Him as the unchangeable Lord of all creation; and it is this description that the author of Hebrews directs to Jesus Christ.

The Hebrew writer continues by contrasting Christ and that which will pass away: The heavens and earth “will perish”; the Lord will “roll them up” like a robe, and they will be changed. Christ, on the other hand, “will remain”; for He is “the same,” and His years will “have no end.”  Theologian John Owen writes, “One thing is meant by these expressions — Christ’s eternal and absolute immutable existence…To emphasize God’s eternal nature in contrast with the world’s frailty and all of its creation, it is said that his years will never end. The world comes to an end but there is no end to Christ’s existence.

These verses remind us that Jesus is the “same yesterday and today and forever” (13:8).  For us it means that we can be assured and be confident that His love, grace and faithfulness will always be constant and never waver, despite changes in circumstances, politics, nations and even our personal lives.  As a result, we can live confidently knowing that the One constant in our lives will never change.  Let’s thank Him and put our confidence in that promise.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you that you are an unchanging God.  You are indeed the same yesterday, today and forever, and because of that promise, help us to put our hope in You.  Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 12

Lunch Break Study 

Read 1 Peter 1:3-9

3 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, and unfading, 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:

1. According to Peter, what is the reason for our hope?
2. How should we look at our trials and what is the purpose for them?
3. How can we be comforted by this passage?

Notes:

1. Peter reminds the believers to look at Christ’s great mercy and the inheritance that is imperishable, which will never be taken away from us. That is the reason why we have hope.
2. We go through trials because it shows us the genuineness of our faith (v. 7). We can rejoice with joy because we have been saved by His great love (v. 8-9).
3. We can be assured of a living hope that will never be taken away from us as believers.

Evening Reflection  

Take some time reflecting on the passage you read today.  What challenged you? Ask the Lord to search your heart and to show where you need to make specific applications.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 17-23 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 1:7-9

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

As we have been reading through Hebrews, the author of the book is giving us a picture of the greatness of God.   He is greater than all things and all of creation points to Him.  Today, we are going to see that God is sovereign over all things because He is a mighty Ruler.  In verses 7-9, the writer demonstrates the superiority of Christ to angels by contrasting their status: the angels are servants, but the Son is sovereign.  His throne and scepter show us that His rule is ultimate and will never end.

The Sovereignty of God is the biblical teaching that all things are under God’s rule and control, and that nothing happens without His direction or permission.  God works not just some things but all things according to the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11).  The Christian author A.W. Pink in his book The Sovereignty of God puts it like this:

“What do we mean by [the sovereignty of God]? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is “The Governor among the nations” (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the “Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible.”

What does this mean for us?  Simply, it means that we can trust God in all things because He is in control.  When we worry and fear about circumstances and situations in our lives, it often means that we forget the sovereignty of God – which is that He is in absolute control of all things in this world and in our lives.  Are their areas in your life where you are neglecting His sovereignty?  Take some time in prayer this morning and ask for a greater trust in Him as you are reminded that He is the Sovereign Lord.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You rule and reign over all creation and in our personal lives.  Help me to trust You in all things as I am reminded of that truth.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 11

Lunch Break Study 

Read Matthew 6:25-34: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Questions to Consider:

1. When it comes to the area of worry, what is the main issue Jesus is pointing to?
2. What is the solution to anxiety over our future?
3. How can we be comforted by this passage?

Notes:

1. The reason why we get anxious about our life and future is because we lack faith. We lack faith that God’s ways are best, and that He will provide for us in His time.
2. The way that we overcome worry is by making His kingdom the highest priority (v. 33). We seek His kingdom, and we trust that He will add things that we need.
3. We can be assured that God knows and cares for our every need. He desires us to trust in and to seek the things of His kingdom.

Evening Reflection  

In what areas do you need greater trust in God?  Be specific and lift those areas up to the Lord in prayer.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 17-23 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 1:4-7

Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father,

and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”

C.S. Lewis, in preface to his book Screwtape Letters, complains about the progressively distorted picture of angels that has come down to us through religious art. He says: “Fra Angelico’s angels carry in their face and gesture the peace and authority of Heaven. Later come the chubby infantile nudes of Raphael; finally, the soft, slim, girlish, and consolatory angles of nineteenth century art, shapes so feminine that they avoid being voluptuous only by their total insipidity…. they are a pernicious symbol. In Scripture the visitation of an angel is always alarming; it has to begin by saying, ‘Fear not.’ The Victorian angel looks as if were going to say, ‘There, there.’” Perhaps, Lewis was a bit exaggerating, but his portrayal was certainly in line with some of the encounters recorded in Scripture. For instance, when the prophet Isaiah saw the angel hovering around him, he was traumatized and in awe at the sight (Isaiah 6:1-6).

So, who are angels and what are their main functions? In short, God created angels as incorporeal beings (Heb. 1:14) endowed with free will whose main tasks are: first, continuously worshiping and praising God (Revelation 4:8); second, communicating God’s message to man (Acts 7:38, 53); third, ministering to believers (Psalm 34:7). For instance, in the book of Acts (5:19, 12:6-11), we see them delivering believers from difficult circumstances; fourth, being God’s agents in the final earthly judgments and Second coming (Matthew 24:31).

So then, what is the point of the writer of Hebrews in writing about angels? It goes back to the theme of the book, that Jesus is greater than even the angels who, as Lewis points out, often brought fear because of their holy and solemn presence. This is important because some earlier believers might have thought that Jesus was just an angel or the highest of angels, but the Hebrews is very clear on this point: Jesus is far superior than any angels.

What does mean for us? We ought to respond in worship as “all of God’s angels worship him” (v.6). Often, we do not worship or feel like our hearts are in a state of worship because we forgot how superior He is. Christ is greater than our circumstances, trials, material possessions, people in power, nations and all of creation! How big is God to you this morning? As you start this day, ask the Lord for a heart of reverence and worship.

Prayer: Lord, remind me again that you are greater than all things! There is no one like our God. I pray that my heart would worship properly in response to who you are. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 10

Lunch Break Study 

Read Psalm 95: Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;

the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,

as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. 10 For forty years I loathed that generation and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart,

and they have not known my ways.” 11 Therefore I swore in my wrath, “They shall not enter my rest.”

Questions to Consider

1. How does the Psalmist respond to God in this Psalm?
2. What kind of God do we see in v. 7?
3. What does this Psalm teach us about worship?

Notes:

1. This Psalm is one of worship. Notice the words that are used to describe worship: sing (v. 1), joyful noise (v. 1), bow down (v. 6.). He is responding to the greatness of God.
2. God is our great Shepherd who cares for us and leads us. He loves and cares for His people personally.
3. We see that worship flows out of heart of joy and thanksgiving. Worship starts with acknowledging His presence as the great King (v.3) and Maker (v. 6). Let’s us respond in the same way!

Evening Reflection  

Today, we focused on the topic of worship. One simple application is to worship Him in whatever form you feel comfortable. You might want to go out in nature and look at His creation. Another way may be to worship Him through song and the Word. Whatever you do it, let’s worship with all of our hearts!

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 17-23 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 1:1-3

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high 

As a sports fan, I appreciate the greatness of an athlete in any sport. This summer, I got to watch some of the Rio Olympics and one particular night, I watched Katie Ledecky swim in the 400m women’s freestyle.   Not only did she win the gold but also she smashed the world record as she dominated the race from start to finish. By the time she reached her final lap, it was evident that no was gong to catch her.   I watched swimming supremacy that night and it would be a race I will not forget.

The Book of Hebrews is about the Supremacy of Christ – how great and worthy he is! To speak of “supremacy” is to speak of that which is “above” or “over” others. It reaches the level of the “super.” In our language it refers to that which (or who) is greatest in power, authority, or rank. It is also used to describe that which is greatest in importance, significance, character, or achievement — the “ultimate.” The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus at that ‘ultimate’ throughout this book.

We should note how Jesus’s supremacy is described in these verses:

• Heir of all things (v.2) – Heir means “the one it’s all coming to.” 
As Creator he is heir to the universe.
• Creator (v. 2) – Jesus created all things and upholds it all by His power.
• Radiance (v. 3) – Like the sun, he is the source and radiator of divine glory
• Purifier (v. 3) – The One who once and for all paid for our sins in order to purify us
• Ruler (v. 3) – “Right hand of the Majesty on high”, which is a symbol of the place of highest honor. He is the supreme priest.

What a mighty God we worship and serve! As you start your week, spend time reflecting and mediating on the greatness and supremacy of Christ. As you do, may our hearts and desire be surrendered to him.

Prayer: Lord, there is none like you in all of the earth. You are holy, majestic and set apart and you will forever reign as Lord and King. I pray that I would respond in worship and praise. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 9

Lunch Break Study 

Matthew 14:22-33

²²Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

²⁸And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. ³⁰But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus?
2. How does fear often hinder us from living by great faith?
3. What do we learn about Jesus in this passage?

Notes:

1. They were terrified and responded in fear (v.26).
2. When we live in fear, it distorts the power and character of Jesus in our lives. We often make Him too small, which hinders us from living by faith and not by sight.
3. The disciples worshiped the Lord after they acknowledged his power and greatness (v.33). When we do the same, our natural response is worship.

Evening Reflection  

Take some time reflecting on the passage you read today. What challenged you? Ask the Lord that the supremacy of Christ would be more evident in your life and heart.

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI Quiet Time is provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church in San Diego.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 20:30-31

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

I recently read a statement in a book that said, “The God who created you is better than the god you created.” I thought it was catchy. Definitely true!

There are many topics that float around in our minds all day long; I’m certain that “God” is one of those topics. But have you ever wondered how well-informed you are about who God really is? Do you ever wonder if any of our thoughts, opinions, and even conclusions about God is consistent to the Bible?

One common misconception has been mentioned by preachers in jest: “Please turn to Hezekiah 6:5 – God helps those who help themselves.” Of course, we know that there is no “Book of Hezekiah” in the Bible; nor does the Bible paint a picture of a God who only helps those who make efforts to help themselves. Perhaps, such thoughts and other views like it have found their way into our private theological systems. While they do not serve us in our faith, they can certainly impede our spiritual growth.

The apostle John writes that he took the time to carefully author his gospel (inspired by the Holy Spirit) so that the readers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah and gain life in His name. John, along with the many disciples, had found life in recognizing Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Savior of the World. They discovered that everything he did and taught changed and transformed their perception of the reality: individuals were healed, families were restored, new communities lived according a new set of values, and the gospel continued to extend to the nations.

It is a remarkable statement to believe that faith in a man who walked the earth 2000 years ago would be the only source of true life for all people. But the testimonies of Jesus, as it has been faithfully preached and taught, continues to give life to people today.

If you haven’t already done so, consider downloading an app on your phone that allows you to read God’s word throughout the year. Here’s my favorite:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bible-in-one-year/id504133402?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.multipie.bibleinoneyear&hl=en_GB

And may the words captured in our Bible guide you toward faith in Jesus that leads you to attain life that only He can impart: a meaningful life in the present and eternal life thereafter.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 7-8

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI Quiet Time is provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church in San Diego.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 21:25

²⁵ Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Today’s food for thought shares a few random questions for reflections based on the final passage of the gospel of John.

First of all, this final passage in John leads me to think about death. If you’ve attended funerals, you’ve heard sincere and moving eulogies. Always, they describe the kind of life the deceased carried during his/her years as a parent or as a spouse or as a member of a church or the community and so forth. They describe all kinds of good and virtuous impact he/she has had on the family, the church, co-workers, and others. This last statement of John has that ring to it.

So what will be said of me or you when all is done? Will we have done many things well? How will you live so that you’ve made a meaningful impact for eternal purposes?

Secondly, as John reminds us that Jesus did “many other things as well,” I understand that Jesus did things well because He simply followed what the Father was already doing (Exp God & John 5:19). All of the works that Jesus accomplished turned out to be good works because He followed in the steps of a good Father.

So how are you doing in terms of following in the steps of a good Father? Are you engaging in His good works? Where do you see Him at work and extending an invitation to you, especially through your church?

Finally, John comments that there were so many good things Jesus did that there’s no way a world would have enough space for the books to have recorded all of them. (Such hyperbole may be a literary convention, but in this case it is quite literally true, for there is no limit to the riches that are in Christ Jesus.)*

Here, I imagine the names of people that Jesus touched, healed, taught, and saved. I imagine an immensely thick book about the height of a sequoia tree (hey…my imagination) where the pages are filled with people’s names and family trees, and all of them filled with their own countless stories of how Jesus literally changed their lives. I imagine this book to have names that are written the English alphabet, Latin, Chinese characters, Persian alphabet, and many others. That’s the kind of impact that Jesus has had because He did many things well.

Do you believe that God wants to use you to bring His ministry to the tens, hundreds, thousands of people around your life? Do you know that God wants to use you to bring His glory to the nations?

*The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 6

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI Quiet Time is provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church in San Diego.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 21:15-17

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 

During the course of our marriage, my wife would randomly ask me, “Do you love me?” To that question, there were a vast array of replies from me. Anything from, “Of course I do” or “Why do you ask?” to “Maybe” to “Not today.” (Of course, the latter two were playful responses.) It seemed that a nice firm, “I love you” was the best answer to that question, reassuring my wife that I am all in when it comes to our marriage.

Here, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” (By “these,” Jesus probably means “these other disciples.” According to the other Gospels, Peter had boasted that though all the others fall away, he would not [Mt 26:33 par. Mk 14:29; cf. Lk 22:33; Jn. 13:37], but we all remember how that went.) Peter answers quickly, “You know that I love you.” Then again, Jesus asks Peter the same question. Then a third time, Jesus asks if Simon loved Him. Commentators explain that this third time hurt Peter because it was a painful reminder that he had just a short while ago denied His Lord three times.

There seems to be a connection, though, between loving Jesus and the command that He gives immediately afterwards: “Feed my sheep.” Jesus is shaping Peter’s idea of pastoral ministry that he would be entering into starting on the Day of Pentecost, until Peter’s own tragic death on a cross, according to traditions. That idea is that feeding Jesus’ sheep cannot be divorced from loving Jesus deeply. The effectiveness of the ministry flows from the loving relationship one has with Jesus.

Perhaps you have many ministry items to check off on your list today or this weekend, and you might be feeling overwhelmed. Or perhaps you have become quite skilled at leading your small group or ministry team or conversing with unchurched friends, and so you feel quite confident. Before diving into your ministry setting, how about pausing to reflect on the question, “Do you love Me?” and being able to say to Him, “You know that I love you.”

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I do love You, or at least I really want to. Help me in this area of loving You. Reveal Your love for me today so that I can engage in Your ministry with Your love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 5

Lunch Break Study 

Read John 14:15-18: “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Questions to Consider

1. What is a clear indicator that you love Jesus?
2. What do you discover about the Holy Spirit from Jesus’ promise in verse 16-17?
3. How do these verses comfort you in the challenges you face today?

Notes

1. This statement is not so much a promise that the one who loves Him will keep His commands, as it is a definition of love itself.
2. Here is the first reference to the Paraclete (parakletos),translated as Advocate. This word is a verbal adjective meaning “called alongside,” related to the verb parakaleo, “call to one, summon.” Outside the New Testament it is used in legal contexts to mean “a legal assistant, advocate” (Liddell, Scott and Jones).

Evening Reflection  

Spend some time expressing your affection and love to Jesus. If you’d like, play several meaningful songs that expresses love to Him, and as you sing the words, worship Him.

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI Quiet Time is provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church in San Diego.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 22:3-7a

“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” 

“Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” – Jesus Christ

Some years ago, a group of men from church dedicated an entire Saturday fishing for…fish. More than 20 men put on their lucky shirt, lucky hat, lucky whatever, and rented out a good-sized boat with all of the proper equipment, along with a professional crew cast off from the shores of Newport Beach. Given that the entirety of the catch would belong to the church family, we anticipated a delicious seafood dinner that evening upon our return. After spending hours and hours deep sea fishing, we returned with a handful of mackerels (fish you can catch on a pier any time). That was a sad day for the men.

We really could have used Jesus that afternoon showing up and telling us to cast our reels on the other side, and then find ourselves fighting to reel in yellowtail tunas. Wouldn’t that have been nice?

Of course, this story in John 21 is more than just a fishing story. It’s a reminder to the disciples that from the very beginning, they were called to be fishers of men. But it was also a reminder that their fishing excursion could only be successful with Jesus and never without Him.

I’m not sure how often you actually name and pray for someone who is unchurched or dechurched, but at Kairos, we’re on a great prayer experiment. We are committing a few moments before our staff meetings, ministry leaders’ meetings, small groups, etc., to name and pray for people who are disconnected from our Lord. (It’s not as easy as you might think since it’s a totally new practice.) We figure at least two things will happen as we embark on this new habit of prayer. One, God will answer our prayer and bring salvation to those we are praying for. Two, God will cultivate our church’s heart to care more genuinely for the unsaved.

“Catching fish” has not been easy for us in the past. Of course there were some each year, and we praise the Lord for even one. But John 21 paints a picture that when we fish WITH Jesus, miraculous catches are nearby. We have spent lots of time training for evangelism, reading about evangelism, learning apologetics to answer the skeptics, and devising strategies: ALL good things. But we figured that it might just be easier if we fished with Jesus. And perhaps the reason we haven’t seen many saved is simply because we haven’t actually asked God to save them. So now we are praying—praying more often than ever before for the unchurched and unsaved.

Prayer: Dear God, this morning I pray for __________________ (name an unsaved person(s) whom you can potentially have spiritual conversations with). I pray that You would open up his/her heart to You. Grant to me the courage to share about You and Your love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 4

Lunch Break Study 

Read Eph. 6:18-20: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the main topic of these three verses?
2. What are the things that Paul is directing the Ephesian believers to pray for?
3. How can you apply these words in your own life?

Notes

1. Paul repeatedly uses the word “prayer” in these closing sentences of Ephesians. Clearly, Paul understood the role of prayer in preaching the gospel.
2. Paul directs the church to pray on all occasions for all of God’s people. He particularly asks for prayer on his behalf to fearlessly preach the gospel. It’s difficult to imagine that the great Apostle Paul struggled with fear, but for many of us who fear preaching Christ, the victory comes through prayer.
3. Perhaps you can pray for your pastors.

Evening Reflection  

Who are some people that God has placed in your life so that you are better positioned to engage in a spiritual conversation? Spend some time praying for him/her and asking for boldness to share the gospel.

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI Quiet Time is provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church in San Diego.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 20:24-29

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Do you tend to be pessimistic and negative in your approach to faith or ministry? Do you label yourself a realist, but in reality you are really attempting to cloak your negativity? Do you find yourself commenting, “He’ll never change,” or “That’s just impossible to do”? If you don’t know how to guard your heart, in a life full of disappointments, you tend to end up where Thomas found himself on Resurrection Sunday.

All of the disciples were in deep sorrow and fear. It was a sad scene. John writes, “The doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews” (v. 19). But the one missing disciple was Thomas. Perhaps it was too painful for Thomas to have even been around these guys, or maybe it was the other way around; it was too painful for them to be around Thomas, as he had known to be negative person in the past (John 11).

Thomas: “See, I told you guys this wasn’t going to end well. Now we’re all just going to die.”

Disciples: “Just get out, Thomas!”

We don’t really know why Thomas wasn’t in the room. That doesn’t seem to be important to the writer. What’s important is what happens to Thomas a week later. For an entire week, Thomas refused to believe the testimony of the other disciples: “We have seen the Lord.” These men who were gripped with fear were now filled with joy. Yet, Thomas refused to listen to their story. A week later, Jesus enters the room once again, and this time, He invites Thomas to touch his wounds. Thomas falls to his knees with worship and is forever changed.

Traditions and ancient testimony tell us that later on, Thomas carried the gospel as far as India. A small hill near the airport in Chennai (Madras), India, is where Thomas is said to have been buried. Now there are churches in South India whose roots are traceable to the beginning of the church age, and tradition says they were founded under the ministry of Thomas.

He was eventually martyred—of all things—for his FAITH. Thomas himself was run through with a spear—a fitting form of martyrdom for one whose faith erupted when he saw the spear mark in his Master’s side.

There is a God who changes the hearts of those who are negative, critical, pessimistic, and hopeless. The story of Thomas reminds us that we can bring our worst, but He transforms us to become men and women of faith.

Prayer: Dear God, I struggle with being negative and critical when it comes to You and Your ministry. Please change my heart and fill me with hope that You will truly make all things new in my life, my community, my church. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 3

Lunch Break Study 

Read Prov. 4:20-26

My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
²¹ Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
²² for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
²⁶ Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.

Questions to Consider

1. How many body parts are mentioned by the author of this Proverb?
2. Meditate on verse 23. Think about the actions of your body. What do those actions reveal about the condition of your heart?

Notes

1. An anatomy of righteousness follows, urging the son to keep the father’s words before his eyes and in his heart so they can direct the action of his mouth, lips, and feet.
2. While the instruction seems to mix metaphors by moving from a stored treasure to a flowing spring, both insist that the heart that holds onto teaching is a source of life. 

*from Logos commentaries

Evening Reflection  

Consider the words, “Stop doubting and believe.” Is there an area in your life where these words can apply? Allow the Lord to minister into that particular area of life.

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI Quiet Time is provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church in San Diego.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 20:21-23 

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

“Why would we need to experience the Comforter if our lives are already comfortable?” Francis Chan, The Forgotten God

If you google, “What is San Diego known for?” to no one’s surprise, the search results point you towards beaches, nice weather, breweries, Mexican food, the world famous SD Zoo, and much more. You have all the makings for a nice weekend to relax and to unwind from all of the rigors of life. It’s no wonder that San Diego hosts more than 30 million visitors each year and is a top US travel destination. In my years of ministry in San Diego, I’ve come to understand that many have come seeking “comfort” that they believe can be found in our city. (Would you believe that even the drivers in SD drive at a nice comfortable pace? You hardly hear any honking in this city.)

Today, many of us are tempted to seek a more “balanced, relaxed, and comfortable” Christian life—one that does not infringe upon my weekday schedule, career, family, weekends, vacation time, valuables, goals, hobbies, etc. But, as long as we keep Christ at the fringes, we arrive at a place where our faith is totally impotent.

The word of God calls us to a mission of saving souls and transforming lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, the greatest power this world can know. While this mission is the most difficult and challenging endeavor in life, we are never alone.

In the moment of crisis for the disciples, they were comforted by their resurrected Lord. Jesus appeared and immediately peace filled the room. The disciples did not retreat to the shores of Galilee; they did not seek comfort in foods and drinks; nor did they try to become more religious. They simply received the Holy Spirit, the great Comforter, as Jesus breathed upon them and had promised this earlier in John 14. If our goal is comfort, it is very likely that we will end up with utterly ineffective faith. However, if our aim is for God’s Kingdom, even in spite of all of the discomforts and sacrifices, we will be greatly comforted by the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer: Dear God, if I’m being honest, engaging in the works of Your Kingdom is never easy. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I would be filled with peace and comforted as I struggle through new challenges. Help me to make sacrifices and take up the cross daily and follow after You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 2

Lunch Break Study 

Read Matt 7:13-14: Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Questions to Consider 

1. By talking about two types of gates, what is Jesus’ challenge to His listeners?
2. What is the inevitable result of choosing the wider gate and the broader road?
3. How does this teaching shape your idea of a more biblical Christianity?

Notes

1. Jesus makes it clear that there are two ways in life—and two ways only—that are set before all people; thus, it is important that the right choice be made.
2. Jesus is picturing a scene where the broad road leading to a splendid gate is obvious and easy to be seen, whereas the path that brings the traveler to the unpretentious gate is inconspicuous and is perceived only by those who look for it carefully. But the commodious road leads to destruction, a fact that its popularity does nothing to alter.
3. Presenting a rosy picture of the Christian life and minimizing that it is filled with trouble does not follow the lead of our Lord.

 *from Logos commentaries

Evening Reflection  

Spend some time actually thanking God for your hardships that have served as a pathway for God’s Spirit to work in and through your life.