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.

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 20:19-20

¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 

“To fear is to have more faith in your antagonist than in Christ.” – D.L. Moody, The Overcoming Life

The Gospel of John, chapter 19 describes one of the darkest event in history: The Lord Jesus Christ was cruelly punished and put to death in the most gruesome way. Understandably, the disciples who followed Jesus for three years were gripped with fear as their own aspirations and dreams of God’s rule came to an abrupt and most shocking end. Their Messiah was now lying lifeless inside a tomb. Without their teacher, miracle-worker, and leader, the disciples were gripped with the fear that at any moment, those who arrested Jesus would also come looking for them. (I wonder just how effective the locked doors of ancient homes would have been in keeping out unwanted guests.)

Then, all of a sudden, they found an unexpected guest amongst them—Jesus stood among them! With just a few words, Jesus transformed the fearful disciples into joyful worshippers. The presence of a living and resurrected Jesus brought new hope that would embolden the disciples to break through the locked doors and proclaim the Lord’s resurrection.

At Kairos Church, we just celebrated the 10^th anniversary. The church began (just as many other AMI churches) with a group made up mostly of college students who lacked in resources, finances, character, experience, and wisdom when it came to planting a church—yet we had faith in Jesus. Pastor Mark placed his faith in the Lord and made the bold decision to plant this church. Over the past 10 years, Kairos Church recognized many of its shortcomings, deficiencies, and limitations; yet, God continued to show His faithfulness and invited the church to keep trusting Him as the Head of Kairos. As we reflected on the past decade, Kairos Church joyfully celebrated God’s work in the transformation of people, raising up of servant-leaders, and many who became children of God.

Let us seek the Lord’s presence in our churches. His presence will transform our fears into joy.

Prayer

Lord, in my own weakness, I confess that I am gripped with fear (fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of man, fear of giving up control, and fear of the future). Fill my heart with Your presence, and may Your peace bring joy in my spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 1

Lunch Break Study 

Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” ⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” 

Questions to Consider

1. What is implied with Jesus’ invitation to “go over to the other side”?
2. What is significant about Jesus’ sleeping in this narrative?
3. What are your thoughts about the authority of Jesus as it pertains to your fears?

Notes 

1. The context of the following story shows that the boat lands in the region of the Gerasenes. Jesus planned for a mission into Gentile territory, for He wanted the disciples to understand that the good news of God’s Kingdom was for all nations.
2. Ironically, the only place in the Gospels that we hear of Jesus sleeping is during a storm. The scene depicts His complete trust in God in the midst of adversity, much like the farmer in the preceding parables (4:3–9, 27) who trusts in God’s providential working over all obstacles and adversities.

Evening Reflection  

What are some fears that irritate you? Spend some time being honest before the Lord and confessing your fears. Ask the Lord to replace those fears with faith in Him.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals for October 8-9 are provided by Christine Li.  Christine graduated from University of Pennsylvania and currently lives and works in New York City.  She attends Remnant Church in Manhattan.

Devotional Thought for Today

Luke 15:14-17[1]

“After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!’”

I knew college was supposed to be challenging, but one trouble I did not anticipate was that I would go broke one semester. It was my own foolishness– I had relinquished a work-study job, but I kept spending money. I knew this was a bad idea, yet I hoped I could scrape by and never tell my parents. Finally, one day when I had less than $20 left for weeks of school, I reached a crisis.

Completely distraught, I called home and admitted what situation I was in. While my parents made it clear that they found this completely irresponsible, what they were more concerned about was that I had felt the need to hide from them. “You shouldn’t have pretended everything was fine. You should have come to us sooner,” they rebuked me.

A couple things prevented me from openly going to my parents. I feared the humiliation of being known as irresponsible. I feared they would be angry, and I was too prideful to admit that I needed help. So, I tried to handle the difficulty by myself until I reached a point of desperation. Looking back, if I had had the sense to admit my troubles sooner, I could have received help and avoided all the angst.

Just like the prodigal son, don’t we also avoid going to God the Father at the first sign of trouble? Though the prodigal lacked no shame in asking for his inheritance, he kept himself from returning when he was in need, struggling on his own until he was completely stuck. We might feel ashamed for what we did, fearful that He will be angry, or stubbornly hope that we can handle it on our own. But, our delay only puts us in a worse-off condition than if we turned home sooner.

We all know the happy ending of this parable: the Father was quick to forgive and restore the son. Even if others have responded to our failings in negative ways, we can be encouraged that this will not be the Father’s response. He will eagerly respond to us with help, healing, and restoration. So, let’s not keep ourselves from Him. We do not have to needlessly struggle on our own when He is ready to restore us.
Prayer: Father, You are so gracious and gentle! But I always seem to forget, and that is why I do not go to You sooner. Help me to remember Your loving-kindness and that You are slow to anger and quick to forgive. Teach me to come to You eagerly and receive Your grace that heals and restores me.

[1] We are taking a break from the study of John (October 8-9).

Bible Reading for Today: 2 John

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals for October 8-9 are provided by Christine Li.  Christine graduated from University of Pennsylvania and currently lives and works in New York City.  She attends Remnant Church in Manhattan.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 10:19-22[1]

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

08Have you ever noticed a difference in behavior between first-time guests and frequent visitors to your home? In my own experience, I’ve seen a marked difference in my own behavior over the years of visiting an older sister. I went from politely asking to sit on her sofa the first time to, years later, sprawling over her living room, helping myself to what’s in her pantry, and occasionally even showing up late at night to stay over. By making her home my own many times, I clearly demonstrate how secure and assured I’ve become of our close relationship (and also, that she is very patient with me).

Before Christ, worship in the temple was also similarly formal and distant. Even if the people could approach the temple, there were still rules, formalities, and restrictions governing how to approach God – only once a year could the High Priest make his way into the presence of Almighty God (Hebrews 9). But now, on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice, the author of Hebrews paints a new picture of bold advances. What was once impossible for common man – directly going into the inner chamber where a holy God dwelt – has become a privilege for each person.

How many of us truly make ourselves at home in God’s presence? When we approach Him, are we fearful that we have no right to be there, or do we believe that we are eagerly welcomed there? Because of Christ, God the Father has no more requirements on any ‘holiness’ or ‘time’ you must satisfy to meet Him. We can now enter His presence in whatever condition, at whatever time, without restriction and without inhibition!  And this is the spiritual reality that “many prophets (in the Old Testament) . . . longed to see . . . but did not see it, and to hear . . . but did not hear it” (Matt. 13:17).

Today, let’s give thanks again for His sacrifice that allows us to draw near, and let us not waste the privilege of beholding Him for ourselves. Let’s go into the Father’s courts confidently as His children, knowing that we are welcomed to rightfully dwell in his presence!

Prayer: Father, thank You for making the way for us to draw close to You. Thank You for not being distant but for destroying the barrier that was between us. Thank You for welcoming us into Your presence. Teach us to boldly approach You as Your beloved children.

[1] We are taking a break from the study of John (October 8-9).

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Corinthians 12-13

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from October 3-7 are provided by Pastor Yohan of Radiance Christian Church, San Francisco. Yohan graduated from University of Pennsylvania and Cairn University, where he studied theology. He is married to Mandie, and they have four small children.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 20:17^b

“…but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

In Korea, the stork does not bring babies to their parents—that’s the job of trash cans.  For those of you who are scratching your heads, for whatever reason, Korean parents will jokingly tell their kids that they were found in trash cans, under bridges, or several other ridiculous places.  It’s like when older siblings torment younger siblings by telling them they were adopted—except the parents do this.  Even though I’ve lived in America all my life, I realize I still harass my kids in this manner.  So yes, I’ve told them they were found in trash cans.  And once in a while, when my youngest son Jon cries for mommy, I will ask him, “Do you really think she is your mommy?”  And my wife looks at me like I’m a three-headed monster every time I do this.

Innately, people need to be secure in who they are and from whom they came from.  I guess this is why my wife looks like she wants to maim me when I make those “you’re not my kids” jokes.  I find it interesting that after Jesus is raised from the dead, He emphasizes not only that is He ascending to His Father, but stresses to the disciples that God is “your Father” and “your God.”  Jesus was instilling the truth that because He rose, all who believe in Him are legitimate children of God.  In theological terms, we call this the doctrine of adoption. This doctrine is critical to our faith because it secures our standing in the Kingdom and, hopefully, forms the basis for our actions.  In other words, as legitimate children of God, we know we always belong to Him, and the work that God calls us to do, we do as beloved sons and daughters—not as slaves.

How do you most often think of yourself as a believer?  Do you think of yourself as a worker?  A soldier?  A hand, foot, or other body part?  All of those are biblical images of Christ’s church, but remember that your most fundamental identity in the Kingdom is a “child of God.”  Now, believe it and live it!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Your child.  Help me live this day with this knowledge and being secure in that truth.  Help me to serve not as a worker or slave but as a beloved child, knowing that I represent my Father’s good name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Corinthians 11

Lunch Break Study 

Read Romans 8:9-17: You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.  12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Questions to Consider

1. What are some characteristics of those who are “in the flesh”?
2. What are some characteristics of those who are “in the Spirit”?
3. What does it mean to be an heir with Christ, and what provisions are attached to this right (v. 17)?

Notes

1. Those who live in the flesh will/are dead (v. 12) and are slaves of sin who live in fear (v. 14).
2. In contrast, those who are in the Spirit are alive in Christ, debtors to righteousness, children of God, and heirs/fellow heirs with Christ.
3. In v. 17, we read that we are “heirs of God,” meaning God is our prize and treasure. However, one of the provisions of this inheritance is that we have to suffer with Christ as well.  What that means in our context is something we all have to figure out.

Evening Reflection  

Over the last couple of years, identity in Christ as children has come up repeatedly at our church.  I realize a lot of people struggle with their identities as children, possibly because they didn’t have “ideal” parents.  Whatever the case, take a moment to reflect on the implications of being a child of God and how it should impact your life.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from October 3-7 are provided by Pastor Yohan of Radiance Christian Church, San Francisco. Yohan graduated from University of Pennsylvania and Cairn University, where he studied theology. He is married to Mandie, and they have four small children.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 20:17a

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father…”

I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of waking up from a really pleasant dream. When that happens, what is the first thing you want to do? I don’t know what you were thinking but the correct answer is, go back to sleep. You want to go back to sleep, hoping you can go back into that happy fantasy world for a few more minutes.

I have often wondered why Jesus told Mary not to cling to her on that Sunday morning. I used to just think that Jesus was in some quasi-spiritual state, and if Mary tried to hug him, she’d go right through him. But this line of thinking doesn’t make sense for two reasons. First, later on in this chapter Jesus tells doubting Thomas to literally touch the scars on his hands and side, so Jesus must have been tangible. Second and more importantly, the whole point of the resurrection is not that we will become spirits or ghosts, but that we will be resurrected in the flesh. So I’m starting to think that perhaps Jesus was telling Mary, “You can’t cling to me as you used to do, because things have changed.” I’m guessing that in Mary’s mind, she was hoping Jesus would stick around, and things would go back to how they were before Jesus was arrested and crucified. But that world and that time she experienced with Christ would no longer exist; She couldn’t just go back to sleep hoping to return to that happy dream, if you will.

Sometimes in our Christians lives it is healthy to look back and remember God’s past goodness; however, we are never told to live there and pine for the “good ole days.” We have to know that God has new blessing to give and he is doing a new thing everyday. For Mary, it would have been great if Jesus could have stayed so she could cling to him, but that was not God’s plan. In fact, even Jesus says it is better that he leave and the Holy Spirit come (John 16:7), so we must believe that God has great plans ahead. Celebrate the past, but live in anticipation of God’s new work today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the ways I have experienced you in the past. Thank you that you are working in the here and now, and help me to be excited to be a part of that work too.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Corinthians 10

Lunch Break Study 

Read John 4:31-38: Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them,“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

Questions to Consider:

1. In this passage, what seems to be the “will” of the Father?
2. What do we learn about the harvest? What did Jesus say about the harvest time vs. what others might have thought? How do you think in comparison?
3. What do you we learn about Kingdom work in verses 36-38. How is this idea an encouragement and/or challenge to you?

Notes:

1. In this context, the will and work of the Lord was to bring people (specifically Samaritans) to faith. Bringing others to Christ is generally also the work that God has for us too.
2. Some think that there will be time to harvest later; however, being “white” implies that the harvest is critically ready (i.e. there is no time to waste or the harvest will go bad). Similarly, I think that is how Christians view evangelism; some think there is plenty of time, others know time is not guaranteed.
3. At all times, God is and has been working. You may be called to reap a field you did not sow. Other times you may have to sow and allow another to reap. Either way, we need to be ready to do the work of the Lord in whatever season he has called us.

Evening Reflection  

The theme for today was to be ready to participate in God’s work. Do you believe that God has a new work for today (and tomorrow), and are you ready to reap the harvest? Have you been excited or ready to do God’s work lately, or have you been bogged down by other worries? If the latter, ask God to show you the fields and prepare you for a new work.