Editor’s Note:  The AMI Devotional QT from June 6-12 are written by Phillip Chen, college pastor intern at Church of Southland. Philip, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, is currently studying at Talbot School of Theology.  He is married to Esther.  

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Galatians 3:1-9 (ESV)

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

If I were to give you a cup of water with a drop of poison into it, would you drink it? I certainly hope not. That one drop of poison has contaminated the rest of the water and it is no longer fit to drink. In this passage, Paul is vigorously defending the fact that salvation is purely by grace, not by human effort, which is a bizarre idea for those who grew up in the Jewish faith. In fact, there is a passage in the Mishnah—a collection of Jewish customs and traditions—that says, “Heedfulness leads to cleanliness, and cleanliness leads to purity, and… saintliness leads to the Holy Spirit.” Perhaps that is why the Judaizers were so intent on trying to convince the new believers in Galatia that belief in Jesus was not enough, but that they needed to observe the Mosaic Law as well.

For Paul, it doesn’t matter if you inject 1% or 90% of human effort into the gospel message—salvation is no longer by grace if tainted with human effort. Ephesians 2:8 says, “By grace we have been saved through faith.” And it is not our own doing; it is the gift of God. If Jesus, the perfect, sinless, spotless Lamb has declared that our sins are washed away because of His works, then we are arrogant to think that our works—as flawed, sinful people—are needed to complete the process.

How does this apply to us? One common thing we do that is actually a reflection of a misguided belief of a merit-based salvation is the way we approach God when we have sinned. When we are faced with our sin, we tend to hide or run away. Some of us find ways to punish ourselves or make things better before coming to God. Other times, we are so hard on ourselves that we cannot forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Some of us even believe that though God started the salvation process, we need to take over in the sanctification process. Perhaps we do this because deep down, we feel that we need to earn the right to stand before God. But today, remember to run to Him and His perfect grace, for He is the One who has saved us and is continuing to save us.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for your perfect grace. I pray that today, You would remind me of Your extravagant grace that You have extended to me, and that the affections of my heart would be a response to that grace, rather than an effort to earn it.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 65

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV): For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Question to Consider

1. How does Paul define grace? How would you define grace?
2. What are ways that we rely on our works?
3. What should we do with the grace that has been given to us?

Notes

1. Grace is merely a gift; it’s not a result of what we have done to earn it.
2. It could be about the degrees we have, our career, our good works, or even the people we know. Paul, in Philippians 3, lists off a number of personal accomplishments that he could boast in, but he finds all of that as contributing nothing to his salvation, because it is only by grace that he is saved.
3. We were created for good works – our good works is not a requirement for salvation, but it is not optional. It is not a contribution to our salvation, but a fruit of our salvation.

Evening Reflection

We are not very different from the Galatians. We have seen and experienced God’s grace in our lives, but somehow, we find ourselves slowly shifting towards a performance-driven faith. Perhaps it has to do with living in a performance-driven world, but we must remember that there is nothing we can do to earn salvation; it is purely by His grace—in the past, present, and future. Have you shifted to a performance-driven faith? Ask God to remind you once again of His wonderful grace.

Editor’s Note:  Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Jabez Yeo.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

John the Baptist, when told that his younger cousin Jesus, whose ministry began later than him, was baptizing more people, said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (Jn. 3:30).  It is always heartwarming when you see a teacher or a coach who sincerely wants his student and player to surpass him.  That’s also what happened with respect to the main actors who dealt with another heresy in the early church.

As the church entered the 4^th century A.D., it continued to fight against heresies that were similar but subtler than adoptionism (i.e., the belief that Christ was adopted as God’s son at His baptism).  One such heresy was Arianism, which proposed that while the Trinity was made of three “divine beings,” only one, the Father, was without beginning and truly God. Arianism relied heavily on Greek philosophy, which believed that any change for God was improper, for to change is always for better or worse. Thus, Arius did not believe that Jesus was fully divine because “if Jesus is the incarnation of the Logos and if the Logos is divine, then God’s nature would be changed by the human life of Jesus.”[1]

In response, Alexander, the bishop of Alexandria, noted that if Arianism was true, true divinity did not unite with humanity in Jesus and, thus, humanity is not saved. Furthermore, Alexander used Arianism’s arguments against itself, stating that Arianism denied the “immutability of the Father by saying that He was not always Father but only became so by creating a son after some time.”[2]  Through the efforts of Alexander and other theologians, the Nicene Creed was formed to guard orthodox belief against Arianism.

Surprisingly, Alexander’s main contribution to fighting Arianism was not through his words but through his lifestyle of discipleship. Church history details that Alexander once saw children imitating certain church rites and that the “baptizing bishop” amongst them was a young boy named Athanasius.[3] Alexander decided to take Athanasius under his wing, and a life-long friendship began that was filled with godly instruction.  Athanasius would soon become the theological superior of his mentor and was used by God to hammer the final nails in the coffin of Arianism.

As Christians today, we must never forget the importance of discipleship. Let’s pray that God would use us to impact those younger than us so that they will do even greater things for His glory.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the people You placed in my life who helped me to know You. Thank You for sharing Your wisdom and guidance with me through them. Lord, use me in a similar way with the brothers and sisters younger than I. May they do even greater things for Your kingdom as a result. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

[1] Olson, Roger. The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition & Reform.

[2] ^Ibid.

[3] http://www.prca.org/books/portraits/athan.htm

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 64

Editor’s Note:  Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Doug Tritton. Doug, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently pursuing a M.Div. at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, while working full-time.  He is married to Cindy, and they serve at Symphony Church in Boston. 

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Luke 18:35-43

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Something that I have been thinking about recently is that we spend a large chunk of our time going from one place to another. Whether driving to work, walking to class, taking the train somewhere, or just walking to get something from the fridge—much of our time is spent in transit. Usually, the only thing on my mind while moving is the destination – everything else is just an obstacle. Isn’t this why people have road rage? They just want to reach their destination as quickly as possible, and every car that hinders them is an annoyance and an obstacle. Unfortunately, we can often treat people as annoyances and obstacles when they “get in our way.”

However, to Jesus no one was an obstacle or an annoyance. I’m sure He had a very busy schedule, traveling from town to town to speak and to perform miracles. He probably had a schedule to keep; yet Jesus was willing to break His schedule in order to love people along the way. His focus was not on His destination, but on people. In this particular passage, He was on His way to Jerusalem to fulfill His purpose, yet He was still willing to step aside from His plans to bless this blind man.

When you read the Gospels, you see that most of Jesus’ recorded ministry consisted of unplanned events – a blind man crying out, a woman grabbing onto His coat, or a man being thrust through a roof. In light of this, let’s ask ourselves this: how much space do we leave in our lives for unplanned ministry? Is our ministry solely about planned meet-ups or serving at set times? Or are we willing to step outside our schedules to minister to a person in need, or to share the gospel with a person waiting to hear it?

This is very challenging to me personally because once my mind is set on a goal or a destination, I have a hard time breaking out of that. Yet, Jesus calls us to die to ourselves, to follow His example, and to love the people we encounter. Today, let’s make room for love, even in the midst of transition, even when we think we are on a tight deadline. Let’s see people as people in need of God’s love and not obstacles in our way.

Prayer

Lord, give us eyes today to see people as You see them. Let us love those we encounter and be a blessing. Not just to those we plan to bless but even the people You bring into our lives in unplanned ways. Let us love like Jesus and be willing to minister, even at the cost of our time.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 62-3

 

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from May 30th – June 5th are provided by Cami King. Cami, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, is about to complete her M.Div. at Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently serving as a staff member at Journey Community Church in Raleigh.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Galatians 2:11-14

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. 14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

When I first became a Christian, Paul was one of the few major Bible characters it took me a really long time to warm up to (I’m actually still working on it). This is one of the passages that contributed to that. It just seems harsh (and a little bit arrogant). However, with every passing year and greater maturity (hopefully), I’ve come to see the wisdom in Paul’s actions and the importance of what we stand to learn from them.

No one enjoys having to correct someone who is in the wrong (well, no normal person) because it’s uncomfortable. Pastor Steven J. Cole, listed several reasons why… I’ll give you his top three: (1) fear – we don’t want to upset or be rejected by the person; (2) a misunderstanding of Matthew 7:1 – we think Jesus is saying all judgments are judgmental; (3) an awareness of our own sinfulness – this is where the phrase “who am I to judge?” often come into play. Regardless of the slew of reasons we don’t offer correction when we see a brother or sister in error, the one reason we should is that we are commanded to do it. Not only this, but it’s the most loving thing we can do for them.

When Paul describes his correction of Peter in verse 11, the reason he gives for doing it is that Peter “stood condemned.” Not only was Peter wrong and leading those who followed him astray, but he himself stood condemned before the Lord for his sin. That’s a big deal! When we see our brothers and sisters in error, we should be mindful that their sin ruptures their relationship with God and, if we love them at all, we should feel compelled to come alongside them in mending it. And we should appreciate others who do the same for us as well. Are there people in your life God is calling you to correct? May you do so by speaking the truth in love. Is there correction God is calling you to receive? May you do so with humility and appreciation.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the courage and love to offer a word of correction to those around me who need to hear it. Help me to have a heart of humility that receives correction from others with an open and humble heart. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 61

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Timothy 2:22-26: So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Questions to Consider:

1. According to verse 22, what should we as believers be constantly pursuing? Think about your typical day – how much of your energy and attention is devoted to the pursuit of these things?
2. Paul lists several characteristics that should be present in the person who is offering correction to others. What are they?
3. What should be our motivation for correcting those in the wrong?

Notes:

1. We should be pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
2. Paul encourages Timothy (and each of us by extension) to be kind, able to teach (both possessing knowledge and an ability to communicate it), patient, and gentle in our correction of others.
3. That they may escape the snare of the devil. We want to protect them from the schemes of the enemy so they are free to live the abundant life God offers.

Evening Reflection

How do you typically respond to correction by others? Are you defensive and dismissive or are you thankful and thoughtful? How do you respond to situations where you have to offer correction to others? What, if anything, keeps you from challenging a brother or sister when you see them in the wrong? Spend some time reflecting on these things with the Lord.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from May 30th – June 5th are provided by Cami King. Cami, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, is about to complete her M.Div. at Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently serving as a staff member at Journey Community Church in Raleigh.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Galatians 1:18-2:1

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me. Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.

One of my favorite preachers often says that in all his seminary training, no one ever taught him how to exegete a white space. By that, he means that in all the verses of Scriptures chronicling the lives of our heroes, there are lots of things in the middle: moments between God’s calling and the fulfillment of His promises, between conversion and effective ministry, moments of waiting, heart ache, persecution, confusion, strife that are not written down. They happened in between the recorded moments, and exist somewhere in the white spaces between words on the page.

The timeline of Paul’s life is one of the most well chronicled in Scripture. Although Paul’s point in giving this particular timeline is to assure his readers that the gospel he preached came directly from the Lord, not any human teacher, I love passages like the one above because they remind me that Paul was a real person, walking with God over the span of an actual life time. Oftentimes, in my life, I get bogged down in the day-to-day. My journey with God is full of few moments that feel miraculous and monumental and many that feel fairly mundane and ordinary. Sometimes these in-between moments are merely lackluster, at which point my greatest battle is usually boredom or complacency. Other times they are difficult moments of waiting, heartache, uncertainty, and difficulties when I’m not sure what God is up to or where He is leading me. In those moments, the battles are fierce – doubt, bitterness, unbelief, the temptation to take back the reigns and fail to surrender. It’s in these moments that the skill of white space exegesis is most important – the ability to remember that God is faithful and to trust that He’s still at work.

Are you in an in-between moment today? Are you waiting on God to answer a prayer or come through in a specific situation? Or maybe you are facing another ordinary day of work or school. Don’t despise the seemingly small and insignificant moments (Zechariah 4:10). God is still present and He’s always up to something good.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, I choose to believe today that You are always with me and to trust that You are constantly at work for my good and for Your glory. Help me to surrender anew today as I put one foot in front of the other and follow You into all You have for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 60

Lunch Break Study

Read Colossians 2:6-10: Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.  

Questions to Consider:

1. According to the passage, how can we “live lives in him”?
2. Are there any popular teachings and philosophies threatening to captivate you today? How do they align with the truth of God’s Word?
3. Paul reminds his readers of the lordship and authority of Christ. Why is this important?

Notes:

1. We can “live lives in him” in three ways”: (1) by being rooted and built up in him, (2) by standing firm in our faith, and (3) by overflowing with thanksgiving. Foundational to all three of these is receiving Jesus as Lord – surrendering our lives to Him and following His leadership.
2. Paul is condemning false teachers who are propagating “additions to Christ” and leading the believers astray with teaching based on tradition and worldly practices. There are many popular teachings and philosophies in our culture today. What, if any, are based more on tradition and worldly practices than on the truth of God’s word? Some areas to consider: philosophies regarding work place ethics, finances, marriage, dating, child rearing, success and achievement, etc.
3. When we remember that Jesus is Lord, we yield to His word over every other teaching around us. It serves as the standard against which we evaluate everything else. This gives us a firm foundation that is not so easily shaken by the popular teachings and philosophies of our day.

Evening Reflection

Spend some time reflecting on an in-between season in your life. What challenges did you face? How did you experience God’s faithfulness? Ask the Lord to encourage you through your past experiences with Him, and to continue to follow Him faithfully in the future.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from May 30th – June 5th are provided by Cami King. Cami, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, is about to complete her M.Div. at Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently serving as a staff member at Journey Community Church in Raleigh.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Galatians 1:13-17 

 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵ But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. ¹⁷ I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

“When one of my friends becomes a Christian, which happens about every 10 years because I am a sheep about sharing my faith, the experience is euphoric. I see in their eyes the trueness of the story.” (Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality)

Over the years, I’ve come to believe that the most powerful testament believers can offer to the goodness of God and the trustworthiness of His Word is our own personal testimony. Presently, in the children’s ministry at my church, we are reading The Jesus Storybook Bible, a book that walks though the entire Bible (Genesis to Revelation) in narrative form. The premise of the book is that “every [Bible] story whispers his (Jesus’) name.” In other words, through the stories of the lives of ordinary people, we can see who God is and what He’s up to in the world. God is writing a story in each of our lives as well, and those stories reveal to us and to others who He is in particular and powerful ways. The truth of the gospel often comes through louder and clearer in the life of one who believes it than it does in the communication of abstract facts and figures.

When Paul had to make a defense of the legitimacy of the gospel he preached, he did so by telling his story – what God did in his life in revealing the Good News to him and how the Lord led him after that. The late, great Howard Hendricks (beloved professor of biblical exposition and hermeneutics at Dallas Theological Seminary) once said, “In the midst of a generation screaming for answers, Christians are stuttering.” This is often true because we don’t believe we know enough or understand enough to articulate the truth of God to someone else. While I believe every believer should devote the time and energy required to study and articulate the Scripture well, I am also persuaded that we have another tool in our arsenal – our own personal stories.

God is doing a mighty work in you! Find someone to share it with today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the story You’re writing in my life. Thank You for the journey that we are on together. Help me to be mindful of the ways You are moving in me. Grant me an opportunity today to share my story so that someone else may come to know more about You through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 57

Lunch Break Study

For our lunch break this afternoon, let’s spend time in extended meditation on the verses below.

Read 1 Chronicles 16:8-14: Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
⁹ Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
¹⁰ Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
¹¹ Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.

¹² Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
¹³ you his servants, the descendants of Israel,
his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
¹⁴ He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth. 

What are some things God has done in your life recently for which you are thankful. Write your own psalm of praise to the Lord in response to what He has done.

Evening Reflection

Who are the people in your life who could benefit from hearing your story? Pray and ask the Lord to identify specific people. Ask for wisdom and insight on when and how you can share with them. Make plans to do so in the coming weeks. Is there anything that keeps you from sharing with others (fear, discretion, etc.)? Ask God to give you courage and openness to be used by Him in this way.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from May 30th – June 5th are provided by Cami King. Cami, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, is about to complete her M.Div. at Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently serving as a staff member at Journey Community Church in Raleigh.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Galatians 1:6-12

⁶ I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— ⁷ which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. ⁸ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! ⁹ As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!

¹⁰ Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

¹¹ I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

A few weeks ago, I attended my seminary’s graduation and heard two speakers for the weekend – a professor of business ethics for Baccalaureate and a well-known local pastor for Commencement. They were two very different speeches from two very different perspectives, but both centered around reflections in light of the changing culture and uneasy social and political climate in America. For those who know me well, it’s no secret that I am a self-proclaimed sermon junkie. As I listen to my usual line-up these days, preachers from around the country, from various denominational, theological, socio-economic backgrounds, continue to address how the church should respond to current political and social realities. This has been a question for me personally as well – what should be my response as a Christian to the slew of partisan issues and hot-button topics abuzz in the media, on university campuses, and around dining room tables alike?

In response, one word continues to surface – the Gospel (technically that’s two words, but you get the picture). The Gospel – the Good News of God’s loyal love of creation, holy condemnation of sin, gracious sacrifice for redemption, and unstoppable plan for restoration. Fears about the future and the unknown, cultural preferences, and personal biases all come into play in seasons of uneasiness and change. And Christians aren’t exempt from allowing these things to color how we participate in the world. But we have a constant that is unshaken by the changing tides – the truth of the Gospel, the Good News about Jesus. It should bring peace in the face of our fears, love in the face of our biases, and hope for tomorrow. My pastor tells us often to preach the Gospel to ourselves daily. We must not only do this, but also allow the Spirit counseling us from within to show us how the truth of the Gospel informs our participation in a broken world, especially in times like these.

May we remember the Gospel today. And may the Spirit empower us to live lives that are a site of truth, love, hope, and peace to a world in need.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your willingness to send Your Son to a dying world to redeem it (and me). Thank you for the peace and hope that come from knowing that I am Yours and that You are making all things new. Please use me today to make that truth known to those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 57

Lunch Break Study

Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-20
¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Questions to Consider:

1. According to verses 1 & 2, what does it mean to walk in the way of love? What motivates and empowers us to do this?
2. What’s Paul’s main point in verse 15? How are we called to live with care?
3. What would it look like for these exhortations (to walk in the way of love and to live with care) to be practically lived out in our lives?

Notes:

1. Christ showed us the way of love when He gave himself up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. We love when we offer ourselves to God, when we sacrifice in the service of others according to His will. We are motivated and empowered by the truth that we are dearly loved children. Our relationship with the Father and position in the family of God enables us to live a life of sacrificial love.
2. Paul exhorts believers to a life lived intentionally – with care and consideration – that is ultimately aimed at pleasing the Lord. We do this by prayerfully considering what opportunities are before us and how we can make the most of them to the glory of God, by putting forth the effort to understand God’s will through His word, by being available to the work of the Spirit in and through us, by praising God in our communication with one another, and by keeping a posture of thanksgiving.
3. Spend time in personal reflection.

Evening Reflection

How would you articulate the Gospel in your own words? What is your favorite passage of Scripture that speaks explicitly about the Gospel? Spend some time meditating on it this evening.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from Feb. 1-7 are provided by Cami King. Cami, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, is about to complete her M.Div. at Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently serving as a staff member at Journey Community Church in Raleigh.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“A job is a vocation only if someone else calls you to do it for them rather than for yourself. And so our work can be a calling only if it is reimagined as a mission of service to something beyond merely our own interests.” (Timothy Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Plan for the World).
Paul spends a lot of time in the beginning of this letter legitimizing his gospel message and the authority with which He preaches it. Apparently, that authority was being questioned by those influencing his readers, and Paul wanted to set the record straight – that his message and authority are from God alone. Although none of us has quite the same mission as Paul, as we are not Apostles, we are all on mission for the Lord. Wherever we are and in all that we do, we have been led by God to that place and been given Good News to share with those around us.
In a season of summer vacations for many and summer mission trips in AMI, it’s important to remember in whose authority we go about and do all that we do. Every move we make in the world, we make as ambassadors of Christ, in the various capacities and giftings He’s given us. We are not merely sent out by AMI and in the authority of our church leaders to do whatever they have for us to do in missions. We are sent out by the Lord to make Him known and accomplish His will in the power and authority of His Spirit. Likewise, when we go on summer vacation, head off to do a summer internship, leave for business trips, go to work, study in school, or whatever the case may be, we are not only sent out in the authority of our school or our company but in the authority of God and in the name of Jesus, to be His ambassador in the world.
This is an empowering, yet sobering reality. Will we choose to see our lives as mission and our work as calling today? And will we wield the authority and power of God at work in us to accomplish His purposes in the world?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be on mission for you. As I go to [fill in the blank] today, help me to do so in your power and authority to accomplish Your purposes. Help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit within. Thank you for choosing me to be Your ambassador to the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 57

Lunch Break Study

Read Colossians 3:15-17: 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:

1. What does Paul command his readers to do in verses 15-16? Which of these strikes you most as an area in need of surrender and obedience to God in your life? How might you practically do that today?
2. What does it mean to “do it all in the name of the Lord”? Think about your day yesterday. What would it have meant for you to do whatever you did “in the name of the Lord”? How can you walk in this truth today?
3. Paul’s words are given in the context of an exhortation toward love and unity in the Church. Why is this important and how might this encourage you as you operate as an ambassador in the world today?

Notes:

1. Paul essentially challenges the church to have peace, thanksgiving, gratitude, and an indwelling presence and working of the word of God among them. Some of us may need more peace – to surrender our cares to the Lord and walk in the truth of His provision and sovereignty. Others of us may need to be more thankful and grateful to the Lord – with less complaining, discontentment, and bitterness. And still others of us may need to focus on the message of Christ – the Good News of God’s love for us and others that calls us to an abundant life in submission to and relationship with Him. Spend some time thinking about what practical steps you can take towards one of these ends.
2. One Christian commentator put it this way: “We should say all words and practice all deeds in harmony with the revelation of Jesus Christ, namely, under His authority and as His followers… When faced with a question about what the Christian should do, Paul taught that we should simply ask ourselves what conduct would be appropriate for one identified with Christ. ‘What would Jesus do?’” (Dr. Thomas L. Constable) Send some time in personal reflection, considering how operating in the power of God and for the sake of Christ might affect you in day-to-day life.
3. This serves as a reminder that we are on mission together. Elsewhere, scripture says that our love for one another will identify us as His (John 13:35). We are not alone as God’s ambassadors in the world, but we have a whole family partnering with us, supporting us, and challenging us.

Evening Reflection

“Our daily work can be a calling only if it is reconceived as God’s assignment to serve others.” (Timothy Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Plan for the World)

What are some ways God is calling you to serve others? Who are the specific people you can serve through your daily work? What are some ways you can serve them? Spend some time reflecting on these things with the Lord in prayer.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from May 23-29 are written by Andy Kim. Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, is about to complete his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 28:28-31

“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration one can receive in the US, awarded directly by the President himself. It is for those who have shown the greatest bravery in a time of great need. An example of this is Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, who risked his life to save 12 men by boldly stepping into enemy infested territory. One survivor highlights how Benavidez was shot over 20 times, suffered a grenade explosion, and yet crawled to his men to give out water and ammunition. When I think of the words “bold” and “courage,” he is certainly someone that embodies them, and in many ways, these words also reflect the life that Apostle Paul lived for the gospel. In fact, today’s passage is an accurate mission statement of Paul’s life.

As we conclude the book of Acts, we look at the early church fathers and see that they were all very bold in their faith. Even the Pharisees were amazed that such ordinary men who had cowardly run away during the time of Jesus’ death, were now boldly preaching the gospel. The Huffington Post also identifies bold people as those who “possess a radical vision, face and overcome fear, persevere through suffering, willing to go the extra mile, trust their gut, etc.” As I read the list, I automatically made a checklist for myself, and sadly enough, I would not be considered a bold person by these standards.  Not even the 12 disciples would reach these standards. However, as believers we hold onto the promise and command that Jesus gives in the beginning of Acts: the Holy Spirit. It is not our abilities or even our characteristics, but it is the very Spirit of God inside of us that makes us bold. This Spirit emboldens us to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to teach about our Lord Jesus Christ, unwavering from the truth to even  face death itself. His Spirit (not some medal) is the highest guarantee that believers can receive which is given only by Jesus Christ himself, and we receive it based solely on the work of Jesus Christ. J.B. Polhill comments concerning the surprising conclusion of Acts, “He (the writer of Acts) ended not on Paul but on the gospel, on the message of the kingdom. The word of God in Christ – not Peter, not Paul – is the real hero of Acts.” May we live boldly for Christ, proclaiming the truth to those around us, no matter the cost.  Let us take full comfort, knowing that the gospel will advance through chains and bonds, persecution and storms, and even through unbelief and opposition – and that those who are willing to carry the gospel boldly will triumph!

Prayer: Lord, make us bold for You and may You be glorified. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who empowers us to preach Your truth faithfully and with courage to the people around us. Father, may we be unashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of our salvation for all people. Help us to overcome our fears and insecurities believing that Your Word will triumph for eternity.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 56

 

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from May 23-29 are written by Andy Kim. Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, is about to complete his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 28:25-27

And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 27 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

One of the greatest privileges I’ve had in my Christian journey was to share the gospel with a friend. The conversation initially started philosophically, centering on the evil of mankind. We explored some of the worst events in history along with those happening today and found no hope for mankind. I don’t know how or why, but we changed topics to the Bible—thank You, Jesus!  I conjured up as many Bible stories a churched kid could remember, starting from the Gospels, sharing the accounts of Jesus and the manner in which He loved people. He was in utter disbelief and his only response was, “Tell me more. Tell me more about this Jesus.” These were the same stories that I heard repeatedly growing up, yet his reaction amazed me—it was as if he found a new treasure. He expressed great interest in the person of Jesus, his culture, and how Jesus talked to certain people—everything. If only every member in church could listen as attentively as my friend did, the church would have revival! It was then I realized just how dull my heart had become to God’s truth.

My point is this: in Hebrews, we read that the Word of God is living and active. So when we read it, does God’s truth convict us, resulting in actual changes? It is not that we need to be on the edge of our seats as we read through the book of Numbers, but the question remains: are our hearts alive to his Word? In this passage, Apostle Paul shows us that the hearts of the Roman Jews were dull to the truth. Charles Spurgeon warns us that “if this hardening work goes on, the day comes at last to such a man that the Word of God loses all effect upon him—whether he reads it or hears it, it ceases to be an accusing voice any longer; he rather finds a song of lullaby in it, and rocked in the cradle of his sin, he sleeps on to his own eternal ruin.” Yet we have reversed this reality by placing blame on boring preaching or lack of creativity of the Word. We end up pushing preachers to become story-filled entertainers rather than spirit-filled shepherds. The truth is that the preaching has not become mundane, but our hearts have.

Reflect back to the first time you encountered God. Remember when the Word spoke to you as opposed to you merely reading words on a page. My conversation with my friend climaxed when I told him that Jesus was inviting him into a relationship. He couldn’t believe that a God so good could love someone so capable of evil. He was amazed that it wasn’t too late. In the same way, it is never too late for us to return to our first love. May the words we hear, read, and sing revive our souls once again.

Prayer:

Lord, we repent and confess that our hearts have become dull. We confess that Your truth has in many ways lost its power and conviction over our lives. Please soften our hearts so that Your truth may speak life to our deadened hearts and point us toward the cross. Father, we thank You that Your grace always brings us back to You.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 54-55