Editor’s Note:  Today’s AMI QT devotional is provided by Mei Lan Thallman.  Mei Lan Thallman is originally from Taiwan and a graduate of Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary (M.A.) in Kentucky.  She is the wife of Pastor Kirt, who serves at Grace Covenant Church (Philadelphia).  They have two children, Nate (13) and Naomi (11).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV)

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.  16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Recently, as I was preparing myself to go back to Taiwan, my “earthly home country,” I was overcome with a deep sense of overwhelming and paralyzing fear and anxiety. Yet I had to mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepare myself to enter the mission field of my family. Past experiences have “trained” me to brace myself for the worst that maybe coming, and this time was no different.  Without exaggeration, each time I prepare to make the long journey home, I literally have to pinch and talk myself into accepting the reality—it is what it is.

This time, however, I experienced a perspective makeover, like the experience of Elisha’s servant.  As the Scriptures indicate, both Elisha and his servant were faced with the same hostile circumstance.  But Elisha, seeing through the eyes of faith, had a superior insight and confidence to face off the enemy that made absolutely no sense to Elisha’s servant—until God supernaturally opened his spiritual eye sight. Once he saw what Elisha saw, all fear vanished because a greater reality was in operation: their God had them covered in the midst of danger with the angelic army and chariots of fire!

When I arrived in Taiwan, I saw that the devastation of the people and the circumstances were not much different from my last visit.  However, I experienced an inner transformation that changed my perception of how I view and interpret the reality.  In the midst of difficult circumstances and the lostness of my family members, I saw God actively and powerfully at work.  He met me; He provided, protected, and used me every step of the way.  Instead of seeing despair and hopelessness, He opened my eyes to see a greater spiritual reality that was in operation—His great, ongoing salvation and redemptive work that is simply unstoppable.  Regardless of the situation and people’s response or lack of response, He remains true and faithful.  Nothing can change His love for the nations.  Jesus’ finished work on the cross and His resurrection is the ultimate reality of all time, and I am a part of that redemptive plan.[1]

What difficult circumstance or people are you facing today that cause you to feel alone, afraid, and overwhelmed?  Come to Jesus and ask Him to open your eyes and empower you to see your challenges in light of the ultimate spiritual reality—the reality that He is with you, He is mighty to save, He has overcome sin, death, and hell, and through Him you have the power to overcome.

Prayer:  Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for Your finished work of salvation and Your ongoing redemptive plan of the world.  Thank you that the powerful light of the gospel is able to penetrate through the darkest places through Your children, for Christ in us is the hope of glory.  Help me daily to have the faith and courage to keep shining Your light and hope into the world.  To You be all praise, honor and glory!  Amen.

[1] Check out Steve Curtis Chapman’s One True God https://youtu.be/uN9anMOoS4Q

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 45-46

Editor’s Note:  Today’s AMI QT devotional is provided by Joanna Tzen. Joanna graduated from U. Penn and currently works in Philadelphia.  She and her husband Paul attend Grace Covenant Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

James 4:13

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

My husband and I are hoping to be first-time home buyers. We have been looking for several months, but it sure does feel longer! We waited for a year to be sure our finances were in order, we went through the steps of securing financing and a real estate agent, and thought that we would come across our first home soon. Little did we know that we came to the real estate market at a time when prices are at an all-time high since the recession. We’ve been in several multiple-offer situations where our bid was not high enough and were turned away.
We found ourselves discouraged and wondered why: Could it be that we had unintentionally made it all about making the right steps and removed God from the process? It’s easy to get caught up in the world’s way of thinking—if I just do x, y, z, surely I’ll get the result I want. But when we don’t get the result we want and become upset, it reveals our entitled attitude. It’s times like these where we can evaluate whether our hearts are truly after the gifts or the Giver of those gifts.
James exhorted his audience, the early church, to trust in the Lord and not remove Him from the equation, even in the mundane things of life. That advice is still pertinent to us in the present-day. It’s difficult for us to strike that balance where we live in the present, plan for the future and yet have the humility to submit our future plans to God (Prov. 3:5-6). Do we buy into the lie of self-reliance or do we bring the details of our life our Heavenly Father? Let us entrust our fears, hopes and dream to our Heavenly Father.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we reduce our decisions to our own actions. Let us not be proud but remember, even as we are faithful stewards of our time and talents, that You know what is best for us as your children.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 44

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Peter 3:8: But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Questions to Consider 

1. What is the Lord sovereign over in this verse?
2. Does that give you peace or anxiety? Why?

Notes    

1. God is sovereign over time, and His perspective on time is very different than ours.
2. Both, depending on your perspective. It can bring peace when you know of God’s character and that He can be trusted. It can bring anxiety when we have held on to our own plans and timeline more tightly than we realized.

Evening Reflection

What area are you having difficulty surrendering to the Lord? Is it an issue of timing? Ask the Lord to give you peace by reminding you of why He is trustworthy. Preach the gospel to yourself to be reminded that if the Lord provided for your greatest need in salvation, He is faithful to provide for all of your other needs.

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI QT Devotional is written by Pastor Ryun Chang, who is the AMI Teaching Pastor.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 26:24-7

At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

We all have done it: missing out on spiritual venues that could have sparked our waning faith because of work.  And that’s likely the reason Governor Festus, while intently listening to Paul, failed to really hear what was being said.  Not long after his first day on the job, Festus was trying to figure out why Paul, a Roman citizen whom he had inherited as a prisoner, had appealed to the emperor.  The task would’ve been a cinch if Paul was a common criminal, but the charge against him was such that Festus had “nothing definite to write to His Majesty” (Acts 25:26a).

Complicating that matter for Festus was that this Majesty—the boss who signed his check—was the unpredictable and volatile Nero, who even killed his own mother.  An unclear charge might set off this irrational king for wasting his time. At any rate, Festus invited King Agrippa to listen to Paul “so that as a result of this investigation [he] may have something to write” (25:26b).  Festus was just trying to perform his job to the best of his ability out of the principle that “it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him” (25:27).

It is understandable, then, why Festus abruptly interrupted the apostle after listening to Paul say, “Christ . . . the first to rise from the dead.”  I guess Festus couldn’t imagine writing, “Belief in resurrection,” as the official charge in his report to Nero.  But sadly, being too focused on work meant that the governor failed to grasp what God was offering him through Paul, who had just told him, “Open [your] eyes and turn [yourself] from darkness to light . . . so that [you] may receive forgiveness of sins” (25:18).  Had Festus known that he would die three years later, would he have wasted this golden opportunity?

Work is very important but don’t let that stand in the way of salvation, that is, if you have yet to believe, or, if you are already a believer, in the way of being renewed and ultimately to serve God.  Remember the adage: “Nobody says on their deathbed, ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office.’”

Prayer

Lord, I praise and glorify You.  Thank You for giving me the ability to make a good living.  Remind me not to idolize my work, thereby missing opportunities to grow spiritually and serve You.   Give me wisdom to constantly be aware that my days on earth are brief, and that I am here to glorify You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 43

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Thess. 3:8-10: Nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

1 Thess. 4:12:  “. . . so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

Questions to Consider

1. Lest someone might lessen the importance of working in light of this morning’s devotion, I chose these texts. What is one reason for working?
2. Navigate through what was taught this morning—don’t idolize work to the point of missing out on opportunities given by God—and what Paul teaches here: “we work night and day.”
3. How are you doing with work? Is it consuming all of your time?  Or, are you loafing off?  Pray about making changes.

Notes   

1. One reason for working is to avoid being dependent on people when one has the ability to work. Paul wasn’t simply concerned with merely working but working hard.  Paul was concerned that Christians who are idle and not working would be a very bad testimony to the world.
2. Of course we should work hard, for Paul teaches, “The hard working farmer should be the first to received a share of the crops” (2 Tim. 2:6). But when God calls us to do the kingdom’s work, we should obey Him, even if it may cut in on our profit margin, trusting that if we seek first His kingdom, God will take care of the rest.
3. One doctor, who has his own practice, told me that though he routinely closes his office for 2-3 weeks a year in order to go on short-term missions, he actually does better in the long run.

Evening Reflection

How was work today?  Was it hectic?  In looking at how you spent your time today, would you say that God was prioritized and sought out?  What would you say is most important to you right now?  Remember Matt. 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”19

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI QT Devotional is written by Pastor Ryun Chang, who is the AMI Teaching Pastor.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 26:9-11

I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

Since I hadn’t spoken at my old church in Los Angeles for three decades, it was very emotional for me as I preached there recently.  The sermon was mainly testimonial—about how God used the senior Pastor John to save and then train me.   I began with a story of how Pastor John shared the gospel with me within minutes after we first met in 1981.  Being surprised by how well this Korean man in his late 40s spoke English (very rare then), I asked, “How do you speak English so well?”  Unbeknownst to me, Pastor John used that opportunity to share the gospel by way of sharing his testimony, beginning with being adopted by an American family after being orphaned.

Paul, then a prisoner, does the same.  After being told by his interrogator, “You have permission to speak for yourself,” (26:1), he uses that opportunity to share the gospel through sharing his testimony.  In the above passage alone, which is a small portion of Paul’s full presentation recorded from vv. 4-23, the apostle uses the first-person pronoun “I” nine times—27 times in total.   There is a lot of “I” in a first person-narrative about “how the gospel became real in [one’s] life,” as Alister McGrath notes.  He adds, “Telling your personal story of faith is one of the best ways of declaring the transformative power of the gospel.”

Now, finding a good entry point isn’t as easy as what Pastor John and Apostle Paul experienced since they were simply asked to respond.  In fact, Paul himself says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Col. 4:5).  Wisdom is needed because the opening for an effective sharing may not be as obvious, unless we are led by the wisdom from above (James 3:17).

Before becoming Christian, I used profane language; so whenever I meet a person who cusses a lot, I say, “I used to speak good French like you, but I don’t anymore.” And then, I would explain why Jesus took away my reasons for using foul language to express my frustrations and disdain for people.  So, what is your entry point to share the story of Jesus’ transformative power?

Prayer

Lord, I am so thankful that I have had a personal encounter with the God of this universe who so profoundly transformed me.  As I see many people in need of the same change, help me to be both wise and bold to share my story of Your amazing love.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 42

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Timothy 1:15-17: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Questions to Consider

1. Based on Paul’s sharing of his former life prior to his change, what should our story include?
2. Ultimately, what is the purpose of sharing our story to an unbelieving world? In light of that, what is one mistake often made when sharing our testimony?
3. The story of our former life doesn’t need to be dramatic or full of outward sins. But we do need to share particular symptoms (which are not same for everyone) that accompanied our former state of having been separated from God.  What was yours?

Notes   

1. It ought to include, first, how hopeless and confusing our life was before being changed by God; second, sharing affirmative changes in us as a result of having God at the center of our lives. It can be comparable to an ad for a household product: It needs to show how it is more effective than its competitors. Naturally, it shows how dirty the floor looked before, and how much cleaner it got after its application.
2. The purpose is to give all the glory to God by showing that He has the power and willingness to change us. One mistake made by those who have a graphic testimony is that they spend most of their time describing how bad they used to be, and then make God’s involvement a footnote.
3. If you ask my wife, who grew up in a pastor’s home, what her symptoms were before meeting the Lord in her teen years, she would say, “lack of belonging.” On the other hand, I would answer, “getting tired of trying to prove myself (through heavy partying) to merit people’s acceptance of me.” On that day when I met my old pastor, he suddenly said, “I know what you need—you need the unconditional love of God.” And he was right on.

Evening Reflection

Looking back to today, even if you didn’t actually share the gospel, was there at least one situation in which you could have shared your story.  What could you have done differently?  Pray for an opportunity.  Paul says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6).

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI QT Devotional is written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 26:1-3 (NLT)

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.” So Paul, gesturing with his hand, started his defense: 2 “I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense today against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders, 3 for I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!

What if one day you were given an opportunity to share your own story to an unchurched friend? Or your testimony to your unbelieving relatives? Or perhaps your “defense” of your faith to the seeking co-worker? How do you begin your story? At what point do you acquaint your listener with God’s work of saving grace? How does your interaction conclude? How comfortable are you sharing your story? And does it tell how the good news transformed your life?

Here in chapter 26, Paul shares his story that must have been told time and time again during his ministry and missionary journeys. As Paul now stands before King Agrippa, he is given a chance to speak in defense of his gospel.

Time and time again, I’ve sat in Sunday services, retreats, small groups, and Starbucks listening to the testimonies of brothers and sisters. While everyone’s stories contain a different backdrop, an assortment of individuals and diverse stages of life, there is always a common thread in all of them: God is the main character they all encounter. There is a sense that God is the One who is writing and shaping the story.

In one sense, it’s the same story. It’s the story of God’s love for His children who finally acknowledge their need for a Savior. They finally encounter God and come to a place where they are followers of Jesus. But in another sense, the stories are all told through a variety of diverse experiences. Some are as dramatic as Paul’s conversion story (Acts 9)—others less dramatic and rather ordinary. Nevertheless, there is a testimony to be told. A testimony that tells of God’s love for us and how while we were still sinners, He saved us.

So what’s your story? What is the testimony you might share when given the chance when told, “You may speak”? In that moment, take a nice calming breath and say, “Now, please listen to me patiently!”

Prayer
Lord, as I reflect on what You’ve done in my life, I am filled with gratitude for saving me and calling me Your child. Grant to me opportunities to share my testimonies to others, so that I can tell of your wonderful deeds in and through my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 41

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 3:15-16: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the answer that you are to be prepared to give when asked?
2. What kind of attitude should you maintain as you give your answer?
3. What will result in your answer and your attitude?

Notes

1. Peter writes that one is to be prepared with a reason for their hope (1 Peter 1:3). Consider how your faith has brought hope.
2. The right attitude is “with gentleness and respect.” This comes from a good conscience which removes from us the fear of what other people may know about us, say against us, or do to us.
3. The results of such a defense are that those who slander believers will be put to shame.

Evening Reflection

If you’ve never written a testimony in your life, spend some time tonight writing one. See http://evangelism.intervarsity.org/how/conversation/30-minutes-shareable-testimony for some practical tips.

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI QT Devotional is written by Jabez Yeo.  Jabez, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently working in NYC and serving at TRPC-E.  He hopes to become a missionary.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Proverbs 15:4: A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

A theological discussion may seem too daunting for many, particularly for QT devotions; however, today you will actually get to meet this brilliant theologian who will remind you of—you!

One of the many heresies that were prevalent in the early church was modalism, which denied belief in three distinct identities within God. Rather, modalism proposed that the one God had three aspects or roles. For example, the Holy Spirit would not be a distinct person but another manifestation of the Father and Son. This heresy naturally implied that not only the Son was crucified but also the Father.

In the midst of confusion, an early Church Father named Tertullian rejected this version of God’s triunity and established that Christians believed in “one substance (i.e., being-ness that makes something what it is) and three persons.”[1] While this may seem like a given theological fact today, Tertullian was the first to explain that God’s oneness “does not rule out multiplicity; just as biological organisms can be one and yet made up of interconnected and mutual parts.”[2] In many ways, Tertullian is the father of the formal doctrine of the Trinity that was ultimately finalized in various creeds.

Unfortunately, Tertullian was renowned not only for his theological wisdom but also for his sharp tongue. His works and letters were filled with sarcasm, as well as biting words against his opponents.  He admitted himself in his writing on patience, De Patentia, that it was a virtue which was not present in his life. Tertullian’s tongue, as well as his leaning towards a legalistic lifestyle, eventually drew him into a fringe sect of Christianity called the Monanists. He tragically died in 225 A.D., “separated from full communion with the bishops of the Church whose authority he earlier upheld.”[3]

Tertullian’s demise may seem puzzling, but it is an often quoted fact that over 90% of communication is non-verbal. In our workplaces, schools and churches, how do our facial expressions, intonations and posture convey God’s grace? Is our choice of words even glorifying to God? Oftentimes, how we communicate is actually more important than what we communicate. Let’s ask for grace in our communication today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it’s so hard to control my tongue and my expressions. I often find myself saying things that I later regret or in ways that are not glorifying to You. Season my speech with Your grace and humility; help me to be a light to my community and to the world in this way. In Your Name I pray.  Amen.

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

[2] Ibid.

[3] https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_author/14/Tertullian.html

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 40

Lunch Break Study

Read James 3:2, 6, 9-10: We all stumble in many ways.  Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. . . . 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

James 1:19b: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

Questions to Consider

1. What warning jumps out from this passage?
2. What is one thing that we do which causes this problem to reoccur?
3. What can we do to avoid this problem?

Notes

1. Among the many things we do wrong that keeps us from being perfect, on the top of that list is unwise and foolish words which can cause tremendous damage in all aspects of our lives. I think all of us can attest to that.
2. We are not quick to listen; rather, we are eager to speak without having heard the other person fully or having considered a reasonable response.
3. James 1:19 should be heeded. Also, if you prefer to communicate through e-mail, make sure to re-read the content before sending it. I think it is a good way to share your thoughts because it gives you time to think about your response.  I have noticed that the final version is always kinder and gentler than the first one.

Evening Reflection

As you look back to this day, how did you use your words?  Did anyone get encouraged?  Oops, maybe the opposite is the case.  Let’s do better by, first, offering up praise and prayer unto the Lord.  That’s always a good place to start: using our tongues to bless the Lord.  May the Lord bless you with a good rest!16

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from May 9-15 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church (Raleigh). David, a graduate of Drexel University and Columbia International University (M.Div.) is married to Helen (“Pie”) and they have three beautiful daughters (Cara, Phoebe, and Ruth).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 25:23-27

So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

By nature I do not like to run, but when I do run to get some exercise, I often feel like quitting after a certain point; I feel like I’ve hit a wall and my mind does many tricks, convincing me to stop. But in order to finish the goal, I need to often remind myself that the finish line is near, and all I have to do is to persevere a little further.

In reading about Paul’s trial, I’ve been personally reminded of persevering in the gospel—even when it is hard. We see that Paul never quit! In today’s passage, Paul is now facing Agrippa and Bernice, who were the Jewish King and Queen, as well as Festus and other high-ranking officials. Even with powerful officials accusing Paul of wrongdoing, he knew that God had called him and he was there on a mission. No matter how the trial would turn out, he wanted to finish well. We are reminded of what he said a few chapters back in Act 20:24: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Do you feel like quitting the race of faith? If we are honest, we will all face those walls when it just seems too hard to persevere. Maybe it is because we look at the world’s success or living our own way seems so much more appealing. But don’t quit; He is worthy! My hope and prayer is that we would finish the race well until we see Him face to face—and it will all be worth it!

Prayer: Lord, help us to stay faithful till the very end. We know that the Christian race is hard and that is why we ask for Your strength and endurance as we pursue You and Your kingdom daily. Amen.

 

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 38-39

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from May 9-15 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church (Raleigh). David, a graduate of Drexel University and Columbia International University (M.Div.) is married to Helen (“Pie”) and they have three beautiful daughters (Cara, Phoebe, and Ruth).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 25:8-12

Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

Have you ever been falsely accused of something?  How did it make you feel about the situation, but more importantly, how did it make you feel about the accuser?  I have a childhood memory in elementary school where one of my classmates falsely accused me of stealing their lunch money.  Ironically, after he accused me, he found the money in his pocket—he forgot that he put it there.  I remember even at a young age, how upset and betrayed I felt.

Paul, in this passage, is being falsely accused of being a wrongdoer.  They had accused him of stirring up trouble all over the Roman Empire, but they did not have any witnesses.  They had accused him of sacrilege, but they could not prove it.  They had accused him of speaking against Caesar, and they could not prove that either.  Even though he could have faced death for these charges he did not commit, he was bold enough to say that death is something he did not wish to escape (v.11).  If you were in Paul’s position, how would you have felt towards your accusers?

One of the most challenging teachings of Jesus is to love our enemies – even those who have wronged us.  He says in Matthew 5:43-47:

43 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

Is there someone you need to pray for who has wronged you?  Is God asking you to forgive someone who might have falsely accused you through criticism or slander?  Ask God for the strength and courage to pray for supernatural love for those people in your life. 

Prayer:  Lord, we want to pray for those who have hurt us or wronged us in the past.  We ask for your love and strength to forgive them.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 36-37

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from May 9-15 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church (Raleigh). David, a graduate of Drexel University and Columbia International University (M.Div.) is married to Helen (“Pie”) and they have three beautiful daughters (Cara, Phoebe, and Ruth).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 25:1-7

Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him. ⁶ After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. ⁷ When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.”

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. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is “The Governor among the nations”, 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.” Such is the God of the Bible. -A. W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God

The word “sovereign” is common in Christian circles today. But what is not as common are believers who are so convinced of God’s absolute sovereignty that their lives bear a marked difference. As believers, if we understood and trusted in God’s sovereignty, it would gives us greater hope, peace and security as we live out God’s mission in our lives.

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.  As we read today’s passage, it is evident that Paul trusted in God’s sovereignty as he was going through his trial to defend his faith.  Paul was now facing the new Governor Festus and many commentators say that though he was a good administrator, his main flaw was that he wanted the approval of people too much, which is why he kept Paul under his authority.  He would not make his own decision on releasing Paul, fearing that he would disappoint the chief priests and religious leaders.  The author, Luke, writes that they could not prove the charges against him, which was a disregard of the Law and treason (v.7).  Even in this unfair situation, Paul still trusted that God was working for his good and had a purpose for him.

As you examine your own life, do you trust in God’s sovereignty as you strive to obey Him?  Maybe you do not understand why certain events or relationships are going the way they are, but in the midst of it, are you trusting that God absolutely knows what He’s doing for His glory and for your good even though it maybe painful?  Pray that you would surrender and trust Him as you begin your day.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to trust in Your sovereignty today.  I want to look to You as my source of strength and joy because of Your perfect rule over my life.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 35

Lunch Break Study

Read James 4:13-16

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 

Questions to Consider

1. What’s the main point James wants to get across to his readers?
2. How should we view our lives from what the passage says?
3. What does this mean for you?

Notes

1. We are not in control of our own lives and if we think we are – we are being prideful. To think, “I am the ruler of my life, I am the king of my own life, I will be sovereign in my own life,” means that we are arrogant in the eyes of God.
2. We should view our own lives with humility, knowing that God is in control of even how long we will live on this Earth. Our lives are just like a midst – here one minute and gone the next.  It should lead us to a state of surrender, knowing that every detail of our life is under His sovereignty.
3. Personal application.

Evening Reflection

What area in your life do you need to have greater trust in?  Spend time lifting up those areas specifically in prayer, and ask that you would be surrendered to His sovereignty.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from May 9-15 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church (Raleigh). David, a graduate of Drexel University and Columbia International University (M.Div.) is married to Helen (“Pie”) and they have three beautiful daughters (Cara, Phoebe, and Ruth).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 24:26-27

At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Hardships and trials and are all part of life no matter what you believe.  We will all face difficulties because we live in a broken and sinful world.  Yet as believers, we should view our hardships differently than how the world views them.  We can go through trials with hope, and even joy, because we know that each trial we experience has purpose in God’s divine plan.  The great Christian writer Philip Yancey puts it like this: “For the Christian pain represents, at various times and from various angles, a design feature worthy of praise and gratitude, an affliction to be overcome, a potential value of soul-making, and a spur to hope in a painless future.”

At the end of chapter 24, we read that Paul has been in prison; and when it looked like there might be hope to be released, it turns out that Felix the governor of Rome been succeeded by Porcius Festus.  Felix wanted a bribe from Paul to be released from prison, and yet we read that no such thing happened, resulting in Paul’s delayed imprisonment (v.26).  As an outsider looking into the story, it seems unfair that God would put Paul through such trials and hardship despite his faithfulness to the gospel ministry.

Are you facing trials and hardships today?  Remember that in the midst of your suffering, God has a purpose for you and wants to speak to you.  Ask Him for an open heart as you strive to trust Him in difficulty.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 34

Lunch Break Study

²Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Questions to Consider

1. Why does James say we can experience joy in the midst of trials?
2. In his words, what do trials produce?
3. Do you see evidence of growth in your life as you face trials?

Notes

1. We are to consider what we are going through as a matter of joy, not because the thing itself is something that is pleasurable, but because tribulation works patience within us. Our suffering is not an exercise in futility. God has a purpose, and that purpose is always good. We can count all things joy because God is working in all situations, even the most painful, for our sanctification and ultimate glorification.
2. The word translated as “testing” occurs rarely in the Bible, appearing only three other times. In this case, “testing” deals with purification through trial. God wants our faith to grow, and often, he will use trials to do that.
3. Personal application of the passage.

Evening Reflection

As we close out the day – I encourage you to spend some time in worship.  Take time to stand in awe of God and be in His presence.  My hope is that as we do that, it will gives us right perspective of our lives in light of the greatness of our God.  Amen.