Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals for April 17-23 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 Thoughts for Today

Acts 19:4-6

Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. ⁷ There were about twelve men in all.

My dad has always stuck out to me as being exceptionally steadfast and solid in his faith, so I asked him how he came to know Christ in grad school. He said that he had grown up going to church only to please his mother, and he had no intention of keeping that up in America. Despite that resolution, he found himself going back to church each Sunday and even attending Bible studies. One day, realizing that he was spending a lot of time in these Christian activities, he decided that he should just continue to follow Jesus Christ. I was dumbfounded. That was it? Given my experience of his faithfulness and love for God, I was surprised that there was no dramatic moment or revelation that set it all in motion.

Similarly, I find this account to be so incredible. All throughout Acts, we have seen miraculous signs and wonders and impassioned speeches. Paul, too, being a learned man, has debated with thinkers and non-believers in public forums. But here, there was no extra debate, no extra proving from the Scriptures, no miraculous deeds to wow them with. All Paul had to do was tell them that John the Baptist pointed to Jesus, and suddenly the church gained twelve new believers.

I have spent a lot of time over the years trying to learn fresh ways to present the gospel to unbelieving friends or studying counter-arguments to win them over with. Maybe you have as well, and it is great that we have made the effort to prepare in these ways. But let’s remember that is it the simple truth of God’s love that wins people over. Instead of relying on clever presentation or preparation, let’s put more trust in God’s Spirit to work in our words, no matter how simple the message might sound.

Today, let’s spend some time reflecting on the simple, foundational truths from the Bible. We might find that even a truth as simple as “God loves you” can stir up a fire in our hearts all over again!

Prayer: Father, thank You for making Your love so easy to convey and so easy to accept. I admit that pride motivates me to find a way to impressively convey Your message. Help me to trust in Your Spirit instead of my own means so that I can attribute all of the glory and credit to You when someone believes in You!

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 12

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 9:32-37: But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Questions to Consider

1. Note the disciples’ reactions to Jesus in both verse 32 and verse 34. What does this say about their relationship with Jesus? Does it reflect our relationship with Jesus?
2. Why does Jesus respond to them in this way in verse 35? Is His response significant?
3. Why does Jesus encourage the disciples to welcome children in the middle of his teaching? What can we learn from welcoming children?

Notes

1. In v.32, Jesus is speaking plainly about His coming death and resurrection, but the disciples are too confused to ask Him to better understand it. In v.33, they are striving internally to know their evaluations, but they are ashamed to come before Him openly. In both instances, the disciples withdrew from Jesus. They were afraid to learn from Him and preferred to dispute amongst themselves (not dissimilar to ourselves)!
2. Despite the disciples’ reluctance to face Jesus with their questions, He proactively sits them down to teach them the very thing they were disputing about. He knows their doubts and their warring nature; yet He does not rebuke them but gently teaches them what they need to know.
3. The disciples are concerned with whether or not they can understand Jesus’ messages. A child cannot fully understand a message but can understand being loved and cared for. What qualifies someone to be welcomed into the fold of God is not scholarship but the ability to perceive, accept, and enjoy His love.

Evening Reflection

Jesus loves you, God is good. Sometimes when we hear these simple messages too frequently, they lose impact. Let’s refresh our hearts by dwelling in just one simple concept you know from the Bible and thinking about whether our lives are really built on these foundations. Let’s pray that as we meditate on these truths, God will remind us how impactful these simple sentences actually are.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals for April 17-23 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 Thoughts for Today

Acts 18:24-26  

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

So little is written about Apollos, but it seems that he had great impact on the early church. His arrival was clearly very notable; and after he was joined up with Priscilla and Aquila, he went on to play a similar role as Paul, strengthening believers and defending the faith publicly. He clearly was so compelling and effective that people were tempted to break off into an Apollos camp in the Corinthian church.

There are a lot of worthy lessons to draw from this passage – the importance of proper teaching in our churches, or staying teachable no matter how educated we might be. But what sticks out to me is that learning and teaching is a job that is not just reserved for the primary preacher here.

We know that Priscilla and Aquila were also tentmakers like Paul and were trustworthy and capable enough to become partners with him. They were not the ones who regularly spoke up in the synagogue. However, they had also such thorough understanding of the Scriptures that they could not only keep up with well-educated Apollos but also know how to correct and guide him. Instead of just waiting around for someone of more authority like Paul to come with correction, they themselves guided Apollos.

I think we often let ourselves off the hook when it comes to thoroughly learning the Word and teaching others, making the excuse that it is a job reserved for the pastors. It is undeniable that God has called some to study His Word vocationally, and they hold great responsibility among us to educate the congregation. But He has also given His Word and His Spirit freely to each one of us! Let us take hold of the opportunities to all become humble, diligent students and teachers of the Word. Let’s read it and eat it, and as we are digesting, help someone else on how to study and understand it too.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for not filling my life with Your Word more and more. Give me wisdom and understanding to read Your Word correctly, and give me the opportunity to bless others with what You give me. Help us increase the opportunity for Your Word to shape and transform our lives.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 12

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:19-25: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Questions to Consider

1. What does James say having the Word planted in our lives do for us?
2. What is the consequence of just listening to the Word and not doing what it says?
3. How does this passage help us understand the importance of studying the Word? What is the ultimate purpose we want to achieve in studying and teaching the Word?

Notes

1. In verse 21, he writes if we humbly accept “the word planted in you,” it can save; also, verse 25 says that God’s Word is the “perfect law that gives freedom.” Knowing Scripture is not just an exercise for our minds, but it is the means by which we take hold of the salvation life Christ has given us.
2. Knowing the Word but not doing what it says shows that the Word does not have a place to transform our lives. Since having the Word give us freedom and saves us, the consequence of not taking it seriously is that we will find ourselves still mastered under the thumb of our old, evil self.
3. James writes that our study of the Word is worthless if we only look at the Word but never do what it says. The value that comes from looking at the Word is the type of fruit that comes from taking it seriously. So, we want to be good students of the Word and good teachers of the Word, but our priority must be having the Word applied to our lives.

Evening Reflection

How do you feel about studying God’s Word and teaching it to others? One of the biggest obstacles is that the task might seem a little boring. Martin Luther once said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me…“ Let’s reflect on our experience of God’s Word and ask Him to show us how it is alive and active in our lives. As we take steps to study it more, we will find that the idea of studying and teaching God’s Word becomes exciting.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals for April 17-23 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 Thoughts for Today

Acts 18: 9-11 ⁹ 

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Fear is an exceptionally powerful motivator in our lives. There might be smaller worries that create momentary fear, such as accidentally dropping a smartphone down a chute, which makes me cringe every time I enter an elevator. Or there are some fears that are so powerful that they cause us to entirely change our lifestyle – for example, one of my friends from college gave up eating certain foods altogether because of one particularly bad experience with food poisoning.

Fears are, in some way, wired into us to protect us. So it would have been very natural, therefore, for the apostle Paul, to tone down his ministry out of fear. Just when He began devoting Himself full-time to work in Corinth, he faced physical abuse and resistance to the gospel from the Jewish people, his primary audience. It is interesting that God proactively meets Paul in a dream here; God already knows and can address directly all of Paul’s fears – that he could be attacked, or that his ministry could fail. It seems that after this dream encounter, Paul was able to continue his ministry comfortably.

We may not be doing the same kind of work as Paul or encountering the same type of opposition, but we also face similar fears: of failure, of ridicule, of having nothing, of disappointment. These fears have the potential to derail us from living faithfully or keep us from sharing our faith with others. The only antidote to fear in our lives is fresh assurance of God’s love and provision. Only then will we be able to press onwards.

What kinds of reservations keep you from following God fully and being a witness? If you know them, don’t be ashamed to bring them forward in prayer. God already knows our doubts and concerns, is addressing them, and will gently answer them with His perfect love that drives out all fear.

Prayer: Father, I need You! I can be so faithless and fearful. Meet me with Your perfect love and strike out the fear from my heart. Help me trust that when I admit my weaknesses, Your strength will be more evident in my life. Show me that You are stronger, better, and truer than all the fears.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 11

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 9:20-29: So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

Questions to Consider

1. At the sight of Jesus, the evil spirit throws the boy into a convulsion. Why then does Jesus take the time to delay healing and ask for a full account of the boy’s trouble?
2. Let us think about the honest prayer from the father: “I believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” How can this encourage us when we face similar crises of faith?

Notes

1. Jesus rests on the situation so that the father may testify fully and also reveal the condition of his faith. The long years of sickness and near-death experiences have resigned the father to hopelessness; he dares not hope for healing.
2. The father’s prayer of confession mirrors our own gap between our knowledge of God and our true experience with that knowledge. Despite our lack of faith, however, God is constantly, graciously moving in more powerful ways than we ask or seek. No matter what hopeless situation we think we are facing, let us approach Him and ask for faith to believe that He can overcome the struggles we have.

Evening Reflection

Fear and unbelief keep us from fully living out the rich and free lives that God intends for us. Did you catch yourself motivated by fear rather than faith today? Let’s pray over the circumstances or people that make us fearful and unable to take God at His word. We may not immediately be able to overcome the fear tomorrow, but God will slowly give you the strength to overcome.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals for April 17-23 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 Thoughts for Today

Acts 18:5

 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.

I love the movie Finding Nemo. Like every good children’s movie, it not only has beautiful visuals, memorable songs, and witty lines – the story has multiple layers that both children and adults can enjoy. You can take the story at face value about a sea adventure, or you could also find some life analogies, like the joy that comes from friendships pursuing a common goal. Marlin befriends so many creatures along the way. Some of these friendships last for a short moment; others, like his with Dory, are long-term commitments through thick and thin.

Silas and Timothy are known as great missionary partners to Paul; they really went through thick and thin times with him. Here, they came bringing either monetary support or some form of relief so that Paul could focus on the ministry he cared about. Throughout the New Testament, Paul trusted these brothers to help him, whether the task was to strengthen the churches on Paul’s heart or to physically journey with him. It is evident that they were not simply “co-workers” – they were family; they never abandoned each other after hardship but continued to weather the ups and downs of their ministry together.

Good friendships in the Lord provide sharpening and discernment; they also can be the primary source of encouragement and refreshing we need to get through difficult times. For all the endeavors that you have put your mind to, do you also have Silas and Timothy going along with you? Just as importantly, are you striving to be this kind of support towards others?

If you already have these friendships, praise God!  I encourage you to take the time today to keep “[spurring] one another onto love and good deeds.” Let us also remember that beyond Timothy and Silas, Paul also had friends for various seasons during each journey and in each city he visited – maybe these were shorter partnerships, but they were no less valuable. So let’s pray that God will grow and bring forth godly friendships in every season of our lives.

Prayer: Father, thank You for not leaving me all alone. Thank You for providing brothers and sisters as means of grace for my life. Keep raising up brothers and sisters in my church who will spur me on to love You more deeply. Lord, help me not just to find Silas’s and Timothy’s in my life, but make me someone who will encourage and strengthen others as well.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 4:1-6: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Questions to Consider

1. What does Paul consider to be the nature of a life that is “worthy of the calling [we] have received”?
2. The first directive Paul gives covers the believers’ nature. What is the second thing Paul urges them to do?
3. This passage contains a lot of one’s. How does the one-ness of our faith help us with the previously mentioned directions from Paul?

Notes

1. The nature of our lives should be humble, gentle, patient, and full of forbearance. The nature we have as believers is not an arbitrary collection of traits; it should increasingly reflect the character of Jesus Christ.
2. Secondly, Paul instructs the brethren to “make every effort” to preserve unity. Unity is not a passive byproduct of our sanctified natures – it requires an active commitment and effort. Unity is intimately linked with our character and our ability to show Christ to one another.
3. We are able to aspire to gain God’s character and have unity in our body because He models both for us. His character of holiness and love cannot be separated from Himself, and His distinct natures of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are also completely unified. Because He has given us His nature, these instructions from Paul are achievable in our lives!

Evening Reflection

Engaging with the church community is a crucial part of our spiritual growth. Did you allow room in your life today to be strengthened by someone, or did you take the opportunity to go encourage someone? Let’s reflect on how we can make the community a part of our lives. Think about the brothers and sisters God has brought around you and ask Him for the grace and help to grow those relationships.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals for April 17-23 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 Thoughts for Today

Acts 18:2-3 

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.² There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, ³ and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.

In 2014, Whatsapp, one of the most widely used global messaging apps, sold for $19 billion dollars to Facebook. What many people found more noteworthy than the price was the irony, since both of the founders had been rejected after interviewing at tech companies, including Facebook, years prior. One said optimistically at the time, “Looking forward to life’s next adventure.” Both men had decided to step off the path of finding an existing tech job and find something new to do. Eventually, they teamed up to build a platform that became much, much larger than they would have foreseen.

Priscilla and Aquila are known as great partners in the ministry with Paul. But their divine appointment occurred in Corinth, where they settled after being driven out of Rome. What a long, complicated journey to finally end up in Corinth, but it would have seemed well worth the trouble once they met Paul and began co-laboring with him in missionary work. Being forced to leave their home would have been a disappointing and confusing experience, but the path actually led to a new life with fruitful ministry in Asia. Only in hindsight, it becomes clear that this was God’s plan.

When doors are shut in our lives, our instincts often rush to question God: Why would He suddenly pull the plug on something going just fine? What could be the point of creating a very large obstacle in our way of life? But through Priscilla and Aquila’s story, we can see that what we consider to be “difficulties” or “detours” are part of God’s good plans for us. The present situation might seem very mysterious and confusing, but we can trust that all things happen out of His love for us.

Since it is a Monday, some of us are dreading what the week holds. Let’s search our hearts to ask if we are truly willing to trust the wisdom of God’s plans, especially if He closes doors or allows adversity into our lives. May Priscilla and Aquila’s faithfulness help us joyfully and expectantly submit to what He brings.

Prayer: Father, I remember that You are loving and wise beyond my understanding. Help me to trust You in every twist and turn. More than needing to know what lies ahead, I need the comfort of Your presence and assurance that the path in front of me is filled with Your goodness. Lord, give me faith to trust You in every step!

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 9

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:2-8

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a]whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Questions to Consider

1. What does James say is the purpose of our sufferings and trouble?
2. Why should we believe and not doubt when we ask God for gifts of wisdom?
3. In the path of following God, what does unbelief show? Why is the consequence so harsh? Do you find that you exhibit more belief or unbelief when you approach God?

Notes

1. James says that the purpose of trials is to increase perseverance in our lives, and perseverance is an essential quality of spiritual maturity. Perseverance demonstrates trust in God even when all circumstances suggest otherwise.
2. When we ask God for gifts of wisdom, we must trust that only He can provide that to us. To believe and not doubt demonstrates that we believe God is truly the only source of wisdom and that He is truly a generous giver.
3. A “double-minded” man does not fully trust in God’s character or His provision – that is, the doubtful man is unsure if God will provide and if He is truly the only provider. To believe that God will not provide or that He is not the only source we can go to will cause us to live in insecurity, for we will not have a solid foundation that we can build our lives upon.

Evening Reflection

Today we have reflected on trusting God when He shuts doors or even through trial. Are there specific situations where God is nudging you to rethink your attitude and to trust Him more fully? Let’s pray over those and ask God to give us wisdom and the grace to walk even more in step with Him tomorrow.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from April 11 to 17 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 children: Maggie, Jonathan, Abigail and Simon.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 17:32

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”

Part of the fun of being a parent of small kids is that children can be so logical and illogical at the same time.  For example, we watch this cartoon called Paw Patrol (if you have small kids, you probably know it well), and it is undoubtedly one of the stupidest shows on TV.  The premise of the show is that a ten-year-old boy named Ryder has adopted six dogs that he has trained as special rescue pups.  Each dog has his/her own special skill set—so there is a police dog, a fire fighting dog, a water rescue dog, etc. And each dog also has a doghouse that transforms into a rescue vehicle corresponding to their jobs—so a police truck, a fire truck, a hovercraft, etc.; the dogs, of course, drive.  Paw Patrol takes place in a city called Adventure Bay, where there are apparently no competent adults, because Ryder and the Paw Patrol are constantly called on by everyone from the mayor to the local grocery store owner to save them from various mishaps.  And although several different types of animals, ranging from cats to eagles to whales, find their way on the show, for whatever reason, none of them have the ability to talk—except the six members of the Paw Patrol.

One day as they were watching this show, my four-year-old says to me, “You know what doesn’t make sense about this show?  It’s how the grownups are always asking the kids for help.”  I come back with a hailstorm of other things that bug me about this show: “Honey, what about the talking dogs?  Have you ever seen dogs drive?  Why don’t other animals talk?  Where are Ryder’s parents?”  To that, she replies, “That’s okay.”  On one hand, I appreciate my daughter’s logic in seeing it strange that a ten-year-old is the only reliable person in Adventure Bay, but I find it so cutely illogical that she doesn’t see anything else being problematic—in her world, the minor things are major, and the major things are minor.

On the completely opposite vein, as long time believers, we often treat the resurrection as the minor detail of Christianity that doesn’t always need to be addressed or given much thought.  We fixate so much on other things, like our futures, or those who need guidance, or even healings and other miracles.  All of these things are important and good, but we must remember that they all don’t amount to very much if the resurrection is not true.  (What good is being healed of sicknesses if we were to die eternally anyway?)  We must also remember that ultimately, it is the resurrection that is the major stumbling block for those who do not believe in Christ.  Yet sadly, too many believers don’t think about the resurrection enough.

Today, take some time and marvel at the resurrection.  Do not be ashamed at how utterly unbelievable it can appear to those who do not have faith.  Embrace the miraculous power, which has become the lynchpin to our faith.  And above all else, thank God that the truth of the resurrection is our great hope.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that you are alive, that You have conquered sin and death, and that because You live, we will too.  Help us never to be ashamed of the fact that we believe in the resurrection, though it sounds crazy, but help us to live in and share that power to others.

Bible Reading for Today:  Psalm 8

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from April 11 to 17 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 children: Maggie, Jonathan, Abigail and Simon.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 17:24-27 (NIV)

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’”

Seventy-five percent of the time, whenever single people from our church come over to talk or share a meal, my wife and I will ask them about boys or girls. Of course, this talk slowly evolves (or devolves) into us playing matchmakers. But sometimes our guests get a little uncomfortable and will ask why this topic interests us so. My wife will typically explain it like this: “It’s been several years since I’ve been single, but I still remember how it felt starting a relationship. You go out on fun dates and he is always trying to impress you. All the while, you are constantly wondering how into you he is. You feel this odd combination of adrenaline, insecurity, anxiety, and euphoria, all at the same time. It’s both the fun and exhausting part of dating, and in many ways, I am living vicariously through you because I miss that feeling.”

On another note, the other day my wife looks at me and says, “It’s been awhile since we went out, just you and me. I would like to go out on a date.”

The point of my sharing these seemingly unrelated events is not for you to think that I am having marriage difficulties or that my wife wishes she were single again; but rather to show that my wife still wants to be dated and pursued (hopefully, by me). When she talks to other girls about dating, she remembers fondly what it was like when I was trying to impress her and didn’t whine about spending money on her. When she tells me plainly, “Let’s go out!” it’s with the understanding that I will pick a better place than In-and-Out and won’t whine about spending money on her. All joking aside, my wife and I have been through a lot in our seven years of marriage— kids, illnesses, death of my mom, a cross-country move, many highs, and a few lows. I’d like to believe that we love each other more now than on our wedding day. And although I am an outstanding husband, truth be told, there are times when she feels underappreciated and taken for granted, and so would like to be pursued.

Our passage today is interesting because Paul insinuates that God also wants to be pursued or found by the people He created. He gave us life and breath; He created mankind and set nations in place. Why? He hopes that this would cause some to search for and eventually find Him (v. 27). Now, I want to be careful not to paint an inaccurate picture of our God. Let’s be perfectly clear—God does not need anything from us (v. 25) and certainly not our affections; He does not have insecurity issues. Yet He does want to be pursued, and He does not want to be underappreciated. Honestly, don’t we sometimes take for granted that God is close? So much so that we stop trying to “impress” Him? This morning, ask yourself: “Do I still pursue God like I once did? Or, have I put my relationship with Him on autopilot?” If it’s the latter, let’s go back to those dating years when we wouldn’t count the cost or the hours we spent with our beloved.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, renew my love and affection for You. Forgive me if I’ve taken our relationship for granted. Help me to fall in love with You all over again.

Bible Reading for Today:  Psalm 6-7

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from April 11 to 17 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 children: Maggie, Jonathan, Abigail and Simon.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 17:21

21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

Does it make me un-American to say that I hate Apple, Inc.? Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate their products. Whenever I play on an iPhone or iPad or Macbook, I generally feel this sense of, “Wow, this thing is smooth!” However, what I hate about Apple, Inc. is—how I feel six months after I buy one of their products. The last Apple product I bought was the iPad 3, and for about five months, I enjoyed it. But in the sixth month, iPad 4 (or more correctly iPad with Retina Display) came out, and then overnight, I felt like I was using a stone tablet with a hammer and chisel. Though I am not a gadget guy by any stretch, I hate that I am one of the people who have been suckered by their marketing strategy. I wish I didn’t care—but I do.

When it comes new and trendy, we all have our soft spots, don’t we? For some of you, it is clothes; you have to be in the latest fashion. For some of you it is tech; you upgrade your phone quarterly, you have every piece of wearable technology, and you will be the first in line to get digital implants when they become available. Others of you are foodies; you have to try the newest restaurants. Now, I do not want to sound like one of those old people pining for the “good old days,” but let’s be real here—not all that is new or trendy is good. You want proof? Dig up some photos during the mid to late 90’s; women, who were not farmers, wore overalls! You may laugh, but I know that if overalls came back in style today, more than just a few of our readers would be wearing them tomorrow.

All joking aside, trends are not just confined to tech or fashion. As we read in today’s passage, there were intellectual trends. People in Athens spent all their time discussing new ideas. The church is not immune to new trends either (think music styles, service styles, preaching styles, etc.).   While I don’t want to disparage these methods or new ideas, I don’t want us to forget that some things are tried and true. I know of only one way to grow in Christ, and that is the old fashioned way of spending time with and obeying Him; and I know of only one way to grow a ministry—sacrifice.

Are you trying to innovate your way to godliness? It took former generations their lifetime to develop character: Are you trying to bypass it for something quicker or more “impactful”? Do you think your church will grow if it adopts a better business strategy? Are you trying to find something new for the community because meeting together is too impractical for today’s world? Don’t sit around discussing new ideas when the old ways are the best ways.

Prayer: Lord, help me to wade through all the new ideas out there. Let me see the new things that You are doing and understand all that You have done in the past. Do not let me run after new ideas or new trends that lead to nowhere. When it comes to spirituality and character, let me never try to skip patience, endurance, and diligence. In all things, give me wisdom and discernment.

Bible Reading for Today:  Psalm 5

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 5:

To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.

1 Give ear to my words, O Lord;
   consider my groaning.
2 Give attention to the sound of my cry,
   my King and my God,
   for to you do I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
   in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
   evil may not dwell with you.
5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
   you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
   the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
   will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
   in the fear of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
   because of my enemies;
   make your way straight before me.
9 For there is no truth in their mouth;
   their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
   they flatter with their tongue.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
   let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
   for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
   let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
   that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
   you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the general idea of this Psalm? What was David requesting?
2. Why do you suppose justice is such a big theme in the Psalms?
3. Are there people who are recipients of injustice whom you should pray for and possibly help?

Notes

1. David’s prayer in Psalm 5 can be summarized in vv. 10 and 11: In v. 10, he asks that the wicked would have to “bear their guilt”; and in v. 11, he asks that the Lord would exult the righteous.
2. Many Psalms, such as Psalm 5, remind us that God has not closed His eyes to the deeds of the wicked or the righteous. Of course, while the gospel reminds us that we are saved by the blood of Christ only, we must not forget that the Lord does promise to give each what his deeds deserve (Rom. 2:6). This should be an encouragement, knowing that all the wrongs will be made right and that our good work will be rewarded.
3. Personal application question.

Evening Reflection

Romans 12:2 says that we should renew our minds and not conform to the patterns of this world. When was the last time you thought about things like politics, justice, policy, liberalism, or our culture. Do you truly have a biblical worldview? When it comes to the basic disciplines of growing in Christ—such as word, prayer, fellowship, service, evangelism—how are you doing? In your constant search for efficiency, have you swiped over these things?

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from April 11 to 17 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 children: Maggie, Jonathan, Abigail and Simon.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 17:16-17

16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.

Just about every Friday morning after our prayer meeting, our pastoral intern and I go out and grab breakfast, typically at Burger King. More than half of the time, this guy will do something kind that humbles and embarrasses me. For example, he will buy an extra breakfast sandwich for a homeless person that we just passed by on the street, or he will notice a person digging too deeply into his pocket to find the money for a cup of coffee and purchases it for him. Every week it would be something different, but every week it is him showing how big his heart is, and me—feeling like a dork. The reason I never buy anyone a sandwich is not that I don’t care or I am too cheap, but rather, I simply do not notice (and this may be worse). Over the years, I’ve learned to walk with my head down in the city (for fear of stepping on dog poop), or when I’m at a restaurant, I get too excited about food and have tunnel vision, or I’m thinking about something else. Emotionally, I can be an aloof monster, I know— I’m not trying to make excuses on the matter.

I wonder if I were in ancient Athens, I would have felt the same level of “distress” (NIV) that Paul felt when he saw all of those idols. Would I have even noticed? When we were younger in the faith, growing in Christ was pretty easy. As a youngster, I used to swear like a sailor, but when I met Christ, I quit that pattern of speech. Then I began to read the Bible and pray more frequently, and I grew. Now that I’ve been a believer for over 20 years, I’ve noticed that while growth does come with prayer and Bible reading, rapid growth comes when I have a heart that beats on God’s rhythm. Do I love the things He loves? Do I hate the things He hates? Do the things that distress Him even cause me to bat an eyelash? More in line with today’s passage, does my heart break for people who do not know Christ or for those who are trapped in idolatry?

I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. America is a unique country— if you go to a coffee shop, you will run into literally a dozen people of different religion or no religion whatsoever. There is so much diversity in faiths (or lack of faith), we can easily get desensitized to how lost people are. This morning, pray for your heart. Pray that you will be distressed by the things that distress the Lord.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for ___ (fill in the blank) who doesn’t know You. I pray that You will put some urgency in my heart to share with him or her. Help me also to see every person as one who is made in Your image. Give me a heart that is distressed by the things that distress You.

Bible Reading for Today:  Psalm 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 4:

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
   You have given me relief when I was in distress.
   Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
   How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
   the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin;
   ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
   and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
   Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
   than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
   for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Questions to Consider

1. What were the things that distressed David, and how did he find comfort in the Lord?
2. In v. 4, we read, “Be angry (or “In your anger” – NIV) and do not sin and offer right sacrifices.” What do you suppose this verse means?
3. In v. 7, David says that he has more joy than anyone who has riches. Why was he able to feel this way? Do you feel this way?

Notes

1. In verse 2, we read that there were wicked men who were trying to “shame” David, possibly through slanderous words. In verse 3, David found comfort in being set apart for God and the fact that the Lord hears his prayers.
2. In its context, it seems that when slandered, the natural reaction is to be angry; however, a righteous course of action is to remain silent (v. 4) as opposed to rushing in to defend oneself. In this context, a right sacrifice seems to be the faithful act of not retaliating. It’s helpful to know that David, while a man of action, never attacked Saul who persecuted him unjustly on several occasions.
3. I think vv. 7 and 8 are related. David’s joy came first because God put it there, but also in the fact that he could lie down in peace (knowing he had a clean conscience) and under the safety of the Lord’s hand. Do you believe a clear conscience is more important than a large bank account?

Evening Reflection

This morning, we talked about having God’s heart and caring for people, especially those who do not know Jesus. Take some time to pray for one or two people you see routinely, and allow God to speak to you about them. We also talked about trusting in God when others slander or persecute you. Are there people in your life who give you trouble for seemingly no reason? Consider what God wants you to do (or not do) about these people.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from April 11 to 17 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 children: Maggie, Jonathan, Abigail and Simon.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 17:13

But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.

In a comedy routine, which I have never actually watched and would never recommend to our readers, Cedric the Entertainer made the joke that there are two types of people in the world: those with the “hope factor” and those with the “wish factor.”  Those with the hope factor go into situations hoping that nothing goes wrong; so when they go to a show, these people hope that no one is sitting in their seats.  On the other hand, those with the wish factor go into situations wishing something would happen so that they can retaliate; so if these people go to a show, they wish someone is sitting in their seats so that they can get into a fight.  Coincidentally, as I am writing this devotional, I am in a coffee shop where someone has brought in a very large dog. (In SF, people disregard health codes when it comes to dogs.)  I find myself wishing that this dog would eat something off my table, so I can make a fuss.

On Monday, we read about the Thessalonian Jews who had a vendetta against Christianity in general and Paul in particular.  They couldn’t get Paul, so they decided to get Jason and the other disciples arrested.  When these people heard that Paul was in Berea, they decided to take the 40-mile journey from Thessalonica to stir up trouble for him.  (Man, talk about a group of people who had the “wish factor”!)  I just shared how I have a little bit of wish factor in me, but even with a car, I wouldn’t drive the 40 miles from Thessalonica to Berea to get Paul. And I certainly wouldn’t walk as the Thessalonians did, but that is how far they were willing to go to stir up trouble.

As I get older, I realize that Christian life is more than just avoiding conflicts; and it is more than just mortifying that desire to pick a fight.  Ultimately, Christ’s call is higher; He calls us to be peacemakers. (Matt. 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”)  Peacemakers don’t wish for problems or hope to avoid them, but they are actively involved in solving them.  This morning, ask yourself, “Am I willing to get involved in difficult situations to bring about peace?”  Sometimes, this might mean standing up for another or sticking your neck out when your instinct is to put your head down.  Or this might entail making that difficult phone call to an estranged parent, sibling, or former friend.  Whatever it is, it’s probably going to be difficult and against our nature; but remember, our Lord who came to the earth, lived a sinless life, and died on a cross in order to bring us in a peaceful relationship with the Father.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live in a way that honors You.  Help me to have the wisdom to distinguish trouble for trouble’s sake and trouble that You are bringing into my life so that I can bring about reconciliation.  Thank You for the example of Christ who came to be the ultimate peace offering.

Bible Reading for Today:  Psalm 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 3: O Lord, how many are my foes!  Many are rising against me; 2 many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah 3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. 4 I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 7 Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. 8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah

Questions to Consider

1. What were the discouraging circumstances David was facing?  What discouraging circumstances do you face?
2. How did David see the Lord working in his life?  Do you have similar security in God when you are faced with difficult situations?
3. Psalms are essentially prayers, and in vv. 4 and 7, David said he cried aloud and asked the Lord to save him.  How does this Psalm encourage you to pray?

Notes

1. We read in 2 Sam. 15-18 that David was at one point betrayed by his own son and forced to leave Jerusalem.  So those who betrayed him were likely his many foes (vv. 1-2).
2. Despite this, David sees God as his shield, lifter of his head (v. 3), sustainer (v. 5), vindicator/justifier (v. 7), and ultimately—Savior (v. 8).
3. Verses like 7, bring up many questions.  As believers, are we supposed to pray that God would strike our enemies and break the teeth of the wicked?  Probably not.  But we are to pray for justice to be served.  Also, these Psalms are encouraging because they are full of emotional truth.  In the end, God wants us to pray honestly, and sometimes emotionally.

Evening Reflection

In today’s passages, we saw two people being persecuted—Paul by the Thessalonian Jews and David from his son Absalom.  In the morning, we touched upon the topic of bringing peace, not hostility. And then in the afternoon, we saw how David prayed and looked to the character of God in trying circumstances.  This evening, pray that you, as David did, can see the Lord as your shield, sustainer, and Savior in difficult circumstances.  Pray also about how you can bring peace where there is conflict.