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

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 27:30-32

And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go

Cut loose the lifeboat. Imagine us being the men on the boat. We barely survived a storm and as we’re finally approaching land, the “godly man” says to stay on the boat. The crazier part is to see my fellow soldiers listening to Paul and cutting our only lifeboat and letting it go. At this point, I would’ve jumped off the boat and swam after the lifeboat. What got into the minds of these soldiers to do something so radical? Some might call it crazy, but I would call it faith.

Faith is one of those words we hear being thrown around in our Christian circles all the time. It’s a difficult word to grasp, and even harder word to live by. The book of Hebrews defined it as believing in the unseen and being certain of what we hope for (Hebrews 11:1). The words “believe” and “certain” leave no room for doubt. Yet, the world we live in today seems to define faith as “almost believing” –as long as it stays in the realm of what we think is possible. Anything beyond our possibilities would be doubtful. And because of this doubt, many of us like to have faith as long as there is some type of safety net attached to it.

Yet these men were willing to obey the words of Paul, believing that they came from God. They even went as far as to actively remove any room for a backup plan, leaving their very lives in the hands of God. In essence, they removed all possibilities to invite God to do the impossible. Rex Rouis puts it like this: “Only a heart filled with faith can face the impossible and still know that God can change it.” What are the areas in your life that is holding you back from living a life of faith? What are the excuses you keep putting up from taking that next step of faith?

Prayer: Father, I want to have greater faith in You. Help me to surrender the areas in my life that I refuse to let go. Help me to let go of my doubts and fears, so that I may cling to You in faith. I trust in Your mercy and grace to carry me through.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 52

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-10: So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Questions to Consider

1. How can Paul have confidence in all circumstances?
2. What does Paul mean for us to walk by faith and not by sight?
3. What motivated Paul to live such a life?

Notes

1. Paul writes this as he faced many trials and sufferings, many of them being physical to the brink of death. Regardless of the threat, Paul endured through such afflictions because he knew these momentary afflictions would produce an eternal weight of glory. Paul’s hope and faith came from the knowledge that the life he lived in the body was merely temporary, but the home that he belonged to was eternal.
2. The word “walk” means to live, and so Paul urges us to not live for a glory that is seen with our physical eyes, for they are all temporary. The glories of the world can take the forms of wealth, career, success, etc. Rather, Paul calls us to live for a glory that is unseen which will be realized in eternity – the glories of heaven promised to us as believers. This is not to say that career and success are bad, but we should live in a way that would bring glory to the Father.
3. First, he points out that he lives his life so that it may ultimately please God. Paul also claims that all Christians will stand before Christ and be judged according to their life on earth. Warren Wiersbe identifies Paul’s actions being motivated out of a healthy fear: “Knowing that his works would someday be revealed and tested, Paul wanted to live the kind of life that pleased and honored Christ.”

Evening Reflection

Spend some time reflecting on your day today. Were you living by faith or by sight? What are some ways you can become more kingdom-minded? Pray that God would increase your faith and that He would help your areas of unbelief.

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

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 27:24-26

“…and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

Whenever I complained about school, my parents always told me the most extravagant stories: “When I was young I had to climb mountains, walk 5 miles each way, and hunt for my lunch just to go to school.” It was the go-to motivational speech in the Kim household, with the same message: “You have it good, so no complaints.” By no means do I undermine my parent’s past, because I fully acknowledge that I am blessed today because of their sufferings. Maybe some of us do not share the same story, but we can all agree that the life we live today is possible because someone in the past has paved the way. Even Isaac Newton acknowledges that all the things he had accomplished were made feasible by “standing upon the shoulders of giants.”

In today’s passage, we know that the men refused to listen to Paul’s warning and needed to face up to the consequences. We cannot confirm if the men were believers or not, yet we do know that God graciously saved their lives because of Paul’s prayer and faithfulness to the Lord. Perhaps this is the heart of God: He desires to show grace and mercy to the unbelieving so that they may be saved, and He does so through the prayers and faith of the righteous. In this case, it was through one man’s faith that a ship was saved. But even greater than Paul’s faith, we look to Jesus, who intercedes for all transgressors (Isaiah 53:12). As believers, we do not merely stand on the shoulders of men, as Newton pointed out, but we stand upon the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice and work, all who believe in Him will be saved, for He Himself became the way to our salvation. My hope and prayer is that after reading this devotional, you will spend some time interceding for your loved ones, friends, community, and nation so that God would bring salvation to all.

Prayer: Father, thank You for listening to our prayers. Lord, we want to lift up the people in our lives, both close and far from us, that You may bring salvation to them. We also lift up our communities and our nation, asking that You would turn us back to You. Restore our hope in the power of prayer.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 51

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth

Questions to Consider

1. Who are the people that Paul calls us to intercede for?
2. Why should we intercede for them?
3. How are we to intercede for them?

Notes

1. The word “all” in this context implies a general and universal meaning; thus, we are to pray for all people. In doing so, Paul calls out men who are in places of authority. Because local authorities were persecuting Christians, there could’ve been a natural unwillingness to pray for them. Yet God calls us to pray even for those who hurt us.
2. Perhaps, Paul appeals to Timothy to strategically pray for such leaders because of their influence over men. This would affect the ability for the gospel to be spread in such communities. Furthermore, Paul asserts that praying for all men is both good and acceptable in the sight of our God. In fact, Paul claims that God desires for all men to be saved and not simply for some special group of people. By seeking the blessing of the leaders around us, we will also be blessed. (Jer. 29:7)
3. Hebrews 5:6 shows that Jesus interceded with loud cries and tears. The following is a great quote by Evelyn Underhill: “Real intercession is not merely a petition but a piece of work, involving costly self surrender to God for the work he wants done on other souls…Each time you take a human soul with you into your prayer, you accept from God a piece of spiritual work with all its implications and with all its cost — a cost which may mean for you spiritual exhaustion and darkness, and may even include vicarious suffering, the Cross.”

Evening Reflection

Spend some time reflecting on the image of Jesus interceding for you. Now, ask the Lord to give you the same heart of intercession. Who or what comes to mind? Perhaps your manager, coworker, or the guy down the street? Spend some time praying for them. Let us also intercede for our communities and our nation, especially our leaders.

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

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 27:21-22

Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

Car accidents scare me—especially ones that involve rain. My friend describes it as the most helpless moment in his life: He turned the wheel left and right, but the car refused to listen. After hitting a dry patch, the car flipped and rolled on a busy highway. Here’s the kicker: he came out with a small scratch on his head, while the car was completely totaled. In fact, the people that were behind him were a doctor and nurse –they stood watching in shock.  Praise the Lord!

This helpless scene is what I imagine when I read this passage. Paul was right—they shouldn’t have gone. The storm reached its peak and any sense of direction or control was lost. They threw over cargo and supplies, along with it their hopes of surviving. Oftentimes, life takes us down a path of flipping and rolling, creating only chaos and uncertainty. Trials and temptations strip us of our hopes and values, as we give up the very things we hold on to so dearly. However, as fire refines gold by removing its impurities, trials refine our character by removing our false securities – that we might find our hope and faith in Him alone.

The men find themselves at the mercy of Paul’s words, but we look to someone greater: Jesus rises to promise us life and to never leave nor forsake us. Timothy Keller put it like this: “Suffering can refine us rather than destroy us because God himself walks with us in the fire.” Though we are crushed, persecuted, and in times, tossed by the waves, we will not be destroyed for He is with us. Just as Paul assures the men that not a single hair will be lost, Jesus commands us to not be afraid. May we remember this, for it is He who is doing a work in us, and that work is indeed good!

Prayer: Father, thank You that You promise to be with me, both through green pastures and the valleys of shadow and death. I confess that I am prone to wander, especially during difficult times. During times of trials, may You give me the strength to endure, and may You refine me so that I may become more like You.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 50

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:2-4: 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Questions to Consider:

1. How should we respond to trials and temptations in our lives?
2. Why should we endure such testing?
3. How do you naturally respond to trials in your life?

Notes:

1. In the original text, the phrase “pure joy” translates to “all joy.” James writes in a time of religious persecution, and many times those who followed Christ found themselves being unfairly treated. Trials come in the form of situations out of our control to ultimately test our faith. Some scholars even argue that James is referring to an eschatological joy in the return of Jesus. Regardless, we are to take joy in suffering, for it is both temporary and a work that He is doing in us.
2. While perseverance is a fruit of being tested, it cannot be the end goal. Warren Wiersbe writes that God’s purpose in trials is to perfect our character and develop our maturity in Christ. James does not say “if” but “when” we go through trials to show that as believers, we cannot escape suffering. However, it is evident through the lives of others in the Scriptures that suffering is for a divine purpose that He only knows. In many cases trials are the prerequisite for God’s will being furthered in our lives.
3. Many of us turn to other vices or people of this world to escape, but God invites us to face our trials by His strength.

Evening Reflection

In John 15, Jesus says that we are His branches, and that He prunes us so that we may bear fruit. What are the areas in your life that He is pruning? Spend some time asking God to give you a teachable heart to make you more like Him. May He give you the strength to endure through trials and temptations so that you may be more complete in Him.

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

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 27:9-12

Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

Apparently, according to this one article, through his endorsements and other sources, Michael Jordan makes over $150,000 a day working or not. That means in the time you spend reading this devotional, he’s already made over $500 by doing nothing. I mean he is the greatest basketball player to have ever lived. Yet, in the same article, it says that if Jordan were to save 100% of his income for the next 300 years, he’d still have less than Bill Gates today. The nerds have indeed won. Today, we value knowledge and expertise, over physical strength and dominance. Living in the tech world, we treat engineers like gods and everybody else as another headcount.

In this passage, Paul advises the centurion and the crew to stall their journey, yet they choose to listen to the pilot and owner of the ship. Who wouldn’t? Paul is an ex-Pharisee on trial for some outrageous claims with little knowledge of the sea conditions. It only made logical sense to trust the pilot and owner, especially if the harbor was not going to be suitable. It was either leave now or never. Granted, in this situation we cannot see Paul’s logic of why he feels the way he does. My guess is that such a man of God is most likely being led by the Spirit. But I think about the times in which I look to what’s logical and within my bounds. Some of us discern a situation by selectively asking those who may have had similar experiences or even the more educated, hoping to find the right answer. Many times our answers coincide with what we want to hear.

With that being said, I do not want to discredit knowledge because it is too easy to make emotion- based decisions. Actions based solely on emotions can have consequences, if not more than pure logic itself. The point is that in this journey of faith, we are not to trust in the ways of man but to trust in the Lord (Psalm 118:8-9). Sometimes, what the Lord has for us may not make sense and even difficult to follow. It may go beyond the bounds of our own logic and understanding, only to make sense in the most unpredictable ways. Yet, remember His thoughts are higher and His ways are greater, for only He knows what’s best for us.

Prayer: Father, I confess that Your thoughts and Your ways are greater than my own. May I not lean on my own understanding or even in the understanding of others, but trust only in Your truth. Holy Spirit, lead me in the path that leads to Your glory.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 49

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31: For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Questions to Consider 

1. What is Paul’s accusation against the Corinthians?
2. Why does God choose the weak and “foolish” people?
3. How has your knowledge of God affected your relationship with Him?

Notes

1. When they were called, they had no basis from which to assert superiority over one another—they believed in the simple gospel, and that was their baseline. Paul accused the Corinthians of forgetting this truth and seeking after human wisdom (Corinthians were prone to the latest philosophy and science, etc.) to exalt themselves over one another. Paul was calling for the Corinthians to humble themselves again and repent of allowing their wisdom to turn to pride.
2. So that no one may boast before the Lord. In other words, these are Gentiles who ultimately had no place or right to be welcomed into the kingdom of God, yet only by His grace did God choose to reveal Himself to them. By no means does this minimize the gospel in its simplicity; rather, it highlights the wisdom of God. His people would live and operate by His grace.
3. Many times we seek knowledge simply to know more, and in some cases to make up for our lack of faith. A true understanding and knowledge of Him should fuel our love for Him.

Evening Reflection

How is God speaking to you today? Do you feel that God is or has been leading you to do something? Have you allowed your own thoughts and reasons to convince you otherwise? If so, pray that God would give you greater faith and discernment to listen and obey Him.

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

Hebrews 12:5-11

 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son (daughter), do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son (daughter).”  7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Our family was intrigued as we were looking at the pictures of a runaway sheep that came home to his shepherd—after six years of MIA.  When he came home, he was buried under layers of thick and dirty fur, which made us wonder how the shepherd even recognized him in the first place.  But after the shepherd sheered him, he looked like a different sheep all together.  What a relief the sheep must have felt to be able to shed the extra built up weight off his little body. But what was comical to read was that he had run away in the first place because he disliked being sheered by the shepherd.

I have encountered many Christians—myself included—who have responded to God’s discipline in the same way as this runaway sheep.  Many of us gladly receive Jesus into our lives, initially, for what He does for us: unconditional love and acceptance, forgiveness of our sins, and eternal life. Then we realize that part of belonging to Him involves a high cost of radical obedience and a gradual death to our self, through submitting to His regular sheering of our lives called “sanctification.” This sanctifying process exposes our true state of depravity and calls for our cooperation to make necessary changes according to God’s truth.  So when the going gets tough, it’s easy for Christians to think, This Christian life is too hard and costly. It’s much easier to be our own boss, call our own shots and live our own life.

This lost sheep discovered, after six years of living on his own terms, that it’s far better to come home to his loving shepherd.  The very sheering that he had run away from, was the very thing that he needed in order to be a healthy sheep that he was created to be.

What are you trying to run away from today?  What is causing you to question and doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life?  No one likes to be disciplined or endure hardships, but it is a lifelong process that all God’s children must go through. Especially for believers, God’s discipline in our lives should point to an unquestionable evidence of whose we are.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You take the time to discipline me and cut away thoughts, attitudes, habits and relationships that are bad for me.  Please forgive me for my childish and stubborn resistance to Your corrections throughout different points of my life.  Empower me to surrender all to Your Lordship so that I may enjoy true freedom in Christ.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 47-8

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.