REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on June 12, 2018, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Tough Love”

Jeremiah 11:14-15

“Do not pray for this people or offer any plea or petition for them, because I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their distress. 15 “What is my beloved doing in my temple as she, with many others, works out her evil schemes? Can consecrated meat avert your punishment? When you engage in your wickedness, then you rejoice.”

I don’t know if this is a male/female thing or maybe an Asian/Non-Asian thing, but there are times when my children get hurt, and instead of feeling sorrow, I get angry.  A classic example of something that happens almost weekly in my home is when my five-year old starts jumping on the arms of our couch.  Like a little monkey, he goes from one couch to another, having a grand old time, until boom!  He slips and bangs his head against the floor.  So he comes to me, and he’s crying, rubbing his head, seeking comfort.  Now instead of giving him a hug or rubbing his dome, what do I do?  Well, if I’m in an annoyed mood, I might give him a Korean timeout (one where he sits on his knees holding his arms in the air).  It’s kind of cute seeing little kids try to do the Korean timeout.  

I know that many of you reading this might be tempted to think that I am some sort of monster (please don’t call child services), but what you need to know is that jumping on the couch is an established no-no in my household, and my children have been told countless times not to do it.  So when Jonny comes to me holding his head crying as a result of his deliberate disobedience, what am I supposed to do?  Pretend it’s okay that he broke the rules just because he’s crying?  Come on!  You take me for a fool?  

When we read today’s passage, you might be tempted to think that the Lord is cold-hearted toward his people, especially when He tells the prophet Jeremiah to stop praying for them.  But remember from yesterday that the Israelites had a long history of idolatry and turning away from the Lord.  Even as they offer sacrifices in the temple, the Bible says that they are planning evil schemes; talk about a disingenuous “sorry”!  What should we expect from the Lord?  Do you want Him to take back His people just because they go through the motions of coming to the temple and offering these “sacrifices”?  Come on!  You take Him for a fool?  

Here’s the point: there comes a point where allowing a person to reap what he sows is the most gracious thing that can be done.  Like the prodigal son, who woke up in a pig pen, learning the hard way might be the only way some of us learn.  But here’s my plea… please don’t be that type of person.  Please learn to heed the Lord’s warnings and wisdom before it’s too late.  Be wise, don’t be a fool.  

Prayer: Lord, please don’t make me one of those people who has to learn the “hard way”.  Help me to heed Your warnings and listen to sound advice.  In times when You do show me “tough love”, help me to see and understand what You are doing through it.  

Bible Reading for Today:  Ezekiel 8

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Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:2-8: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, 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

• In this passage, persevering trials and wisdom are juxtaposed.  What do you think is the correlation between the two?
• Why is faith so important when we ask for wisdom?
• Are there difficulties in your life that you are facing that require spiritual wisdom?  

Notes

• Many times when facing trials, people will either blame God or the enemy and get bitter.  Wisdom helps us see what God is doing in difficult times and gives us a correct response.  
• James gives us the key in v. 5: God gives “generously.”  Before His gifts, we must believe in His character, that God is always good and generous.  He gives His children what we need, all the time.  Understanding this, even in tough times, requires faith.  
• Personal application question. 

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Evening Reflection

What is the difference between a trial from God and a temptation from the enemy?  Are there areas in your life where you are getting the two confused?  Tonight, ask for the Lord’s wisdom for not only perspective, but the right course of action.  

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on April 16, 2018. Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal.

Devotional Thought for This Morning 

“A Lifetime Commitment and Passion”

Mark 11:1-11

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest! 11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Growing up, I was the type of kid who would try anything. And I would always begin with much enthusiasm and excitement, whether it be learning a new sport or instrument. However, as time passed on, my commitment and passion for my new endeavors would quickly wane. It was because I began to realize what it actually meant to acquire these new skills—the hours of practice needed and the amount of focus necessary for improvement. I wanted fast results and it was not going to come easy, so I quit.  And this happened over and over again. Looking back it is easy to see that initial excitement for something does not necessarily lead to a lifetime of commitment, nor is it a sign of real passion or love. 

We find an example of this truth in our passage for today. Mark 11:1-11 is a dense section of Scripture, littered with messianic allusions, two of which are important to consider: First, as Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, Jewish readers would see it as scriptural fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, where the prophet proclaims the salvation of Israel that would be brought about by the coming of a humble king riding on a donkey. Second, it is important to notice that though Mark seldom mentions names of places throughout his Gospel, here he mentions the Mount of Olives. This location reminds readers of Ezekiel 11, where the glory of God departs the temple in Jerusalem and settles on the Mount of Olives. Many believed that the glory of God would return from the Mount of Olives and back to the temple. For this reason, Mark makes sure to point out that Jesus is descending from the Mount to the temple as a way of bringing to the forefront the very identity of Jesus as the return of God Himself. Both of these allusions emphatically point to Jesus as the coming Messiah, who is the God of Israel Himself.

In light of this, the people of Jerusalem rightly proclaim with much enthusiasm: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” They were excited about the possible return of their Lord. However, as most of us know, within a matter of a week the very people celebrating the entrance of Jesus were the same people who wanted to crucify Him. You see, the people were expecting a particular kind of king that would lead them to swift victory over their enemies. However, Jesus redefined the nature of the kingdom. It was about loving their enemies and took the shape of the cross. As a result, the initial excitement and commitment to the movement of Christ waned and people began to leave. 

Many of us also begin following Jesus with much excitement. We often have a picture of what discipleship is going to look like that fuels our enthusiasm. However, when God begins to bring us through the journey of transformation that is entirely unexpected and difficult, we begin to lose steam and even faith in the entire process. What we have to remember in moments like this is that discipleship means following the pattern of Christ—not one of easy triumph but one where life comes through death. For it is only through the dying of ourselves in discipleship that we find resurrection life. Today, even in the difficulty of discipleship, let us hold fast to Christ and remain steadfast in our commitment to Him. 

Prayer: Father, thank You for calling me to follow You. I admit that at times it is difficult and sometimes the road You lead me on is not what I had expected. However, I pray for a steadfast commitment and trust in Your plans for me. Help me to faithfully follow You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 7

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Lunch Break Study 

Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-12: But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Questions to Consider 

• Why does God place His treasure in jars of clay? 
• What does Paul mean that he is “always carrying in the body the death of Jesus?” 
• What areas of discipleship do you find most difficult? 

Notes 

• God places the power of the gospel within broken people, like Paul and us, in order to show that the surpassing power belongs to God. The power is much more easily attributed to God if it is displayed through broken people. 
• As Paul mentions in verse 8, he has gone through much. He has been crushed, afflicted, and struck down; in some sense, he is always dying. However, his suffering and constant dying to himself has resulted in bringing life to those around him through his ministry. 
• Personal response.

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Evening Reflection 

We live in a culture where success is equated with the absence of discomfort or suffering. However, our discipleship to Christ calls us to die to ourselves and brings us into places of discomfort and suffering. In what areas of your life are you holding onto? Which parts of your life do you need to die to in order to experience the life of Christ?

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on January 14, 2018, is written by Tina Pham who, along with her family, is serving in E. Asia as a missionary. Tina is a graduate of Biola University (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Appreciating Fellow Workers”

Philippians 2:25-30 

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard;because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

As we are two weeks into the new year, some of us may have already made New Year’s resolutions, while others may still be in the process of making some. In my own reflection, I thought of a few skills and habits I want to build for my own self-improvement, but the Lord also reminded me of resolutions to make for the sake of others—which led me to think about the habit of appreciation. 

Being a very task-oriented person, appreciation for others is something I tend to overlook. One thing I admire and want to imitate in Paul’s leadership is his active and intentional appreciation for his co-workers. When we think about the heroes in the New Testament, we obviously think of Peter, Paul, and John.  But certain passages, like this one, reveal to us that there were numerous people who served the Lord at the front line for the gospel but remained in the shadows—and they didn’t become famous like Paul and the twelve disciples. For example, Epaphroditus never became a “big name,” but he is one of the people who played a significant role in the kingdom and served sacrificially for the sake of the gospel. We can know of Epaphroditus because Paul sent him as a messenger to the Philippian church with his letter and instructed the church to receive him with all joy and to hold men like him in high regard for the ways he has served. By calling him a brother, minister, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, Paul describes him as a leader who loves people and a tireless worker who is willing to go the extra mile when serving the body of Christ.

Can you identify anyone among you who is like Epaphroditus? Think about how you can show appreciation for him or her. Also, let’s consider how we could imitate Paul in building a culture of appreciation in our hearts and to serve as encouragers to those who labor tirelessly around us. 

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for fellow workers and fellow soldiers whom You have sent to bless me and my church. Give me the eyes to see people like Epaphroditus in my midst, and use me to spur them on through acts of appreciation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 6

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on January 20, 2018.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Judah | Not Righteous, But Redeemed”

Genesis 38:11-26

Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until Shelah my son grows up.” For he thought, “I don’t want him to die like his brothers.” So Tamar went and lived in her father’s house. 12 After some time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. After Judah was consoled, he left for Timnah to visit his sheepshearers, along with his friend Hirah the Adullamite. 13 Tamar was told, “Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” 14 So she removed her widow’s clothes and covered herself with a veil. She wrapped herself and sat at the entrance to Enaim which is on the way to Timnah. (She did this because she saw that she had not been given to Shelah as a wife, even though he had now grown up.) 15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. 16 He turned aside to her along the road and said, “Come on! I want to have sex with you.” (He did not realize it was his daughter-in-law.) She asked, “What will you give me in exchange for having sex with you?” 17 He replied, “I’ll send you a young goat from the flock.” She asked, “Will you give me a pledge until you send it?” 18 He said, “What pledge should I give you?” She replied, “Your seal, your cord, and the staff that’s in your hand.” So he gave them to her and had sex with her. She became pregnant by him. 19 She left immediately, removed her veil, and put on her widow’s clothes. 20 Then Judah had his friend Hirah the Adullamite take a young goat to get back from the woman the items he had given in pledge, but Hirah could not find her. 21 He asked the men who were there, “Where is the cult prostitute who was at Enaim by the road?” But they replied, “There has been no cult prostitute here.” 22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I couldn’t find her. Moreover, the men of the place said, ‘There has been no cult prostitute here.’” 23 Judah said, “Let her keep the things for herself. Otherwise we will appear to be dishonest. I did indeed send this young goat, but you couldn’t find her.” 24 After three months Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has turned to prostitution, and as a result she has become pregnant.” Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!” 25 While they were bringing her out, she sent word to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these belong.” Then she said, “Identify the one to whom the seal, cord, and staff belong.” 26 Judah recognized them and said, “She is more upright than I am, because I wouldn’t give her to Shelah my son.” He did not have sexual relations with her again.

Judah was in a downward spiral when he came into Tamar’s life, but their encounter, while messy and deplorable, is potentially what saved him.  

Downward Spiral | First, Judah was a human trafficker—first with Joseph (as he spearheaded Joseph’s sale into slavery—see Gen. 37) and then with Tamar (when he paid to use her body for sex). Second, Judah abandoned his family and married a Canaanite (something Jews were strictly prohibited from doing), a moment eerily reminiscent of Esau’s rebellion in Genesis 28:8. Third, Judah is a dishonorable coward. Instead of taking responsibility for the wicked sons whom he raised, he blames Tamar for their deaths (even though it was God who took their lives due to their evil deeds). And from what we can tell, Judah had no intentions of coming back for Tamar (v.26). Lastly, he was probably less than upright when it came to the ladies. The fact that Tamar devised this specific plan suggests that she was responding to a pattern (whether a pattern specific to him or general to the culture it was likely one in which he participated). What were the odds that Judah, upon seeing a random prostitute at the gates, would ask to go to bed with her? Why would Tamar think he would do this? Probably because she knew what sort of man he was.  And Judah proved her right. 

Redemption | What Tamar ultimately did for Judah (and we’ll talk about her actions more tomorrow) was hold up a mirror and show him what sort of man he’d become. She became the site of his shortcomings. When he is told Tamar is with child, he demands she be burned for promiscuity—a crime he, too, was guilty of (and not just generally, but guilty in that specific situation). And he was guilty, with respect to Tamar, of so much more. When he realizes he is the one who impregnated her, when he sees the lengths to which she went to bring forth an heir for his family, when he realized the extent of his failings, Judah has a change in heart. And we know this because of his dealings with Joseph in Egypt just a few chapters later—the one who led the charge to sell Joseph into slavery, later offers himself as a slave in place of Benjamin. It’s easy to think this story with Tamar is a weird interruption to the story of Joseph, but it’s not. Tamar’s mirror is responsible for the change in Judah that made him the kind of man who could fight to save his family.   

Praise be to God for those in our lives who hold a mirror before us. May we have the humility to respond as Judah did. 

Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for the people in my life who hold a mirror before me so I can see my sin. In those humbling moments, help me to have the courage to look intently into that mirror and the humility to make the necessary changes by the transforming power of Your Spirit at work in me. And through it all, may I become more conformed to the likeness of Your Son, in whose name I pray. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 4-5

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on May 4, 2018, is provided by Jabez Yeo. He and his family are getting ready to leave for Thailand as missionaries with OMF.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“When Everything Changed”

Mark 16:1-9

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid

There are certain times when an individual or organization senses that a monumental change is at hand. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, such a moment came when they rehired Tom Coughlin to be their executive vice president of football operations. Before the hire, Jacksonville had just finished a 3-13 season and missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season. But when Coughlin came on board, his personnel decisions and leadership brought a heightened sense of excellence. As a result, the Jaguars finished 10-6 the season after and were one quarter away from their first Super Bowl appearance.  

In the span of human history, the ultimate turning point—when everything changed—was the resurrection. As N.T. Wright (2016) noted, “It is the resurrection that declares that the cross was a victory, not a defeat. It, therefore, announces that God has indeed become king on earth as in heaven” (p.51). Furthermore, each Gospel provides a unique perspective that adds to the full picture of such a monumental occasion. Wright writes: “The resurrection is from Mark’s point of view, the moment when God’s kingdom comes in power. From John’s point of view, it is the launching of the new creation, the new Genesis. From Matthew’s point of view, it brings Jesus into the position for which He was always destined, that of the world’s rightful Lord…from Luke’s point of view, the resurrection is the moment when Israel’s Messiah comes into His glory” (p.123).

Indeed, through the hope of eternity that the resurrection brings, we have the answer to the longing of our hearts for such a reality (Eccles. 3:11). And because of the promise of Christ’s eventual return, we can look forward to the day when God “will wipe away every tear…and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:5). Through any hardships we may face, let us cling onto the eternal hope that we have. 

Prayer: Father, I confess that I have let my present situation cloud the eternal hope that I have in You. Thank You that through Your Son Jesus, death, sin and Satan have been forever conquered. Thank You that final victory is assured, despite the hardships that may come. And thank You that even in those hardships, You are not far away but near. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 3

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Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 11:13-9: All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

Questions to Consider

• What are some similarities between us believers today and those mentioned in Hebrews 11 (i.e. the Hall of Faith)?
• What is the main difference between us believers today and those mentioned in the Hall of Faith?
• How are you living by faith today?

Note

• All believers, in the past, present and future, are called to live by faith on this earth, while longing for our true home with God. We are to have an exilic mentality, loving and serving this world while knowing that it is not our final destination. 
• As Christians today, we have the privilege of having the full revelation of Jesus, including His death and resurrection.  Men like Abraham could only imagine such a reality (Heb. 11:17-19), but through the testimony of the Bible and the Holy Spirit, we know that eternal life is a reality. 
• Personal response.

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Evening Reflection

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the brokenness in our lives or in the world and forget the hope of the final restoration that we have. Take some time to ask God for reminders of this hope we have and for strength to act according to His will. 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 26, 2018, is provided by Pastor Jon Moon. Since 2019 he has been serving the Lord as missionaries in Cobán, Guatemala.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Amazing Cuban Believers”

Romans 15:4 

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

This past March, I had the privilege of, once again, accompanying Dr. Ryun to Cuba to teach at Seminario de La Gracia. During this trip, as I witnessed how the seminary students lived out their lives and how fervently they studied God’s Word, I was reminded once again of the importance of reading and studying the Word of God. In a country where people survive on one or two meals a day, since resources are scarce, and hopes for a better life are almost nonexistent, I was amazed at the joy and hope that these 78 seminarians expressed through their singing, prayers, and study of the Word. 

Where did this hope and joy amid trials and tribulation come from? I believe, as Romans 15:4 states, it comes in part from the constant study of God’s Word and remembering what the Lord has done for us throughout history and the promises that He has given us. So often, when we go through hard times, we forget this and get so focused on our situation or on the wrong things that we begin to get anxious, desperate, and start losing hope. 

Instead, when life gets hard and we are losing hope, let’s turn to God’s Word and be reminded of what the Lord has done and is able to do. Let’s be reminded of His attributes and His names. Let’s be reminded of James’ exhortation to persevere and endure so that we may one day receive the crown of Life. Let’s lean on His promises and be encouraged by the reassuring words that He has for us, and that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us Your Word so that we would be reminded daily of who You are and all that You’ve done for us. Forgive us for often forgetting this and allowing fear, worry, and anxiety to rule over our hearts, instead of Your peace and hope. Continue to remind us of how great and awesome You are, and may your Word continue to minister and encourage us through our struggles. Thank You for loving us and promising to never leave nor forsake us. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 2

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Lunch Break Study

Pastor Ryun

Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, 16-18: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body . . . Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Questions to Consider

• Can you identify with the type of Christian faith that Paul embodied while he was serving the Lord?   
• Why is American Christianity so different from what Paul says here?
• If you were to live like the apostle, what is the only way that will keep you going while serving the Lord on earth, despite the suffering and hardship? 

Notes

• Most of us can’t identify with Paul because we don’t live like him. How did he live? He gave up the comforts of life to serve God despite great oppositions. He refers to this as “carrying around in our body the death of Christ.”
• The basic orientation of American Christianity is narcissism—It’s all about what can God do for me, to make my life more comfortable and materially prosperous, and to feel more fulfilled. It fixes its eyes on what is seen—jars of gold, not clay.  
• Since life on earth is not as comfortable and prosperous as it can be due to our choice to follow God and His call in our lives, we must fix our eyes on what is unseen and what is eternal to remember that something better is waiting for us in heaven—an eternal glory.

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Evening Reflection

Habakkuk 3:17-18 speaks of having hope in God amid circumstances and situations that couldn’t get any worse.  As you wrap up this day, meditate on this amazing Scriptures, and embrace the life of fixing our eyes on what is unseen and eternal.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

REPOST  Today’s AMI Devotional QT, first posted on May 29, 2018, is provided by Pastor Joshua Kim. Joshua, a graduate of Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Talbot Theological Seminary (Th.M.), is the Lead Pastor of Upper Room Seattle church.  

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Jeremiah 7.8-10

 “Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail. 9 Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known, 10 then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—that you may do all these abominations? 11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” declares the Lord.

True Repentance.

Do you remember (or maybe it was only my friends and me) when we were younger, we would have this silly rule on the playground? We could make outlandish claims and get off scot-free, as long as we did one thing: crossies. Perhaps you called it something different, but it’s this thing where you take your middle finger and twist it around your index finger, forming an “x” shape, usually held in secret behind your back. And this simple hand gesture would negate any bold-faced lies or empty promises we may have made. And no matter how unfair it may be, the rule of the playground was that you must respect the crossies.

In continuing the theme from yesterday’s quiet time, the indictments brought forth through Jeremiah shows the arrogance of the people who have made their relationship with God just a token religion. We learn more about the attitudes held by the people: 

v.9 “Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known.”

And despite these offenses, these people feel secure because they come into the house of the Lord, presuming they are delivered. If you will, this is their spiritual crossies. 

In today’s Western Christianity, our spiritual crossies aren’t that different. In the name of grace and love, we have made light the gravity of sin. In the name of “once-saved-always-saved,” we have made the gospel message to be a legal pronouncement more than a restoration of a relationship with God. It’s not surprising that the image of the courtroom is often what we think of when it comes to the gospel (which isn’t wrong) rather than the restoration of the marred imago Dei (the image of God) in us. 

At the heart of true repentance is not merely the fact that we have broken the law of God but that we have broken the heart of the Father. And when this is understood, the Holy Spirit will then transform our hearts by overcoming our flesh. True repentance is turning away. And we know that only when the Holy Spirit has changed us are we able to truly turn away from our old selves.

Prayer: Father, thank You that despite how we’ve made our relationship with you a bunch of protocols and procedures of how to guarantee salvation, You showed us the way of love by restoring the image of God in Christ. May our repentance not be mere “getting out of trouble” but stem from a heart that is broken at offending our heavenly Father. May our repentance be weighty and yet sweet. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 1

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Lunch Break Study

Read Colossians 3.5-11

5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

Questions to Consider

• According to this passage, what do all the vices amount to that leads to the wrath of God? What does this reveal about the nature of sin?

• Consider the imagery used in the passage (focus on the word “put”). What kind of picture does it invoke? Understanding that “have put on” is a continuous, indefinite instruction, what is happening to us when we continue to put on the new self?

• Take a moment to consider verse 11. How does this verse confront the prejudices and distinctions you might hold onto?

Notes

• In the end, Paul writes that these vices ultimately lead to idolatry, the worship of other things beside God. Sin in the end is when God is not in His rightful place in our hearts—from there, all other actions flow.
  
• The imagery is like of clothing. Paul is telling us to put aside our old “clothes” in exchange of the “new” clothes we have received in Christ. It isn’t somethings we don’t once; it is something we are called to continuously, everyday. And when we come to this act of daily faith of putting on the new self, the underlying promise here is that the image of God is being restored to us. 

• Personal reflection. Consider the differences between Jews and Greeks/the circumcised and the uncircumcised. Circumcision was the mark of the covenant for the Jews. In fact, there was much conflict within the church because of circumcision. But what Paul is saying here is that the true mark of a child of God is not a physical mark (much like how the temple was considered), but a spiritual mark that is Christ. What are things that you hold onto as your righteousness that is not Christ? 

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Evening Reflection

As you close off this day, take a moment to consider how you may have lived that does not reflect our true relationship with God. How is God calling you to repentance? What does it mean for you to truly repent of those things tonight? Spend a few moments with the Lord, not focusing on the actual act of sin, but on the broken relationship that has resulted. Ask Him to restore that relationship.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on May 22, 2018, is provided by Jennifer Kim who served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Pruning Process”

Jeremiah 5:10-19

“Go through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not destroy them completely. Strip off her branches, for these people do not belong to the Lord. 11 The people of Israel and the people of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to me,” declares the Lord. 12 They have lied about the Lord; they said, “He will do nothing! No harm will come to us; we will never see sword or famine. 13 The prophets are but wind and the word is not in them; so let what they say be done to them.” 14 Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty says: “Because the people have spoken these words, I will make my words in your mouth a fire and these people the wood it consumes. 15 People of Israel,” declares the Lord, “I am bringing a distant nation against you—an ancient and enduring nation, a people whose language you do not know, whose speech you do not understand. 16 Their quivers are like an open grave; all of them are mighty warriors. 17 They will devour your harvests and food, devour your sons and daughters; they will devour your flocks and herds, devour your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will destroy the fortified cities in which you trust. 18 Yet even in those days,” declares the Lord, “I will not destroy you completely. 19 And when the people ask, ‘Why has the Lord our God done all this to us?’ you will tell them, ‘As you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your own land, so now you will serve foreigners in a land not your own.’”

 Back in 2014, after moving to the suburbs of New Jersey and starting a 9 to 6 job, I felt an urgency to bring some new excitement into my daily routine. Thus, in my efforts to bring some joy into my daily grind, I attempted to pick up a new hobby – gardening. So I went and bought three succulents and propagated a dozen of its leaves until I had about fifteen plants on my window sill. I diligently watered those plants, gave it plenty of sunlight, and repotted them as they grew bigger.  My goal was to get these little succulents I had bought for $5 to grow to become big, luscious succulents that I could replant in beautiful flower pots around our family home. Let’s just say, I went from fifteen plants to one pink moon cactus. The problem: I didn’t prune the leaves, all in my attempts to get them to grow bigger!

In today’s passage we continue to read of God’s plans to judge the nation of Judah for its rebellion. God declares to ravage their vineyards and bring a nation to pummel their city for their wickedness; yet in the midst of God’s anger, He states, multiple times, that He will not destroy Judah completely. Instead, God decides to prune Jerusalem in order that they may bear fruit again and fulfill the promise to be the chosen nation of God. Even in God’s judgment to a nation that taunted the Lord and where not even one person was found righteous, God still shows mercy.

Pruning is a necessary process that, first and foremost, keeps plants safe from diseases that may affect the healthy parts of the plant. It’s also a process needed to give room for plants to thrive as well as to focus its energy on the necessary parts of a plant. In the same way, God calls us to prune the negative areas of our life that are bearing bad fruit and taking away our energy. Let’s take time to reflect on areas of our life that are not bearing good fruit. Maybe it’s a job that’s taking away from your time with the Lord, or a dream that is clouding God’s dream from you, or even a relationship that has taken the place of God in your life. God calls us to seasons of pruning, not to punish us, but because His desire is for us to thrive.

Prayer: God, I thank You that Your ultimate desire is that I may bear good fruit. Help me to recognize the areas that have been hindering my relationship with You. And grant me the wisdom and courage to prune these areas that I may be faithful in all that You ask of me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Esther 10

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Lunch Break Study

Read John 15:1-11:“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Questions to Consider

• What measure does God use to determine whether we are His disciples?
• Why does God ask us to prune certain areas of our life?
• What areas of your life have been preventing you from experiencing God’s joy?

Notes

• God sees the good fruit we bear to prove we are His disciples.
• In order that we may be filled with God’s joy.
• Personal response.

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Evening Reflection

Today we talked about how God asks us to prune different areas of our life in order that we may bear good fruit. Take some time to reflect and ask God to reveal the areas you need to prune off. Next, write out a prayer asking for courage and wisdom to let go of the areas that you may be holding on to. Remember, God’s ultimate desire in the process is that you would experience the fullness of His love. 

REPOST Today’s Devotional Thought for Food, first posted on June 4, 2018, is provided by Andy Kim who is the Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco.  Andy is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.S.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Jeremiah 9:1-2

“Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! 2 Oh that I had in the desert a travelers’ lodging place, that I might leave my people and go away from them! For they are all adulterers, a company of treacherous men.”

In an interview with Christian missionaries, Mahatma Gandhi expressed his affections toward Christ, but also his dislike of Christians. From this interview we may have heard the phrase, “I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians for your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Sadly, there are moments where I see fellow believers and I too have the same judgments of their lack of Christ-likeness. And for Jeremiah, this was the context in which he was ministering to the people of God.

Jeremiah was clearly frustrated and disappointed at the people’s lack of repentance and obedience to the Lord. On the one hand, he cannot tolerate their sinful acts, even wishing “to leave his people and be away form them” (verse 2). And on the other hand, he mourns over them for he knows judgment and destruction awaits them. Yet, he does not allow his judgments and emotions towards the people affect his love for them. He maintains a heart of compassion and love to the point where his tears are like that of a fountain. Evangelist Billy Graham once described, “Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.” And these tears point us to Christ, who not only shed tears for us but to the point of shedding His blood so that we may be saved. Even in our utter sin and complete brokenness, Jesus continually cries out for us. 

Yes, we should not tolerate sin; yes, we should not tolerate disobedience—but not at the cost of loving people. May we, as Jeremiah did, never lose our heart of compassion toward His people. May we never be quick to judge but always quick to love. Though our minds and emotions may be tempted to judge and criticize, may our hearts remain soft to our fellow brothers and sisters; for this is the love that was shown to us, and we ought to show others. This is the love that Gandhi failed to understand, a love that loves even the most unlovable. 

Prayer: Father, I thank You for loving me even in my brokenness. Help me to love others as you have loved me. I confess my hurts and frustrations I have toward my brothers and sisters. I pray that You would help me to have a heart of compassion and a burden for Your people. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Esther 9

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Lunch Break Study

Read John 17: 20-23 (In context of Jesus praying to the Father, the high priestly prayer before the crucifixion): “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

Questions to Consider

• What is the context of Jesus’ prayer?
• What is the importance and purpose of unity?
• How does this change our relationships with one another?

Notes

• Jesus prepares to leave and He prays for the unity of believers. He defines unity in relation to the bond between the Father and the Son—that just as they are one, we are to be one with one another. Notice this unity is not something that can be achieved by our own strength, but it is given when we are in union with Him. This is how we are called to love and serve one another.
• Jesus teaches us that when we are able to have this relationship with one another, His glory is revealed to the world. Jesus explains that this relationship would be so counter-culture to the world’s standards. Only then will the world see the Father’s love and come to believe in it. What a great reminder of the power of the communion of believers!
• Personal reflection. 

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Evening Reflection

Henri Nouwen said, “I’m profoundly convinced that the greatest spiritual danger for our times is the separation of Jesus from the Church. The Church is the body of the Lord. Without Jesus, there can be no Church; and without the Church, we cannot stay united with Jesus. I’ve yet to meet anyone who has come closer to Jesus by forsaking the Church.” Unfortunately, the American church has often limited the Christian faith to simply their personal relationships with God. In fact, researcher Dave Olson found that only 23% of American Christians who profess their faith are actively participating in their church. May this be more than a reminder to serve our church, but to love our church as Christ did. Spend a few moments praying for our churches, even praying for a few individuals by name.

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on March 4, 2018, is provided by Pastor Peter Yoon, who is the Lead Pastor of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Bring your best to the Lord!”

Genesis 49:1

Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.” 

My father passed away the summer of 2017. For many years of his life, he faithfully served as an elder at a large Korean church. I still remember as a kid how happy he was in becoming an elder. His primary function as an elder was to lead and direct the choir, since he had studied music in college; so he faithfully directed the choir to sing songs of worship every Sunday for over two decades. He was also given opportunities to travel throughout parts of the world with the choir on their short-term mission trips—he enjoyed them so much! Those privileges and responsibilities given to him truly motivated him to work even more diligently, preparing Sunday after Sunday. He’d stay up for hours writing and re-writing some of the music pieces for the choir members. Of course, his pursuit of excellence and the hours and hours he put into his preparation also led to a certain set of expectations for the choir members; thus, he also become known as the “scary” elder, as he would at times yell at choir members for not performing to his high standards. 

Yet, at his funeral service attended by those he had served with for many years—when it was all said and done—they gave my dad the most beautiful and honorific funeral ceremony. The present-day choir gathered to sing one of the songs that dad had written for the church. Eulogies only offered condolences, while remembering dad’s motivation for excellence when it came to worship unto the Lord: “Bring your best unto the Lord!” And that’s what he passed down to people, and also to me, one of his four sons. He didn’t have to specifically spell it out, but that’s one lesson that will be etched into my life. 

Here in this passage, Jacob is gathering his sons and about to pass on his blessings to each of them. The sons would eventually become the 12 tribes of Israel, representing God’s nation on earth. Every generation is responsible for living out their faith in their own lifetime. And when it’s all said and done, it is time to gather the sons and tell them what’s to come. 

What lessons of faith will you pass along to the next generation? How are you living today so that you will bless your children? Let’s strive for excellence in our pursuit of Christ and His Kingdom today. Let’s show what that looks like to our next generation of believers!  

Prayer: Lord, in my own weakness, I confess that I need encouragement from You and from others in the body of Christ. I ask also that I may be empowered by Your Spirit to bring encouragement to others. In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Esther 8