Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for February 25-6 are provided by Tina Hsu.  Tina, a graduate of Biola University and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.), currently serves in E. Asia as a preaching intern. 

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Joshua 1:1-9 (NASB)

Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, 2“Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. 4From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. 5No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land, which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the laws which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

In preparing to serve at a new AMI church in Asia, a close sister from California asked me, “What’s your ammo?” She said “ammo” is the spiritual ammunition or weapon I need to overcome spiritual obstacles and to combat the attacks of the enemy. Knowing that I would be facing a significant change by leaving California to live and serve in a different country, she wanted me to be aware of the ways I might be vulnerable to Satan’s attacks, and thus, prepare my ammo. Why is it important to prepare ammo? The reason is, as God’s masterpieces, we are all Satan’s targets. While God has appointed us to bear lasting fruit and to experience His promises, Satan aims to deceive us, confuse us, and rob us of what God has in store.

When God called Joshua to lead Israel to inherit the Promised Land, God prepared Joshua with “ammo.” God called Joshua and Israel to inherit His promise of land, but they would need to overcome many obstacles in order to walk into God’s promise. First, Joshua faced a daunting change as his mentor, Moses, passed away and he is Israel’s new young leader. Second, the Israelites were weak in military strength compared to the nations that were occupying the land of Canaan. Fear and intimidation could cripple and defeat them. God called Joshua to be armed with the “ammo” of His Word and His presence. The strength of the Canaanites would cause Joshua and the Israelites to melt in fear, but the truth of God’s Word and His presence would enable Joshua to courageously lead Israel to inherit God’s promise.

I believe that the ammo I need is daily surrender of my own control and trust in God’s control. Being quick to control situations in the midst of uncertainties is my weakness that Satan could target. By meditating on God’s Word day and night, I desire to surrender my control and to genuinely trust that the Lord is with me and will help me succeed.

You are God’s masterpiece, and also Satan’s target. What weaknesses or obstacles do you have in your marriage, relationships, family, workplace, and ministry that Satan might target? Ask the Lord to equip you with “ammo” so that you may live victoriously today.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to see that the obstacles that I face before walking into Your promise and blessings are opportunities to exercise my faith in You. Help me to be strong, to be courageous and to meditate on your Word day and night, so that I may hear Your voice and stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 3

Lunch Break Study

Read John 10:7-10 (NASB): Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.?

Questions to Consider

1. Why does Jesus use the pasture and sheep metaphor?
2. What is Jesus’ desire for His disciples/sheep?
3. How do you see Satan trying to snatch the joy of the Lord and love for the Lord away from you? What would it look like to live out Jesus’ promise of having life to the full?

Notes

1. Sheep belong in their shepherd’s pasture and are fully under their shepherd’s care. Yet sheep are defenseless and prone to wander, so shepherds protect sheep from being harassed or snatched away from thieves and robbers. Sheep are also trained to listen to their shepherd’s voice. In the same way, disciples are in the care of our Master and Shepherd, Jesus. Being the Good Shepherd, Jesus protects and leads His disciples so that we learn to listen to His voice of truth.
2. Jesus desires that through His sacrificial love displayed on the cross, we would be restored and have an abundant life in Him.
3. Personal Reflection.

Evening Reflection

Christ did not redeem us to live a defeated or mediocre life. He chose us and redeemed us so that we may live an abundant life, bearing lasting fruit. Reflect on this verse tonight from John 15:16: “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from February 22 to 24 are provided by Pastor Yohan of Radiance Christian Church, San Francisco.  Yohan graduated from University of Pennsylvania and Cairn University, where he studied theology.  He is married to Mandie, and they have four small children.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 4:33-37

And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

I have this friend who is a very gifted athlete; in college he played Division I baseball.  But sometime in his mid/late 20’s, after years of working and not training, his wife challenged him to run a 10k with/against her.  Over the next six months, the wife trained pretty diligently for this race, while the husband made absolutely no changes to his life.  Of course, we were all confident that the wife was going to win.  When the day of the race came, this guy literally rolled out of bed, slapped on sneakers—and convincingly beat his wife.  She was furious!  From this, I realized that when it comes to things like athletics, intelligence, musicality, etc., some people just have naturally high baselines—one might call it talent or gifting—and even if the rest of us try hard, we may never exceed their baselines.

When it comes to the generosity and the community of the early church, I think most people make the mistake of thinking that this level of care, generosity, and sacrifice was the baseline level of commitment for the early church, and that selling your house was the norm for everyone who converted to Christianity.  But I think verse 33 indicates why some people in the church were able to make such incredible sacrifices and give as they did: “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”  People like Barnabas were able to sell everything for the ministry, because the power of God moved in their hearts and great grace was upon them.  Ordinary giving became empowered giving.

Where am I going with this? Too many of us make the mistake of thinking that having high baselines mean we are moving in the power of God, when this may not be the case.  For example (and I am not trying to brag), my family has always given a “healthy tithe” to church and ministry.  It was just something that my wife and I were both raised to do, so we barely give it a second thought.  Now, most people may assume that we have the gift of generosity or are generous people, but when a special need arises or someone wants support to go on missions, I am ashamed to admit that I struggle with this, wondering whether there is room in our budget for this.  I start looking at my checkbook and give reasons to not give, etc.  On the surface, my giving looks good because my baseline is high, but I wonder if I am really giving in the power of God.  Most times not.  Similarly, some of you may consider yourselves loving people, but are you just naturally inclined to be empathetic or do you really love in the power of God?  Same may go with teaching, leading praise, or administering, etc.  At the end of the day, we want AMI to be a “power community”—meaning, we want to give, minister, work, evangelize, pray—in the power of the Spirit; this is more valuable than having a bunch of talented people with really high baselines.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the ways you have gifted and blessed me.  But please help me to be a person who ministers in Your power.  Help me to get into situations that are beyond me, so that I can see You moving and be used by You.  Give me the power that comes from Your Spirit!

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 9:14-29: When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

Questions to Consider

1. According to Christ, what did the boy’s father lack?
2. According to Christ, what did the disciples lack?
3. Which of these do you lack?

Notes

1. The boy’s father lacked faith (9:23).
2. The disciples lacked prayer (9:29).
3. Both prayer and faith are essential to accessing the power of the Spirit. That being said, Christ was still gracious to the boy, despite his father’s lack of faith and the disciple’s lack of prayer. He is gracious to us as well. Remember, the most important thing to understand is that God’s power is really accessed by His kindness toward us.

Evening Reflection

Have you fallen into the status quo in ministry?  Even if your baseline is high and you are serving a lot, are you doing it in God’s power, or your own ability?  How has your prayer life been lately?  Do you connect to the “vine” and access His power?  Are you growing in faith?  Do you take risks that make you depend on God?  Ask God to help you grow.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from February 22 to 24 are provided by Pastor Yohan of Radiance Christian Church, San Francisco.  Yohan graduated from University of Pennsylvania and Cairn University, where he studied theology.  He is married to Mandie, and they have four small children.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 4:29-30

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Do you ever play armchair quarterback when you read the Bible?  So, this is when you read something, you start second guessing the character’s actions and/or choices.  For example, in 1 Kings 3, God tells Solomon in a dream that he can ask for anything he wants; and Solomon chooses… wisdom.  God considered it a great choice (I would have probably asked for something more “shiny”).  Anyway, we see here that after Peter and John get out of jail, they start praying; and after thanking the Lord for His sovereignty, they make their supplications.  Now, what did Peter and John ask for?  Protection from their persecutors?  Nope.  Favor from the Jews?  Nope?  Effectiveness in preaching?  Nope.  They asked for more boldness to preach God’s Word (while God performs signs and wonders).

As I read this account, I realized how much I underestimate the value of certain things that God values—such as wisdom and boldness. From the beatitudes alone, we see all the qualities that God values: meekness, poverty of spirit, purity of heart, merciful spirit, etc.  Going back to boldness, isn’t fear the real reason we don’t share the gospel as much as we should?  We don’t want others to think we are religious fanatics, fundamentalists, or intellectually lacking.  Isn’t fear the reason why we don’t speak into other people’s lives?  We don’t want to offend or damage the relationship.  For you singles, isn’t fear the reason you don’t ask out that girl (or say yes to that guy)?  Low blow, I know, but let’s face it—we are going to face rejection or heartbreak.  But think about how awesome your Christian life would be if you were bold and feared only God.  You could share the gospel with that friend, correct that brother with love—or even get that girl.  Do not underestimate the value of boldness.  Let’s ask for the boldness that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Let me close with one quick story.  I had this neighbor who many would call her “shameless,” but quite frankly—she was bold.  Within two minutes of meeting a person, she would ask questions like, “Why aren’t you serving in church now?” or “Why aren’t you tithing?”  She would also ask people outside the church, whom she’d just met, “Will you visit our church?” or “What do you think about Jesus?”  She inspired me to desire to be more bold.

Prayer

Lord, give me boldness through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Help me to fear You, not people.  Let me stand up for what You think is right today, and give me an opportunity to share about You to someone—even if it makes me feel uncomfortable.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 10:24-33: A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.  26 So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Questions to Consider:

1. Based on this passage, how should a follower of Christ expect to be treated?
2. In vv. 28-30, Christ gives us some reasons why we shouldn’t fear people. What are they?
3. What are the rewards for those who stand up for the Lord?

Notes:

1. Christ tells the Twelve that people have accused Him of working for Satan and maligned Him as such. Therefore, His followers should expect similar or worse treatment.  A disciple is not greater than a teacher, nor a slave is greater than his master.  They hated Christ; they will hate us too.
2. First, fear of man is irrational because man can only harm our physical bodies; God can destroy both the body and the soul (v. 28). Ultimately, Christ points us to the love and care that the Father has for us as the reason to not fear people.
3. The one who acknowledges God before mankind will be acknowledged by God in heaven (v. 32). This is our reward.

Evening Reflection

In general, do you fear looking silly in front of others or being rejected?  Do you lack boldness?  Were there ways in which you were given the chance to grow in boldness today?  Did you take them?

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from February 22 to 24 are provided by Pastor Yohan of Radiance Christian Church, San Francisco.  Yohan graduated from University of Pennsylvania and Cairn University, where he studied theology.  He is married to Mandie, and they have four small children.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 4:23-28

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one. 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.

[P. Yohan takes a different look at this passage previously covered by P. Ryun.]

Let me make a stereotypical statement to start this morning:  “Women hate sci-fi, and only men—but not all men— like sci-fi movies.”  So in logic terms, the conditional statement, “If you like sci-fi, then you are a man” holds true; however, the converse does not: “If you are a man, then you like sci-fi.”  I bring this up because one of the more popular themes in sci-fi is time travel.  Now when Hollywood gets its hands on time travel, they generally go one of two ways:  Option 1:  Fate is set, and all your actions will inevitably lead you to the one destined path.  For example, in The Time Traveler’s Wife (do you see how I got the ladies back into this conversation by connecting sci-fi and romance movies?), despite her best efforts, Rachel McAdams cannot stop her husband from being shot in a freak hunting accident.  Option 2:  There is no fate—and people have the power to change their future (e.g., Back to the Future).

When it comes to the sovereignty of God, unfortunately, I think too many people are stuck in one of the Hollywood models.  We either think our fate is set, and we are destined to fulfill God’s plan, whether we like it or not; or we react negatively to the idea that God controls anything, so we reject the notion of His sovereignty.

First, I want to affirm that human beings have choices—and we will be held accountable for our choices and actions.  In the Bible, we are constantly told to believe, obey, or do right and resist evil—these commands imply that we have the power to choose, and that we are not mindless robots.  But second, I want us to see that God’s sovereignty was meant to be a great source of comfort for us.  After being released from prison, Peter and John were able to see that the worst event they had witnessed, the death of their Lord Jesus, was not something that was out of God’s control; in fact, God was using Christ’s betrayal for greater purposes—the redemption of creation.

How do you see God in your difficult situations?  Do you think He is helpless or just as confused as you are?  Or do you believe that God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).  Does God’s sovereignty bring you comfort, knowing that you are not out of His plan, grasp, or power?  I hope it does.

Prayer

Oh Sovereign Lord, give me perspective to see that You are in control.  Give me peace in my heart, knowing that I can trust a good, fair, loving, and just God. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Titus 3

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Peter 1:3-11: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[c] his own glory and excellence,[d] 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Questions to Consider

1. As Peter discusses our calling, what are the things that God has done?
2. What are the things that He commands us to do?
3. When it comes to your growth in Christ (sanctification), what is the relationship between God’s working and your personal responsibility?

Notes

1. God has granted us all things pertaining to life and godliness and called us to the knowledge of Jesus (1:3). He has given us a new nature, which frees us from corruption and our sinful desires (1:4).  All this is summed up as faith (1:5).
2. We are called to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
3. Growing in Christ is a joint venture between us and God. God provides the power and faith for true change; however, we are responsible to keep His commands and to strive for godliness.

Evening Reflection

Did you receive some bad news today?  Or has something been going on in your life or your loved ones?  If so, did you struggle to find comfort in God’s sovereign hands?  Did you choose to be obedient or to strive for godliness, knowing that God has given you the power to obey and follow after Him?

Editor’s Note:  Today’s devotion is provided by Pastor Shan Gian, who serves at Symphony Church in Boston.  Shan, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, just completed the Master of Divinity program at Gordon Conwell Seminary.  He is married to Jenny, who is almost 8 months pregnant with their first baby.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Psalm 131

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, hope in the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore.

Amazon Prime has been among the greatest technological advances of the 21st century.  It’s amazing to be able to go online, look for something you want, buy it—and it shows up at your door in two days.  We don’t even need to leave our houses.  But have you ever bought something on Amazon Prime, and it didn’t get to you in time?  It’s happened to me before.  I bought a shiny new book, and instead of the expected two days, it took a FULL THREE DAYS to get to me.  Oh, the outrage that I felt at this injustice!

We live in such a fast-paced, I-want-it-and-I-want-it-NOW kind of culture that we hate it when we’re made to wait for anything.  Whether it’s waiting for a package to be delivered, waiting in line at the grocery store, or waiting for the traffic light to turn green—we don’t like waiting and the uncertainty it brings us.  It’s not even just the small, mundane things that make us feel impatient.  No one likes the uncertainty that life brings: waiting to find out where we’ll go to college, who we’ll marry, where we should live, what job we should take next, etc.

If David in Psalm 131 were to meet most of us, he would say that we are like “unweaned” children.  To wean a child means to gradually move him or her off the breast milk or off the bottle onto solid food.  The picture that David gives, though, is more than about food.  The weaned child is calm and quiet because he knows that his next meal is coming to him.  He’s content because he trusts in his mother or father to take care of him.  On the other hand, unweaned children are fussy and demanding; they kick and scream and cry, because they’re hungry and they want food now.

As David has learned to be like a weaned child, he encourages us to do the same.  He is able to be patient and say, “I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me,” because he trusts in his Heavenly Father to take care of him.  We might not understand why or how or what is going on.  We might not even know what life brings in the near or distant future.  But we can be like a weaned child and be at peace as we trust in our loving Father.  As we worship on this Lord’s day, let us strive for this heart of patience and contentment, trusting that our Father will take care of us.

Prayer
Father, I pray that I will truly worship You and trust You this day.  I know I will not know or understand all that’s going on or all that is to come, but I pray that I will be content to know that you love me and will take care of me all of my days.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Titus 2

Editor’s Note: Today’s devotional is 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

Nehemiah 1:4-11

 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. ⁵ And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,⁶ let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. ⁷ We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. ⁸ Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, ⁹ but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’…

I’m not the biggest fan of politics, but it’s hard not to see how much of it has taken over the news. Even in my limited understanding of the current events, I know that Donald Trump has said some ridiculous things—yet manages to have the support of many people. Many of us are concerned about a man like Donald Trump becoming president, because it would affect us—that’s how we’re trained to think. In any situation we may ask, How does this affect us, or what do I have to gain from this? But what about all the other things that are happening around the world?  For example, it is reported that there are over 10,000 refugee children missing in the past two years—some have been criminally exploited and others being unaccounted for. So how do we respond to such news? Maybe we can glean from Nehemiah’s experience.

Nehemiah hears that the people of God have been scattered, unaccounted, and without a wall—leaving them completely vulnerable to their enemies. Remember, he has a plush job as a cupbearer to the king, yet his immediate response is to weep, fast, and pray. My intention is not to make us feel guilty or simply invoke an emotional response; instead, we need to see that Nehemiah’s emotional response led him to a bold prayer. He boldly prays for what seems impossible, and it would eventually lead him to be the catalyst in restoring the people of God. Let’s look at such a prayer: He begins with an appeal to God’s character and authority; an understanding of man’s incapability in confession; an intercession for His people based on His promises; and a call to action.

I am not arguing that all our prayers must sound like this, but we need to be reminded that there is power in prayer that supersedes feelings. In the same way, when we hear or see the brokenness in our world, may we respond with bold prayers! Let us take this day to pray not only for ourselves but for the people in our communities, churches, and nations to do the impossible—in accordance with His Word. E.M. Bounds wrote: “We can do nothing without prayer. All things can be done by importunate prayer. It surmounts or removes all obstacles, overcomes every resisting force and gains its ends in the face of invincible hindrances.”

Prayer

Lord, You are above all and knows all. We humbly trust in Your promises and believe that You care for the broken, the sick, and the lost. We want to intercede for these people, just as You, Jesus, intercede for us. Lord, teach us how to pray for others. Help us to be a generation that prays first, then acts.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 50 & Titus 1

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from February 17-19 are provided by the AMI Teaching Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 4:32-7

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 

While the adherents of capitalism wouldn’t be able to say, “There was not a needy person among [us],” that was the claim long made by the communists. But, once the iron curtain came down in Eastern Europe, we discovered that the communist leaders lived in nicer homes and ate better food, while the needs of the rest were barely met.

Not a few Christian leaders, unhappy about individualism and commercialized churches, have called for the church to return to the practices of the early church, like meeting at homes for fellowship. Nevertheless, none has been so radical to suggest that their followers sell their “possession and give to the poor” (Mt. 19:21) and worship God all day (Acts 2:42).

But, are we offering the Lord a lukewarm, lip service by not doing what Barnabas did—presumably selling all that he had and giving the profit to the church? Not necessarily. One factor that prompted the early Christians to go beyond simple generosity was their anticipation of Christ’s imminent return. Some actually claimed that “the day of the Lord has already come” (2 Thess. 2:2). But under the rubric of progressive revelation, the church, in time, would learn that that may not happen any time soon, which meant that they actually needed to live.   Therefore, Paul told those who stopped working, on account of Christ’s imminent return and lived off of other people’s food (3:8), “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (3:9). So the normal Christian life isn’t living on the dole but working hard to provide for our daily sustenance.

But, that’s not the only reason, as Paul told former thieves, “Do[] something useful with [your] own hands, that [you] may have something useful with those in need” (Eph. 4:28). The fact that most of us aren’t that generous is why we need to be inspired by the early believers and their leaders who, unlike the communists, used every penny to help the needy instead of helping themselves. And who knows—while you’re reading this passage again, the Holy Spirit might convict you to literally sell everything to serve God.   But for now, practice generosity.

Prayer

I sing for joy to God our strength who has given me everything I need! It is my greed for more and envy of other’s possessions that have kept me from truly recognizing all that You have given me. Lord, now that I see this, motivate me to be decisive about sharing Your blessings in my life with those in need. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 49

Lunch Break Study

Read Amos 3:15-4:1: This is what the LORD says . . . “I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed and the mansions will be demolished,”
declares the Lord. 1 Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, “Bring us some drinks!”

Amos 6:5-7: You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.6 You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. 7 Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end. 

Question to Consider

1. Amos prophesized during the reign of the evil King Jeroboam II in the 8^th century B.C. (2 Kings 14:23-9). Based on this passage, what was the economic state of Israel at that time?
2. Of course, it would helpful to read the entire Amos but based on this passage, what did the wealthy Israelites do with what God had given them?
3. How would you summarize God’s reaction against those who refused to help out the needy with what God had given them?   Are you doing better?

Notes 

1. The terms “winter house,” “summer house,” the houses adorned with “ivory,” “mansion,” “wine by the bowlful,” and “finest lotions” strongly suggest that this was a time of unparalleled prosperity. The irony, of course, is that God granted such prosperity despite Jeroboam II, who was an evil king. It was also under his reign that the territory of Israel was greatly extended.
2. Instead of helping the poor and alleviating the sufferings of the needy, those who had been blessed by God oppressed the poor and crushed the needy, while they themselves lived it up in wanton pleasure.
3. In short, God was not happy. Despite the fact that the Lord had blessed the Israelites who were being led by an evil king, they, instead of turning to God in gratitude, became more selfish, heartless and narcissistic. For that and other reasons, God sentenced them to an exile where they couldn’t live like that anymore. But God wasn’t being punitive; rather, He was being restorative (Heb. 12:10), so that they would learn to use God’s blessing in their lives to do His work.

Evening Reflection

As you near the end of this day, did you have an opportunity to be generous with your time, money (or possessions, like your car) and talent? Would you say that you are sharing God’s blessing with those in need? Pray about how you can do better tomorrow, so that people can see Christ through you (Heb. 12:14).

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from February 17-19 are provided by the AMI Teaching Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 4:29-31 (NIV)

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

While serving in Mexico, I used to hand out evangelistic tracts during my daily jog.  After returning to the states, I continued the practice—at least for a time.  One day while jogging in a park, I ran by three park workers but felt timid to say anything.  So I said to God, “If they’re still there when I return, then I will hand out tracts.”  I was hoping that they would be gone by then, but they were still there—and I felt just as nervous.  Now, what do I do?

In today’s passage, what is so amazing about this prayer is that Peter, whose absence of boldness before an accusatory servant girl had prompted him to deny Jesus, was the one who led it.   Here he was, merely seven weeks after his spiritual meltdown, boldly proclaiming Christ before a hostile crowd.  So, what turned the timid Peter around, who was no longer afraid to pay the ultimate price for testifying of Jesus?  Certainly, seeing the risen Lord was necessary but not sufficient for that.  What enabled Peter to speak God’s word with great boldness was being filled with the Holy Spirit.  While that sounds neither academic nor particularly insightful, without tapping into the power of the Spirit, we’ll continue to be timid about testifying of Jesus, especially in our secular culture where believers are treated as delusional and unintellectual.  So, how can we tap into the Spirit’s power?  More knowledge, better music or sophisticated technology?  No, nothing can embolden us for Christ apart from praying to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

And that’s what I did: as I forced myself to head toward where the park workers were, I offered a short but intense prayer, asking God to fill me with the Spirit and boldness.  Once I got there, I shared the gospel and offered a tract. But out of the three, only one took it—he assured me that he would read it.  Several months later, I encountered one of the workers.  After telling me that the man who had taken the tract had died, he said, “It was as if God was preparing him by having you share the gospel with him.”  I hope to see him in heaven.  Be bold for Christ; be filled with the Spirit.  Pray hard.

Prayer

Lord, I praise and glorify You this morning.  I confess that I’ve made my reticence about sharing the gospel some sort of a virtue when, in fact, it was my timidity that led me to stay silent about You.  God, I need to be filled with the Spirit, so I can be bold for You.  Help me to pray persistently! Thank You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 48

Lunch Break Study

Read Exodus 4:1-3, 10-4: Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” 3 And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. . . . 10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. . . .

Question to Consider

1. Timidity is the last thing that comes to our mind when thinking of Moses. But how does he come off here as God tells him to go to Egypt to lead Israel? What does that mean at a personal level?
2. We talked about the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to be bold for Christ. What does God do here for Moses, so that he can be emboldened to appear before the mighty Pharaoh?
3. Are you surprised by how God ultimately responded to Moses’ continual timidity? Why would the Lord respond that way?  How about you?  Are you being bold for Christ?

Notes

1. After 40 years of living in the wilderness, Moses became timid and was mired in self-doubt—unlike before when he “thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them” (Acts 7:25). God preferred that state where Moses lacked confidence in himself, since he was now in a position to completely depend on Him.  In the same way, we often feel low about ourselves, but this is good news—God can use us too.
2. First, God shows Moses that just as an ordinary and weather-beaten staff can turn into God’s tool, he, too, can be transformed as God’s instrument. We need to experience that as well. Second, God assures that He Himself will speak through Moses.  We need the same assurance to be bold for Him.
3. Why did God get angry at Moses? Since Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” suffice it to say Moses’ continuous lack of trust in God’s ability to do what He said He would greatly displeased Him.   Our lack of faith in God is saying to Him, “I don’t think You can do it!”

Evening Reflection

As you wrap up this day, can you recall any opportunity you had to testify of Christ in some way?  Before you say no, you must recognize that anything can be useful to bring Christ into the conversations.  While jogging in America, if I saw the same person three times (due to my running route), I used to say to them, “Well, I’ve this rule that if I see the same person three times while jogging, I must tell them this: God expressed His ultimate love for us in Christ who died for our sins.”  Not sharing the gospel is a problem that we all face.   Would you pray for boldness?  Pray for someone whom you need to reach out to.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from February 17-19 are provided by the AMI Teaching Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 4:23-8

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’—27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.”

The Oakland Athletics was the last team to win three consecutive World Series from 1972 to 1974.  Ironically, although the players feuded among themselves, their common dislike for the team owner Charles Finley brought them together.  Similarly, Herod and Pilate, who “had been enemies,” became friends over making sport of Jesus (Lk. 23:11-2).  Perhaps that friendship pales in comparison to an alliance formed among Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin during the World War II.  While Roosevelt and Churchill must’ve been horrified to later find that Stalin engineered the genocide of millions of people, including the Russian leader in the alliance must have seemed like a good idea since their common enemy was Hitler.

So, what does it mean that the nations, rulers and people plot in vain and rage against God?  Today, it means, first, when the heads of the nations seek to work together, the last thing they want to discuss and to avoid conflict, is God and religion.  Actually, that has changed: exculpating Islam as a religion of terror has now become a vogue. (The “mainstream” Islam isn’t.) Consequently, the God of the Bible, relegated to the level of the gods of world religions, is ignored or even chastised for alleged past wrongs.  Once, President Obama, while condemning the terrorism of ISIS, mentioned the Crusades as if to say, “You Christians were no better.” (It’s not that simple.)

Second, the moral values and the spiritual truths the Scripture advocates are bypassed in lieu of their secular counterparts.  For instance, while UNESCO’s sex education curriculum tout abortion and contraception, abstinence is merely mentioned as “only one of a range of choices.”

Third, it means that people who don’t believe in God mock His existence as well as the believers.  Long before Richard Dawkins penned “The God Delusion,” Sigmund Freud wrote, “When a man . . . accept[s] all the absurdities [of] religious doctrines . . . we need not be greatly surprised at the weakness of his intellect.”

So, since nothing has really changed from the past, we shouldn’t hide and be passive; rather, we should show the world why the Christian faith offers a more reasonable faith than other world religions—for this life and the afterlife; and demonstrate the intellectual bankruptcy of atheism.  To do that, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, diligently study the Bible, and read critical books that can stretch our minds.

Prayer

Father, I marvel at Your infinite patience over humans who constantly defy You, even questioning Your very existence.  While it must be infuriating to see this disturbing pattern generation after generation, You’ve been amazingly merciful by giving us many opportunities to get to know You through the gospel of Christ.  Thank You!

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 47

Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 11:1, 3-8: Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. . . . 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city.

Question to Consider

1. There is a first-time for everything: what happened here that had never happened before?
2. What was intrinsically wrong with what they did? Are we guilty of doing the same thing?
3. In a general sense, how would you respond to those who advocate atheism or religious pluralism? What would be your basic strategy (Ps. 14:1; Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12)?

Notes

1. This was the first time that humans united themselves to directly challenge God’s authority, that is, the right to rule men. Of course, Adam and Eve did that as well, but it was done at an individual level (but with a widespread consequence).
2. This was an attempt to deify man as if to say, “We don’t need God anymore; since we got up here on our own, we will govern ourselves from here and out.” Anyone who doesn’t believe in God or any “believer” who doesn’t allow Him to rule his/her life is really no different from these men.
3. I would show inconsistencies in their views. First, I would ask how all religions can lead to the same God when their essential doctrines are as different as night and day. Second, I would ask the atheists to explain the origin of the universe—none that they offer is factual but rather a preferred belief.

Evening Reflection

As you look back to today, did you hear anyone mocking God and the Christian faith?  How did you respond?  Why did you respond the way you did?  1 Peter 3:15 says: “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”  Are you obeying that command?  Pray for boldness and wisdom.  And also, read a good book:  I am presently reading The Question of God: C. S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life by Armand M. Nicholi, a Harvard psychiatrist—I highly recommend this book.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals for February 15-16 are provided by Doug Tritton.  Doug, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently pursuing a M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary while working fulltime.  He is married to Cindy and they serve at Symphony Church in Boston. 

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 4:5-13

On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

When I was in middle school, I had to give a presentation in one of my classes—this was so frightening to me. Never before had I stood before a group of people to give a talk for more than a few seconds. Extremely nervous, I gave my presentation, but unable to really think about what I was saying. Afterwards, I remember my teacher asking me if I even breathed once during my presentation; apparently, I was so nervous that I could not even breathe!

In this passage, Peter gave a “presentation” to the Jewish rulers. He had to give a testimony before the council concerning the ministry he had been doing. Peter might have been quite nervous, not sure what to say, worried about whether he could be clear, or if he would be persuasive. Perhaps, he, too, was so nervous that he could not even breathe!

But notice what the Bible says: “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them….” Because he was filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter was able to talk before the council. Interestingly enough, the Greek word for spirit is also used for breath, so you could say that the Holy Spirit was Peter’s breath in that moment. While Peter may have been so nervous he could barely breathe, the Holy Spirit became his breath, giving him the words to speak.

Do you ever worry about sharing your faith and testifying about Jesus to others, whether to an individual or a group of people? Do not worry because the Holy Spirit will be your breath, and He will be your thoughts, giving you the words to speak. Though your physical breath may be lost in the moment, trust that your spiritual breath will continue to flow. Remember the words of that old song, “This is the air I breathe.” That is the Holy Spirit. He is the air you breathe and you will never be breathless.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your Spirit! We would be lost without Your Spirit, but thank You that You have given us Your Spirit to dwell in us always. May we remember the power of Your Spirit, and that You are the one working in and through us. Have Your way, Lord!

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 46

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 12:11-12: And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.

Questions to Consider

1. Why shouldn’t we be anxious when we need to defend our faith?
2. How do we let the Spirit speak through us?
3. Are there any situations in your own life where you need the Spirit to speak through you?

Notes

1. We should be anxious if it were all up to us, but praise God that He gives us His Spirit to speak through us! So we need not be anxious when defending our faith, because the Spirit will speak through us.
2. Unfortunately, there is no formula to this. Allowing the Spirit to speak through us is a matter of faith and trust – trusting that God is the One working through you. When our confidence is in ourselves, then we will have a difficult time hearing the Spirit, but when our confidence is in God, He will speak powerfully through us.
3. Apply this to your life. Perhaps you want to share the gospel with a friend, but you are worried about it. Trust that God will speak through you in that moment. His Spirit is in you!

Evening Reflection

Tonight, take time to invite the Spirit to fill you. We need to be constantly filled by the Spirit, so pray that God will fill you once again so that in the hour of trial, He will take control of you and give you words to speak.