February 7, Sunday

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from Feb. 1-7 are provided by Cami King. Cami, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is about to complete her M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary. She is currently serving as a staff at Journey Community Church in Raleigh.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 3:11-16

“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

Many of us grew up being taught that no sin is worse than any other – in the sense that hatred in heart and murder in body both played a part in nailing Jesus to the cross for the salvation of the world. But if you’re like me, there are times when you feel much worse about some of your transgressions and failures than others. There are ways we fall short that are bearable for us, we can carry our sins before God and receive grace and forgiveness. But there are those dark and painful moments when we fall so far short of God’s glory, our own expectations of ourselves, and the disconnect between who we should be and who we are appears so vast, that it’s utterly crippling and we find ourselves in despair.

In the passage above, Peter spoke to a group of people who were personally implicated in the crucifixion of Jesus – and not in the abstract way that many of us see our own hand in the matter –but they were there, approving, jeering, and crucifying the Messiah. What utter despair they must have felt as they listened to Peter’s cryptic words, and they began to see clearly for the first time just what they had done. Yet even in the face of what was likely their lowest moment before the Lord, they are each invited to repent – not condemned, but invited to turn back to God and receive grace and forgiveness. And even though we may surprise ourselves with the depths of our depravity, God is not surprised, and He still bids us come because He has made a way for us to wholeness and righteousness.

Regardless of what we’re facing today, may we be reminded that our God already knows the ways we will transgress Him. He knows more intimately than we do the mystery of our hearts and the depths of our depravity. Yet He still bids us come. He still extends grace. He has already made a way for us to move from our shortcomings and sin into righteousness and wholeness through His Son Jesus Christ. All we have to do is turn.

Prayer: Gracious God, forgive me for my sins today. I bring before You my brokenness and receive your grace. Help me to take comfort in knowing that You knew every mistake I’d make before I made it and planned a way to make things right. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 36

February 6, Saturday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 3:11-16

While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

The famed apologist Ravi Zacharias writes: “I recall on one campus some years ago finishing a tough series of meetings. On the day I was departing from that city, my host mentioned to me that he had brought his neighbor, a medical doctor, to the last meeting. ‘She is a skeptic through and through,’ he said. ‘Would you like to know what her response was to your presentation last night?’ he asked. Knowing full well that I had no choice, I answered rather eagerly in the affirmative. This was his reply of sentiments: ‘Powerful… simply powerful… I wonder what he’s like in his private life.’ That was her one-line response to a three-hour evening. In short, the entire weight of the argument rested, for her, on the coherence between the argument and the enfleshing of the argument. The reasoning was not good enough. The practical impact in the private life of the reasoned was the final test.”

What gives us the right to speak into another person’s life? As someone in full-time ministry, I’ve had to ask this question quite a bit regarding people within the church. But what about people outside the Christian community? In our politically correct, tolerant society, it can feel not only inappropriate, but down right rude to speak (let alone preach) into someone else’s life – particularly if our words are unsolicited and potentially offensive. So how do we get a foot in the door and a listening ear? How do we get license to speak the Gospel to the outside world? In our passage for today, Peter and John’s healing of the paralytic man gave them the platform from which to speak. It was the Spirit at work in them, as they simply lived a faithful life of worship and devotion, that granted them the attention of the outside word.

As Ravi Zacharias’ story above illustrates, more so than our well-formed arguments and eloquent words, the message of the Gospel is taken seriously when the people who preach it live a life that is harmonious with the message they preach. Our lives are a better testimony than our words. Many of us never find ourselves needing to be ready to give an answer for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15) because no one ever asks. May our lives bear witness to the goodness of God and give us a platform from which to share His good news.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, make my life a living witness to your goodness. May I live in such a way that others want to know more about the hope I have in You. And when I’m given the platform to speak, may I proclaim your truth in the power of your Spirit, to the glory of Your name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 34-35

February 5, Friday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 3:6-10

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Very few Christians in America have ever seen a good old fashioned, New Testament healing. I personally have never seen a lame man get up and walk at a mere command. Part of me wonders if the infrequency of the miraculous is due to our lack of felt-need for God’s supernatural power. When Peter and John encountered the man in the passage above, he asked them for something – not healing, obviously, because he didn’t imagine that was something they could give, but money, a more reasonable request. However, Peter first responded by acknowledging his lack and what he didn’t have – I don’t have any money – and his dependence on God for provision – but I do have the power of the name of Jesus.

Self-reliance can lead us to miss the opportunity to experience the supernatural work of God in our lives. In some ways, it’s understandable – we have modern medicine and therefore don’t need to command healings. We have food and money and material resources and therefore can give of those things when we are asked. And that all makes sense, as these things are gifts from God. But I wonder how often we miss an opportunity to see God at work in ways beyond what we’ve imagined possible when we don’t stop to acknowledge our dependence upon Him.

No matter how much we have and how advanced we’ve become as a society, we are still dependent on God. Even in operating rooms and at ATMs, God is the ultimate provider of every good gift. And when we are asked by others for help, we might want to stop for a brief moment and ask the Spirit within us how He wants to meet that need through us. Oftentimes He will do the expected, and has already empowered us through our material resources to be a blessing. But every now and again, He may have something in mind that is immeasurably more than what we thought or imagined possible. May we not miss it because we never stopped to ask.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to remember that You are my provider and I am dependent upon You always. Thank You for the many resources You’ve given me and the many ways You’ve blessed me. May I use them wisely to be a blessing to others. And if there are ways You want to move through me that are outside of my material resources, make me sensitive to the promptings of Your Spirit within. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 33

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:9-11

Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position. 10 But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. 11 For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away.

James 4:13-17

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into this or that town and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” 14 You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes. 15 You ought to say instead, “If the Lord is willing, then we will live and do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast about your arrogant plans. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows what is good to do and does not do it is guilty of sin.

Questions to Consider:

Many people interpret James’s words in 1:13-17 as a condemnation of being rich. But with his words in 4:13-17 in mind (where he speaks again directly to the rich Christians), what is James actually condemning and why is it dangerous?
How do James’s words in the 4:13-17 challenge you? What are the areas in your life where you tend to fall into this line of thinking?
What would it look like for you to take a “if the Lord is willing” posture in your life (maybe in the areas you mentioned in question 2)?

Notes:

James’s words are a condemnation not of being rich but of being prideful and self-reliant. Wealth and material resources often woo us into a false sense of independence. When we don’t have any felt need from the people around us, we begin to convince ourselves that we don’t have any need at all – even from God. We believe the lie that we are the source of what we have and find security in our wealth. This is dangerous because, as James explains, we are still dependent, even our lives are not our own, they will one day fade away and that’s completely out of our control. When we have the freedom that wealth affords in the material world, we have to be careful to remember our dependence on God.
Most people in America have their basic needs met and have never experienced true hunger or poverty. Because we go to work and receive a paycheck on schedule, progress through school in a fairly pre-defined manner, begin a career and expect to advance on a certain time table, we tend to know what to expect from life. And we often make plans based on those rhythms with little consideration for God and what He may be up to and desiring for us. Not that it’s wrong to make plans, but it’s important to remember that we are dependent on God and to pause from time to time to give Him room to lead us according to His will.
Spend some time in personal reflection. For most of us this comes down to creating greater margins – in our budget, in our daily schedule, in our plans for the year—and we need to leave room for God to do something different. For others of us it comes down to opening our hands – instead of holding our plans so tightly, we may need to be a bit more flexible when we do sense God moving us in a different direction.

Evening Reflection

While self-reliance often hinders us from experiencing God at work in and through us, there is another obstacle many of us face: busyness. When Peter and John were approached on their way into the temple, they took the time to actually have a person-to-person interaction. It’s not that they weren’t busy (they were “on their way” to do something), but they took time out of their schedule to be a blessing. Are there people in your life today who have needs that God may desire to meet through you? Ask the Lord to bring to mind a specific person and one tangible way you can be a blessing to him/her this week.

February 4, Thursday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 3:1-5

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

“Everyone will be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come to naught. Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a true reality beneath and behind this one, and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response to God’s calling, can matter forever.” (Tim Keller)

In one way or another, all people have a felt internal need to make their lives matter. Some of us satisfy this need by serving of others, believing our life to be more significant the more people we impact. Others of us do it by seeking to fulfill all our desires and dreams to the uttermost, believing that we’ll make it count most by maxing out on experiences and adventures. Whatever approach we take, whether Christian or not, humans crave significance and need to know that we make a difference in the world.

In the context of the church, this need is often addressed through the language of “calling.” We wonder what good works God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), and how He wants us to make an impact in the world for His Kingdom. But, as we see in our passage today, more so than having a comprehensive understanding of God’s calling on our life – how He’s gifted us and what He wants to do – God’s people made a great impact in the world as they lived simple lives of worship to Him. Peter and John, in their regular and mundane life of devotion (it was their custom to go to the temple for prayers, sacrifice, and fellowship), were used powerfully by God to perform a miracle. In our passage yesterday we talked about the importance of devotion. And today we see that it is that very life of devotion that positions us to be used by God in significant and meaningful ways.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, make my life matter for the advancement of your Kingdom and the glory of Your Name. May my simple offering of my devotion and worship every day position me to be used by You in unexpected and powerful ways. In Jesus’ name.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 32

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 28:16-20

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Questions to Consider:

What preceded the disciples receiving their “calling” from Jesus?
Many commentators say the following translation better communicates Jesus’ intent in verse 19 – “ As you are going, make disciples, baptizing and teaching.” How does this influence your understanding of this passage?
Why are Jesus’ words at the very end of this passage important? How do they encourage you?

Notes:

The disciples were obedient to what Jesus told them to do – not knowing why or what would happen when they did. Their simple act of obedience positioned them to receive the greatest calling not only for their life but for the life of the Church.
Oftentimes we focus too much on the perceived command to “go” and we immediately ask the question, “Where?” While this is an important question, a more important emphasis should be on making disciples. “Make disciples” is the only command given in Jesus’ instructions (while “going” “baptizing” “teaching” are all modifying the command to go). A more important question may be how can I make disciples? How can I best position myself to make disciples? That is how we make an eternal impact.
Jesus’ command to His disciples ends with a promise of His commitment to be with them. Knowing that God is with us should encourage us to continue to be faithful, even in small things, knowing that as we do, we are positioning ourselves to be used by Him. It is always God who does the work of His Kingdom through us.

Evening Reflection

Spend some time thinking about your devotional life. How are you doing in the area of obedience to God in the everyday small things? Would you describe your life as one of worship to Him? Why or why not? How is God calling you to greater devotion and obedience today? Spend some time offering yourself to God in these areas, believing that as you do, He will move through you and make your life matter in ways that far exceed your expectations.

February 3, Wednesday

Cami King

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 2:42-47

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

At our church’s weekly prayer meeting last week, we prayed for our church, as we always do, and my pastor reminded us of something very simple but important. As he often says, “We’re not a fancy church. We don’t have a lot of bells and whistles. We want to be a group of people who truly love God and love others.” And as I prayed this simple prayer for my church, “God please teach us to love you with our whole hearts and love the people in the world whom you love so much,” I recalled our passage for today which describes the nature and growth of the early church. As the gospel went forth and the power of the Holy Spirit came, our brothers and sisters responded by devoting themselves completely to God and to one another.

In our sophisticated, technological word, we often fix our attention on fancy programs and initiatives to grow, strengthen, and renew the church. And while vision is imperative and innovation is necessary, it’s important to remember what should always remain at the foundation of it all – a group of people persuaded of the Gospel and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love God and love others. Now that is a powerful combination. The church didn’t start out with a lot of fancy programs, but they impacted the world in amazing ways. Their conviction by the gospel (as we read earlier this week), and empowering by the Holy Spirit, led them to complete devotion – to the Word, community, worship, and prayer. Through this devotion, the Holy Spirit brought into being, from this small group of people, the Church we know it today. As we continue to do life together in the body of Christ, may we never lose sight of our heritage. May we challenge ourselves daily to greater devotion to God’s Word, God’s people, worship and prayer. And may we add to it (not replace it with) innovative and creative programs and initiatives that spread the Gospel further and grow the Church wider.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, thank you for the Gospel – your salvation plan for me and for the world. Thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit to empower me to live the life Christ died to give. Make me a devoted follower of Jesus. Teach me to love your word, and your people. Teach me to pray and to live a life of worship. And through me and my local church community, may you expand your kingdom exponentially. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 31

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 5:15-20

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Questions to Consider:

How would you summarize (or paraphrase) verse 15? How does this help you understand what Paul is saying?
How can we avoid being foolish? What are some practical ways we come to “understand what the Lord’s will is”?
What are some “opportunities” in your life right now? What are some ways you can be intentional about making the most of them?

Notes:

Paul is essentially saying – be intentional (paraphrase – “be intentional about what you do from day to day, exercising sound wisdom, not silly foolishness.”) Paul isn’t telling us to be on edge or walk on eggshells because we don’t want to “mess up.” What he is encouraging is intentionality and forethought into how we will spend each day.
Instead of lending ourselves to foolishness, we are encouraged to understand God’s will. We can do this in a few important ways – first through God’s word and prayer. As we read God’s word and commune with Him in prayer we come to know his will more. Also, as we see in the text, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit and spend time in community, we also come to know God and His will more fully. Community is a huge part of coming to know the will of God, as the Spirit-filled believer is a powerful way God makes Himself know to the world.
Spend time in personal reflection.

Evening Reflection

Missionary and minister Andrew Murray once said, “God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.” While we began today considering the ways we’re called to devotion to God and His people, let us end it in reflection on God’s devotion to us. Devotion is defined as both “adherence to and constancy in a thing” and “steadfast attentiveness and unremitting care for a thing.” How have you experienced God’s steadfast attentiveness and unremitting care? Spend some time in thanksgiving.

February 2, Tuesday

Cami King

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 2:37-41

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

The late great preacher S.M. Lockridge once said, “A sermon should do at least four things for you. One, a sermon should stretch your mind… You ought to be able to learn something from a sermon. Two, a sermon should tan your hide. A sermon should correct you. Three, a sermon should warm your heart. It should inspire you. Four, a sermon should provoke the will. It should challenge you to do what the Lord would have you do.”

Whenever we receive God’s word, be it preached from a pulpit or studied in the privacy of our homes, there are a few things that happen. In our post-enlightenment, post-modern world, many approach God’s word expecting primarily to learn something. Be it learning something new, being reminded of something old, or gaining deeper insight into something familiar, we are ready and willing to engage our minds. With the dawn of the modern-worship movement, Western Christianity has begun anew to engage the heart. As a result, we also expect to feel – usually to feel encouraged and uplifted. For many of us, God’s word functions like a motivational speaker or a morning cup of coffee, preparing us to face a new day. And with the basic formula of the expository sermon now-a-days, which always ends in application (“how do I apply what I learned”), most of us are trained to draw from God’s word practical life applications. All of these are immensely important, but one thing is missing.

When the word of God goes forth, there should be repentance – this is the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts. When truly understood and received by a broken and sinful people (which all of us are), God’s word convicts and the only proper response is to repent and surrender to Him. May we seek God in His word, not only to strengthen our minds, or to comfort our hearts, or even to guide us in a specific situation, but may it transform us as we turn from our ways and yield to His.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please “search me and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 30

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Questions to Consider:

Why is it important for Timothy to remember from whom he learned God’s word? How are Paul’s words to him relevant for us today?
According to this passage, why is knowledge of God’s word so important?
What are the reasons Paul says God’s word is useful? Why is this the case? How have you experienced the profitability of God’s word in your life?

Notes:

The truth of God is demonstrated in the lives of the people who follow Him. It’s important for Timothy to remember what He learned, not only from childhood, but from Paul, because he’s seen God’s truth at work in Paul’s life (a testament to the truth of the message). In a similar way, our lives should bear witness to the truth of God’s word and we should serve as witnesses or proofs to its genuineness to an on-looking world.
It is important to know God’s word because it is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” It is through the Scripture that we come to know God and gain wisdom. And, ultimately, the Scriptures are our avenue to salvation in Christ as we come to know the Gospel and put our trust in God’s salvation.
Paul gives a list – doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness. Through knowing and yielding to God’s word, we are equipped to do good works in the world. Scripture has this effect because, although written by human agents, it is inspired by God and is ultimately a revelation of God Himself to us – and He is what we need to be complete.

Evening Reflection

What are some ways God has called you to repentance through His word recently? Think back to Sunday’s sermon, small group Bible study, or your personal time in the word. Spend some time in repentance. Offer those areas to God, acknowledging your error, receiving His forgiveness, and surrendering your ways to His ways.

February 1, Monday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 2:31-36

31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. 32 This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Joshua 21:45

Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

My journey into Christian faith consisted largely of wrestling with the truth and trustworthiness of Scripture. One of my dearest resources during that time was my dad who graciously spent inordinate amounts of time answering my questions and helping me process my thoughts. One phrase I’d constantly repeat in our conversations was, “Yes, but how do you know that?” I wanted to understand how he had become so persuaded that what Scripture was saying was true. How could he be certain? Among the slew of things that bolstered his assurance were the prophesies. I remember reading a compilation of promises and prophesies of God from the Old Testament listed beside accounts of their fulfillment (both in Scripture and in the life of the Church). It didn’t convince me at the time, but I remember one day when it clicked. I was amazed. One prophesy come true I could chalk up to coincidence, maybe even two or three. But after a while, it would have taken more blind faith to believe it was mere coincidence that aligned so many Old Testament prophesies with New Testament realities.

It’s not often as modern day Christians that we appeal to the Old Testament the way Peter did in the passage above. We, after all, are much more familiar with New Testament Scripture than the Old Testament stories Peter’s listeners would have know so well. But through the power and insight of the Holy Spirit, Peter is able to make connections between the words of David centuries prior and the events they’d themselves witnessed in the person of Jesus – and through this his listeners could “know for certain” that Jesus was the Christ. The Jesus Storybook Bible (a retelling of the Biblical narrative for children) explains well that the Bible is ultimately a Story – a story of a God of love and how He rescues His people. As we search pages of Scripture for truth for the day and insight for living, let us do so remembering the whole story, and may it (as a collective witness) grant us certainty of God’s love and salvation.

Prayer: “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations;” (Psalm 119:90) As I read and internalize your word today, may your Holy Spirit grant me confidence in your faithfulness and certainty of your love for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 29

Lunch Break Study

Hebrews 12:1-2

¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Questions to Consider:

What is the object of the great cloud’s witness? (In other words, what is it that the saints of old bear witness to?) How does this encourage you?
Re-read the latter portion of verse 1 with emphasis added – “and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (emphasis mine). How does that influence the way we understand what the Hebrew writer is saying to us.
Why is it so important to look to Jesus in the context of the Hebrew writer’s exhortation to the Church?

Notes:

Ultimately, they are witnesses of the faithfulness of God. If we turn back to chapter 11 (affectionately known as the “Hall of Faith”), we are confronted with story after story of people who put their faith in a God who we’ve now seen fulfill His words of promise to them. We should be stirred by their faith, yes, but all the more by the object of their faith – the God who kept His word.
It’s easy to focus on the cloud of witnesses and marvel at the great things God has done in the past. But one important portion of this text is the exhortation to run with faithful endurance because there is a race set before us. The saints gone before us ran their race, and now we have to run ours. God is still at work, writing His story of faithfulness. We have a specific work to do in our specific time and place in history. The question, then, is, are we willing to join the cloud and complete our leg of the race?
Jesus is the ultimate word on God’s faithfulness. Not only is He the fulfillment of so many of God’s promises from the Old Testament, but His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate expression of God’s love for us. As we join the cloud of witnesses, we do so with a greater revelation of just how trustworthy God is and with a greater certainty because of all He has done than those who went before us.

Evening Reflection

What are the specific promises of God that you’ve seen fulfilled in your life? Can you recall specific prayers that He’s answered? Spend time thanking God for His faithfulness. Are there promises you’re still waiting to see fulfilled? Are there areas in your life where you are still awaiting the salvation of the Lord? Offer those to God anew, declaring your trust in His faithfulness as demonstrated throughout history.

January 31, Sunday

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

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Exodus 17:8-16

The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”

War Room is one of my favorite movies of 2015. What I love the most is its portrayal to the audience of this essential, foundational truth that: prayer is the battleground on which we wage and win wars. If you have not seen it, please make a point to watch it with your family, friends and small group. It will open your eyes to see prayer in a new way.

In this passage, I see this truth lived out in Moses’ leadership. When the Amalekites attacked the Israelites in the desert, Moses had the foresight to devise a warfare strategy to combat the enemies on two dimensional battlegrounds: He ordered Joshua to lead a group of men to fight off the physical enemies. Meanwhile, he appointed core leaders Aaron and Hur to join him to battle the spiritual forces on the top of the hill, with the staff of God lifted high. The Scripture points out an interesting dynamic in this strategic strategy: First, they must take both battlegrounds seriously and fight in unity against the enemy. Second, even though the battles were fought in different dimensions, they were intricately interrelated. The writer of Exodus points out in verse 11, “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” Third, they persevered as a team and overcame the enemy.

Jesus warns us in John 16:33 that we will face life’s many battles. In order to have victory, we must remember not only to focus our attention and energy on the physical battleground of circumstances, relationships and people, but also to be alert and mindful of the unseen spiritual battleground: Ephesians 6:12 says: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

As we start this New Year, let us strive to form a new habit of calling upon God in prayer as our first response to all things. Let’s have the wisdom of Moses to overcome life’s challenges by praying on our knees and praying with others as a team until victory is at hand!

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, stir in me a deeper understanding and desire to begin each day by taking the time to be plugged into the Power Source – which is You. Thank you, Lord, for modeling for us an intimate prayer life with the Father, for the gift of prayer as a means to know and be known by You, and for the powerful weapon of prayer to overcome the Enemy, and advance God’s kingdom on earth. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 28

January 30, Saturday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Genesis 37:2-11

These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. 5 Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: 7 Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. 9 Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” 11 And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.

Several years ago, while we were serving in South Carolina, we took the kids on a family vacation to Disney World in Florida. We thought we were making Nathan and Naomi’s childhood dreams become a reality—they would remember Disney as the magical place. But we were shocked to hear Naomi make the declaration upon arriving home, “It’s so good to be home; I love my home better than Disney.” In our sincere effort to give them a magical experience, we had pushed ourselves over the limit by doing too much with too little time.

After Joseph received two prophetic dreams from God during his teen years, life took on a series of dramatic downturn for 13 long years. And when things couldn’t seem to get any worse, they dipped deeper into the bottomless spiral: Young Joseph first survived an attempted murder; then he was sold into slavery by his jealous half-brothers; next, he was sexually harassed and falsely accused by his master’s seductive and manipulative wife, which led him into imprisonment. Finally, he saw a flicker of hope of overturning his case of injustice through a returned favor for helping the cupbearer; instead, after waiting for two years, he was forced to face the reality that the grateful cupbearer had completely forgotten about him.

Yet, through it all, Joseph refused to compromise his hope and faith in God and his integrity to become a bitter victim of life’s cruel punches. Even when the people in his life turned their backs against him, Yahweh was with him and caused him to prosper through the worst of circumstances (Gen 39:2, 21).

His difficult, outward circumstances only solidified his inward identity, over time, as a beloved child of God. That identity was so powerful and real that wherever he went, unbelievers could not help but notice and be drawn to Joseph because of God’s strong and undeniable presence in his life.

If you are currently facing life’s overwhelming, contradicting circumstances and you are wondering, This is not at all what I expected from life, take heart and be of courage, because God’s eyes are on you and His presence is with you. Just as He was with Joseph, He is now with you.

He will not only see you through this challenging time, but He will use it to prepare you for His glorious plan. God used Joseph’s adversities to prove His faithfulness and redemptive plan, and used him to be a channel of blessing that extended into the whole world.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You that Christ in us is the hope of glory. This indwelling hope is greater and stronger than he that is in the world. Though in this world all of us will face life’s difficulties, thank You that we are never alone; and Your presence in our lives empowers us to become “overcomers” instead of “victims”!

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 26-27

January 29, Friday

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals for today are provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (Ph.D.) who is the AMI Teaching Pastor. He and Insil have been married for 28+ years and they have three children: Christy (teacher), Joshua (grad student) and Justin (college freshman). They live in Philadelphia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 2:29-30

[Apostle Peter’s sermon] Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.

Jeremiah 36:29-30

Also tell Jehoiakim king of Judah, “This is what the Lord says: You burned that scroll and said, ‘Why did you write on it that the king of Babylon would certainly come and destroy this land and wipe from it both man and beast?’” 30 Therefore this is what the Lord says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: “He will have no one to sit on the throne of David; his body will be thrown out and exposed to the heat by day and the frost by night.”

What’s the point of the virgin birth? Some say that since the original sin is transmitted through the father, if Jesus had been conceived in a natural manner, He could’ve been neither perfect nor sinless. Paul probably would have disagreed since he wrote, “Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner” (1 Tim. 2:14). While we can debate this point to no end, there is another compelling reason why the virgin birth was absolutely necessary.

God’s promise to place one of David’s descendants on his throne—that is, Jesus, the final king of Israel—meant that Christ had to come from the royal lineage of David; King Jehoiakim, who came later, bore that lineage. Now, when Jehoiakim burned the scroll containing God’s word (Jer. 36:27), God swore that none of his descendents “will sit on the throne of David.” The problem with that is, while Jesus, the king of Israel, must come from the royal linage of David, He cannot come from Jehoiakim, who is part of that royal lineage.

God resolved that quandary in the following manner. Evidently, the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew and Luke are different. Matthew states that Jacob was the father of Joseph (1:16), while Luke says that it was Heli (Lk. 3:23). Actually, both genealogies are similar up to David. Matthew lists Solomon after David after which all the succeeding kings of Judah are mentioned; Joseph is of this royal line. Luke, on the other hand, mentions Nathan after David, who was Solomon’s brother; this is Mary’s line. So, through Matthew’s royal genealogy, Jesus is declared as the legal heir of David; but since it was a virgin birth, Jesus was not a literal descendent of David or Jehoiakim. In that manner, God’s curse against Jehoiakim was kept. But by making Mary—a descendent of David—the mother of Jesus, God made sure that Jesus is from David’s line. That’s how God kept both promises at the same time—through the virgin birth.

Remember, God is faithful and His words and promises are to be trusted. If you have been discouraged, the road to recovery begins with recognizing this very truth. Be patient and trust in our God.

Prayer

Lord, I sing praises unto Your holy and wonderful Name. How marvelous are the precious words and promises of God! They never fail. I put my trust and hope in You and Your eternal truth. May I never depart from reading, studying and meditating on the Scripture! I love You Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 25

Lunch Break Study

Read Phil. 1:21-6: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

2 Cor. 1:8: For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;

Read 1 Cor. 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

2 Thess. 3:2-4: “And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

2 Cor. 5:7: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

Question to Consider

In what ways does God demonstrate His faithfulness toward us?
What is the biggest obstacle that keeps us from trusting God?
If we really believe in God’s faithfulness (I hope so), then, how would we live differently?

Notes

God shows his faithfulness by providing the means so that we do not fall into temptations. Whether we take advantage of it is up to us. The Lord also promises to strengthen and protect us when the enemy and his cohorts attack us.
I think one critical factor is our unwillingness to be patient and allow God to move according to His time. Since we want something instantaneous and quick, we move by sight, not by faith.
We would be more daring and risk-taking (i.e., Peter walking out of the boat while the rest stayed in it). We would patiently wait until God moves according to His time instead of us taking actions.

Evening Reflection

We learned this morning that the virgin birth is really about God’s faithfulness to His promises. Often we find ourselves in difficult situations where we desperately need hope. But instead of turning to God, we turn to people, substances and/or mindless entertainment. Before we wrap up this day, let us turn to the Lord. Be silent and meditate on His goodness, faithfulness and amazing love towards us.