Editor’s Note: The AMI devotionals from Nov. 3-9 are written by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church (S. F.).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 4:15-20

When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”

Metaphorically speaking, how do you eat an elephant?  The correct answer is: one bite at a time.  The point of this metaphor (or is it a joke?) is that in order to tackle seemingly overwhelming projects, the best and only strategy is to take many, small manageable bites until the project is complete.  I know many of you have real, overwhelming problems: stress at work, financial struggles, marital difficulties, troublesome children, aging and sick parents, etc.  And on top of it, you may feel like God is distant, and your spiritual life is in neutral or even reverse.  As you look at life as a whole, life may seem as impossible as trying to eat an elephant.

Even if you feel this way only sometimes, today’s passage has some wisdom for you.  Nehemiah and the Jews were on a mission to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem; however, Sanballat and Tobiah were not only were ridiculing them, but they were now threatening physical harm in opposing this project. Additionally, in Neh.10:11, we see that the labor force was getting discouraged: “Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, ‘The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.’”  Many in Nehemiah’s shoes would have fallen into stress, panic, self-pity, or maybe even minor depression.  But what Nehemiah ended up doing was quite ordinary and practical—he simply told some of his men to strap on swords while others worked the wall.  So everyone worked with tools in one hand and a sword in the other.  As far I can see, God did not give this plan in any special revelation, but Nehemiah just went about his work and used some practical wisdom.

Where I am going with this? Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves spiritually is to be faithful and diligent in practical ways. For example, if you are running yourself ragged at work because deadlines are coming up, then get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal, get some exercise.  If you haven’t had QT in weeks, and you feel like God is far, sit down tonight and read one chapter of the Bible or pray for 10 minutes.  You do not have to solve every problem immediately, all at once—just like you don’t have to swallow the whole elephant.  Take small bites.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be responsible and do what is assigned to me faithfully, to work hard, but also to have the understanding that I have limitations.  Give me peace of heart and trust in You.

Bible Reading for Today: Zechariah 7

Lunch Break Study

1 Thess. 5:12-22

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,[c] encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies,21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Questions to Consider

1. Why does Paul ask the Thessalonians to esteem those who labor in the Lord?
2. In v. 14, Paul gives specific instructions for dealing with different people. What principles in ministry can we gather from this?
3. In your life, how can you be better at rejoicing always and praying continuously?

Notes

1. Obviously, Paul wants us to respect our church leaders, but it’s just a reminder that those who labor in the Lord serve God and His people.
2. What I find most interesting about these instructions is that they are very appropriate for each person: The lazy ones need to be warned, the timid need encouragement, and the weak need help. People have different problems and need different methods of support; we can’t take a cookie cutter approach to all.

Evening Reflection

How did you handle the stress and difficulties of the day?  Did you waste time and energy fretting about things that you could not control?  Were you willing to work hard and be satisfied with the results?  Ultimately, are you growing in your trust of God?

Editor’s Note: The AMI devotionals from Nov. 3-9 are written by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church (S. F.).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 4:4-5

Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.

We have all had those days at work that were irritatingly stressful, frustratingly unproductive, and/or mind-numbingly tedious.  After such days, most of us feel the need to “unwind”—and how we do so depend on the person: Some of us eat comforting foods, others veg out in front of the TV for a couple of hours, or others work out.  One pastor shared how he would sometimes have to go walk the aisles of his local grocery story or toy store, not buying anything, but allow the time to clear away the frustration.  I suppose each of these methods has a way of calming our nerves and relaxing us a bit, but I wonder whether these forms of unwinding are ultimately beneficial to us, or if they act as just band aids.  Honestly, how much can television help us overcome work and family issues?  And when we “unwind,” are we seeking resolution or escape?

Yesterday, we read about how Sanballat and Tobiah both tried to discourage the Jews from rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.  I’m sure their words caused Nehemiah and the people much grief.  In today’s excerpt, Nehemiah gives us the time honored Christian method of dealing with stress: prayer.  He prayed to the One who was able to fix their situation and avenge His people.  Enough of us have adequate theologies when it comes to prayer—we know God hears and answers prayer.  We also know it is a powerful force in the advancement in God’s kingdom.  In fact, many of us have experienced the Lord’s comfort, direction, power, and love through prayer.  However, not enough of us have practically gotten into the habit of taking things to the Lord before it becomes a crisis.

How is your prayer life?  What is your initial reaction to stressful or difficult times?  It would be amazing if the AMI community learned to turn to God and tell Him about our stressful days and the problems we face before or instead of looking to escape through other avenues.

Prayer

Lord, help me to cast my anxieties on You, knowing that You care for me (1 Pet. 5:7).  Help me to look to You first as Your child and friend.

Bible Reading for Today: Zechariah 6

Lunch Break Study

James 5:13-18

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

Questions to Consider

1. When did James exhort us to pray? Under what circumstances?
2. Why did James reference Elijah? What was he trying to show?
3. How are you doing when it comes to praying in faith?

Notes

1. Although the passage says that we should pray when suffering, in joyful circumstances, and when sick or under sin, the breadth of circumstances implies that we should always be praying (1 Thess. 5:17).
2. Verse 17 is interesting because the implication is that Elijah asked God to usher in the three year drought described in 1 Kings 17-18, as opposed to God telling Elijah to make the declaration. If this is true (and the 1 Kings account gives no reason to think otherwise), then think about the power that a man/woman of God has through prayer!

Evening Reflection

Instead of reflecting on your day, take 10 minutes to pray to the Lord.  If you’ve already prayed earlier today, sit and wait (or meditate) on Him to speak or give you an impression.  Let’s use this time to listen as well as to speak.

Editor’s Note: The AMI devotional for today is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 4:1-3

Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!”

When it comes to navigating the thin line between being genuinely critical in a constructive sense and being downright discouraging, we struggle (or know someone who struggles); and we probably have, on more than one occasion, erred on the side of insensitivity.  Recently, as we were evaluating a certain event in one of our staff meetings, one of the guys started sharing his honest criticisms as to how to make the event better.  As he was sharing, you could see the planner of the said event starting to well up with emotion.  Soon, tears came out, emotions got a little out of control, and everyone felt a little uncomfortable.  This happened because one party was genuinely trying to provide constructive criticism, while the other party only felt discouragement (remember how thin that line is).

Now, make no mistake about it: In today’s passage, Sanballat and Tobiah were the antagonists in Nehemiah’s life, so they were intentionally trying to discourage Nehemiah and the rest of the Jews from rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.  In fact, as you will see later in the chapter, they did more than discourage with words—they threatened with physical harm.  So it is a little unfair to compare them to a well-meaning critic, but here is the point: Often, those of you who have a critical mind (which is truly a gift) have to make sure that in your zeal for truth, maximum efficiency, or polished events, that you do not come off discouraging to others.

As we begin this day, let me ask you: How are you with your words?  We are told to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), but are you sometimes guilty of neglecting the “in love” use of words?  Better yet, can you make it a goal not only to be not discouraging, but to genuinely encourage another person?  Expressing a little faith in another person may go a long way.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be mindful not only of my words, but also the tone I speak in.  Give me wisdom to be honest without being discouraging.  Please allow me to encourage others this day.

Bible Reading for Today: Zechariah 5

Lunch Break Study

James 3:1-12

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,[a] and set on fire by hell.[b] 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,[c] these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

Questions to Consider:

1. What damage can be done with the tongue?
2. How are our words supposed to glorify God?
3. Would you say that your mouth is more of a “fresh or salt water” spring? How have you experienced the truth that the tongue is a “fire” or untamed animal?

Notes:

1. The purpose of the bridle and rudder illustrations is that our mouths can impact the direction of our lives. In this case, the results are poor; often our tongues shipwreck our lives.  We can also curse others who have been made in the image of God.  Additionally, our words can discourage, belittle, curse, break promises, boast, slander, lie, etc.
2. First, we are to bless the Lord with our words (v. 9). On the positive side of the bridle and rudder illustrations, our can also powerfully guide our lives (if we have the integrity to follow through on our words).

Evening Reflection

Did you have an opportunity to be critical and truthful?  Were you discouraging in your words or tone, or did you do your best to encourage?  Did you honor God with praise and blessing today?  It’s still not too late.

Editor’s Note: The AMI devotional from October 26 – November 1 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church.

Food for Thought for the Weekend

Nehemiah 3:28-32 (NASB)

Above the Horse Gate the priests carried out repairs, each in front of his house. ²⁹ After them Zadok the son of Immer carried out repairs in front of his house. And after him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, carried out repairs. ³⁰ After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah carried out repairs in front of his own quarters. ³¹ After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, carried out repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, in front of the Inspection Gate and as far as the upper room of the corner. ³² Between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants carried out repairs.

Before we know it, winter will be here, which is the time of year the geese in California begin their journey south to warmer climates. One of the fascinating things about geese is that they normally fly in a V-formation. Geese often cover thousands of miles, working together in this formation. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock covers 71 percent more range than if each goose flew on its own. When one goose gets sick or wounded, two fall out of formation with it and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with the struggler until he’s able to fly again. The geese at the rear of the formation are the ones who do the honking. It’s their way of saying that they’re following and that everything’s going well. The continual honks encourage those in front to stay at it.
Here in our passage, we have more of the same from yesterday; more names, more chronology. But what’s of note in our passage today is how the priests were involved in doing some of the repairing (verse 28). This reminds us that leaders must set the example. By being first in the formation, leaders set the tone for everyone to follow. Not every season of the year will require leaders to do this, but there key points when it is important for leaders to go through the trenches with fellow servants.

A priest may be known to have a higher title and level of authority, but it does not mean that he can’t pick up rubble or lay brick. No priest or pastor should have problems getting their hands dirty, especially if it doesn’t interfere with the primary duties of teaching and counseling. A leader who is willing to avail themselves to doing the “dirty work” will exemplify what Christ did when he washed his disciples’ feet the night before he was crucified.

Godly leaders should set the pace. It takes a good team captain, as well as good teammates, to continue to strive in the Lord’s work. Let’s cooperate, let’s lead well and let’s follow our leaders with good faith. In doing so, we bring God glory and honor. It may take hard work to do Kingdom work, but God supplies the grace and strength for us to do it well. Let’s work with passion and joy in the labor of our God.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to be Your servant. If I am leading, help me to lead in humility. If I am following, help me to discover the joy of submitting well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Zechariah 4

Editor’s Note: The AMI devotional from October 26 –November 1 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 3:3-27

The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. [4] And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired.

It’s the end of October—which means, for me, that it’s the beginning of the NBA season. Despite aging all stars and inexperienced rookies, hope springs in the hearts of every fan right about now. As I was watching the Los Angeles Lakers play their first game, I noticed something about the play of the modern NBA players: everyone is so selfish. It’s now so rare to see players play for their teammates or sacrificially pass the ball so that someone else will stand out and get the recognition that comes with it. From the star player on the team, to the new rookie who needs to prove himself, it just seems like everyone is out to embellish their statistics—perhaps in the hopes of gaining more fame and maybe a bigger contract.

Our passage today is basically a list of people’s names. It reads much like the book of 1 Chronicles with its long lists of names that are difficult to pronounce, information that seems unneeded, and a chronology that seems insignificant. But here’s the important point: Unlike our NBA players today, these are individuals who did their part in building the temple of God by playing well together as a team.
Don’t underestimate the power of working together. While one talented individual can do great things, a group of dedicated people can do greater things. Sure, Nehemiah showed exceptional ability to organize and mobilize the various people to rebuild the walls, but what’s of note in this passage is how his name is not even mentioned. At least for this passage, it’s the men who served and gave themselves to do their part to accomplish the greater task of rebuilding the wall that God chose to put their names in the Bible.

This chronology of names serves to remind us the New Testament principle that every person is to be involved in ministry, because everyone has a job to do. God has given each of us a gift for the purpose of building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Consider today whether you are a contributor or a consumer when it comes to your local church. If you are contributing, praise God! Continue to do so it with joy and fervor, and without complaining. If you find yourself more of a consumer, pray and ask God to help you find a ministry that is going to strengthen your church. Do it with joy and love. God will be honored in your service to Him.

Prayer: Father, You have given me so much. Help me take the resources and opportunities You have blessed me with to bless others. May I demonstrate my love for You by honoring the church that You died for. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Zechariah 2-3

Editor’s Note: The AMI devotional from October 26 –November 1 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 2:4-10

And I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” 6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. 7 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. 10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.

During my college days, I recall a friend’s willingness to drive sixty plus miles to pick up his friend who didn’t have a ride, so that they could go to a retreat together. But on the way to picking him up, he was hit by a car, causing serious injuries to his body. I remember, as a young believer, feeling such bitterness and confusion: How could God allow this? He was only trying to help. He was doing Kingdom work, wasn’t he?

Nehemiah clearly saw the sovereignty of God, and how God works for the good of those who love him. But this does not mean that we say a prayer and then sit idly by. If we are to truly experience God’s sovereignty, we need to ask the Lord for the next steps. Our attempts or deeds do not derail the plan of God as long as we are acting consistently with His will.

After going about his normal course of duties as a cupbearer, Nehemiah was ready to go to Jerusalem with the favor of the king. Amazingly, the king provided him with letters of safe passage and needed materials to use to reconstruct the wall around Jerusalem. Thus far, things had gone splendidly well for Nehemiah.

As he made his way back to his homeland, Nehemiah heard of the opposition of Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite to his project (verse 9). These men not only were suspicious of Nehemiah, they began to thwart the progress of the rebuilding of the walls.

But Nehemiah reminds us today that if we are to do God’s bidding in this fallen world, we will face opposition. We are broken and selfish people, not to mention how Satan hates it when we try to move with God in what He is doing in this world. When following Jesus, there is always a cost to serving Him.

If you are enduring some scorn and ridicule for following Christ, do not be discouraged. The temptation will be to change our message so that this scorn goes away. Nehemiah’s faith was greater than his fear—he believed in the promises of God. Let us remember that God is on the side of those who love Him and want to honor him.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my sovereign Father who knows everything about me. Strengthen me with faith in my inner being so that I may endure difficulties as I strive to serve You. Thank You for the sacrifice on the Cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Zechariah 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Proverbs 3:4-6

So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Questions to Consider

1. How are we to find success before God and man?
2. If we acknowledge God in the things we plan, what will God eventually do for us?
3. In what way can you acknowledge the Lord in your life today?

Notes

1. By trusting the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding.
2. He will make our paths straight.
3. Personal answer.

Evening Reflection

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” – Albert Einstein

Editor’s Note: The AMI devotional from October 26 –November 1 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 3:1-5

Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them.3 The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4 Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.

Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, started publishing a student magazine at the age of 17. Three years later, he founded Virgin as a record mail order company, and soon opened his first store in London’s Oxford Street. In 1972, he formed the Virgin Records music label, which grew to be one of the world’s top six record companies in the 80s. Since then, the Virgin brand has expanded into flights, rail travel, retail, internet, drinks, hotels and leisure and finance; presently, it’s up to 400 different companies. Richard Branson is a good example of someone who has learned to take small beginnings and expand them into greater horizons.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Never take that first step for granted, no matter how small it might seem. What are the small beginnings in your life? What could be the small beginnings in your life? God’s will is that you expand from where you are. God will always give you a bag of seeds—the opportunities and possibilities of life. But when you do not despise the day of small things and rejoice in the future of great things, there lays the blessings ahead.

In Nehemiah, we find the story of the Israelites rebuilding Jerusalem after returning from their exile in Babylon (which was due to their sin). The wall around Jerusalem was the first project for the people. This was the first line of defense against their many enemies. The first part of the rebuilt wall was the Sheep Gate. This might not sound like a priority, but to the people of Israel, it was of the utmost importance in their worship of God.

The Sheep Gate was the gate the sheep were led through as they came to the temple to be slaughtered for the sins of the people. In essence, their first project was to bring proper worship back to Jerusalem. We are no longer called to offer up animals as sacrifices for worship, but we are called to offer our lives instead (Romans 12:1). Just as the Israelites knew there were walls that needed to be repaired for proper worship, there are walls in our lives that have been destroyed by sin that need to be repaired before we can offer our lives completely for worship. These walls must first be rebuilt before our lives can be offered as a proper sacrifice to the Lord.

Don’t despise the small things of prayer and daily Bible study. Don’t despise the small acts of service to your local church, by which God is glorified and people encouraged. Don’t despise the small things like putting sin to death, by which you are responding to the victory Christ has won for you. Don’t despise the small things like working hard at your job or school every day, for in these things you show that there is something more profound, more powerful at work in you. Or it may be speaking of Christ to others, by which unbelievers may come to trust and treasure Jesus.

Bible Reading for Today: Haggai 2

Lunch Break Study

Read I Samuel 15

And Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the LORD. [2] Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘I have noted what Amalek did to Israel in opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt. [3] Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’” [4] So Saul summoned the people and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand men on foot, and ten thousand men of Judah. [5] And Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley. [6] Then Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart; go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them. For you showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. [7] And Saul defeated the Amalekites from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt. [8] And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive and devoted to destruction all the people with the edge of the sword. [9] But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction. [10] The word of the LORD came to Samuel: [11] “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.” And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the LORD all night. [12] And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.” [13] And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed be you to the LORD. I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” [14] And Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?” [15] Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the LORD your God, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.” [16] Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! I will tell you what the LORD said to me this night.” And he said to him, “Speak.” [17] And Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. [18] And the LORD sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ [19] Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?”

Questions to Consider

1. This practice of “imposing the ban” (v. 3) meant that all living things—men, women, children, and livestock—were to be killed. What would be the purpose for such a ban?
2. In verse 11, we are told the Lord regretted that he has made Saul king. How do we reconcile that God does not make mistakes, and yet seems to be regretting a decision that He has made?
3. The small act of disobedience and justification led to Saul’s downfall. What are some things you are being a bit too careless with before the Lord?

Notes

1. To stop the spread of the “abominable practices” of paganism—that they don’t become a temptation for God’s people; this shows how serious we are to be about removing sin.
2. Regret, in this case, means that God felt genuine sorrow when contemplating Saul’s sin. But it does not mean that God thinks His decision to make Saul king was a mistake in the overall course of His plans for history.
3. Personal answer.

Evening Reflection

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person’s seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.”  – Elisabeth Elliot

Editor’s Note: The AMI devotional from October 26 –November 1 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 2:2-8

And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.” 6 And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time. 7 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.

 One of the most comforting truths for God’s children is that everything that happens to us, and everything that we do, can ultimately have a meaningful expression of purpose. Four months have passed since Nehemiah had begun praying about the condition of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was intimate enough with King Artaxerxes that he noticed Nehemiah’s burden as conveyed by the sadness in his heart. What was otherwise a crime punishable by death (appearing sad before the king) actually caused Artaxerxes to ask Nehemiah about his state of mind.

How was Nehemiah, a Jew, even in the presence of the Persian king to begin with? He was selected to be the king’s cupbearer, and one of his main duties was to taste the food and drink before the king would eat it. For Artaxerxes, this was personal because his father had died from being poisoned, so he would not have chosen lightly his cupbearer. And as the cupbearer who had the trust of the king, Nehemiah alone was in a unique position to influence the king.

Whether it is cup bearing to a king or a nine to five job in a cubicle somewhere, we see through the life of Nehemiah that God is always working behind the scenes, that He never calls us to something without a reason. He works and maneuvers to place us right where He wants us. So often we question why God allows certain things to happen to us; but as we learn to trust Him, we realize that God has actually positioned us. And when the moment comes, we find that it has been worth every bit of effort—our waiting time has not been wasted time.

Nehemiah reminds us today that God’s sovereignty is quietly at work in our lives. In what we might call coincidences, insignificant events, we can be confident that God can and will use it for our good.

Consider the ordinariness of your life; know today that God has placed you. What you are doing, where you are located at this point in your life, it is no accident. You may not know what God is up to behind the scenes of your life, but you are positioned. It may be difficult to see the connection now; but in time, it will come together.

Bible Reading for Today: Haggai 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:28-30

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
Questions to Consider

1. What is required for God to act in our interest, for our good according to verse 28?
2. In verse 29, we are told that God “foreknew” us and that God “predestined” us? What is the aim of God knowing us and choosing us?
3. Paul tells us we are predestined by God, not to be theologically controversial, but to show us the strength and security of God’s love. Does the word “predestination” bother or comfort you?

Notes

1. We need to love God; making that as the ultimate goal of our life is what’s for our best interest.
2. To be conformed to the image of God.
3. Personal.

Evening Reflection

“Success comes when a thousand hours of preparation meet one moment of opportunity.” – Anonymous

Editor’s Note: The AMI devotional from October 26 –November 1 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

 Nehemiah 1:5-11

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.”

The other day, I found myself putting together an IKEA bookshelf. I confess that assembling furniture is not something I enjoy—at all. It’s a bit of an overstatement, but it’s the biggest waste of time known to humanity. Why such hatred? The combination of my impatient temperament and having to patiently do each step doesn’t seem to work for me. On more than one occasion, I have had to disassemble furniture pieces I was assembling, because I either missed a step or did not do them in the right order.

Here we find Nehemiah understanding this principle. When Nehemiah was frustrated with the temple walls not being erected in Jerusalem, Nehemiah didn’t make it a point to blame others or start making plans to rectify the situation. Instead, he simply went to God first.

Too often we see prayer as a last resort rather than as our first thought. Prayer is usually something we do at the end, and after having tried everything else we say, “Oh well, I guess all we can do now is pray!” And at times, many of us are guilty of “praying on the fly”—that is, asking God what to do while we’re in the process of doing it. Even worse, most of us only start praying when we’ve really gotten ourselves into a jam. Then we start shouting, “Help me!” without really acknowledging that seeking God’s will would have prevented us from getting into the mess in the first place!

When we find ourselves in one of life’s many messes (and we will), and when the walls have fallen down on us, let’s take the first moments to respond with prayer. When we feel discouraged, when we feel like it’s better to isolate ourselves, or it would feel good to blame others, just stop and pray. We will see that in that pause, in that prayer, God will show us how to respond in a way that is most consistent with values of the Kingdom. Nehemiah chose to pray first; and when we do the same, God will show us the next steps to take.

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom to seek You first and not try to do things by my own strength.  Thank You that You are a God who generously gives wisdom to those who ask. I praise You and worship you for being a loving Father.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Zephaniah 3

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:5

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Questions to Consider

1. If we are lacking wisdom, where can we get it?
2. When we ask for God to give wisdom, how does He give it to us?
3. What are some legalistic tendencies you may have that you use to judge others?

Notes

1. From God through prayer. (Read about wisdom’s call in Proverbs 8.)
2. God gives it to us generously and without reproach.
3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

“The more you pray, the less you’ll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. You’ll feel more patient and less pressured.” – Rick Warren

Editor’s Note: The AMI devotional from October 26 –November 1 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Nehemiah 1:1-4 (ESV)

Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” 4 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.

If you can swap your eyes with any animal, what would you choose? I would choose the eyes of an eagle. Scientists tell us so sharp is the vision of eagles, that if I had their vision, I would be able to see an ant crawling on the ground from the roof of a 10-story building. I would also be able to go watch the Los Angeles Dodgers play from the cheapest seats and even make out the facial expressions of my favorite players. Objects would appear magnified, colors would be more brilliant and everything would move in high definition.

This makes me think about what it would be like to have the eyes of God. If I had God’s vision, what would I see, and what would I notice? This is essentially how the story of the prophet Nehemiah begins. Around 587 BC, the Babylonians invaded Judah and destroyed the city of Jerusalem, along with Solomon’s temple. About 70 years after the Babylonian invasion, Cyrus, King of Persia, gave the Jews permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Things were looking up for awhile as the exiled Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

The exiles, however, not only stopped their building project, but they continued to adopt the religious practices and culture of the surrounding nations. There were no sacrifices or prayers being offered at the temple, and God was relegated to just another god, as people went about their lives seeking only their own interests. When Nehemiah heard of this, it broke his heart. Nehemiah’s concern over the condition of Jerusalem consumed him, to the point that he wept, prayed and fasted (v. 4). Thoughts of what was, as opposed to what could be, devastated him. This was no casual concern—it was a vision in the making.

How do you become a man or woman of great vision? You start with noticing the tension between what is and what could be. Nehemiah caught a vision for God’s temple, and this compelling picture is what caused him to grieve over the neglect of the temple. When we allow this disparity to ruin us, we have the makings of a great vision.

Anyone who is frustrated or brokenhearted about the way things are, in light of the way they believe things could be in the Kingdom of God, is a candidate for vision. A God ordained vision will begin as a concern. You will hear or see something that gets your attention. Something will bother you about the way things are or the way things are headed. Unlike many passing concerns, this will stick with you. You will find yourself thinking about them in your free time. You may lose sleep over them. You won’t be able to let them go, because they won’t let you go. Consider now what vision God is giving you. If you cannot see anything, pray today that God will grant you the gift of vision—His vision.

Bible Reading for Today: Zephaniah 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 10:9-33

The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. [10] And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance [11] and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. [12] In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. [13] And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” [14] But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” [15] And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” [16] This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven. [17] Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate [18] and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. [19] And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. [20] Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” [21] And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” [22] And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” [23] So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. [24] And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [25] When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. [26] But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” [27] And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. [28] And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. [29] So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” [30] And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing [31] and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. [32] Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ [33] So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

Questions to Consider

1. This is one of the most important visions the early church saw through the apostle Peter. What was Peter doing when he fell into a trance and saw a vision that would change how people relate to God and to the world?
2. In verse 13, Peter is commanded, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Why was this command so incredulous for Peter?
3. What are some legalistic tendencies you may have that you use to judge others?

Notes

1. Peter was in the middle of prayer. We cannot see the vision of God if we do not know how to spend time in prayer.
2. The command to eat forbidden food made no sense to Peter, since it violated Jewish food laws. God was overturning the old dietary laws as a way of marking the new covenant God’s people shared with the Gentiles.
3. Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.” –John C. Maxwell