April 3, Thursday

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Amazing Cuban Believers”

Romans 15:4 

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 2

Lunch Break Study

Pastor Ryun

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

Questions to Consider

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

Notes

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

Evening Reflection

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

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

April 2, Wednesday

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

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Jeremiah 7.8-10

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

True Repentance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Colossians 3.5-11

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

Questions to Consider

  • According to this passage, what do all the vices amount to that leads to the wrath of God? What does this reveal about the nature of sin?
  • Consider the imagery used in the passage (focus on the word “put”). What kind of picture does it invoke? Understanding that “have put on” is a continuous, indefinite instruction, what is happening to us when we continue to put on the new self?
  • Take a moment to consider verse 11. How does this verse confront the prejudices and distinctions you might hold onto?

Notes

  • In the end, Paul writes that these vices ultimately lead to idolatry, the worship of other things beside God. Sin in the end is when God is not in His rightful place in our hearts—from there, all other actions flow.
  • The imagery is like of clothing. Paul is telling us to put aside our old “clothes” in exchange of the “new” clothes we have received in Christ. It isn’t somethings we don’t once; it is something we are called to continuously, everyday. And when we come to this act of daily faith of putting on the new self, the underlying promise here is that the image of God is being restored to us. 
  • Personal reflection. Consider the differences between Jews and Greeks/the circumcised and the uncircumcised. Circumcision was the mark of the covenant for the Jews. In fact, there was much conflict within the church because of circumcision. But what Paul is saying here is that the true mark of a child of God is not a physical mark (much like how the temple was considered), but a spiritual mark that is Christ. What are things that you hold onto as your righteousness that is not Christ? 

Evening Reflection

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

April 1, Tuesday

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Pruning Process”

Jeremiah 5:10-19

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Reading for Today: Esther 10

Lunch Break Study

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

Questions to Consider

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

Notes

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

Evening Reflection

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

March 31, Monday

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Jeremiah 9:1-2

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Reading for Today: Esther 9

Lunch Break Study

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

Questions to Consider

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

Notes

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

Evening Reflection

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

March 30, Sunday

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

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Bring your best to the Lord!”

Genesis 49:1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Reading for Today: Esther 8

March 29, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on March 31, 2018, is provided by Hee Jung Lee. Hee Jung, a graduate of Biblical Theological Seminary, serves at Catalyst Agape Church (New Jersey) along with her husband Pastor Sam Lee. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Stepping Out in Faith”

Luke 23:50-56

Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

Joseph of Arimathea was a righteous man, who appears to have had a private allegiance to Jesus. He was most likely a seeker, being that it is noted of him as “…waiting for the kingdom of God” (v.51). Joseph was also a wealthy, respected person in society who was a notable member of the Sanhedrin, a local court. Upon Jesus’ death, he requests for the Messiah’s body and carefully prepares it for burial. It is believed that he used his personal money to purchase a weighty amount of myrrh and aloe to properly prepare the wrappings on Jesus’ body. He, along with the help of another man named Nicodemus, carefully laid our Savior’s body in a brand new tomb located in a garden. Interestingly, garden tombs were often used for the burial of kings. Criminals would never be given such a tomb or such an intentional burial. Clearly, Jesus was not to be remembered as a condemned criminal; rather, His royal essence was being honored.

 In this detailed account of Jesus’ burial, we see how Joseph recognizes the validity of Jesus’ respectability and courageously steps into the role of preparing the Lord for Resurrection Sunday. He is unaware of how he is serving a part in Jesus’ resurrection that would happen in two days—he is simply choosing courage to honor Jesus out of the affections of his heart. However, his act of faith will serve as part of the process in which God will fulfill His plans. While Jesus’ disciples are in fear and dismay, an unexpected admirer of Jesus moves out in faith and fills the gap. 

There is a lesson for us in this reflection. Every time we step out in faith (especially when motivated by love), we fill the gap in bringing about God’s plans; and this faith plows the pathway for God’s will to be done.  Let us not allow fear to deter us from experiencing the fullness of God’s will for our lives. It is essential for us to confidently step into everything that God puts on our hearts, whether small or big, because these steps are paving a way for the Lord’s splendid plans to be birthed. We should rule over fear when it tries to rule us by choosing faith and courage, for fear binds and will not empower us to move forward. Embracing faith, however, will enable us to experience the unfolding of the extraordinary plans that God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor. 2:9)!

Prayer: Dear Lord, Your Word assures me that You have incredible plans for my life, and these plans are bigger than I often imagine or believe. Help me not to settle for less than what You have spoken over my life. Enable me to step into everything that You ask of me, in order that I could allow You to blossom Your plans through my response to You. Cleanse me of every fear and empower me to fix my eyes on You. Thank you!  Amen.

Bible Reading for today: Esther 6-7

March 28, Friday 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on January 4, 2018, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica and three young children, serves in Japan as an AMI missionary. Jason, a graduate of UC San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is currently planting a church in Tokyo. Please pray for this work.

Devotional Thought for This Morning 

“Love at First Sight” 

Genesis 34:1–4 (ESV) 

Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the women of the land. [2] And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her. [3] And his soul was drawn to Dinah the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. [4] So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this girl for my wife​.” 

Love at first sight seems like a dream come true. After seeing any Disney movie such as Snow White, Cinderella, or Aladdin, this kind of magical moment appears to be the key to a life of  “Happily Ever After.” Unfortunately for Jacob’s family, love at first sight led to tragedy after tragedy.  After Jacob settles his family in the city of Shechem, his daughter Dinah goes to socialize with the women of the land.  Shechem, the prince and namesake of the city, sees Dinah, seizes her, and rapes her.  All of this is done out of “love.” 

Shechem’s love for Dinah is really nothing other than a love for himself.  He loves how she looks to him, he loves the feelings she elicits in him, he loves the happy life he envisions for himself.  This kind of “love” centers on the one who loves, rather than the one who is loved.  It is a self-seeking, false lust. 

Witnessing tragedies like these may tempt us to become cynical about love at first sight, but Jesus shows us that it truly can exist.  In Luke 10, Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan.  The Samaritan sees a traveler lying naked and half dead on the side of the road, and he gives him his love.  He binds his wounds, brings him to an inn, and pays for his care.  All of this is done out of a godly love. 

Throughout this day, we will meet new people – some outwardly loveable and others not, some that appear personable and others not.  May we see each one with the eyes and heart of God, and love them with His love. 

Prayer:​ Father, thank You that You see me as I am and offer me a generous and sacrificial love.  My heart is small but I desire to be like You.  May I love the strangers in my life and those in need who You send my way today. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Esther 5

Lunch Break Study 

Read Luke 10:30–35 (ESV):​​Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. [32] So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. [34] He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’  

Question to Consider 

1. Who failed to love the man going to Jericho? 2. 2.  What prevented them from loving him? 

3. What did loving the man cost the Samaritan? 

Notes 

  • The robbers, the priest and the Levite failed to love the man. 
  • The robbers failed to love because of their greed.  The priest and the Levite failed to love because it was inconvenient.  If the man turned out to be dead, they would become unclean. 
  • Loving the man cost the Samaritan energy, time, oil and wine, and money. 

Evening Reflection 

Reflect upon your day.  Did God give you the opportunity to meet anyone new?  How were they easy to love?  How were they difficult to love?   Ask God to continue to grow your love for strangers. 

March 27, Thursday

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted March 8, 2018, is provided by Pastor Mark Chun. Mark is now serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in S.F. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Root of our Skepticism: Does God Heal Today?”

Mark 1:21-34 (ESV)

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. 29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 

A great number of evangelical, Bible-believing Christians don’t truly believe that God performs miraculous healings today.  These views are largely shaped by the negative publicity of healing ministries and their leaders, who make a fortune on the misfortune of others.  Investigations show little documented evidence of the names and illnesses that they have healed, and some even use actors to fake healings.  These ministries seem to be a far cry from the way Jesus healed in the Gospels, and appear to be driven more by money than faith.  

In the midst of these kinds of lies and deceptive practices, I see why it is so easy for thoughtful Christians to dismiss any account of miraculous healing or to doubt the power of prayer.  However, the one institution that should be an expert on healing has long been embroiled in debates about whether or not faith and prayer has real efficacy in healing their patients. The medical school establishment here in the United States, which is among the best in the world, has long seen the connection between spirituality and healing.  Obviously, there is a great amount of debate here and the studies are inconclusive, but in the 2003 November edition of Newsweek magazine, it was reported that—at the time—nearly half of all medical schools offered a class called “Spirituality and Medicine.” Ten years prior, the number of schools that offered this type of class was only three.   

It seems that a great number of doctors and those who are experts in medicine cannot readily dismiss the unexplainable connection between faith and healing.  Newsweek magazine—along with many other reputable publications—have had some interesting articles from a secular standpoint on the power of God to heal.  (The one cited in this blog can be found in the 2003 Newsweek entitled “Faith and Healing.”) In fact, while doing some research, I was surprised to find that there was an archive of actual documented cases of miraculous healing in the library at the UC San Diego School of Medicine.  These patients had terminal diseases, such as inoperable cancer, but for reasons unknown to the doctors all symptoms of the disease were healed. Clearly, there seems to be some opposing arguments against the notion that God does not heal miraculously today.  It is a sad day when the secular world seems to have greater faith than some parts of the church, and it is a challenge for us to develop a proper understanding of the biblical ministry of healing.

Prayer: Lord, give us the faith to believe that You are our Healer.  Though You may not heal us completely in this lifetime, we know that at the resurrection, we will be made whole and complete.  In the meantime, as we struggle with pain and the impermanence of our earthly bodies, help us to resist the lies of the enemy that You cannot heal us today.  Just as You walked through the crowds and healed all their disease, we trust that healing is in Your hands.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Esther 4

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (ESV): But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

Questions to Consider

  • What does it mean to have treasures in jars of clay?
  • Why should we not lose heart in the midst of suffering and persecution?
  • What is the purpose of our temporary afflictions?

Notes

  • The treasure that every believer holds in their heart is the knowledge of the glory of God.  However, that treasure is held in our fragile, breakable, and temporary earthly bodies—this is a striking contrast of something so valuable and priceless being held in something so ordinary.  Therefore, what gives us worth is the treasure that is held in these earthen vessels; and our power comes from God and not from ourselves.    
  • Because of the light of Christ that is renewing us day by day.  Though our outer bodies might show signs of aging and begin to waste away, our inner self is being transformed from one glory to another through the work of the Holy Spirit.  This is why growing spiritually is so vitally important for the believer; it reminds us that though our flesh might be destroyed, yet with our eyes we will one day see God.   
  • Our temporary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory that is beyond compare.   The suffering that we go through in this life shapes our character, increase our faith, and grow our dependence of God.  These things, however, are merely preparations for an incomparable glory that God will bestow to us when we see Him face to face.  On that day, we will be made like Christ—in all His perfection and glory!

Evening Reflection

Are you living in light of eternity and with an eternal perspective?  Perhaps you are going through some difficult times with your health, the unexpected passing of a loved one, or some tragedy in your family.  May the power of Christ’s resurrection fill your heart with hope, and provide you with the strength to overcome your current situation!       

March 26, Wednesday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on April 25, 2018, is written by Myra Huang. Myra, who holds a Bachelor’s degree from Juilliard School and a Master’s degree from The Manhattan School of Music, served faithfully at Remnant Church in Manhattan for many years.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

2 Corinthians 3:18

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

In my previous blog, I mentioned that my last album with my colleague Nick was nominated for a Grammy Award in the “Best Classical Vocal Solo” category (2017).  

Well, in the end, we did not win our Grammy category.  I had butterflies in my stomach as they reached the few categories right before ours, as I knew they would be announcing ours soon.  I truly did not expect to win, but the greatest gift I had received from the Lord was that He had released me from the fear of losing a few weeks before (see previous blog).  After encountering God’s healing, I was able to look back at moments when He closed doors for me and understand His pacing and His timing.  One thing I have learned deeply about His wise and loving leading is that His timing truly is perfect.  I had experienced so much consistency in God’s faithfulness in my career that I knew that I did not “need” this Grammy to have a great career.  The peace of God in such a moment of great expectation and the freedom to lose was the greatest gift the Lord could have ever given me.  I felt so loved—and still feel so loved—that He sought me out to give me this kind of freedom before my big moment.  

I never became a classical pianist “for God’s glory.”  Many people attach that phrase to whatever they do as an afterthought.  I pursued my career because I didn’t know what else to do; it was what God had put in front of me, and I just followed Him step by step.  What I have learned is that we give God glory in whatever we do, by being transformed into His likeness and loving those around us.  It’s not the career that glorifies God—it’s who you are in Christ that glorifies Him and your relationship with Him.  Before I step out on stage at every concert, I spend time reminding myself that the concert I am about to give is my worship to God.  I remind myself that I am performing for the audience of One.  

My final thought about the Grammys is … let the Lord’s will be done!  If He wants me to have a Grammy one day, that’s great; if not, that’s great too.  Because I don’t need a Grammy to have a successful career.  My goal is not to win, but to know the love of my Lord and to follow Him wherever He leads me.  

Prayer: Lord, there are things, not only in my personal life but for Your greater kingdom purposes, that need to get done. But, before letting me see what I need to do, allow me to see and then constantly remind me who I need to be in Christ.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Esther 3

Lunch Break Study

(Pastor Ryun)

Read 2 Timothy 4:16-8: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Questions to Consider

  • At first glance, this passage may not seem to correspond to this morning’s devotion, but actually it does, because both deal with being constantly aware of the true reality as opposed to operating out of a false reality. Myra saw herself as a winner in Christ even though she didn’t actually win the Grammy, and this realization was already internalized before the winner of the award was announced.  In the case of Paul, what did he already internalize long before whether anyone ever came to visit him in Rome?
  • In what sense are the experiences of Myra and Paul similar?
  • The kind of self-realization we are talking about here does require one thing: self-awareness of what truly drives and motivates us. Is it winning (even if it is for Christ) or being like Him—that is, being transformed by the Spirit to embody the likeness of Christ? Take a moment to reflect on this matter that we often ignore. 

Notes

  • Before anyone were to visit Paul in prison to show their care and concern for him, the apostle already felt sufficiently cared for because he was acutely aware of the Lord’s protective presence in his life.  
  • Their experiences are similar in the sense that they prioritized the presence of  One in order to deal with their respective struggles. For Paul, the struggle was dealing with the sense that no one supported him, despite all that he had done for them; for Myra, the struggle was dealing with the sense that she is “only as good as your last performance.” 
  • Personal response. It bears repeating what Myra said: “It’s not the career that glorifies God—it’s who you are in Christ that glorifies Him and your relationship with Him.”

Evening Reflection

In reviewing this day, was it a struggle to keep your head high (not in arrogance but in admiration of our gracious God) because things just didn’t turn out the way you planned?  In recognizing our shortcomings, how is the Lord using that to transform you? Perhaps James 4:6 may be helpful here: “6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”  

March 25, Tuesday

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on April 19, 2018.  Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal.

Devotional Thought for This Morning 

“Humanity Playing God”

Mark 12:1-12

“And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard.9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 11 this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.”

The Enlightenment marked a profound change in human history. No longer was God central to the grand narrative of culture; that place was now taken by men and their optimism for humanity’s potential and ability to create meaning apart from God. People began to invest into the sciences and philosophies not as a way of discovering the wonders of God but to gain autonomy apart from Him. This began the secularization of the world in which we find ourselves today; where society has sought to maximize individual freedom and to write its own narrative script. In some sense, it has attempted to kill off God and take over the course of history – seeing it as its own project. 

Similarly, in our passage for today, Israel in its own way attempted to distance themselves from God as a way of running their lives as how they saw fit. Here, Jesus is narrating the story of Israel in parable form. Israel is represented by the vineyard and their religious leaders are represented by the tenants. The servants are the prophets of God who were dismissed and killed throughout the history of Israel. The “beloved Son” in the story is Jesus Himself who is cryptically predicting His own fate that will come at the hands of the religious leaders. In other words, this story condemns the religious leaders’ failure to once again recognize those who are from God; instead, they attempt to keep their traditions alive even if it meant killing God’s servants. This is just like the tenants who said “This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” 

In many ways, this is the essence of sin. It is humanity’s attempt at killing off God for the sake of our own individual autonomy. I once heard it said that sin is living life as if God did not exist. In our culture, the temptation to follow this course is strong. Everywhere we look, we see the culture telling us to carve our own path, to follow our dreams, and to pursue the things that make us feel good. However, we have to understand that just like the tenants, the life given to us is not ours; it is given to us by our creator God who has a purpose for our lives- a life meant to be lived out in loving submission to His will and plans for us. Today, let us once again surrender our lives to God in prayer, committed all that we have to Him. 

Prayer: Father, forgive me for I have often tried to take control of the life You have given me- living for my own purpose. Help me to surrender and give You full control of every aspect of my life. Help me to trust You with all of my life. 

Bible Reading for Today: Esther 2

Lunch Break Study 

Read Romans 12:1-2: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship 2 Do not be conformed to this world  but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Questions to Consider 

  • What is Paul’s main call to the Roman Christians in this passage? 
  • What is the purpose of renewing our minds? 
  • Which part of your thinking reflects the world rather than the thoughts of God? 

Notes 

  • Paul is calling them to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God. The entirety of your life is called to be sacrificed to God as a means of spiritual worship to Him. 
  • Our minds must be renewed so that we may be able to understand and discern what is the will of God for our lives. 
  • Personal response

Evening Reflection 

As we are busy carving out and setting the course for our lives, take some time to prayerfully consider where your life is headed. Does it seem like it is a life shaped by God or shaped by your own hand?