Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from April 13-19 are written by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry LA.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 26:6

David then asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go with me down into the camp with me to Saul?”  “I’ll go with you,” said Abishai.

Here, we see mentioned for the first time one of the men who was a part of the great fighting force in the Bible known as “David’s mighty men,” also called “the Thirty” (1 Chron. 12:4). David is on the verge of inheriting the kingdom of Israel, to unite and make it as one of the strongest nations on earth at the time. And among David’s mighty men, Abishai was one of the best:

Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them. (2 Sam. 23:18-19)

From Abishai and the other mighty men, we can glean a couple of valuable lessons for today. First, we learn that God values our service, no matter how unnoticed it is. We aren’t all going to be John Pipers or Mother Teresas, but God values our service to him just as much. There is a special place in the Bible reserved for the men and women who worked unseen to help the nation of Israel become great, and there is a special place for those who work unseen in the church today.

Just as God provided a team of men to help give David valor to fight his battles, we need each other to persevere as saints as we go through this life. We are reminded that the body of Christ only functions when everyone does their part. David might have battled with Saul and the Philistines, but we are called to a spiritual battle we cannot afford to fight alone. We all need friends—the “mighty men and women” alongside us.

Perhaps by way of application, you can join a small group at your church and if you happen to be in one already, I encourage you to make a serious effort in building fellowship and accountability with those in your group. Be available and vulnerable to share your needs and struggles. Pray for one another. Spend time together and go into battle together.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the friends you have put in my life. Help me to never take them for granted. Allow me opportunities to go deeper with them, fortifying relationships for the sake of the Gospel.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 49

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 2:42-47

⁴² And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.⁴³ And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Questions to Consider

1. What were the four things the early church was committed to (v. 42)?
2. What was the result of their devotion?
3. What is the one thing you can do to show your commitment to the church today?

Notes

1. They were devoted to Bible study (the apostles’ teachings), fellowship, communion, and prayer.
2. They were filled with awe (signs and wonders accompanied them). They had favor with men, and the Lord added to their number.
3. It’s so easy to read through this famous passage dismissively, but the call to follow Christ is startling and radical. We need to sense its impact anew today.

 Evening Reflection

What is one tangible way to love the people at your church? If you haven’t already, take time to pray for your pastor and your church.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from April 6-12 are written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Sam. 25:32-33a; 39b

And David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! 33 Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you . . .” 39 . . . Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her as his wife.

Interestingly, during the years that David spent fleeing from Saul, he meets a wonderful woman named Abigail and eventually marries her.  I know that 1 Samuel 25 was not written to provide the readers with advice on relationships or marriage; rather, it shows the bigger picture of how God is building up David’s family, military forces, and political alliances. Political marriages were common at the time, and by his marriage to Abigail, David was making important ties with influential families in Judah. And David’s kingship would be attributed to the support of the tribe of Judah, not from the existing royal court. The writer does not say so, but he plainly saw David’s marriage to Abigail as part of God’s plan for him. (Carson, D.A, New Bible Commentary)

Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that the writer takes time to develop a narrative of how David and Abigail end up getting married. And in the narrative, it’s hard to overlook the quality that is highlighted in Abigail: her sense of “discretion”—this Hebrew word טַ֫עַם (ṭǎʹ·ʿǎm) means “judgment, discretion, discernment.” Concerning the quick thinking actions of Abigail in preventing disaster to her family, commentators of 1 Samuel describe Abigail using words such as: full of wisdom, sensible, prudent, and perceptive. Personally, having been married for 15 years now, I can testify that my wife has often practiced good sensibility in situations and with people, which has helped us in avoiding some negative circumstances in life.

But in contrast, Nabal, Abigail’s husband, behaved as a fool and almost brought about disaster to his family, had it not been for Abigail’s incredible discretion. We all know that we ought to choose the path of Abigail, but if we are honest with ourselves, more often than we’d like we show ourselves to be a Nabal. Due to our sinfulness, we choose anger over patience; slander over silence; lying over truth-telling; and bitterness over forgiveness. No wonder some of our relationships end up in disaster. It can make any of us cynical to relationships.

The good news is that we don’t have to swim in that cynicism, for Jesus offers us both hope and grace. He gets to the root of all relationship disasters, which stems from our hearts, not so much our foolish behaviors. Jesus works in our hearts to make changes that help us display more of Abigail’s “discretion.”Eventually, practicing that godly wisdom helps us bear fruit in our relationships. Ask the Lord for His wisdom because He promises to give it generously to those who ask (James 1:5).

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 48

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from April 6-12 are written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Sam. 23:5-7

Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

Two times (1 Sam. 23:5-7; 26:9-11), David is given a golden opportunity to take the life of his nemesis, King Saul, the man who was completely bent on killing David. Yet, on both occasions, not only does David refrain from taking Saul’s life, but he denies his men from harming Saul as well.

 

Try to understand a little of the context in these accounts: David is tired of fleeing from King Saul, and hiding in the wilderness. He remembers that he has been anointed by the prophet Samuel, to be the future king of Israel. He has heard of the despicable things that King Saul is doing, for example, killing the priests of Nob. If those reasons weren’t enough to end Saul’s life, one of David’s men, Abishai, is willing to dirty his own hands so that David would remain clear from any complicity (26:8).

One swift thrust of Abishai’s spear would have finally ended David’s fear for safety. He would have finally gone home to the praise of the crowds who once hailed David has a heroic warrior. He would have taken the throne and become king just as Samuel had prophesied. He would have ended a ruthless reign and instituted a new era of benevolence over Israel. All of this would come to fruition, while he remained clear of any crime against the throne.

Yet both times, he refrains from harming Saul. What would you have done?  Of course, we live in a totally different time and a way of life, and so we cringe at the thought of taking anybody’s life, even if the person had all of the traits of King Saul. We’d refrain from taking King Saul’s life as well, but not because of the reason David states. For David, it was clear that as long as Saul remained alive, he was still the Lord’s anointed servant. David may not have agreed with Saul and his ways as a king, yet David knew that God had His own timing, His own way of accomplishing His will, and His own way of displaying His glory.

I don’t believe that today’s churches are filled with people who want to slay corrupt leaders.  However, I believe our activities (and sometimes inactivity—namely prayerlessness) reveal that we’d much rather be the kind of church that takes matters into our own hands, at our own convenience, using our own preferred ways of carrying out God’s ministry. In refraining from taking Saul’s life, David showed that he understood one of the most critical truths in spiritual growth: God’s timing and that His ways are perfect. The word of God gives us many insights into the ways in which God accomplishes His works.

For reflection:

Convenience: Do you sometimes take matters into your own hands rather than wait on the Lord for His timing?

Preference: Do you at times become critical of your church’s mission and ministry because it makes you feel less than comfortable?

Ask the Lord for a heart that is humble and teachable to His perfect timing and ways.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 46-47

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from April 6-12 are written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 23:15-18

While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that[a] Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” 18 The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

How much value do you place in a friend? Like many of us, you probably value some friends more than others.  So how much value do you place in your facebook friends? Researchers calculated that a facebook friend is worth $174.17 (in 2013). It turns out that every time you “like” or “friend” a brand or a business, your actions are worth exactly $174.17 to that brand.  Do you believe that is your worth to your friends? In an age of social networking hysteria, have you made some meaningful friendships—the kind where there is mutual giving and receiving of care, concern, and love? Do you have friends where you are not merely held accountable for your weaknesses, but where you are covered and given grace when that weakness shows?

David and Jonathan shared a deep friendship that was defined by a covenant before the Lord. One can imagine how exhausted and discouraged David must have been as he sought refuge from King Saul. David had to live in caves and the wilderness, fleeing from one place to another, never knowing rest. But on this day, though brief, refreshing encouragement came to David through his friend Jonathan (King Saul’s son). Technically, Jonathan should have been the next rightful heir to the throne and all of its power and wealth. Yet, Jonathan knew that David would be the next king over Israel, and he would be David’s second. Jonathan was a loyal and trustworthy friend—a friend that would stick closer than a brother who would have laid his own life for David. I hardly think that David saw Jonathan’s estimated worth as being $174.17. I’m certain that David truly valued Jonathan.

Generations later, Jesus said a few words about what it means to be a friend. Jesus shared, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Soon afterwards, He laid down his own life so that we might be forgiven, strengthened, and become His friends. As you would with a good friend, spend some time deepening your friendship with Jesus today.

Prayer

Jesus, I would like to spend this day deepening my relationship with You. In everything that I do today, whether at home, work, or school, allow me to sense Your living presence, thoughts, and affections. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 45

Lunch Break Study

Prov. 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Prov. 18:24: One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Prov. 27:6: Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Questions to Consider

1. What are some qualities that define a biblical view of friendship?
2. How can the absence of meaningful friendship affect your life negatively?
3. Think of a person at your school or work who may need a friend. Pray about reaching out to that person.

Notes

1. True friends can be counted on when faced with adversity. They remain loyal, even more than some family members. And even if it hurts, they will tell you the truth.
2. You may have to face adversity alone. On the other hand, having unreliable friends land you in ruin. Also, without meaningful friendships, you may live in self-delusion.
3. Personal response.

 Evening Reflection

Think about a few friends that you truly value. Spend some time communicating your gratitude for their friendship. If you know a friend who is in need of strength, pray for and share some words of encouragement.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from April 6-12 are written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 23:7-14

Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, “God has delivered him into my hands, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” 8 And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. 9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” 10 David said, “Lord, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. 11 Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will.” 12 Again David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will.” 13 So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there. 14 David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.

As soon as I became a father, I made a discovery of a whole line of products that I hadn’t paid much attention to prior to parenthood. For instance, there are numerous products that help parents “child-proof” the house. These include: protection from swallowing deadly chemicals, protection from electricity, protection from falling and bumping into sharp edges, etc. Good parents do their best to provide protection.  In the same way, do you believe that God also provides protection for you as His child?

David had just delivered the citizens of Keilah from the ruthless Philistines; apparently, this must have been notable news since it reached Saul’s ears.  Having attained information about David’s whereabouts, Saul immediately dispatches his force to besiege the town of Keilah.  Meanwhile, David gains knowledge from God that Saul is on his way and that the people of Keilah, despite being saved by David, would give him up to Saul. I can just imagine David and his men expressing, “Thanks for nothing.”

Moving quickly, they escape before the arrival of Saul and his army.  Once again, David and his men find themselves on the run from King Saul while living in the wilderness.  Nevertheless,  although Saul searches for David “day after day,” “God does not give David into his hands.” Here, we get a glimpse of God’s protective nature as he keeps David safe from the hands of his enemy.

In our lives, we may never truly know how many times God actually has protected us. But we do know that the Father protects us from the evil one (2 Thess 3:3), and Jesus taught us to pray, “deliver us from evil [one]” in the Lord’s prayer. Yesterday, we were reminded of people facing persecution around the world. Today, again as we think of our persecuted brothers and sisters, let’s ask God for His protection and deliverance from the evil one whose aim is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

Prayer

Lord, there must be countless ways in which you have been protecting me all these years. I pray that you will continue to deliver me from the evil one. Thank you for the spiritual armor that is available for me as your child. I pray for my persecuted brothers and sisters that You will protect them and their families. Please deliver them from the evil one. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 44

Lunch Break Study

Ephesians 6:10-17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Questions to Consider

1. Why is the armor of God important for the believer?
2. What is the duty of the believer in regards to spiritual warfare?
3. What “spiritual battle” are you facing at the present moment? How can you equip yourself to ensure a victory over this?

Notes  

1. A believer is the target of the devil’s schemes (1 Pet. 5:8); he is now in a battle against the powers of this dark world. It would be foolish to engage in this battle without the proper armor (e.g., God’s truth, Christ’s imputed righteousness) and weapon (i.e., God’s word).
2. Paul’s charge is to put on the full armor of God and then to firmly stand your ground against the enemy. By God’s grace, it is important for a believer to resolve not to give in to the enemy’s schemes.
3. Personal response.

 Evening Reflection

Has there been a time when you realized that the Lord had protected you? If so, write about that event in your journal and keep a record of the time when God displayed His might and protected you from the evil one.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from April 6-12 are written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 22:17-19

17 Then the king ordered the guards at his side: “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because they too have sided with David. They knew he was fleeing, yet they did not tell me.” But the king’s officials were unwilling to raise a hand to strike the priests of the Lord. 18 The king then ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. 19 He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep.

This particular passage depicts a horrific and tragic event in Israel’s history. Saul, whom God selected to lead His chosen nation, has now become so engulfed in his rage, jealousy, and violence that he resorts to brutally—murdering 85 men who served the Lord. And if that wasn’t awful enough, Saul proceeds to make a blood bath in the town of Nob, killing all who were alive.

Such brutal edicts may have been perceived somewhat differently back then from the way we might understand them today. Nevertheless, we can readily see that there was something wrong and insidious about this order from Saul, for even the king’s guards had enough sensibility (and probably the fear of God) to refuse the order of slaying the priests. The price of the guards’ disobedience was probably very costly. It was indeed a day of mourning for Nob, David, and Israel.

For many of us living in the States, even if we are a casual viewer of today’s news, we see and hear of the real and deadly persecution (and at times, execution) of Christians living in certain areas of the world. For instance, just before Easter Weekend, militant terrorists opened fire at Garissa University College in Kenya claiming 147 lives—many of whom were Christians who had gathered for morning prayer.

Even upon such tragic news, many of us are too busy, too removed, or even too calloused to allow our hearts to be filled with compassion and concern. While our indifference pales in comparison to the wickedness of these terrorists, we become indirectly complicit in their crime against humanity by doing nothing.   Let’s ask God to give us a heart that He has so that we, even for a brief pause, may consider, pray, and to intercede for many of our brothers and sisters who are risking their lives for the Gospel.

Prayer

Lord, I pray for the brothers and sisters who are facing immense persecution in the world today. Protect them. Comfort them. And in the midst of persecutions, be near to them, giving them the strength each day to “rejoice as they participate in the sufferings of Christ” (1 Peter 4:13). In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 43

Lunch Break Study

1 Peter 4:12-16

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 

Questions to Consider

1. How does Peter encourage the believers to respond to suffering and persecution?
2. What is the outcome for those who undergo suffering because of Christ?
3. Have you endured through some tough sufferings because of Jesus? If so, how did you respond? Have you been “blessed” through the ordeal?

Notes 

1. Peter tells the believers not to be surprised; rather, to actually rejoice when facing suffering and persecution and to “praise God” for bearing His name in the midst of suffering.
2. When suffering for Christ, one is actually “blessed” as the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon that person. Therefore, in this place of blessing, one is capable of praising God in the midst of pain and sorrow.
3. Personal response.

 Evening Reflection

Spend some time praying for others tonight, especially those around you who might be going through pain and suffering. Pray again for the Universal Church where many brothers and sisters are facing death because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from April 6-12 are written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 22:6-8

Now Saul heard that David and his men had been discovered. And Saul was seated, spear in hand, under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with all his officials standing at his side. 7 He said to them, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Will the son of Jesse give all of you fields and vineyards? Will he make all of you commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds? 8 Is that why you have all conspired against me? No one tells me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is concerned about me or tells me that my son has incited my servant to lie in wait for me, as he does today.”

My two boys will get into a little tiff and eventually one of them (usually the younger) will come running to me making a case about how he had been victimized by his brother: “Dad, he took the controller away from me, and he’s not sharing!” Of course, then his older brother will have to plead his own case that he first had been wronged: “Dad, he’s been playing already for a long time, and I didn’t even get a turn.” Back and forth the arguments will be made, hoping that I would be persuaded to take the side of the ultimate victim.

I can probably make the case that being born as sinful creatures, we are all prone to playing the victim card; this is where we use attention seeking strategies to either cope, or even worse, manipulate others for our benefit. Both Adam and Eve tried to blame others rather than admit their disobedience, claiming that they had been victimized.

In this passage, King Saul concludes his tirade by playing the ultimate victim card. He makes accusations that “all have conspired against me,” and that “none of you is concerned about me.” Saul discloses that even his own son has taken the side of David—perhaps trying to manipulate his men to take his side. It would seem that while Saul still remained seated on the throne, his kingdom was slipping from his very own fingers. He needed to convince others that he was still a legitimate king and that the real perpetrator was David, while he was the victim.

Do you sometimes find yourself playing the victim card? Perhaps it’s about your spouse, your boss, your small group leader, or your pastor. (Of course, if a perpetrator has indeed hurt you by abusing one’s authority or power, then the Lord desires to heal you.) Do you sometimes react to situations and find yourself resorting to the same strategies employed here by Saul in the secret hopes of manipulation? If so, ask the Lord to reveal the truth of your circumstances. Ask the Lord to reveal what’s really going on in your heart.

Prayer

Dear Lord, it is easy to complain about others and claim that I have been wronged. I can try to make a case that I have been overlooked, abandoned, and unloved. But Lord, I know that you have not overlooked me. I know that you have not abandoned me and that nothing will separate me from Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 42

Lunch Break Study

Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”  37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Questions to Consider

1. How does Paul convince the church in Rome that God loves them and is for them?
2. What is Paul referring to when he writes, “in all these things” in verse 37?
3. Rather than feeling victimized by trouble and hardship, how is Paul convinced that he is more than a conqueror?

Notes

1. Paul reminds them that God did not spare his own Son, but gave His very own Son for us all.
2. Paul is talking about all of the “trouble and hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger and sword” mentioned in verse 35.
3. Though there’s persecution and murder of Christians, Paul says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” What I think this means is that a conqueror has his enemies lying, subdued at his feet—enemies such as distress, famine, nakedness, peril, sword, and persecution. But if we are “more than conquerors,” it means that they’re not just at our feet, but they are serving us. They’re not just in chains in prison; rather, they are serving us. Our persecution, famine, nakedness, loss—as painful and as tearful as they are—are our servants, for God works them all together for our good (John Piper).

 Evening Reflection

Have you been feeling victimized due to difficult circumstances? Have you found yourself complaining and feeling hopeless? Spend some time asking the Holy Spirit to readjust your perspective on those matters. Make plans to meet with a trusted person who can both listen to you but also provide you with a truthful perspective on these matters.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from April 6-12 are written by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 22:1-2, 26-31

David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him…

26 When David reached Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the Lord’s enemies.” 27 David sent it to those who were in Bethel, Ramoth Negev and Jattir; 28 to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa 29 and Rakal; to those in the towns of the Jerahmeelites and the Kenites; 30 to those in Hormah, Bor Ashan, Athak 31 and Hebron; and to those in all the other places where he and his men had roamed.

Suppose you were asked to start up a ministry: it could be a small group, a homeless ministry, a prayer ministry or a hospitality ministry, etc. Where do you begin the team selection? Do you look to the responsible, gifted, personable, team-oriented people? Or do you gather together all who might be “in distress or in debt or discontented”? It’s obvious that we’d prefer to work with those who are emotionally healthy, resourceful, and optimistic. If the team members of a ministry displayed those qualities time and time again—now, that’s a ministry that I would sign up for. But what if the members of the team displayed the kinds of qualities that reflected the type of people that had gathered around David as he fled from King Saul?

This was a precarious time for David. King Saul was filled with envy as David gained more recognition and popularity, and Saul’s aim was to kill David. David understood that for his safety, as well as for his own family, he would have to flee from Saul and seek refuge elsewhere. For the next 8 years or so (possibly longer), David would live in caves, remote villages, even behind enemy lines evading Saul. And the long wandering flight began with a gathering of people whose lives were disheveled.

Skip over 8 chapters to the end of David’s fleeing years from King Saul. David and his men are now in a position where they are sharing their possessions and sending gifts to many places where “he and his men had roamed.” God had not merely protected David, but He had given David and his men such blessings that they now found themselves in a position of sharing their surplus with others.

Do you believe that God can take a group of people who are “in distress or in debt or discontented” and eventually position those people so that they would bless others in their spheres of influence? The truth is that we all are people in distress or in debt or discontented in one way or another. Yet, God has chosen to bless us through His Son so that we in turn might bless others in the very places where we reside, work, study, and play.

Prayer

Lord, when I look at my life, I’m not really sure how I’ll be a blessing to others. I ask that you fill my heart with your Spirit so that I might be a conduit of blessing to my family, co-workers, neighbors, and church members. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 40

Lunch Break Study

1 Cor. 1:26-31 (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, 

holiness and redemption.31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Questions to Consider

1. Would you agree that before you were called you were “not wise and not influential” but rather foolish?  
2. Why does God choose the “lowly things of this world” to carry out His works?
3. How do you go about boasting in the Lord?

Notes   

1. The act of God in Christ has brought about a reversal of human evaluations concerning status, achievement, and success. Before coming into a relationship with Christ, everything was motivated by selfish gain, and therefore we lived in the folly of self-centeredness.
2. God chooses the lowly things so that no one may boast before Him; rather he desires that they might boast in the Lord and be freed from a life of self-centeredness.
3. The point of Paul’s letter is not self-abasement but boasting in God’s strength and wisdom.

 Evening Reflection

As you reflect upon your position of ministry toward others, how do you keep yourself from becoming self-inflated and robbing God of His glory? Spend some time confessing your own weakness and foolishness, and worship the Lord for His strength and wisdom.

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI Quiet Time is written by Shan Gian of Symphony Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Romans 8:11

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

A long time ago, when I was still pretty young in my faith (but acting like I was mature), I remember a friend of mine closing a prayer meeting with a prayer that went something like this: “God, we thank you that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is within us.”  After he said that, my immediate reaction was, “Wait, is that true?”  It was inconceivable to me that this incredible statement could be factual.  So after the prayer meeting, I went home and pulled up Bible Gateway and did a search for those words; and to my amazement, it was true!  The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells within me and with all believers.  When we know this truth, it changes everything, doesn’t it?

Today, we celebrate Easter Sunday—Jesus rose from the dead on this day a few thousand years ago.  It was and still is the greatest day in all of history because everything changed as a result of the Christ’s resurrection.  Not too long after this glorious day, simple, uneducated men would start sharing this Good News to strangers and even foreigners, where thousands of people started to put their faith in this Jesus.  They would help the lame to walk, the sick to be healed, and bring dead back to life, all the while rejoicing as they took on beatings and persecutions.  These simple, uneducated men would flip the whole world upside down.  All of this could only be possible because that same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwelled in them.

We can look at our own lives and just feel so ordinary; it’s hard to think we could be like those apostles and have much to offer to this world.  Especially when we focus on the darkness and problems of this world, we feel powerless.  Maybe instead of the Spirit, we see the sin that still rages within our hearts.  It’s hard to believe that we would ever be free of it.  But when we realize this truth that this same Spirit who raised Jesus Christ from the dead dwells within us, and when we remember this Easter Sunday, it should change everything.  Sin has lost its power over us.  Death has been defeated.  We have this power within us that comes from the Holy Spirit.

As we celebrate this Easter Sunday, let us rejoice that this same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us. Let’s believe in that power within us!

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 40

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI Quiet Time is written by Shan Gian of Symphony Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Luke 24:13-27

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

The ending for some movies is predictable, such as Titanic, but not movies like Shawshank Redemption and The Usual Suspects that were produced in the 1990s.  (Sorry, I guess I’m not that young.)  One reason many moviegoers enjoyed them was not only an incredible plot twist, but the surprise ending that brought everything together—everything finally made sense.

Moving onto a much more serious venue, I would imagine that Cleopas and his friend had a similar experience on the road to Emmaus.  These two disciples of Jesus were walking along the road, confused about what had transpired over the weekend; this was not the ending that they had anticipated.   Instead of redeeming Israel, they had seen Jesus, whom they thought was the Messiah, beaten and finally crucified.

Why the miscalculation?  Certainly, God had been telling and weaving an intricate story of redemption.  It went from the Creation to the Fall, to Abraham and the time of the patriarchs, and the Exodus to the Exile.  All throughout Israel’s history, there were prophecies of the Messiah who was to come.  But instead of the Prince of Peace, the Israelites, because they had long suffered at the hands of gentile rulers (such as Grecians and Romans) were looking for a triumphant, militant Jesus.

Once Jesus came, He said very plainly how He had to suffer first, but it didn’t make sense to the Jews who yearned for a political liberator, not a suffering one!

Here, still in disguise, Jesus shows these two disciples how their misunderstanding of the Scripture led to a false expectation.   He starts with “Moses and all the Prophets” and interprets “all the Scriptures” to them.  And suddenly, Cleopas and his friend started to understand the Scriptures, Jesus’ ministry, and the events on Good Friday—all of which pointed to the death and resurrection of the Jesus “that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory.” This surprise ending gave them great hope and joy!

As believers today, we have been completely changed and transformed because we know how the story ended.  Knowing the ending changes everything.  We can read the stories and prophecies of the Old Testament and see how it pointed to the Messiah.  We can see the amazing story of God’s grace and the redemption of His people, including us.  But most of all, we can look at our own lives and see that God has woven a story of grace and redemption within us, and because of what Jesus did for us, we know that the ending to our own stories leads to an eternity with our Lord.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 38-39