Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 2nd-8th are provided by P. Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 12:17-25

¹⁷ Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord, that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking for yourselves a king.” ¹⁸ So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.

¹⁹ And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” ²⁰ And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. ²¹ And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. ²² For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. ²³ Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. ²⁴ Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. ²⁵ But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” 

In the course of life, it is important to realize that not every request that we make before God is actually legitimate or even good for us.  As a father of two children, I have had to deny many unwise and unhealthy requests, ranging from eating candy for breakfast to using all of their savings for video games.  Obviously, as a parent I have a clearer understanding of the long term effects of present decisions, so while they are young, my responsibility is to help my kids make good choices in life.  However, there will be a time when I will have to let them loose, allowing them to make their own decisions as well as live with the consequences.  It frightens me to some degree, but this is a natural part of growing up.

In relation to our illegitimate desires, God can go one of two ways: He can either choose not to answer the request and save us from a painful mistake, or He can answer the request and let us deal with the consequences, with the hopes that we learn from the eventual fall out.  Either way, God wishes the best for his children, and His goodness certainly cannot be questioned in whatever decision we make.

The miracle described in this passage is a frightening reminder that we must live with the consequences of our daily choices.  In this particular scenario, the Lord waits until the day of the wheat harvest to bring a storm with thunder and lightning.   Not only is this a case of unseasonal weather, it would have destroyed the wheat and significantly reduced the harvest.  In their desire to have an earthly king, the Israelites lost sight of what they would lose.  They failed to recognize that the society and their own lives would eventually suffer under the reign of human rulers.  However, in the midst of this sign of judgment, Samuel offers them the assurance that God will never forsake them.  As believers, this is our confidence as well.  Though we sin and face the consequences of our actions, the Lord will continue to love us and promises to never leave us.

Prayer

Lord, help us to remember that Your ways are higher than our ways, and that You know ultimately what is best.    Place a heart of trust within us so that we can live a life of obedience, even when things don’t make sense.  Also, give us wisdom and discernment so that we would know what to ask of You.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 5

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:5-8 (NIV)

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

 Questions to Consider

1. Why is praying for wisdom so important to the Christian life?
2. What does it mean to ask for wisdom in faith?
3. How are wisdom, faith, and prayer connected?

Notes

1. Every Christian will go through difficult times, and only the wisdom of God will provide the divine vision and perspective to help us through. More than silver and gold, the person who desires wisdom will flourish and grow during the trials of life.
2. It is important to discern wisdom that comes from man versus the wisdom of God. Secular wisdom can be helpful in certain situations, but only the wisdom that comes from God, which is a gift, is able to help us deal with spiritual matters.
3. There is a close connection between faith, prayer, and wisdom. The person who asks for the wisdom of God has to have faith. Wisdom, then allows that person to persevere and grow in their faith.  Therefore, both wisdom and faith grow together feeding into one another.  Growth in wisdom is to understand that everything of faith is from God. Prayer is the means by which we exercise our faith by asking for this divine wisdom over and against other worldly things that we may desire.

 Evening Reflection

When is the last time you asked for the wisdom of God in faith?  What were some wise decisions that you have recently made?  What were some foolish choices in the recent past and the consequences of those decisions?  Reflect on the story of Solomon who asked for wisdom and a discerning mind instead of riches and fame from 1 Kings 3.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 2nd-8th are provided by P. Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 12:1-5

And Samuel said to all Israel, “Behold, I have obeyed your voice in all that you have said to me and have made a king over you. ² And now, behold, the king walks before you, and I am old and gray; and behold, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day. ³ Here I am; testify against me before the Lord and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me and I will restore it to you.” ⁴ They said, “You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man’s hand.” ⁵ And he said to them, “The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”

When I turned 30, I remember struggling with the concept of legacy, because I thought I had wasted most of my twenties and had accomplished little in my life.  By the word “legacy,” I’m referring to the idea of how you will be remembered and whether or not your life has made an impact.  As I thought of all the people that I knew who had gone on to become successful in business and other respected professions, for the first time, I seriously gave some reflection on what I was leaving behind as a pastor.    In hindsight, maybe I was overly self-critical because I was reading the biographies of people who had accomplished great things before their 30^th birthday.  For example, John Calvin wrote The Institutes of the Christian Faith during his twenties.  Charles Spurgeon was leading the London Tabernacle, a church of ten thousand people, before the age of thirty.  But this self-reflection provided a healthy sense of urgency as well.

Though we can’t measures ourselves against ‘outliers’ like Calvin or Spurgeon, it is still vitally important to use the years of our youth wisely.  The prophet Samuel reminds us of the importance of living a life of integrity from the outset of our youth and to not waste our time on frivolous things.  From the early years of his life, Samuel walked before the people of Israel with honesty, compassion, and a clear conscience.  And now as a gray-bearded prophet, this servant of God was able to use the authority that could only be conferred to someone who had been exonerated through a lifetime of character and conduct to both exhort and encourage the next generation.  In other words, Samuel’s ability to influence people did not just happen:  It was developed over a lifetime of faithfulness.

Most people don’t think about the type of legacy they will leave behind when they pass away.  Too often, we only give thought to our legacy in our fifties and sixties; but this makes little sense, because by the time you’re that old, there’s really not much you can do to improve your legacy.  You can certainly destroy your reputation at that age like many have done, but the older you get, the harder it is to leave a lasting imprint on those who will remember you.  Personally, I don’t really buy the fact that fifty years old is now the new thirty.  The time to think about living to leave a legacy is now.

Prayer

Father, help us to number our days wisely.  Instead of wasting our time living for things that will not ultimately matter, give us a sense of urgency for the things that will last for eternity.  Remind us today of the importance of integrity and the character and conduct that is needed to truly influence the world around us.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 5:15-21 (NIV)

¹⁵ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 

 Questions to Consider

1. Why is it important to make the best use of your time in the midst of an evil world?
2. How can we ensure that we are living wisely and avoiding foolishness?
3. Have you ever considered that activities like getting drunk are not just sinful but also a waste of time and opportunity?

Notes

1. The literal translation of verse 16 is that believers are commanded to “redeem’ the time. We are to extract what is precious and pure from that which has become corrupted by the evils of our day.  The apostle Paul is mindful of the fact that the ability to live for God changes from season to season, and while we can, we must make the most of every opportunity
2. If we understand the will of God, we will keep ourselves from wasting our time on foolish and costly detours in life. As 1 Thessalonians 5 reminds us, the will of God is to pray without ceasing, rejoice always, and to give thanks in all circumstance: This is a good starting point in discerning the will of God.
3. Sin impacts our lives in more ways than one. Time wasted on sinful pursuits should also bring us to sorrow and repentance.

 Evening Reflection

How did you spend your time today, and how can you make better use of the time God has given you?  Reflect on the productive things that you accomplished and think of ways to minimize wasted opportunities.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 2nd-8th are provided by P. Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 11:6-14 (NIV):

When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one. 8 When Saul mustered them at Bezek, the men of Israel numbered three hundred thousand and those of Judah thirty thousand.

9 They told the messengers who had come, “Say to the men of Jabesh Gilead, ‘By the time the sun is hot tomorrow, you will be rescued.’ ” When the messengers went and reported this to the men of Jabesh, they were elated. 10 They said to the Ammonites, “Tomorrow we will surrender to you, and you can do to us whatever you like.”

11 The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

12 The people then said to Samuel, “Who was it that asked, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Turn these men over to us so that we may put them to death.” 13 But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel.” 14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship.” 15 So all the people went to Gilgal and made Saul king in the presence of the Lord. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the Lord, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration. 

Some years ago, I had a discussion with a friend on whether if would be preferable to have a large ministry whose leaders were powerfully gifted but lacking in character, or to have a small ministry where the leadership was high in character but not as visibly anointed.  It was a fun conversation because I think we both knew the right answer.  But admittedly, it was difficult not to entertain the thought of being highly successful without having to pay the cost of growing in integrity.  In a perfect world, we would want the best of both scenarios—high character leaders impacting large numbers of people with their anointing; but in an imperfect world, you can have one without the other.

In Saul’s first act as king, we see that he leads Israel to a resounding victory over their enemies, the Ammonites.  In the process, he appears to be more than a capable leader who is able to rally the people to a just cause, and coming up with a brilliant strategy to ensure the conquest of the enemy.   Even afterwards, he shows mercy towards those who questioned his right to be king.  On the surface, this appears to be the best possible beginning for the new monarch.  Perhaps, the Israelites were justified in asking God to give them a king and that everything would turn out well after all.

However, just because something appears to look good on the surface does not mean that trouble is not brewing underneath.  What is even more disturbing in this passage is that Saul is described as being empowered by the Spirit of God to accomplish this specific task of leading Israel into battle.  I think this is one of the saddest facts regarding the life of Saul, because even as the Holy Spirit worked through him, the Spirit of God never worked in him.  In reflection, given a choice, I realized that having a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit and yielding to His intimate work of inner transformation is more valuable than simply having some powerful gifts of leadership.  Remarkably, when we ask for the former, God graciously gives us the latter.

Prayer

Lord, it is easy to fall into the temptation of success without integrity and character.  There are always shortcuts in life.  Help me to yield to Your Holy Spirit as He brings about conviction of sin and leads me into the righteousness of Christ.  Also, help me to use the gifts of the Spirit to impact people—great and small—and to be faithful with every opportunity that comes my way.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 3

Lunch Break Study

Matthew 7:15-23 (NIV)

¹⁵ Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

²¹ Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the good fruit that is the evidence of a true relationship with Christ?
2. How can people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus perform the mighty works described in verse 22?
3. What is the end result of doing ministry in the name of Jesus without having a personal relationship with Jesus?

Notes:

1. The good fruit that Jesus speaks of is a life of obedience to God. It doesn’t matter how big your church is or how many miracles you have performed. Without personal devotion and love towards God, these things are actually in vain.
2. Not surprisingly, we see many people who don’t have the right motives, using the Spirit of God and the name of Christ for personal gain. There are two possible answers:  Like Balaam (Numbers 24:2), God can choose to give His Spirit to non-believers to fulfill His purposes; or these signs could be performed through a deceiving spirit.
3. There is absolutely no benefit to doing ministry or good works in the name of Jesus without a saving relationship with Him. The end result is eternal separation from the One whose name was used for selfish desires and to promote personal gain.

 Evening Reflection

In our modern world, it is so easy to judge everything by the outward appearance, and to be tempted by the world’s standards of value and success.  In what ways are you attracted to outer success, whether in your choice of churches, career, or even relationships?   How can you learn to see through the eyes of God and judge people not by the outward appearance, but by their inward character?

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 2nd-8th are provided by P. Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 10:17-24 (ESV): Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. 18 And he said to the people of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ 19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.” 20 Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. 21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin nearby its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. 22 So they inquired again of the Lord, “Is there a man still to come?” and the Lord said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” 23 Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

Most of the lessons that we learn from the life of Saul are of the negative type—meaning, things that we should avoid doing. However, as we read the account of his coronation, it seems evident that Saul was thrust into the kingship almost against his will. When given an opportunity to share about what happened between him and Samuel with his uncle, Saul leaves out the “minor” detail that he would be chosen to be the first king of Israel. And when in accordance with the prophecy, his name is chosen by lottery, instead of welcoming the chance to be king, Saul is nowhere to be found and the people literally had to take him out of his hiding spot.

At first glance, this reluctance to take the mantle of kingship may appear to be a sign of humility, but there is a clear distinction between modesty and a lack of courage. Saul suffered greatly from the latter because of his inability to conquer his insecurities. Perhaps a clue to Saul’s inner demon is found in the preceding chapter when he responds to Samuel by saying, “Am I not a Benjamite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the smallest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?” In certain ways, Saul is paralyzed by his own negative self-perception and he is unable to respond to the call of God in a healthy manner. Later on, in his relationship with David, Saul’s insecurities would drive him into murderous fits of jealousy when the people begin to give greater praise to David.

In the course of doing ministry, I have met many people who struggle with this very issue; and to a degree, it plagues all of us. There are some who refuse to serve or take greater responsibility in leadership because of their insecurities. There are some who cannot rejoice over the success of others because it is perceived as a threat to their own sense of worth. Still others cannot take criticism and correction, even when it is constructive, because it threatens their ego. Sadly, even as God gives us everything that is needed to succeed, if we don’t deal with our personal insecurities, we will find a way to ruin the opportunity that God lays before us. If Saul would have simply cast his eyes away from his own deficiencies and placed his trust in the sovereign choice of God, the result of his life may have been different. In our own struggle against our insecurities, the fact that God has chosen us to be his children has to be the source of our security.

Prayer

Father, You have chosen us before the beginning of time to be co-heirs with Your Son. This is an honor and a privilege that is beyond our scope of understanding. And though we are not fit to be called to such a noble position, in Your grace and wisdom, You have found us to be worthy through Your Son.  Help us to realize that our sense of security doesn’t come because of what is or is not on our resume, but ultimately, our security comes from your great love for us.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 12:3-6 (ESV): For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Questions to Consider

1. How can we learn to be objective in our self-evaluation of the gifts God has assigned to us?
2. Why is this important to the healthy functioning of the church?
3. Is there a ministry that God is calling you to? How are you using your spiritual gifts?

Notes

1. In evaluating what we can contribute to the kingdom of God, it is vitally important to be sober in our judgment of ourselves. Literally, we have to be careful not to be intoxicated by our own egos and become “egoholics.”   However, this does not mean that we have to be somber in our self-judgment, because by God’s grace, everyone has been assigned to do something worthy for the glory of God.
2. This proper self-evaluation is important because it allows people to find their right place in ministry, and not be caught up in comparing themselves with other members of the church. Many times, we forget to honor the parts of the body of Christ that are not as visible and end up only applauding what is on the surface. For the church to be healthy, each member has to play their part.
3. This passage is a wonderful reminder that we are all responsible for honing and developing the spiritual gifts that God has graciously given to us.

 Evening Reflection

It has been said that God equips those whom He calls. Think of God’s call on your life. If you are unsure, ask the Lord to clarify it. If it is more certain, ask God to develop both your character and your gifts to fulfill His purpose.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 9:1-27: There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. 2 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. 3 Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, “Take one of the young men with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.” 4 And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them.

15 Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: 16 “Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen my people, because their cry has come to me.” 17 When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall restrain my people.”

One of the questions that have always come to my mind in reading 1 Samuel 9 is: “Why did God direct Samuel the prophet to choose Saul as the first king of Israel?”  For those who know the story, Saul was a horrible king who rejected God’s commands and was self-serving, murderous, and insane towards the end of his life.  God certainly could have kept this man from the throne, yet not only does He permit Saul to become king, but He is the active agent in the process of bringing Saul to power.  Was this simply a case of not reading Saul’s resume carefully and making an unfortunate hiring blunder?

Actually, God hired exactly who the people of Israel wanted.  They wanted a king just like the kings of the surrounding nations, and so they received the desires of their heart.  In the text, we are told that Saul was a head taller than any of the people.  From a human perspective, it would seem good for a king to, at least, look the part, but the problem is that in the Old Testament, descriptions of stature are only given to the villains (remember Goliath?).  In fact, the good guys are identified primarily by their ability to tend their flocks, like a good shepherd.  We read in the story that Saul falls woefully short in his capacity to find the animals in his care.  This is all a foreshadowing of the type of king that Saul would eventually become.

It is so easy to judge everything by its exterior appearance and forget about what truly matters.  Like the people of Israel, we too can become consumed by our desire to achieve the world’s standards of prestige, fame, good looks, and fortune.  A sobering thought is that God sometimes gives into our illegitimate demands in order to teach us the hard lesson of humility and to point us towards Christ.  Unlike Saul, Jesus, the true King, was lowly in stature and despised in the eyes of men.  Yet for those of us who believe, He is our Good Shepherd, who has come from heaven to earth to find us and to care for us.

Prayer

Father, help us to remember that You do not judge by the outward appearance, but by what is in the heart.  May we clothes ourselves in the humility of Christ and help us to reflect this attitude in the things that we desire and pray for.  Above everything else, purify our motives and give us pure hearts that yearn to do Your will.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 1

Lunch Break Study

Read James 4:1-6 (ESV): What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? ² You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. ³ You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. ⁴ You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? ⁶ But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Questions to Consider

1. What is the main cause of fighting and quarrels among believers according to James?
2. Why are prayers not being answered by God?
3. What is the solution that is given for these problems that we find in the church?

Notes

1. The primary reason for quarreling among Christians is the spiritual war that is within each of us. All of us are a mixture of good and evil, and simultaneously both saint and sinner.  Much of our conflict with others is simply an overflow of the uncontrolled conflict that resides inside our own hearts.
2. The main cause of unanswered prayer is asking with the wrong motives. Even the most legitimate prayer request can be corrupted by our selfishness and desire to satisfy our own passions.
3. Simply put, we need more of the grace of God. If we continue to depend on our sense of self-sufficiency and pride, we compound the problem by facing the opposition of God.  Humility releases the grace of God into all of the relational issues that we face in the church.

 Evening Reflection

Is there someone that you have been fighting with recently, perhaps your wife/husband, children, friend, etc?  How did your pride make the problem worse?  How can humility bring reconciliation?  Pray to the Lord for more grace in the midst of conflict in your life.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for February 28 and March 1 are provided by Mei Lan Thallman of GCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Col. 4:7-18 (NIV):  “Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. [8] I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. [9] He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

[10] My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) [11] Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. [12] Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. [13] I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. [14] Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. [15] Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. [16] After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. [17] Tell Archippus: ‘See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.’ [18] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”

It was a blessing for me to read about Billy Graham and his 3 decades of enduring lifelong partnership with his ministry teammates, of which the most familiar to the public are: Cliff Barrows, Grady Wilson, and George Beverly Shea. In this present age, we are bombarded and accustomed to hearing about the failures of leaders from all sectors of life.  So I found it refreshing, inspiring and hopeful in reading about modern day saints who have faithfully finished their God-given calling with such humility, grace, and integrity.  It’s no surprise to find that their personal and ministry success of serving together at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association were birthed out of the spirit, mind set, and effort of being a team.  Ruth Graham, Billy Graham’s daughter described her father’s ministry team in this way: “Not only has the ministry been a team effort, but what strikes me is that it has also been an effort made largely by the same team”.

As I read about Billy Graham’s team, I began to yearn prayerfully about being part of a dream team like what they had.  Through a deeper look at Colossians 4:7-18, I got a glimpse of apostle Paul’s missionary team, and how God powerfully used their team efforts to reach the lost, as well as to plant and nurture the young churches.  In the meantime, God began to shift my mindset to prayerfully work on becoming the kind of teammate it takes to make the dream team; that is, what I can do or contribute to have that team building attitude.

My prayer is that God would help me to be like these men: a faithful and encouraging teammate like Tychicus and Onesimus; a courageous and loyal teammate like Aristarchus, who when the ships are down one can count on him to be there even in suffering; a comforting teammate like Justus; a prayer warrior and pastor teammate like Epaphras; a single- minded, passionate, and daring teammate like Paul, who is not afraid to challenge others to fulfill their God- given potentials and hold them accountable; a brave, yet  a tender-hearted teammate like Barnabas, who is not afraid to come along side to work through conflicts, in order to make a stronger team (i.e., Paul and John Mark).  I want to imitate these people in becoming a better teammate in my family, small group, Sunday School, and church.

Our God is glorified and we are sanctified when with one Spirit, heart and mind, we work together as a team (Jn. 17:20-25).  Let’s take time to thank God for the teammates He has already blessed us with, as well as boldly asking Him to continue to grow and use us as a team builder in running the great adventure of faith.

Bible Reading for Today: Obadiah 1

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for February 28 and March 1 are provided by Mei Lan Thallman of GCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Isaiah 55:8-13: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. [10] As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,[11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. [12] You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.[13] Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign that will endure forever.”

As a first generation Christian in my family, I have been praying for the salvation of my family members for a long time. And I am so grateful to experience firsthand how God has used the intercessory prayers of the body of Christ to bring salvation to my beloved mother. When she passed away unexpectedly three years ago, my greatest comfort was the assurance of knowing that she was with Jesus. But the process of praying for her salvation took more than 10 years.

Recently, I was feeling discouraged by the lack of visible breakthroughs in the ongoing 18 plus years of interceding for my siblings’ salvation and the heart wrenching circumstances that they are in. A thought of, “What’s the use, you might as well give up praying for them,” came to my mind. Just then, I felt the tugging of the Holy Spirit, reminding me of several prayers that were prayed over me: The first prayer was a prophetic word from a pastor that God has called me to be a spiritual pillar for my family. The second prayer was that God was teaching me a new way to see, to respond, and to pray for my dysfunctional family through His perspective and not my own.

The above Isaiah passage reminds me that part of praying is yielding my thoughts and understanding to God’s thoughts and understanding. My focus must to be on God, His character, His ongoing eternal redemptive plan, and not on the lack of results and the circumstances. On this side of heaven, 10 and 18 years seem like a long time, but from the perspective of eternity, they are like a blink of an eye or a drop in the bucket.

When I realign my thoughts and prayers according to the lordship and anointing of the Holy Spirit, God not only hears all my prayers, but He is faithful and able to accomplish His redemptive plan for the people He has laid on my heart to pray for; that is, in His timing and ways. My job is to keep on praying in cooperating with the Holy Spirit without ceasing.

For whom and what have you been burdened to intercede for lately? Please don’t give up and never lose hope. Your prayers are making all the difference in people’s eternal destinies and in God’s kingdom. God can use our prayers to equip us to co-labor with the Holy Spirit and empower us to make an eternal difference in people’s lives. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him (through intercession), so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 66

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Under the same subject (denying oneself to be a Christ’s disciple), two parables with different emphasis are given.

Lk 14:26-33 (NIV): “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. [27] And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. [28] Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? [29] For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, [30] saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ [31] Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? [32] If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. [33] In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”

During a service many years ago, the pastor of my church asked that if anyone was willing to foot the large bill for something the church needed, to raise their hands.  After a few seconds of uneasiness, especially among the elders, several people complied.   While that’s a commitment, they likely didn’t have enough time to “calculate the cost to see if [they had] enough to complete” what was promised.   Some who could not give may have left the church, not wanting to be ridiculed.

There are two components to “giving up everything to be a Christ’s disciple”: rationality and faith.

First, be rational by committing to something “according to what one has,” whether it be money and/or time, “not according to what he does not have” (2 Cor. 8:12).  This, however, is not necessarily borne of faith, which is “being . . . certain of what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1).  Therefore, we must up the “ante” (i.e., commitment) so that “your faith grows” (2 Cor. 10:15).  The increase in the commitment level must be incremental—a result of “sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Rom. 12:3) at that moment in life.  Some people, pressured by those who appear more committed, who try to jump several hurdles all at once, are likely to become bitter and complain later on.

As our commitment level grows, we’ll reach a point where we may be ready to surrender all aspects of our lives to the “King of kings” (1 Tim. 6:15), which is what the second parable shows.   The “kings” refer to us who are in charge of our own lives, but upon seeing that the KING, who comes to conquer, is stronger than us, then, instead of fighting, we’ll surrender.  Those who haven’t added faith to their rationality will put up a losing fight; those who have will yield, allowing the KING to rule them wherein they encounter righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).

How is your commitment level with God?  Are you making the right calculation?  If so, are you adding faith thereafter to ensure that you grow?  Think about it and make changes.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 65

Lunch Break Study

Read Lk. 9:57-62 (NASB): “As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, ‘I will follow You wherever You go.’ [58] And Jesus said to him, ‘The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.’  [59] And He said to another, ‘Follow Me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.’  [60] But He said to him, ‘Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.’ [61] Another also said, ‘I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.’ [62] But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

Lk. 16:13 (ESV): “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Question to Consider

1. The first layer of commitment is developing a sense of detachment from certain good things, but nonetheless, can pull us away from God. What are these “certain good things”?
2. In these two passages, is Jesus asking us to merely have a sense of detachment or act upon it? How are they responding?
3. What are you struggling with at the moment? A better question is, “What is God telling you to act upon (based on your calculation+faith) to take you to the next level of commitment for Him?”

Notes

1. A desire to have a nice place to lay one’s head; family relationships; economic success (the plowing); having enough money (however that is constituted in one’s mind).
2. Jesus is asking those who said they wanted to follow him to act up on their sense of detachment from these good things. Understandably, they were struggling with what was asked of them.  And if we are not in the habit of adding faith to our rationality, this will always be a big struggle.
3. If it is money, while you don’t have to give a big chunk every time you offer (tithing will do most of the times), you may need to offer an amount that strongly symbolizes a sense detachment from it. If it is family ties, you should practice being away from them for the sake of God’s work, whether it be one day or week, or more.

 Evening Reflection

Did you encounter opportunities to deny yourself to follow Christ today?  It doesn’t have to be an earthshaking event.  How did you handle it?  Review your day; reflect and pray.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Matt. 20:1-16 (NIV): “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. [2] He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. [3] About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. [4] He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ [5] So they went.  He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. [6] About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ [7] ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.  He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ [8] When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ [9] The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. [10] So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. [11] When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. [12] ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ [13] But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? [14] Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. [15] Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ [16] So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

A large freshmen class was told by the professor to submit their monthly assignments on the last day of the month—from September to November.  The fifty students who missed the first deadline were given a failing grade, but the professor showed them mercy when they pleaded for leniency on account of not yet being acclimated to college life.   Later, hundred students missed the second deadline, but the professor again showed them mercy on account that midterm exams were too much for them.   Once the word got around about the professor’s leniency, almost everyone missed the final deadline.   When told that they will all get an “F,” they yelled “Unjust!” to which the professor asked, “Do you want me to be just?”  When they said “Yes,” he declared, “Everyone who missed the deadline for previous assignments all get an ‘F’.”

This story and the parable above are very similar except for the people involved.  The landlord goes out to the market place on several occasions to hire men for his vineyard.  Like the day laborers of today, these are desperate men in need of work.  The earliest hired laborers probably worked for twelve hours; the last hired, only one.  Those who worked the longest, after seeing that the last hired received a denarius (a day’s wage), expected more; they were disappointed.   Then the landlord, like the professor, was accused of being unjust.  In response, he pointedly said to his accusers, “I’m not being unfair; I can do whatever I want with my money.  You received the agreed amount; with others I’m being generous.”

One of the toughest questions, usually raised by Christians, is, “Would God send those who never heard the gospel to hell?”  This may seem unfair, but it’s not for those who are already saved to say since God was never obligated to save anyone; the fact that He saved us from our misery certainly doesn’t give us the right to accuse him on account that not everyone receives an equal chance of being saved.  People are going to hell because of their sins, not because they haven’t heard the gospel.  Now that we’re saved by grace, we should be active in sharing the good news.

Prayer

O God, how I see the reality from my perspective and then accuse you of being unfair.  Amend my viewpoint; transform my worldview; change my opinion according to how it really is from your standpoint so that I may remain grateful and thankful to You for saving me from the pit of hell.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 64

Lunch Break Study

Read Ps. 103:9-10 (NIV): “He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; [10] he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”

Lam. 3:22-3 (ESV): “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Ez. 18:23 (NASB): “Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord God, rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?”

2 Pet. 3:9 (NASB): “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Question to Consider

1. The New Atheists, such as Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, love to portray God in the worst possible light, calling Him all kinds of terrible names. What do these passages reveal about the true nature of God?
2. Do Ps. 103:9-10 and Lam. 3:22-3 suggest that God doesn’t punish sin? What is that called?
3. If someone says that God is eager to send people to hell, how would you personally respond?

Notes

1. Contrary to the assertions of the New Atheists, God is gracious towards us by giving gifts that we don’t deserve and merciful by not punishing us in proportion to what we have done against Him.
2. It does suggest that the God of justice will punish us when we sin and remain unrepentant, but not to its fullest measure or extent: this is called God’s mercy.
3. On the contrary, God doesn’t take any pleasure in anyone perishing in hell; instead, He wants everyone to turn from their wicked ways and find God. In fact, hell was created with the devil in mind, not us (Matt. 25:42: “The eternal fire prepared for the devil”).

 Evening Reflection

As you reflect on this day, was there a moment in which you encountered God’s amazing grace poured out for you?  This past Sunday, I went to help my daughter whose car had veered off the icy road.  I was thinking of God’s grace because neither she was hurt nor her car was damaged.  I thanked Him.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Lk. 21:27-31 (NIV): “‘At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’ [29] He told them this parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees. [30] When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. [31] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. [32] Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. [33] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’”

Some say that Jesus was wrong since he didn’t return in the first century even though “all these things” happened during “this generation.” This misunderstanding stems from what constitutes “the end of age,” which, according to end times Bible prophesy, likely began with the restoration of Israel in 1948.  However, Peter, quoting Joel, proclaimed that the “last days” were inaugurated when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost: “In the last days, God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people’” (Acts 2:17).

So, we’ve been living in the end of age since the first century.  And Jesus certainly didn’t expect to return around then. Do you honestly believe that Jesus who said in the same discourse (Matt. 24), “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come,” expected that to happen within the lifetime of his listeners?  He even added, “These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away” (Lk. 21:9).

A largely forgotten doctrine called the “imminent return of Christ” postulates that Jesus can return at any time.  But once end-times prophecy became popular, it was believed that Jesus wouldn’t return until certain events took place beforehand.  However, the fig tree sprouting its leaves (vv.29-30), an annual event, doesn’t refer to specific events that will happen during a specific period; rather, it points to wars and natural disasters that are always happening in every generation.  And “these things” are to remind the people of every generation that Christ’s return is imminent; so be ready for it. One of these days, the last of these wars and disasters will precede Christ’s coming, but we aren’t to accentuate that; instead, we “ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of [the Lord]” (2 Pet. 3:12).

A few years after Buster Douglass knocked out Mike Tyson, his weight ballooned to 400 pounds.  It isn’t uncommon for professional athletes to experience substantial weight gain during the off-season or after retiring.  But for us, there is no off-season or retiring because “by standing firm you will gain life” (Lk. 21:19).

Prayer

God, help me to hear the internal clock in my heart that tells me what time this should be in my life. While I may need to take care of many earthly things at the moment, remind me that “now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2), which tells me that I need to always share the good news.  Help me, Lord.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 63

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Chron. 12:32 (ESV): “Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.”

1 Sam 11:1-4 (NIV): “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. [2] One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, [3] and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ [4] Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home.”

Hag. 1:4 (ESV): “‘Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?’ [5] Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Consider your ways. [6] You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.’”

Question to Consider

1. What do you think 1 Chronicles 12:32 (“understanding of the times”) means?
2. Do you think David and the Israelites who received the letter from Haggai had the understanding of their times? What went wrong for them?
3. Looking at the “fig tree” in your life, what time is it for you? (You may consult the list in Eccles. 3:18.)

Notes

1. Understanding of the times is always connected to something that ought to be done at that moment. While the Chronicler doesn’t provide more details, it appears that this involved some type of military campaign in which timing was everything. Folks, “seize the moment” (carpe diem)!
2. In the spring, kings would go off to wars; David didn’t. Instead, he was where he wasn’t supposed to be and this led to his great demise.  Likewise, for the people to whom Haggai wrote, it was their time to rebuild the Lord’s temple, but they were too busy enlarging their own homes. This sort of thing doesn’t go unnoticed by God who is displeased when He is not our top priority.
3. While my wife and I foresee returning to the mission field in the future, for now, we see ourselves being faithful to the AMI ministry, as well as praying for opportunities to serve the Hispanics in America. God has already opened one door this year, in Fresno, California.  ¡Gloria a Dios!

 Evening Reflection

A mom asked her young son why he threw the clock out the window.  His answer: “Since you always say, ‘Time flies,’ I wanted to see it for myself.”  As we get older, we can see that time flies very quickly.  How did you spend your time today?  It’s not too late to make this day count: spend this moment talking to the infinite and personal God of this universe who loves you very much.