REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 30, 2017.

Devotional Thought for This Morning 

“Hooray to Social Justice, but Whose Social Justice?”

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

Leviticus 19:15

You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.

Proverbs 28:5; 29

Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

In our world, there seems to be a new name above all names, the purpose above all purposes—the almighty ideal of social justice.  It would be troublesome, however, if social justice is viewed in the same light as the saying, “One man’s art is another man’s pornography.”  Yet there have been many different conceptions of justice throughout the ages. Thrasymachus in Plato’s Republic says that justice is simply whatever the strongest in society have deemed to be just (“Might makes right”). The 18^th century philosopher David Hume said that justice is a human convention invented for the collective self-interest. Popular, contemporary theories of social justice revolve around ending the oppression of identity-categorized minorities based on race, gender, and sexuality.

A passion for social justice is good, but if it has no answer to the question, “Whose social justice?” it can be a great force for error and evil. Take abortion as an example: both sides of the debate think that they are champions of social justice—pro-choicers see themselves as defenders of women’s rights and pro-lifers as protectors of unborn human dignity. But they can’t both be supporters of justice. If pro-choicers are correct, then pro-lifers are seeking to repressively withhold from millions of women their basic bodily autonomy, a grievous injustice. But if pro-lifers are right, then abortion is literally the mass genocide of children—dwarfing the total number of deaths in the history of the U.S., caused by notable ills like war, lynchings, or police shootings. 

Somebody is terribly mistaken here! As Isaiah 1:17 indicates, a desire for justice is good, but if predicated on a reckless theory of justice, such passion can be a great force for injustice. We can have all the fervor of a patriotic warrior as we march off to the grand, glorious war for social justice, but if we have pledged allegiance to the wrong ideological king, we may find ourselves making the nations much worse off. An earnest search for wisdom, knowledge, and God’s justice can go a long way toward making sure our social justice arrows hit the right targets. 

One man’s justice is another’s injustice. It is a reality that there are many good, reasonable people who radically differ on the nature of justice. Spiritual discernment is needed to prudently sift through the various claims and mandates concerning things like racial fairness, sexual oppression, human rights, socio-economic opportunity, and religious freedom.  

Here, we, as believers, must allow God’s Word to guide us during the formation of our views.  Today’s Scriptures remind us, first, to seek a justice that shows no favoritism to anyone: whether white or black, rich or poor, traditionally marginalized or historically privileged, for to do otherwise is to dishonor God; second, to seek a justice that looks out for those who are weak and easy to overlook, showing no partiality but making sure that they are included as part of justice for all; and finally, to seek a justice that obeys God, no matter how counter-cultural, unpopular, or unpalatable it might be (2 Cor. 10:5), for our God is a good God and in His social justice alone do we place our hope!

Prayer: God, before Your mighty and holy presence, I ought to tremble, for I’m weak and unholy.  But in Your justice and love, You had your Son to die to atone for my sins, so that I can be Your child who need not fear.  Help me to be just and loving, so that I can be Your witness in this hopeless world.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 25 

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Lunch Break Study

Read Col. 2:16-7: Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. ¹⁷ These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

Jn. 8:11:  And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

Gal. 6:2: Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ

Questions to Consider

1. Is it true that God’s Word itself has undergone changes?  For instance, Paul says here that it is okay to eat the kind of food that was prohibited in the OT (1 Tim. 4:4-5). How do you explain that? 

2. What is the law of Christ?  What relationship does it have with the laws found in the OT?

3. Based on the findings from questions 1 & 2, would it be reasonable to include that God’s Word continues to be authoritative in all matters, including social justice? 

Note

1. Yes and no—the form has changed but not the meaning. The strict dietary laws were given to the Jews in antiquity to distinguish Israel from the surrounding pagans.  Maintaining the ethnic purity of the Jews was important, since God had preordained Jesus to come from the lineage of David, the tribe of Judah of Israel.  Today, such dietary injunction has no value to the NT believers, who are, nonetheless, expected to distinguish themselves from their surroundings through holy living (i.e., not living according to the norms and values of the world). 

2. The law of Christ refers to all ethical, moral and theological teachings recorded in the NT.  There are many OT laws that are no longer relevant in the NT in a literal sense (e.g., Heb. 10:18).  For instance, stoning a sinner is not part of the law of Christ.  But, most moral commands in the OT have been transferred to the law of Christ, such as injunction against adultery, stealing, love of money, etc.

3. Yes, God’s Word continues to be authoritative because the meaning has not changed—and that’s what matters the most! 

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Evening Reflection

We began the day talking about social justice and the need to base it on the unchanging Word of God, which is “alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).  

So, how is your attitude toward the Scripture?  Can you really say you cannot live without it (Mt. 4:4)?  Regardless of how you respond, a better barometer is what you actually do with your Bible: Do you read it?  How often?  Do you study it?  How seriously?  Meditate on the godly habit of the Berean Christians and pray for God’s strength to imitate them.

Acts 17:11: Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on March 5, 2017, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Presentation Matters”

1 Cor. 6:19-20: 

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

I am generally not strong with presentation, nor do I much care about it.  So when I give presents, they will often come in the retailer’s bag where I purchased it (sometimes with the receipt still in it).  When I cook dinner, it will generally have a bachelor’s meal look to it (think Denny’s, not fine dining).  As a practical person, I’ll give myself the excuse that I’m more concerned with the quality of the gift, taste of the meal, or heart of the man than I am with the externals.  

That being said, sometimes presentation makes a difference, doesn’t it?  I have heard rumors that there’s a magic turquoise-colored box that can make women euphoric: It doesn’t even matter if the jewelry inside is of any quality whatsoever, you could put a rock in this box, but the simple sight of it will make the woman in your life weep, laugh, blush, and sing, all at the same.  

Now, in all seriousness, I didn’t get my wife’s engagement ring at Tiffany’s, but I got it online.  But, from the moment I clicked “purchase,” I was so worried that I had either been ripped off or that whatever I just bought was going to look horrible.  But when it came after two agonizing weeks, I cannot express how relieved I was, simply because it came in this fancy cherry box.  Maybe I thought that if the manufacturer went through the trouble of packaging it well, something even more valuable must be inside.  It makes little sense I know, but the presentation made all the difference in this case.  

In the Christian life, we emphasize the heart of a person above the externals (e.g. jars of clay in 1 Cor. 4 or cleaning the inside of the cup in Matt. 23); however, as I read today’s passage, I realize sometimes the external presentation is important as well.  Believers have the Holy Spirit living inside of them, and our bodies are called the external “temple” (v.19), so we see that to mean that in some sense, external presentation is also important.  Question: What kind of package are you presenting for the world to see?  Do people get a sense that because your manufacturer spent so much time on presentation that something of immeasurable value must be on the inside?  Or to put it another way, “a good tree bears good fruit” (Matt 7:17).  What type of fruit are you bearing in your life?  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You first and foremost that of all the places in the universe You could dwell in, You have chosen to dwell in my heart.  Help my external behavior to start to match the internal truth of my being.  I surrender my body to be Your temple. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 24

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on February 25, 2017,is provided by Jane Oak, who serves at Tapestry Church, Los Angeles. Jane is an immigration lawyer.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Faith and Work: Abundant Life” (In Reality, Abundance vs. Scarcity)”

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

We have all been victims of the enemy stealing from us, killing us, and destroying us. When we finally hear the gospel, we meet a God who doesn’t want to take from us but rather wants to give to us. For most of us, though, that’s where the gospel of God’s generosity stops. We’re glad that our God isn’t out to steal from, kill, or destroy us, and we hope He sticks to that hands-off approach, like the mob boss you pay protection money to and hope he doesn’t change his mind about looting your convenience store.

However, Jesus said, “I came that [my people] may have life and have it ABUNDANTLY.” When we settle for simply escaping the wrath of God, we completely miss out on the goodness of the gospel, which is expressed in part through the lavish generosity of God. Jesus came so that we could experience abundance! The gospel is not about settling for a middle-class spiritual life. It’s about overflowing, stuffed-to-the-gills, holy “hedonistic” ABUNDANCE. 

Yet, since I resumed attending church, I’ve noticed an interesting phenomenon: many of us seem to act like we’re poor. We often operate out of scarcity, not abundance. I’ve noticed this especially in the areas of money, time, esteem, and love. Faith-based living in God’s abundance has dramatically differentiated my professional approach from most attorneys.

Operating from monetary/material scarcity: greed, cutting corners, and self-protective deception.

Operating from monetary/material ABUNDANCE: generosity rather than greed, excellence rather than cutting corners, and integrity rather than self-protection.

Operating from temporal scarcity: reducing clients to numbers, cutting people off, making assumptions about people.

Operating from temporal ABUNDANCE: desiring to hear people’s stories/hearts, seeing people as individuals bearing the image of God, which allows me to give the best, holistic legal counsel.

Operating from a scarcity of esteem/value/acknowledgement: gossiping, backstabbing, need to prove your worth.

Operating from an ABUNDANCE of esteem: skyrockets my value because I was bought at the dearest price the universe could ask for—the life of Jesus, Son of God.

Operating from a scarcity of love: social desperation, settling for conditional affection, and people-pleasing.

Operating from an ABUNDANCE of love: gives me unshakeable security, true love, true wisdom, and the ability to say “no.”

In a practical way, ABUNDANT LIFE brings the Kingdom into the workplace. The Kingdom of God operates on the economy of abundance, so abundant living is essentially applying the Kingdom’s operations manual to our workplaces. This understanding makes me work and live differently than most other attorneys.

Prayer (and challenge): Do you notice character flaws/unhealthy behavior patterns that are not pleasing to God? Is the root of these a scarcity mentality? What do you feel that you’re lacking? Ask God to convict you of the truth of His abundance; ask the Lord for the strength and wisdom to work, serve and live accordingly. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 22-23

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional QT, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on May 4, 2017.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Global Missionary Enterprise”

2 Corinthians 8:1-10

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

Many of us want to serve the Lord, but we don’t always know how. We want to do the work of God’s mission or be involved with our church in ministry, but we don’t always have the time. We are torn because we find it hard to extract ourselves from the responsibility of work and family duties. Fortunately, God is greater than our limitations and He has given us multiple platforms for us to help build his Kingdom.  

The Christians living in Judea had fallen on hard times. A famine that the prophet Agabus predicted (Acts 11) had come to pass and they were now living in the midst of it. Those who were suffering were not just random people from an unknown church, but the church in Jerusalem was, in fact, the very church that sent out the apostles to Corinth and to the rest of Asia Minor. Now they were in need of help, so Paul encourages the Corinthians to raise support to encourage the Jerusalem church, not only physically, but spiritually, so that they may continue to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Our focus often tends to be on daily circumstances or on our immediate needs, but we are called not be too parochial; we are to consider the bigger picture, as we see how God is at work in other places in the world. In fact, this is how the Kingdom of God is expanded. It happens through the concern and determination of believers to help and support the work of other Christians. Our motivation isn’t to receive gratitude, but it’s out of the gratitude of what Christ has done for us that we are to be generous with people who are in need. 

I am always so encouraged to see our AMI missionaries continue to work and thrive overseas as part and parcel of the global missionary enterprise. As they build their churches, they are on front lines of the Kingdom of God. But this is not possible apart from a fellowship of friends and family who continue to encourage and strengthen them through their many prayers and financial support. As the people of God, we must continue to send people out to various mission fields, but we must also continue to support their work by availing ourselves to prayer and supporting them financially. Is God calling you to pray and support a missionary in need? 

Prayer: Father, I pray that we may not be a self-centered church, but one that reaches out continually to a lost world and lost people. I pray that we may have abundant resources in order to supply the needs of other Christians. I pray for God’s leading and help as we seek to impact our community and the wider world for Christ. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 21

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Lunch Break Study  

Read Ephesians 6:22-4: So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, 

Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Questions to Consider 

1. Paul refers to Tychicus as a “beloved brother.” Though he could have called him just a “brother,” Paul adds this word “beloved.” What are some ways we can be a “beloved brother”?  

2. Paul calls Tychicus a “faithful minister in the Lord.” How does one demonstrate faithfulness in ministry?  

3. Are you a faithful servant of the Lord whom others sense your love? 

Notes

1. Tychicus was a relational man. He wasn’t cold and aloof nor was he self-centered or insensitive to others. He wasn’t always about how he feels about things in the church, but he was concerned for the well-being of others.

2. You can be faithful by being trustworthy, by keeping your word, by striving to live with integrity, and finally, and by doing well with responsibilities entrusted to you. Tychius was entrusted to deliver safely the money entrusted to him. He did this task faithfully. 

3. Personal response.

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Evening Reflection

“Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service. Try to give unconditionally whatever a person needs in the moment. The point is to do something, however small, and show you care through your actions by giving your time. We are all God’s children so it is important to share His gifts. Do not worry about why problems exist in the world – just respond to people’s need. We feel what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but that ocean would be less without that drop.” Mother Teresa

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on May 24, 2017, is provided by Phillip Chen who is associate pastor at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego. Phil is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Holy and Awesome is He”

Revelation 1:9-20 (ESV)

I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see Jesus face to face? There was a popular song in the early 2000’s by MercyMe called “I Can Only Imagine” that poses this very question. What would it be like to see Jesus face to face? What would we do in His presence? In today’s passage, we see that John is terrified and falls at His feet as though dead. This is not a unique reaction, as many others who saw Jesus face to face on this earth fell down in fear and trembling. Take a moment to re-read the description that John gives Jesus. Imagine if you were in John’s shoes: how would you react? I believe the sheer vastness and awesomeness of our Lord would compel us to also fall down in fear. 

I’ve often wondered what it means to have an appropriate fear of God. In 1 John 4:18, he mentions that there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. Shouldn’t we cast aside fear, then, when approaching God? Just as there is godly grief and worldly grief, I believe there is godly fear and worldly fear as well. Godly fear is reverence and awe, an understanding of His holiness, justice, and righteousness. Worldly fear is the fear that will be felt by those who have not chosen to repent, as this fear has to do with punishment. As believers, we know that we no longer need to be scared of punishment, because Jesus has taken our punishment on Himself. However, we are still to approach God with this godly fear—reverence and awe as we approach Him in worship.

When our Sunday corporate worship, do we come to church with that fear of the Lord? Or do we casually roll in late and give Him a time limit for how long we will pay attention? When we pray or attend prayer meetings, do we humbly approach Him with our petitions and our adoration? Or do we make demands and express our disappointments of “unanswered prayer requests”? Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. May we be a people who are full of wisdom, approaching Him with awesome fear and reverence! 

Prayer: Father God, fill me with the holy fear that I ought to have while I live my life. As I bring true worship to You, may I do so with the right attitude and the right posture. You are mighty, glorious, and worthy to be praised. Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 20

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Lunch Break Study

Read Daniel 10:2-9 (ESV): In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed,[b] and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.

Question to Consider

1. What is the description of the man? How is it similar to John’s vision of Jesus?

2. What was the reaction of Daniel and the men who were with him?

3. How do we react when we are in the presence of God?

Notes

1. The man was clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold. His body was like beryl (a certain emerald-like gem). His face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. This was identical to what John saw (although described slightly differently). 

2. The men went to go hide themselves, even though they didn’t see the vision, but there was a great fear that came upon them. As for Daniel, he fell to the ground face down as one who had lost all strength within him.

3. Personal reflection.

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Evening Reflection

“God is not now any holier than He ever was. And He never was holier than now. He did not get His holiness from anyone nor from anywhere. He is Himself the Holiness. He is the All-Holy, the Holy One; He is holiness itself, beyond the power of thought to grasp or of word to express, beyond the power of all praise.” – A. W. Tozer. What does God’s holiness mean to you?

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 26, 2017, is provided by Pastor Min Soo Choi.  Min Soo, a graduate of University of Illinois and Reformed Theological Seminary (M.Div.), has been serving as the college pastor at Journey Church of Atlanta since 2017. He and his wife Ah Rim have two beautiful daughters.  

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Our Version of the Prosperity Gospel”

Matthew 5:1-6

Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to him. 2 And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” 

Most of us would dismiss prosperity gospel as unscriptural, since it presents health and wealth as the divine right of all believers.  But when it comes to our understanding of God’s blessing, are we all that different from those who advocate this theology? 

The word “blessed” comes from the Latin beatus, which also means “happy.”  And isn’t it true that we feel happy when fortuitous things such as health and wealth happen to us?  However, in Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus attributes “blessed” towards circumstances that naturally do not make us cheerful.  For instance, He proclaims blessings upon those who are poor, mournful, and meek.  If we were to face such bleak circumstances, it would be difficult for most of us to proclaim joy; yet Jesus claims that we are still blessed even when facing hunger, rejection, or hatred from the world.  How can this be? 

The correct answer to this question starts with, “We are blessed because we have Jesus.”  Yes, the ultimate blessing from God is His Son, but if we fail to grasp the magnitude of what God has done for us in Jesus, we miss out on His blessing when things are taken away from us.  Who knows that better than Job, who had lost everything: property, family, and health?   Yet, he declared, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

God’s blessing does not always bring happiness tied to fortuitous circumstances (i.e., getting things); rather, it is joy stemming from one’s state of wellbeing regarding their relationship with God.  We are blessed because we have a right standing before God in Christ (Rom. 5:1) that can never be taken away from us; and as a result, we can find joy in our relationship with Him.  Even in our darkest moments, even when we suffer great loss, we can rejoice because God blesses us through the eternal promises that we have in Him.   So, no matter what happens today, be joyful in Christ!

Prayer:  Dear God, I exalt Your holy name; I praise and thank You for being such a wonderful Father who has given us the greatest gift—Your own Son Jesus Christ.  Help me never to forget that while everything can be taken away from me, You will never leave nor abandon me.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 19

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Lunch Break Study 

Read Matthew 12:7-12: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Questions to Consider

1. Matthew 18:21-35 talks about a servant who, after being forgiven by his master over an unpaid debt, refused to forgive his fellow servant who owed him considerably less.  In light of this, why should those who have experienced God’s mercy be merciful toward others?

2. In what sense are the peacemakers called “sons of God”?  Think about Jesus, who as the Son of God became the ultimate peacemaker, reconciling men to God. 

3. In what sense are those who are persecuted and reviled for righteousness’ sake blessed?

Notes

1. Because God has forgiven us, we should do the same for others when they sin against us.  In the parable of the unmerciful servant, the master tells him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you” (Mt. 18:32-3). 

2. The Hebrew word for shalom is defined as “peace,” but it also connotes the idea of completeness and being whole. The peacemakers will be called “sons of God” because they will naturally imitate this character of peace from their heavenly Father. 

3. Throughout history, God’s people lived in persecution. Yet false prophets lived in splendor and comfort, as they lied to the masses for their own personal gain. Those who are persecuted can rejoice because their reward is in heaven, where they will share the kingdom of God with the prophets before them. 

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Evening Reflection

As you are about to wrap up this day, would you consider today a blessed day?  Why would you feel that way?  Maybe it wasn’t the best of day circumstantially—in that case, may you be encouraged by what the apostle James writes: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).  May we continue to look to the author and perfecter of our faith, Jesus Christ!  

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 19, 2017, is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei.  He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thought For This Morning

“The Gospel is Every Meal”

Galatians 3:1-3

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

My grandmother lives in the rural countryside of Korea. Miles of rice paddies lie in each direction of her humble home. During high school, I had the opportunity to live with her for the better part of a week. I was thrilled, because on the first evening, she cooked the most amazing Korean food for me: rice, kimchi, soup, and fish. I went to bed utterly satisfied. The next morning I woke up to a breakfast table that looked strangely familiar: rice, kimchi, soup, and fish. But it wasn’t leftovers; it was the same food, cooked fresh. Slightly confused, I shrugged it off because the meal was certainly good enough to enjoy for a second time. And then lunch rolled around, and believe it or not, it was the same food. Cooked fresh. Again! Your suspicions are correct, nearly every single meal at my grandmother’s house consisted of virtually the exact same things. However, I did not complain, for two reasons: First of all, the food was absolutely delicious. But secondly, I realized that this is how my grandmother eats all the time! This woman had learned to enjoy and savor the same meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, day after day, for decades. 

My own taste buds are wired to want new, different, exotic things. For many of us, food is exciting only as long as it keeps changing. But our spiritual food must not be like this. In our passage today, Paul rebukes the Galatian church because although they had started their faith journey in the gospel, for some reason they kept adding different things to it, straying away from the true gospel in favor of other spiritual trends. We too can often fall into this trap when we view the gospel merely as spiritual “baby food.” With this mindset, we think that as Christians mature, they outgrow their need for the gospel and graduate onto more mature things. 

But Paul completely refutes this notion. In the book of Galatians, Paul is basically saying that the gospel is not merely the baby food of Christianity, but the gospel is every single meal! In other words, the gospel is necessary at every level of growth. We will never outgrow our need for the gospel, because even when we become the most mature versions of ourselves, we are still in need of the grace of God in the blood of Christ. Spend some time this morning remembering the gospel, and re-confessing our need for it.

Prayer: Jesus, we need You. Every hour we need you. As much as we needed You on the day of our salvation, we need You today. Today, help me to live in light of the Gospel. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 18

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Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 51:7-12: Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.Let me hear joy and gladness;let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Questions to Consider

1. What does the psalmist (David) seem to be asking for in this psalm?
2. What kind of joy is David seeking from the Lord?
3. Typically, we experience joy when good things are happening around us. How is this kind of joy different?

Notes

1. David uses many supplicatory verbs in this Psalm: purge me, wash me, create in me, cast me not away. He seems to be asking for forgiveness for his sins and renewal of his heart. The heading of this Psalm informs us that David wrote this after Nathan had rebuked him for his sin of adultery with Bathsheba.
2. David asks of God, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.”
3. Typically, joy has to do with good things happening to us and around us – when we get a promotion, or good grades, or acceptance into med school, etc. On the other hand, “joy of salvation” is not based on our circumstances, but it’s a joy that is sourced in God’s faithfulness. At the time of writing this Psalm, David was not in a good situation, yet he cries out for God to restore the “joy of salvation” to him. Even in the worst situations, we have a source of joy that is not dependent upon our circumstances. We can always rejoice in the faithfulness of our God, who has saved us and will continue to save us.

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Evening Reflection

There are many earthly things that make us rejoice. When was the last time you rejoiced in God’s faithfulness? This evening, regardless of how your day or week has been going, spend some time rejoicing in Him. 

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on May 8, 2017, is provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, who serves in E. Asia as a missionary, is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Positive Feeback”

2 Corinthians 9:1-2

There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord’s people.² For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.  

In science, there is a process called a positive feedback loop in which a change from the normal range of function elicits a response that amplifies or enhances that change. An example is a cattle stampede. Once panic causes some cattle to start running, other cattle will find this frightening and start to run, until the general level of panic and the number of cattle running reaches its peak. 

In this passage, we see a positive feedback loop being displayed, which results in a generous giving to the materially-poor Jerusalem church. Paul encourages the Corinthian church that their enthusiasm to give money to the Jerusalem church has spurred the Philippian (Macedonian) church to also give. In fact, in 2 Corinthians 8:3, Paul says, “For I testify that they (Philippian church) gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” We learn that the Macedonians were willing to give “beyond their ability,” not simply because they were a generous church, but because they were inspired to hear that the Corinthian church had eagerly promised to give to Jerusalem. Now that the Philippians had given money, Paul is urging the Corinthian church to honor their promise to give.

Many of us have been encouraged by other’s testimonies. Testimonies are not just stories, but like what Paul said in verse 2, they are supposed to encourage and “stir believers into action.” Just as the Corinthians and Philippians were spurred to give generously by each other’s testimonies, our personal testimonies can spur others to take action in their spiritual walks with God. 1 John 1:2-3 makes it very clear that testimonies are important to our Christian walk. It says, “This life was revealed to us, and we have seen it and testify about it. We declare to you this eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. What we have seen and heard we declare to you so that you, too, can have fellowship with us. Now this fellowship of our is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus, and Messiah.”

This past year, Kairos Christian Church has made an effort to have a Sunday testimony on different topics at least once every two weeks. Our members share how the Holy Spirit has healed them, encouraged them to go on missions, convicted them to evangelize to co-workers, and to join discipleship. We have seen an increase in the participation of these areas of the church. While there might be other factors contributing to the increase in participation, I believe that testimonies play a large part in spurring our members into action. Our heart is that those who experience God in a deeper way will be able to share their testimony to others. This will create a positive feedback loop in the local church. 

When was the last time you shared a testimony? I encourage you to reflect back on the month of April and find something that God has done in your life. Take time to write each thing down and share it with your small group. Maybe somebody in your group will be spurred to take action!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for being a good Father. As I take time to reflect on the month of April, help me to remember incidences where You were working. I want to remember these things, not to boast in my own strength, but to testify of Your goodness to the people around me. You deserve all the glory and praise in my life! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 17

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 71:9-18: Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. 10 For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. 11 They say, “God has forsaken him;pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.” 12 Do not be far from me, my God;come quickly, God, to help me. 13 May my accusers perish in shame;may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. 16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. 17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Questions to Consider

1. We often testify of God’s goodness when good things happen to us. What is unique about David’s passage concerning testimony?
2. How are grief and joy intertwined in this passage (v. 15)?
3. What is the specific reason that David asks God not to forsake him (v. 18)?

Notes

1. His testimony is unique because he is testifying about God’s goodness in the midst of grief.
2. Regardless of the circumstance, David is not looking for answers and reasons. Rather, he simply understands that God is good and that is enough for him.
3. David tells God to not forsake him until he is able to testify of God’s greatness to the next generation of believers. This reveals the burden he has to shepherd the next generation in understanding the goodness of God.

Evening Reflection

In light of today’s sharing on testimony, were you able to reflect on God’s faithfulness in the month of April? Where were some areas in your life that God revealed His goodness to you (school, relationships, family, spiritual walk)?

REPOST  Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on January 29, 2017, is provided by Joanna Tzen, a friend of AMI, who attended and served at Grace Covenant Church (UC) for a long time. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Sabbath, Anyone”

Matthew 7:21 

“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!’

Yesterday, we talked about Sabbath, but maybe there is the question of whether this is even necessary, practical, or applicable in today’s world. I know that in my own life, there were instances where I misinterpreted the need for Sabbath as a weakness. Clearly, I was equating my worth to my productivity. So if I saw a need or an opportunity was presented, I quickly accepted. Though some good still came out of those decisions, it often came at the greater expense of my relationship with God or others, or other priorities to which I was committed.

Perhaps you can relate and ask yourself when new opportunities are presented in the new year, Am I adding one more thing because I have equated my worth to my work? Or, How might this impact my relationships or other priorities God has made clear in this season? 

Let’s humbly approach the Lord and ask that He remind us of how our worth is rooted in who we are and not what we do. We are not defined by the number of activities on our calendars or tasks accomplished for school, church or work. Let’s not do many things for Jesus to earn salvation that has already been secured for us, but instead draw near to be with Jesus first.

Prayer: Lord, if I have placed my worth in my doing, may You remind me that it is not my works that will save me, but I am saved by grace, through faith (Eph 2:8-9). You are not a means to an end, but the end itself. In the security of the Lord’s truth of who I am as a child of God, I ask for wisdom and discernment as to how You are calling me to build up Your kingdom in the season in which You have uniquely placed me. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 16

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on March 4, 2017, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Freedom”

1 Corinthians 6:12 

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything. 

My oldest son has a unique gift: he can watch anything—and I mean anything—on television.  Obviously, he has his favorites—like cartoons and all things related to Star Wars—but I could be watching a home improvement show, nature show, sitcom, drama, he’ll come, sit on the couch, and watch attentively with me.  I kid you not, after the election, I watched lots of news, and he was all over that as well.  You know where he gets this gift?  From his old man.  You see, I understand my son because he is just like me—I too can watch anything on TV.  The other day I was watching Avatar, and my wife looked at me, laughed and asked, “Why are you watching that stupid movie? You hate it.” (Sorry, if you liked that movie, but she’s right, I do hate it.)  I had no good explanation, so I think I said, “Because it’s on.”  Perhaps there is something in our DNA that is attracted to the movements, flickering lights and sounds of the TV, but we are like moths drawn to the flame.  

So when it comes to TV, I have to be very careful, because I know myself, and I can get hooked into a show very quickly.  And if that show is on Netflix, I have to be especially careful because I know I’m going to binge watch until I’ve completed it. My addictive personality is why I won’t even start an episode of Breaking Bad because if I start watching it, just like Walter White, I’ll get lost in this world I don’t want to be in.  

So is there anything sinful about television?  Generally speaking, no.  Television is just another form of entertainment.  But am I in danger of becoming “dominated” or “mastered” by it?  Yes.  So I choose to stay away from highly addictive shows.  Is there anything unlawful about television?  No, but is watching that much TV “helpful”?  Probably not, I could be using all those hours to love my kids, talk to my wife, serve in some ministry, or simply pray or read the Bible.  

When it comes to how we spend our time or money, how we entertain ourselves, or how we exercise our Christian liberties, let’s stop simply asking whether it is “lawful” or not, but let’s begin by asking, “Is it helpful to my life in Christ?”  Let’s also ask, “Will I be able to control myself or master this?”  If the answer to either of those questions is no, then let’s examine why we want to do them in the first place.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let my heart’s desire be to honor You.  Please help me to overcome the temptation to make faith about the “minimum things I need to do to keep You happy.”  Also, keep me from legalism and grant me wisdom in all things.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 14-15