February 17, Saturday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on January 7, 2017, is written by Tina Pham who (along with her husband Anthony and son), serves as a missionary in E. Asia. Tina is a graduate of Biola University (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Heart Opened for Christ after Making all the Wrong Choices”

Luke 5:27-32 (NASB)

After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him. And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered and said to them, ” It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

This short account of Levi’s calling (also known as Matthew) and life after responding to Jesus shows us that Levi had a genuine encounter with grace, leading him to true repentance and transformation. When Jesus personally approached Levi at his tax booth, Levi encountered someone who was ready to embrace him and to give him a chance to start new again.

Prior to this encounter, Levi made a decision that consequently led the Jews to alienate and despise him. He had become a tax collector, working on behalf of the Roman Empire. We don’t know what drove him to do this. He could’ve been driven by greed, or perhaps he had lost hope and grew impatient with God because although the Jews were living in the Promised Land, they were still a powerless vassal state under Roman rule. While some Jews continued to worship God and to patiently wait for the Messiah to restore Israel, Levi and many others decided to pursue a more gratifying life in their eyes. For this reason, the religious leaders, though having heart issues of their own, saw people like Levi as unholy and displeasing to God.

When Levi realized that the life he had chosen left him empty, he had no social avenue to return back to the Lord. If he went to the temple, synagogue, or a table to dine with the Jews, the religious leaders in particular would not receive him well. When Jesus approached him at the tax booth and said, “Follow Me,” Levi knew that the God of Israel had personally reached out His hand to him. Jesus accepted Levi and gave him an opportunity to return back to God. Being touched by grace, Levi later became an avenue for many other socially alienated tax collectors to encounter Jesus, as he opened his home to host Jesus and those who needed Jesus’ love and forgiveness.

Oftentimes, when I am doing ministry or praying for a non-believing family member or friend, I become weary and impatient if I don’t see change or growth after a span of time. But I am reminded through Levi’s transformation that only the grace of Jesus brings about a genuine change in people—a transformation that is not man-made, but Spirit-led, that reveals God’s glory.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your passion for the lost and for convicting me to have the same heart as Yours. You not only have the desire, but You also have the power and grace to draw people to Yourself. As I serve You, please help me to rely on You and to boast in Your ability and power, and not in my own. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Song of Songs 6-7

February 16, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on March 3, 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).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“For All Have Sinned”

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

When I was living in Philadelphia, to save money on rent, let’s just say that I didn’t live in the cleanest of places—that is, I’ve had my share of cockroaches. Now, if you’ve ever had roaches in your place, then you’ve probably learned the phenomenon of being “afraid of the lights”: it’s when you enter a room and turn on the lights and see several cockroaches scurry away to hide, you become a little disturbed and you almost don’t want to turn on the lights again. You’ve become afraid of the lights. Many will overcome this by turning on the lights before physically entering the room. Almost everyone I know thinks that roaches are disgusting, ugly, vile creatures, and when we see one, our instinct is to kill it immediately.

Now let’s imagine a scene where two cockroaches are talking to each other about which one is better looking. So one roach says to the other, “I’m way better looking than you; my antennas are so much longer and fuller than yours.” The other responds, “Well, my back and wings (yes, I’ve seen roaches with wings) are more shiny than yours.” Now imagine that instead of scurrying away when I turn the lights on, these two roaches are too engaged in their argument to run away. Do you think that I, as a human, care about the minute differences between roaches and decide to spare the better looking one? Of course not! I crush them both because they are both vile, even if one thinks he is slightly less vile than the other. So while in the roach world, one might be “better” than another, in the human world, it doesn’t make an iota of a difference.

When I look at today’s passage, my first instinct is to think that this doesn’t apply to me—I’m good: I’m not sexually immoral, or an idolater, or adulterer, or homosexual, or a thief, or greedy, etc. So when Paul says, “And such were some of you” (v. 11), I want to respond, “You mean ‘you’ as in ‘them’, right?” But perhaps I’m thinking about sin like a roach thinks about their beauty. Sure, I may not be as “bad” as others, but the truth is, the difference between me and God is infinitely greater than the difference between roaches and people. So maybe we should expand this list to include the ill-tempered, the proud, the white-liars, etc., so that when Paul says, “That is what you were,” we can all say, “Amen. I’ve offended our Holy God.”

Of course, we are not going to stay there, but no matter our grievances, “we have been washed, we have been sanctified, we have been justified in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” God doesn’t see us a roaches; He sees us as His children.

* In full disclosure, the roach illustration is not mine, it was taken from Pastor Young at GCC (who borrowed it from someone else). I repurposed it and told it in the first person. So maybe I am a “thief” after all!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, Your Son. Thank You that His blood washes away all my guilt, shame, and sin. Help me never to see myself as okay but to live thankfully that I am genuinely a redeemed sinner. Help me to love others as You have loved me. Keep my heart from being like that of a Pharisee’s heart. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Song of Songs 5

Lunch Break Study

Read Roman 7:14-8:4: For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Questions to Consider

1. What was Paul describing in 7:14-25? Have you ever felt this dynamic in your life?

2. What can we specifically be thankful for?

3. Are you generally disposed to being thankful and full of grace?

Notes

1. Paul was describing the dynamic between living, but at the same time, slowly dying to the sinful nature and being alive in Christ. There will always be times when the Holy Spirit living in us desires to do good, while our flesh will fight that desire.

2. In chapter 8, we are told there is no condemnation for the believer. Praise God! We have been freed from the law of sin and death! Christ’s flesh condemned the sin of flesh and fulfilled the requirements of the law. In other words, it’s not just Christ’s death that is atoned for us, but the rewards of His righteous obedient life become our righteousness.

3. Personal application, but you should get the point.

Evening Reflection

Are you genuinely thankful for the life you have in Christ? And that you were infinitely far from God because of sin, but now you are closer to God than you realize? Does your life reflect the joy that such a pardoned sinner should feel? Take a few minutes this evening to truly reflect on what this salvation means.

February 15, Thursday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 13, 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 Thoughts for This Morning

“Wet Socks”

John 13:3-5

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

To be completely honest, when I first started serving on staff at my church, I had a hard time submitting to my lead pastor. Of course, I never did let it show on the outside; I did every task I was asked to do. But as the months went on, a grumbling spirit was taking hold of my heart; and as I continued to serve, it gradually grew into a root of bitterness. Perhaps you have experienced a similar rebellion of the flesh against submission to authority, whether at church or in the workplace. I felt trapped in this position, feeling obligated to serve, while at the same time unable to articulate the growing vexation within. But then something happened.

It was January, a typical snowy Sunday in Boston. I had accidentally stepped into a puddle of slush on my way to Sunday morning service, and as a result, my shoes and socks were soaking wet. I took my shoes off and draped my dripping socks on the backseat of a chair as I helped setup for the worship service. A few minutes later, I went back to where I had put my socks, hoping to find them at least a little drier than they were before. To my surprise, they were gone! Just as I was about to accuse someone of stealing my socks, my lead pastor walked out of the bathroom, with my socks in his hands. He had taken them into the bathroom, washed them, and used the hand-dryer to blow dry my socks. He handed them to me and said, “I didn’t want you to get sick.” In that moment, as I was fighting back the tears, I felt God speak to me saying, “You’re struggling to submit to this man, but see how he is willing to serve you. So now, submit to him, joyfully.” From that day, the bitter root was gone, my grumbling spirit was broken off, and serving started becoming a joy.

I can imagine the shock of the disciples when Jesus began washing their feet. They probably never expected their Lord to serve them in such a way. Little did they know that He would give them so much more; He was going to lay down His life.

Have you been grumbling? Do you recognize a bitter root taking hold of your heart? If so, know this: Jesus laid down His pride, honor, and even His life in order to serve us. Let us joyfully submit to Him, and lovingly serve one another.

Prayer: Lord, may everything we do, whether it’s submitting to authorities, serving people, or obeying your commands, may we do it from a place of joy. Remind us that You first loved us and served us, especially if we find ourselves growing weary or bitter. Thank You that You are a Servant King. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Song of Songs 4

Lunch Break Study

Read John 13:34-35: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Questions to Consider

In what manner are we commanded to love one another?
According to Jesus, how will people recognize His disciples?
What examples of Christ can we follow, as we strive to love one another?

Notes

In this passage, when Jesus commands His disciples to love one another, He also includes this guideline to inform us of the manner in which we are to love: “just as I have loved you…” In other words, we don’t love based on how we feel like loving. Neither do we love based on whether or not the recipient deserves such love. Our love for one another is based on how Jesus loved us.
Jesus says that people will recognize His disciples by the love they have for one another. In other words, the love that is displayed by the church should be so radical and so refreshingly different that it causes people to recognize that there is something special going on among the people of God.
So much of Jesus’ life is set as an example for us to follow. This passage comes right after Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. One way that we can follow this particular example is to willingly commit ourselves to do the “dirty work.” The kind of tasks that no one else really wants to do, but someone needs to do. Things like doing the dishes, vacuuming, laundry—menial tasks that include very little glory and require very little skill. When we do these out of love for one another, we are reflecting the servant heart of Christ.

Evening Reflection

Are you serving in your church? What is your heart’s attitude towards serving?

If you aren’t serving in some capacity, you should serve in some way! And if you are currently serving, spend some time reflecting on how your heart has been towards serving. If you find that there is some grumbling or bitterness growing within, bring it before Jesus our Servant King.

February 14, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Jabez Yeo who is now a friend of AMI, was first posted on February 14, 2017. He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (B.S.) and Columbia International University where he studied Islam (M.A.).

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Orphans through Dishonesty”

Romans 1:17

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Hebrews 11:6

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”

A common struggle amongst graduates today is the fight to pay off their student debts. As some of us know, living with debts often limits our financial flexibility. Now, what if I were to tell you that upon graduation, not only would your student debt be paid for, you would also be credited with millions as your reward? It’s not a stretch to say that there would be significantly more freedom in your life.

While such an act of financial generosity may be a pipe dream, we as Christians have actually experienced an infinitely greater act of generosity. Because of our sins, we could only earn death in our spiritual bank accounts (Rom. 6:23). Yet through Jesus’ sacrificial death, not only was our debt removed; we have actually been credited, by faith, with the righteousness of Christ Himself. Just as the earth simply receives rain from above, we too receive the righteousness of Christ that could not be earned or gained by our own power.

A significant implication of received righteousness is that we have the freedom to be humble and honest with our struggles. Unfortunately, we daily operate as spiritual orphans who believe that our deeds contribute to our spiritual ledger. When we are self-righteous and depend on what we do to make ourselves approved by God and others, we cannot look at our own sin. In fact, we have an incentive not to. It is too beneficial to be dishonest and too threatening to be exposed. Hypocrisy is then just a step away.

So how do we live as children instead of spiritual orphans? Just as we began: by faith. By faith, we receive what only God can give us: His forgiveness, His authority and His righteousness. Faith is the channel, the electrical cord, by which the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit flows into our daily lives. God’s children understand that He still saves sinners by faith, as that is just as much a part of their daily experience as it was when they first followed Christ. As God’s children, let’s come to Him in faith today.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You did not only wipe my slate clean but that You gave me the righteousness of Your Son that I never deserved. I confess that I still act as an orphan, depending on my efforts to save myself. I confess that I still act as if my deeds can earn your approval, despite the fact that it has already been given. Please bring me back to You and increase my faith in the all-sufficient sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Song of Songs 3

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 John 1:9: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Questions to Consider

1. What causes us to claim that we have not sinned? What happens as a result?

2. What happens when we confess our sins?

3. What do you need to confess to God and to others today?

Notes

1. There can be many things that cause us to cover up our sins (our pride, fears, self-righteousness, etc.). What is clear when we do so is that we make God out be a liar and display our lack of faith in Him. We deceive ourselves when we act as if we can make up for our mistakes.

2. God displays His faithfulness through His forgiveness and cleanses us, allowing us to experience Him in a greater and more powerful way.

3. Personal response: a clear conviction of sin over what you said and/or did, a grain of humility, etc.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on today’s events, both big and small. What emotions were associated with those events and did they bring you closer to or farther from God and others? If there’s anything you need to confess, share it with the Lord and a close friend. As God’s child, experience His healing and cleansing power today.

February 13, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on March 28, 2017. A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“For the Body”

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

When I was in high school, I played the trombone—and the trombone is known for having the capacity to be very loud. I remember one orchestra concert that had an epic ending, with a long note that would be held by the entire orchestra. But in my immaturity and pride, I saw that note as my moment to shine. So, during the concert, while many people were watching and listening, once we got to that epic note, I let loose with all the sound I could muster out of the trombone. It was so loud that even the conductor was thrown off and forgot to give the cue to move on from that note!

According to our passage for today, this is what many of us do with our spiritual gifts. God gave us gifts to use together for the sake of the church in love, yet in our immaturity and pride we twist them to be about ourselves. We end up being a distraction, just like I distracted the orchestra by my very loud note. These gifts end up becoming hindrances to God’s work, just like my blaring note was a hindrance to the orchestra performance. And in this, there is no love.

Yet, when done in love, these gifts become notes of grace that complement others’ gifts, creating a beautiful symphony to our Lord. That was the intent of spiritual gifts – to be used for building up the church. And this is not a task for just the loud ones or the ones who are good with words or the ones who seem to have faith all figured out – this is a task for every person in the church. So today, let’s reflect on our spiritual gifts, asking ourselves: Am I using these God-given gifts for myself or for the sake of the church? Have I made them to be about me, or about others?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us all spiritual gifts for the task of building up the body. Help us to turn the focus of these gifts away from ourselves and towards the church, for building up the body. Forgive us for the ways our pride has made us feel entitled to our giftings. Instead, help us to focus our attention on You, so that our gifts simply become a way for You to work through us. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Song of Songs 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 12:3-5: 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.

Questions to Consider

How should we think of ourselves, according to this passage?
What does it mean to be one body in Christ?
In what ways can you serve the body with your gifts?

Notes

This passage tells us not to think too highly of ourselves, but rather to think of ourselves with sober judgment, meaning honest judgment. This means we don’t inflate ourselves, but we look at ourselves as others see us. This is hard to do! The easiest way to do this is by letting others speak freely into our lives.
To be one body in Christ means that all members, just like all body parts in a physical body, are used in the operation of the church. A church is deficient to the extent that its members are not using their gifts for the sake of the church. God’s intent was that all members would be used.
Think honestly (sober judgment) about the ways God has gifted you. Are you thinking too lowly of yourself? Remember, God has gifted ALL members for the sake of the church, including you! Are you thinking too highly of yourself? Remember, your gifts are for the sake of the body, the church, not you. Now, looking at your gifts with sober judgment, ask yourself, How can I serve the body?

Evening Reflection

Tonight, as you go to sleep, take some time to repent of any pride that has clouded your perception of yourself and the gifts God has given you. Ask God for opportunities to use your gifts humbly and effectively for the church.

February 12, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on February 13, 2017. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Growing Up in Christ”

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

The house I grew up in is still the same one that my parents live in. When my younger brother and I are home, sometimes we will look at the wall that has all of our height charted. We will marvel at how little we used to be, but my brother also likes to point out, in particular, where he first caught up to me in height – and where he began to overtake everyone in the family in stature. I will never know, but reminding others of his exceptional growth seems to be very satisfying for him.

Paul says that our spiritual selves also have markers from which we can track our development. In early stages as Christians, most of our concerns are all personal, and our thoughts are mostly occupied with ourselves – when we are unleashed onto others, there is disunity and distrust. As we “grow up” in the faith, those scenarios should decrease.

Today, let’s take some time to assess how we are growing. Have we let ourselves stagnate in spiritual growth, still being mired in personal concerns? Or are we growing and showing genuine love and patience for one another?

Usually, when we measure our spiritual growth, we use a lot of numbers: How many things am I getting involved in? How many chapters of the Bible can I read a day? How much money am I giving to the church now? While these are a good start, I want to share what Dallas Willard writes about measuring spiritual growth: “We measure things like attendance and giving, but we should be looking at more fundamental things like anger, contempt, honesty, and the degree to which people are under the thumb of their lusts. Those things can be counted, but not as easily as offerings.”

As we strive for true spiritual growth, let’s ask God for the right measures of success. May He give us grace to see where we are immature in our behavior and a true desire to grow. We do not want to stay spiritual infants and children long-term; we want to grow into a mature family of Christ so that we might bless one another.

Prayer: Father, we want to truly grow in You. You do not count our growth by the number of years we followed You but by the depth to which You have refined us. Show us where we must grow up, Lord, and give us Your grace so that we might be a blessing to one another. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Song of Songs 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 4:11-16: So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Questions to Consider

How does Paul define Christian maturity here?
What are aspects of Christian infancy that Paul warns against here?
What are the practices that we can use to build one another up in love? Let’s take time to reflect on whether we are helping one another in this way.

Notes

Christian maturity is the ”whole measure of the fullness of Christ” –it is when our lives begin to reflect the character of Jesus Christ. The passage suggests that this comes as we experience unity in faith and grow in our knowledge of Christ Himself.
Christian infancy is uncertain about the truths of the gospel and easily swayed; since Christian maturity is marked by Christ’s character, we know that ungodly behavior will be an indicator of immature faith, too. We can begin to grow when we are rooted in God’s truth and character, not chasing after teachings here and there, but by learning to discern between truths and deceit.
Paul mentions that some are gifted to teach (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers). We can build the body up by speaking God’s truth lovingly to one another. As we also discover and exercise the spiritual gifts that God has given us, we will properly bolster and support one another.

Evening Reflection

Is spiritual growth currently a priority for you? If so, how are you measuring your growth? Let’s take time to reflect on how we want to grow and ask Him for the help to get us there.

February 11, Sunday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on April 30, 2017, is provided by Pastor Shan Gian who leads Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan. Shan is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Church Isn’t a Building”

2 Corinthians 6:16-18

What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

It may sound weird, but, for me, it always feels special to enter an actual church building, especially cathedrals. There’s a certain sense of reverence and awe that I feel when I’m in a beautiful sanctuary with long pews, stained glass windows and a big pipe organ to boot. Having been a part of mobile churches like GCC and of Symphony Church since my college days, I’m very much accustomed to having worship services in all sorts of locations: lecture halls, banquet halls, rock clubs, retreat centers, hotels, schools, living rooms, basements, giant tents, outdoor parks, beaches, etc. That is probably why I feel the way I do whenever I get to worship in a “real” church building.

Yes, I am mindful of the saying, “Church isn’t a building,” which is important to note, especially for those who are overly impressed by the outward appearance of a church. The disciples were like that:

upon seeing the temple, they said, “Look, . . . What massive stones! What magnificent building!” (Mk. 13:1). Now, think about how we might evaluate whether a church is good or so-so. We may not verbalize it but many of us want the ambience to be right: the lighting must be good; the band needs to play cool songs at the right tempo, pace and volume; and of course, the sermon needs to be rich in biblical content, intellectually stimulating and applicable. When these elements are present and there’s a community of people who are to our liking, many would consider that a good church. No, not really because these elements are not what the church is about either.

Actually, the church is still about a building but in a different sense. Paul says here in 2 Corinthians that “We are the temple of the living God.” Think about what an amazing statement that is coming from a man of Jewish background. As hinted earlier, the temple, like cathedrals of our time, was indeed ornate, large and beautiful; however, what made it significant was what was inside: it was a holy place because of the indwelling presence and the glory of God. The Jews went to the temple with a sense of reverence because that’s where God was.

And ever since Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the dead, WE are the temple of the living God, now; the glory and presence of God dwells within us. God himself says in this passage quoted from Leviticus 26, that “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them.” Just think about how amazing this truth is. God isn’t contained to a church building or a temple, but now He dwells within and among His people.

Church isn’t a building, but it’s about a people among whom God dwells. As we gather with our local church bodies this Lord ’s Day, as we walk into an auditorium, lecture hall, rock club, school, hotel, tent, whatever the venue, let us remind ourselves that WE are the temple, the dwelling place of the living God. As we gather as the body of Christ, God’s glory is among us. Let us come together and approach Him with joy and reverence because He is in our midst.

Prayer: Jesus, we are your temple. Remind me on this Lord’s Day to be in awe of your presence with me and with us as a body of Christ. Bless us as we worship you this day. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Philemon 1

February 10, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on February 18, 2017. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Expectations v. Reality”

1 Corinthians 4:10-13

We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. 14 I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children.

In the movie 500 Days of Summer, there is a scene juxtaposing the main character’s expectations with his reality. He is invited by his ex-girlfriend to a party hosted at her house; he arrives thinking that they will reconcile, but as the scene plays out, he finds out that it is actually a party to celebrate her engagement to another man. It is a very pitiable scene; I think many of us can relate to that disappointment of rosy expectations meeting a harsh reality.

What do we expect when we become followers of Christ? Is it just a better coping mechanism for the stresses of the world? Have we been told that trusting Christ means all of our financial inconveniences and poor health will be resolved? The apostle Paul is here to put to rest any misunderstanding the Corinthians, you, and I might have about Christian life.

Paul contrasts what the Corinthians have been striving for – wisdom, strength, honor – with what he and his disciples constantly experience. He tells them about the hardships, being very honest about the details of his persecution and poverty, not to create a guilty feeling within them, but for them to see plainly that they have held the wrong expectations for faith life. Following Christ is not a lottery win for personal gain; it is an invitation to discover humility and zeal for God’s kingdom.

The apostles and leaders of the early church faced resistance and hardship from the very beginning. What would keep them going? They had no guarantee of material richness, but what they received was an investment into eternity and a transformed character from God that has the power to endure, forgive, and to be humble in spirit.

Today, let’s reflect on whether we have wrong expectations for our lives, and ask God to replace them with spiritual reality. Few of us might be ready to embrace a life of hardship like Paul’s, but we can ask Him to gently turn our eyes towards eternity. As His kingdom becomes more and more of our priority, then we will not forgo the opportunity to fully spend our lives for Him. He will help us to live this life, whatever it holds, faithfully and bravely.

Prayer: Father, thank You for plainly showing me the real promises of faith. I do not want to follow You for things of this world but for treasures that will last all eternity. Lord, give me honesty to confess which things I am afraid of letting go. Please fine-tune my heart to understand that the riches of eternity will always outweigh any temporary pleasure that I want for this earth. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 30-31

February 9, Friday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on February 10, 2017. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The God Behind Our Greatness”

1 Corinthians 1:26-31: Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters. Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. 27 But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, 29 so that no one can boast in his presence. 30 He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

You may have heard this familiar story about Muhammad Ali… In Muhammad Ali’s heyday as the heavy weight champion in boxing, he had taken his seat on a 747 which was starting to taxi down the runway for take off. The flight attendant walked by and noticed Ali did not have on his seatbelt, and said, “Please fasten your seatbelt, sir.” He looked up proudly and snapped, “Superman don’t need no seatbelt.” Without hesitation she stared at him and said, “Superman don’t need no plane.”

God has made each of us great in different ways. But our greatness gets in our own way when we forget its source – not ourselves, but a gracious God who in loving creativity made us and endowed us with our gifts and talents. Most of us are as guilty as Ali (although certainly without as good a reason) of thinking as ourselves Super[wo]man and boasting in our abilities (even if not in such forthcoming terms). What’s worse, our society rewards this kind of warped, inflated sense of self – so much so that we resent words like weakness and lowliness.

But Paul reminds us today that it is our very condition of weakness, the ways in which we’re regarded as nothing in the world, which affords us opportunity to be used powerfully by God. Why? So that no one will be mistaken – we are not superhuman, we just serve a Super God!

What are the things about you that you take most pride in? Is it your intellect, beauty, talents (e.g. musical, artistic, etc.), wealth/resources, family, or accomplishments? Truth be told, we had no control over what gifts we were born with, whether it be our personality type, the opportunities we were afforded, our family of origin, our country of origin, who would be in our social circle. As much as we may work hard to make much of what we have, all we have (our very breath) is from the Lord. And all the ways we are “super” are not a declaration of our own glory, but of the glory of the God who made us.

Prayer: Almighty God, forgive me for my tendency to forget that all I am and all I have is from You. Thank You for the ways You’ve made me. Thank You for all my gifts and talents. Thank You for the resources and opportunities in my life. Help me to faithfully engage each of these things today not for my own glory or to make a name for myself, but for Yours. May I boast only in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverb 29

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Corinthians 4: 7-12: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death works in us, but life in you.

Questions to Consider

What is Paul communicating through the image of treasure in clay jars (or “earthen vessels”)?
How might vv. 8-9 encourage those striving to live a faithful Christian life while faced with their own weaknesses?
According to the passage, what makes it all worth it for those afflicted? How does this encourage you?

Notes

The image is striking – why would anyone put something that is truly valuable in a cheap container? Why would anyone put beautiful jewels in something made of dirt? Why would anyone put something precious in an easily-broken jar? So that the jewels might shine and their beauty be unmistakably distinct from the humble container holding them. This is what God has done by placing His Holy Spirit, His gospel message, and His coming Kingdom in us.
First, it reminds us that affliction, being perplexed, persecution, being struck down, and the like are all normal part of the Christian journey. When we come face to face with our weaknesses and limitations – be it a result of our own sinfulness or of persecutions from those around us – we can take comfort in knowing we’re right on course with those who’ve gone before us. It also assures us that no circumstances or weakness or limitation can utterly ruin us – it may stretch us, test us, challenge us, wound us – but it cannot destroy us. In fact, God is using all these things to “manifest in our body” the life of Jesus. That’s good news!
As previously stated, God uses the tough stuff to birth in us the life of Jesus. The very things that should destroy us are being used by our heavenly Father to shape and mold us into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Evening Reflection

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:19).

This morning we spent time thinking about ourselves in which we take most pride. What are some of your greatest weaknesses? (It can be a personality trait, past experience, present season of suffering, persistent sin struggle, personal or professional limitation, etc.). Spend some time reflecting on these things with the Lord, believing that He is forming Christ-likeness in you. Offer your areas of weaknesses to God as areas where His grace can prove sufficient and where His power can be revealed in your life.

February 8, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on February 28, 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).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Three Days Before the Superbowl: The Team”

1 Corinthians 5:4-7

When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

I’d say football is probably the ultimate team sport; and if you are an avid football fan like me, you might have noticed that Terrell Owens (T.O.), for the second year in a row, did not get voted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On paper, this is an outrage; T.O. ranks 2nd and 3rd in all-time yardage and touchdowns, respectively, by a receiver in football history. One could make an intelligent argument that T.O. is one of the five greatest receivers in football history. In the end, I have no doubt that he’ll eventually get into the Hall of Fame, but for now, voters are making a statement: you can’t act like a selfish, ornery child for most of your career and expect to be immediately granted football’s highest honor.

You see, for all of his talent and on-field accomplishments, T.O. was notorious for having problems in the locker room. He routinely demanded that his quarterbacks throw him the ball more often; he fought with coaches regarding game plans and other players about who knows what. There are even reports of him getting into physical altercations with team personnel. During his career, T.O. played for five different teams, because after a season or two, teams consistently didn’t think the on-field production outweighed the off-field drama. The “me first” attitude became too damaging to the team.

People are often shocked to hear that churches will discipline members, remove people out of leadership, or in very rare instances, excommunicate them. It feels ungracious. But if you read today’s passage you gain an understanding of why discipline is required. First, we hope that drastic measures will wake the person up so that they will eventually repent and come back and have their “souls saved” (v. 6). Second, and more to today’s point, is that sinfulness, like yeast in dough, has a way of spreading and spoiling the entire church. While it is important to be gracious (since we’re all sinners), no one individual is more important than the team. So, are you aspiring to be a prima donna, or a team player?

Prayer: Jesus, please remind me that the church as a whole is your beautiful spotless bride and You died for her. Please help me to play my part in the church well and faithfully, never putting my agenda ahead of Yours. Help me to love being on Your team. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 28

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 18:15-20: If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed[f] in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Questions to Consider

This passage is obviously foundational to church disciple, but let’s glean more general lessons about church from it.

1. What authority has Christ given to the church? How do you interpret v. 18?

2. Based on vv. 19-20, what promises did Jesus give to the church?

3. How does this information impact your view on the church?

Notes

1. In this passage, the church was given power to declare who was genuinely part of it. And these decisions were not arbitrary or insignificant; they are bound in heaven. This is why when the entire church (more than one congregation) agrees to a set of doctrines or condemns one teaching as heretical, it is a serious matter.

2. First, Jesus says that God promises to listen to the church’s prayer, and He promises His presence when they gather together.

3. Personal application question.

Evening Reflection

Today we talked about the importance of the church. When it comes to your faith, would you say that you are individualistic? Do you believe in the power and importance of community? Will you let the church speak into your life, or do you always have to push your agenda? Simply put, are you a team player?