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?

February 7, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 12, 2017.

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning:

“A Pastor’s Story of Redemption from Mexico to America”

Hebrews 11:34(NIV): . . . whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

Psalms 126:4-5 (ESV): Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

It wasn’t long after I began to attend a church in Juarez, Mexico in 2000, (while attending a language school) did I realize how uninformed I was of what God was doing among the Mexican churches—they were sending out missionaries. While the number of Mexican missionaries continues to grow, 75 percent go to just two countries: Spain and USA (David Markham). Going to Spain is certainly understandable, since evangelicals make up only 1 percent of the population—but to America?

According to a 2013 Times cover story (“Evangélicos”), “Latinos are pouring into Protestant churches across the U.S.”, and that a shortage of trained pastors to lead what are mostly Charismatic congregations continues to be an issue. So it makes sense that pastors trained in Mexico are going to the States as missionaries. Among the many pastors whom I was privileged to train, five of them currently pastor a Hispanic congregation in cities like Dallas, Nashville, and Porterville. Meet one of them, Pastor Jonathan, who pastors a congregation in New Mexico.

When Jonathan, a German-descent Mexican in his late 20s, came to my class in 2004, he was a youth pastor at a nearby Assembly of God congregation—and he was eager to learn. In his teens, he ran away from an abusive father, who forced him to sell things on the street, to live with a relative; there, he worked to support himself and finish high school. And it was during this time of “weakness” that he came to know the Lord; God’s call to ministry came a little later.

After studying diligently with me for three years, he had progressed enough so that his superior allowed him to train other pastors with my courses. Jonathan was happy for the opportunity but also nervous, since his students were older and more experienced pastors. Working hard and praying even harder to prepare himself, he did great. Therefore, I was so disappointed when Jonathan informed me in 2006 that he was moving to New Mexico to take on a small pastorate; I was really hoping he would become a main instructor of the course being developed.

Soon after we moved back to the states in 2011, Jonathan invited me to offer a course to his leaders and to preach. Oh, how pleased I was to find that a church of 30 had grown to a congregation of over 200 adults and 100 kids! Though the numbers do not always tell the right story, in this case, it did. Pastor Jonathan, who could have easily given up, didn’t; instead, he worked and studied hard and prayed even harder to be the right spiritual leader for his people, many of whom have led a hard life economically (e.g., working on the farm) and personally (e.g., family separation). His radio and video ministry (“Practical Faith”) continues to impact many in the Hispanic community searching for answers.

The story of Pastor Jonathan reminds us that God is in the redemptive business of turning our sorrow and weakness into joy and strength, respectively, so that we can be useful for His kingdom work. Trust God; work hard; pray harder. That is always the “winning” formula.

Prayer: Lord, how I exalt You for your steadfast love towards me. Although I have given up on myself many times, You have always stayed close to encourage me. Lord, although I cannot offer much, if at all, use me for Your Kingdom work. Cleanse me, train me, and equip me so that I can be useful for You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 27

Lunch Break Study

Read Phil. 1:6, 2:13 (ESV): And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ . . . for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

2 Tim. 2:6 (NIV): The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

1 Peter 2:11 (ESV): . . . whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Questions to Consider

1. What should be the basis of our confidence? How is this fundamentally different from humanism?

2. What is the relationship between God strengthening us and us working hard?

3. Ultimately, what are we trying to demonstrate by trying to be successful in the Lord?

Notes

1. Our confidence stems from what God has promised. He promises to strengthen our will in order to produce the work that would please Him; on top of that, He is going to ensure that we finish what we have begun. Humanism is relying on personal resources, without acknowledging or depending on God.

2. Among several variables, one tangible connection is motivation. God’s strength motivates us to discipline ourselves to work hard and to yield the fruits desired by the Lord.

3. We aren’t trying to tell the world how great and smart we are; instead, we want the world to know how great and awesome God’s power is to transform broken lives, thereby glorifying Him.

Evening Reflection

How would you describe the day you had? Was it another mundane day? Be silent before God and think through all that has happened today. Perhaps you missed an encouraging voice from the Lord or a desperate cry of help from someone nearby. Pray. Are you down? Remember the story of Pastor Jonathan and choose not to give in to your circumstances. Remember Proverb 24:16b: “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” Si, se puede en Cristo! (Yes, it can be done in Christ!)

February 6, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on May 16, 2017, is provided by Pastor Barry Kang, who heads Symphony Church in Boston. Barry is a graduate of Stanford University (B.S.), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Gordon Conwell Seminary (D.Min.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch!”

2 Corinthians 11:7-11

Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

“There is no such things as a free lunch,” my high school economics teacher loved to tell us. Many of us, over the years, have learned to become skeptical of anyone who will offer to give us something for free. “What’s the catch?” we wonder. The Corinthians, under the influence of “super-apostles,” were wondering why Paul labored as a tent-maker if this message he had was so valuable. If what is being offered is truly valuable, then it ought to cost something to the receiver.

And of course it does. But we understand the gospel is not for sale—it’s a gift. And when a gift is given, the giver takes on the cost. Paul accepted support from the church in Macedonia and worked as a tent-maker in Corinth during his time there, so that Corinthians would not have to pay anything for the gospel. Paul’s determination was this: he was going to disadvantage himself so that the Corinthians could be advantaged. In this, he was showing the nature of the gospel. The gospel is free to us, but costly to the giver. Christ paid the price so that we could receive forgiveness “free of charge”!

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your incredible grace. Forgive us that we often think that we have to pay something in return, as though our efforts could compare to the value of the gift. We want to receive this grace freely; and in return, find our hearts transformed so that like Paul, we are willing to give freely so that others would also receive. We take a moment to pray for all the bi-vocational pastors and missionaries who labor so that the gospel may come free of charge, and ask that You bless their labor. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 26

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 2:3-5 (NIV): Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Questions to Consider

What did the paralyzed man do in this story?
Whose faith amazed Jesus in this story?
What does this passage teach us about carrying others’ burdens?

Notes

The paralyzed man simply was carried by his friends to Jesus. He did not earn Jesus’ forgiveness, he did not earn the healing that Jesus would give him; rather, he was brought to Jesus by his friends, carried along by their strength and determination. He had a “free” trip to Jesus.
The faith of the friends is what amazed Jesus. After Jesus saw what these friends went through to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus, He then forgave the sins of the paralyzed man and also healed him of his paralysis.
Oftentimes when we think of carrying others’ burdens, we think in physical or emotional terms. But there is a spiritual dimension as well. Just as the faith of those men had an impact on their friend, our faith and our prayers for others can have a spiritual impact on them as well. Let’s be burdened for the sake of others’ in our lives!

Evening Reflection

Is there someone in your life going through a difficult season or maybe someone who is in need of God’s love, presence, and healing? Spend some time praying for that person, and thus carry their burden. Just as Paul was burdened for the Corinthians, let’s be burdened for those God has brought into our lives!

February 5, Monday

REPOSTToday’s AMI Devotional QT, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on May 1, 2017. Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Teachings of Demons”

1 Timothy 4:1-5

…who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:3 ESV)

It’s no coincidence that some of the most infamous cults in history have forbidden marriages or in the case of David Koresh, that all women belong to him. Most cults have dietary restrictions, not out of common sense or health reasons, but out of desire to be favored by the Lord.

Paul pulls no punches in calling the commands to abstain from marriage or certain foods “the teachings of demons” (v. 1). Why such harsh language? Because the root of avoiding sex in marriage and certain foods for holiness puts the Gospel message in reverse. It is no longer the grace of God that saves and sanctifies us, but it is now my ascetic practices, my self-denial that pleases God. These practices, which in themselves are not wrong, nevertheless become wrong because their motive (that of gaining God’s favor by self-denial) is wrong.

This is a good example of the subtlety by which error begins. When a deviation enters a stream of truth, at the first point of deviation, error looks like truth; it is very hard to see it as error. This is what has misled so many people. They never recognize error until they become engrossed in it.

Here’s the point. There is a distinction between self-denial and denying self. Jesus said, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23). That is denying self. But that is easily confused with self-denial, which says, I will give up this and that, so I can gain a special favor from God, so I can get something in return. When our motivation ultimately is to achieve something for ourselves by our actions, we are no longer denying self but practicing self-denial. How subtle the differences are! This is dangerous. This is what Paul cautions us on. Live a life of self-denial! If you deny yourself of anything, do not do it to gain God’s favor, but because it’s a response to God’s favor in your life.

As yourself this question: What is the difference between self-denial and denying self? Are we careful not to let subtle religious error lead us into a duplicitous faith apart from Christ’s righteousness?

Prayer: Lord, thank You that I can enjoy the things You have created. Teach me the difference between self-denial and denying self.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 25

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew16:24-28: Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. [28] Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Questions to Consider

1. Could you say considering this passage that you are following Christ?

2. What is the one thing you have tangibly denied following Christ today?

3. What is the one thing you must deny yourself in for the rest of this day? How are you doing with this? Convicted, ambivalent or different?

Notes

1. Following Christ is the death of the self, and the rise of the new self. You can truly say you have come to follow Christ until you have come to the end of yourself.

2. Perhaps you resisted the urge to be right in a petty argument or you gave into your roommate’s preference. Whatever may be the case, dying to self is not a matter of theory, but practice.

3. It’s so easy to read through this famous passage dismissively, but the call to follow Christ is startling and radical. We need to sense its impact anew today.

Evening Reflection

Were you able to deny yourself today? Reflect on how you can mark your life with self-denial.

February 4, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on November 6, 2017, is written by Tina Pham who, along with her family, is serving in E. Asia as a missionary. Tina is a graduate of Biola University (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Fasting Anyone?”

Luke 5:33-35 (NASB)

And they said to Him, “The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers, the disciples of the Pharisees also do the same, but Yours eat and drink.” And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.

Isaiah 58:6 (NASB)

“Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?”

Every new year, I look forward to fasting and praying with my church for the first several days of January as a way to seek the Lord. What frightens me, though, as the new year approaches is that when the fast begins, I will have to temporarily separate myself from coffee, which I have grown to rely on too much on a daily basis. However, I can count this challenge a blessing, for it pushes me to rely on God and to consider the rich purpose of this spiritual practice.

Having criticized Jesus and His disciples for dining with “tax collectors and sinners,” the Pharisees now criticize Jesus for the lack of spiritual practices that he teaches his disciples, judging them as unholy and less righteous than the disciples of other teachers.

Jesus’ response implies that they have actually misunderstood the appropriate season for fasting. In addition, they have fasted for the sake of appearing holy, while missing the real essence of fasting.

Because Jesus’ appearance marks the arrival of God’s kingdom, Jesus is calling it a time of feasting and joy, similar to the sounds of joy and celebration at wedding feasts. But when Jesus is “taken away,” through the cross, resurrection, and ascension, then it will be appropriate to fast regularly as an expression of hope and anticipation.

Regular fasting is an expression unto God of our anticipation for the second coming of Jesus Christ, and for focusing our bodies, mind, and heart to remain faithful and to be found faithful when Christ appears. It helps us focus on eternal things and gives us a chance us shed off the temporary things we have learned to rely on or chase after.

Fasting is pleasing to God, when we attach it with daily reliance on God (Lk. 4:4: “MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.”) and acts of justice and mercy (Is. 58:6). But if it is a way to claim self-righteousness or to build our outward appearance of holiness, it is an empty act and not a pleasing act unto God. (Lk. 18:11-12 “The Pharisee standing by himself prayed thus…I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all I get”). However, as you begin this new year by engaging in spiritual disciplines, I pray and hope that your prayers and fasting will not be an end in itself but a means to meet with the Lord and to draw close to Him.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me not to pray and fast for the sake of doing spiritual things, but for the sake of yielding and relying on You as the Lord of my life. I anticipate the day when I will celebrate with joy with brothers and sisters at Your glorious coming, when we see You face to face. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 24

February 3, Saturday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on November 12, 2016. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Missing the Point”

Hebrews 8:9-11
Not like the covenant that I made with their fatherson the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.For they did not continue in my covenant,and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israelafter those days, declares the Lord:I will put my laws into their minds,and write them on their hearts,and I will be their God,and they shall be my people.11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighborand each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’for they shall all know me,from the least of them to the greatest.

A minister determined a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. For this demonstration, he watered his lawn in the evening, then when night time approached, he visited his back yard with flashlight in hand. He carefully selected four worms, night-crawlers to be exact.

The four worms were placed into four separate jars: the FIRST WORM was put into a container of alcohol; the SECOND WORM was put into a container of cigarette smoke; the THIRD WORM was put into a container of chocolate; the FOURTH WORM was put into a container of good clean soil.

At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results: the FIRST WORM in the jar with alcohol – was DEAD; the SECOND WORM in the jar with cigarette smoke – was DEAD; the THIRD WORM in the jar with chocolate – was DEAD; the FOURTH WORM in the jar of good clean soil – was ALIVE!

So the Minister asked the congregation: What can you learn from this demonstration?

From the back of the church came the response: “As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won’t have worms!” That pretty much ended the service…

Aside from some questions I found myself asking about this story (e.g. how did he fill a jar with cigarette smoke… what did those worms ever do to deserve such a fate… why is chocolate even in this conversation… I had a few more, but I digress…), it was a funny reminder that two people can look at the exact same information and yet walk away with radically different conclusions.

The Hebrew’s writer has spent the last two chapters explaining, amongst other things, how God’s people totally missed the point of the Old Covenant and why it failed. It failed because they were unable in and of themselves to keep God’s commands; its point, therefore, was to show them that they needed a Savior, God Himself, to help them. Although as Christians we have entered into a New Covenant based not on our works but on the finished work of Jesus on our behalf, we can still find ourselves slipping into Old Covenant mentality. We can read the commands listed all throughout the New Testament and, like many who went before us, try to live them out in our own strength and abilities.

May we remember today that we ourselves are not able to be and do as we should. We must daily remain dependent on the grace and mercy of the Gospel that saved us and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit within us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I prepare for another day, help me to remember Your grace and mercy towards me. Remind me anew of my own deficiencies and dependency upon You. Thank You for my salvation through Jesus and for Your daily provision of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 22-23

February 2, Friday

REPOSTToday’s AMI Devotional QT, first posted on April 28, 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.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“No Obstacles or Stumbling Blocks”

2 Corinthians 6:3

We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry

When I was a junior in college, I became a Christian while attending Grace Covenant Church (Philadelphia). One of the important factors that led me to Christ was the community—especially the family group that I was a part of that year. For the first time in my life, I was surrounded by people my age, who were passionately pursuing growth in their relationship with God—and that was inspiring to me. I saw brothers and sisters praying with fervor, reading the Bible, and attending church in various forms—three times a week—because they wanted to encounter God. Not only that, they were meeting with me and investing into my life so that I could grow too. I really thought that I had found a church “full of angels.”

Well, that thought unfortunately did not last. One day that year, there was a group of us from the church, sitting and hanging out, when one person got up and left to head to a meeting. Then one of these “supposed angels” who was still there said something derogatory and gossipy about the person who had just left. I was appalled. I doubt anyone noticed, but I was in shock that a Christian could speak that way about another—especially when I thought they were the angel-type Christians.

Of course we are not perfect angels, but we are sinners saved by the grace of God. Nevertheless, as Christians and as ambassadors of Christ, we represent Jesus; and if we’re not careful, we can unwittingly put obstacles and barriers for others that could hinder them from growing in their relationship with Jesus. For that reason, it was apostle Paul’s ambition to not stumble anyone—and that should be ours as well. We should strive for holiness, be wise with our words, and be aware of how our actions and choices are perceived by others.

This can easily feel like a burden or works-based righteousness for us. But our motive for striving to put no obstacles for others is because of our love for them and for their growth —not for our salvation. If we have experienced the grace of God and have been compelled by the love of Jesus, then with the power of His love, we can minister to others without stumbling them—we can be ambassadors for Christ!

Prayer

Jesus, I pray that the way I live my life will be a reflection of Your love. I pray for wisdom with my words and actions this day, not for my personal righteousness, but for the sake of those around me. Help me so that I would put no obstacles in their way, but instead, may I embody Your love to them. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 21

Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 39:1-6: Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. 6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate.

Questions to Consider

Why did Potiphar find Joseph so trustworthy?
What do you think Potiphar’s opinion of God was?
What would someone learn about God from the way you live your life?

Notes

Joseph was so trustworthy because he was faithful and successful in all that he did. Though it was evident that God’s blessing was with him, it’s also safe to say that Joseph was really good at his job as well. It seemed like Potiphar trusted Joseph’s ability and his integrity so much so that he let Joseph makes all of the decisions and handle all of his finances.
Potiphar likely had a high opinion of God because of Joseph. He could see Joseph’s integrity and success in his work, and knew that it was because the Lord was with him. We can assume Potiphar knew that it was the Lord, because Joseph told him it was so.
Personal reflection question.

Evening Reflection

Even when we know that we have the grace of God, it can still feel like a burden when we strive to be good witnesses to the world. All the more, we need to remember that God doesn’t require or expect perfection from us in our relationship with Him. Take some time to remember God’s love for you, and pray that God will strengthen you to continue to be an ambassador for Him.