REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on December 10, 2016, 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

“Work for This Gift?”

Philippians 2:12

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Christmas is coming soon—and many of us are thinking about gifts.  Let’s say, on Christmas Day, someone very close to you gives you a wonderful gift that he/she thinks you’ll love, with beautiful wrapping paper and a pretty bow on top.  What would you do with it?  You would, of course, either gently unwrap the gift, or tear up the wrap like an animal, open the box, and enjoy the great gift.  But now that you’ve done the work of unwrapping this gift, have you now “worked” for this gift?  Of course not! The “work” that you’ve done has only led you to enjoy this gift.   

Philippians 2:12 is one of the most perplexing verses in the Bible for many Christians.  All of our lives, we’ve been told that salvation is a free gift from God, that our salvation is by faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9); it’s not at all about what we do, but it’s about what Jesus has done. But here, Paul seems to contradict himself— and the whole gospel message—by commanding us to “work out your own salvation.”  It’s as if Paul hadn’t read what he wrote in Ephesians!

Paul, of course, is not contradicting himself, and he’s not advocating a salvation based on good works.  But the work that he calls us to do is a lot like the work we do in opening our Christmas gifts.  There is effort required—but it’s still a gift.  The work you do in opening a gift is inconsequential in comparison to the gift itself.  As followers of Christ, we have been given salvation—the greatest gift imaginable— and we clearly have not earned it—it is by the grace of God.  We do not work FOR our salvation, but still we work it out.  Perhaps an easier way for us to think of it is that we make our salvation known or revealed; we unwrap this gift of salvation and make it known to us and to others.  There is no point in having a gift that is unopened.

The theological term for this work is sanctification.  We work to draw closer to God, to be set free from sin and temptation, and to be more and more like Jesus.  Though sanctification is hard work, and it takes incredible amount of effort to live holy and righteous lives, our work is not the means of our salvation—rather, it reveals our salvation. At the same time, we have been given the Holy Spirit, our Counselor and Helper, through this sanctification process.  And even though it takes endurance and diligence to be sanctified, it is inconsequential to the gift that we have been given.  So let us rejoice in the gift of our salvation, and at the same time, unwrap the gift, as we work it out before the Lord!

Prayer: Jesus, I think You for this gift of salvation.  I know I have not earned it and I do not deserve it, but it is a gift of grace.  Help me, Jesus, to work out my salvation.  Give me strength to seek sanctification and to be more like You.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 29-30

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on May 19, 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

“What is the Sound of One Hand Clapping?”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Humble yourself and God will exalt you (James 4:10); the first shall be last (Matthew 20:16); free from sin, slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18); live through dying (John 12:24); lose life to find it (Matthew 10:39); when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:10)—the New Testament has many seeming paradoxes.  Culturally and societally speaking, they don’t always make sense, but spiritually—they make all the sense in the world.   

So how does weakness lead to strength?  It might be helpful to think of the glass of a light-bulb.  The glass is very thin, fragile, and easily shattered, but precisely because of that fragility, it is transparent (or translucent), which allows for the light to shine more brightly.  Similarly, when we are strong, we obscure the work of God and we receive the glory.  Also, we depend on God less; we pray less and God answers fewer prayers.  When we are fragile, the strength of God is more clearly shown in us, so God receives the glory.  We depend on God more; we pray more and God answers our prayers more.  One is life without God; the other is life with God.  One is a life of earning; the other is a life of grace.  Culturally and societally, it may not make sense, but spiritually, we know which is better.

Prayer: Father, what an awesome thought it is that You can be strong in us.  Lord, help us to surrender our strengths to You and embrace our weakness and dependence on You.  We don’t want to live a life independent of You.  We want to see Your power coursing through our lives as we depend on You.  Be glorified in us this day!  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 28

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Lunch Break Study

Read Isaiah 40:27-31: Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Questions to Consider

1. Based on this passage, what seems to be the basis for finding strength in God?
2. To whom does God give power and strength?
3. Looking at v.31, how do we find strength in God?

Notes

1. V.28 says that “the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” God is the creator of everything! This means there is unlimited strength in Him, strength that we, as created beings, cannot even comprehend! 
2. V.29 says, “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might, he increases strength.” Those who are weak, worn-out, weary, broken – these are the ones to whom God gives His strength and power.
3. We wait on Him! This means we do not trust in our own strength, our own skills and decisions; rather, we let God be God in our lives, since He is the Creator of everything. It’s His strength we need in our lives, not our own!

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Evening Reflection  

Tonight, let’s ask God for more of His strength. Ask Him to reveal any area of your life where you are relying solely on yourself, and pray for God’s strength over that area. Let His grace and strength be enough for you!

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on December 15, 2017. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thoughts For This Morning

“The Incredible Promises of an Incredible God” 

Genesis 28:10-15

Meanwhile Jacob left Beer Sheba and set out for Haran. ¹¹ He reached a certain place where he decided to camp because the sun had gone down. He took one of the stones and placed it near his head. Then he fell asleep in that place ¹² and had a dream. He saw a stairway erected on the earth with its top reaching to the heavens. The angels of God were going up and coming down it ¹³ and the Lord stood at its top. He said, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham and the God of your father Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the ground you are lying on. ¹⁴ Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west, east, north, and south. All the families of the earth will pronounce blessings on one another using your name and that of your descendants. ¹⁵ I am with you! I will protect you wherever you go and will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you!”

If you rushed through the verses above, take a moment to go back and read them once more (consider reading them aloud). What an amazing promise! We serve an awesome God who makes incredible promises to His people—promises of provision, prosperity, posterity, protection, and presence (His very presence with His people). What more could we ask for? 

One commentator explains God’s promise to Jacob in the verses above as follows: “The ladder was a visible symbol of the real and uninterrupted fellowship between God in heaven and His people upon earth. The angels upon it carry up the wants of men to God, and bring down the assistance and protection of God to men. The ladder stood there upon the earth, just where Jacob was lying in solitude, poor, helpless, and forsaken by men. Above in heaven stood Jehovah, and explained in words the symbol which he saw. Proclaiming Himself to Jacob as the God of his fathers, He not only confirmed to him all the promises of the fathers in their fullest extent, but promised him protection on his journey and a safe return to his home. But as the fulfillment of this promise to Jacob was still far off, God added the firm assurance, ‘I will not leave thee till I have done (carried out) what I have told thee.’” (Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament via bible.org)

In some ways, as we will see during our journey together through the Scriptures, Jacob and his immediate descendants tasted fulfillment of this grand promise during their lifetime. But in John 1:51, we learn that the ultimate fulfillment of this promise would come in the person and work of Jesus, when He repaired and restored the relationship between God and humanity once and for all, extending this promise from Jacob and His family to all people’s and all of the world. 

Be encouraged today, my sisters and brothers—we serve an incredible God who makes incredible promises. And God is faithful to do what God has said in ways that are exceedingly and abundantly beyond what we are able to ask, think, or imagine. 

Prayer: Almighty God of presence and promise, I set aside this moment in my day to acknowledge You and to say thank You. You have made tremendous promises to me, some that seem too good to be true, and You are faithful to fulfill every word. Remind me of those of Your promises that I need to hold on to today. Help me to trust in You with a steadfast heart. Help me to be joyful in hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 27

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Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 28:16-22: Then Jacob woke up and thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, but I did not realize it!” 17 He was afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! This is nothing else than the house of God! This is the gate of heaven!” 18 Early in the morning Jacob took the stone he had placed near his head and set it up as a sacred stone. Then he poured oil on top of it. 19 He called that place Bethel, although the former name of the town was Luz. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God is with me and protects me on this journey I am taking and gives me food to eat and clothing to wear, 21 and I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will become my God. 22 Then this stone that I have set up as a sacred stone will be the house of God, and I will surely give you back a tenth of everything you give me.”

Questions to Consider

1. What does Jacob realize after his encounter with God (see this morning’s passage for reference)? Have you ever come to such a realization? 
2. Are there areas or situations in your life where you don’t perceive God’s presence, nearness, or activity? Pray and ask God to help you see that God is with you. 
3. What does Jacob do after his encounter with God? Why do you think these are important things to do?  
4. God doesn’t always meet us in overt and dramatic ways. But God does meet us in ways that are discernable and gives us promises for our good and God’s glory. What are some of God’s promises that you need to remember today? Spend time searching the Scriptures or recalling from memory some of these promises.  

Notes

1. Jacob realizes that he was in the presence of God all along even though he didn’t perceive it. Have you ever looked back on a situation and realized God was present with you even though you didn’t perceive it? Spend some time in personal reflection. 
2. Spend some time talking to God about these areas. Jacob was able to declare, even though he was facing a difficult circumstance in his life, that he was standing at the gates of heaven and in the abundance of the presence of God. Ask God to help you see that God is with you. 
3. Jacob worships God where He is, sets up a monument to help Him remember what God has done, and renames the place, in light of what God has done there. Our response to God is as important as any encounter. We can waste an encounter, or we can allow it to lead us to worship. Usually circumstances have to change for us to worship, but God is worthy regardless of the circumstances. We must also find ways to remember how God has been faithful (e.g. journal) so we can return to those things for encouragement along life’s journey. And lastly, we can choose to allow God and how God is moving in our lives to be the most important things about any season. Think about a difficult season in your life: what if instead of it being the year when [fill in the blank with whatever difficult circumstance] happened, it was instead the year when God [fill in the blank with God’s work in spite of, or maybe even though, the circumstances]. 

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Evening Reflection

 These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth…39 And these all were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. 40 For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us. (Hebrews 11:13, 39-40)

Advent, the season of about four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a time of preparation. It is a season where the Church remembers in longing and waiting our desperate need for the coming of Christ, because of our brokenness and sin. We remember our former darkness and separation from God. As we’ve reflected on God’s promises today (and as we are currently in the Advent season), it behooves us to also remember that every promise of God uttered in Scripture was followed by a season of waiting—oftentimes very long seasons of waiting—  during which God is at work bringing the promises to pass and God’s people are prepared to receive and enjoy the fulfillment of those promises.  Hebrews 11 (above) contains a long list of people who waited their entire lives to see the fullness of God’s promises come to pass. While hope in God’s promises produces joy, delay in God’s fulfillment can often produce discouragement, weariness, and apathy. But we must not grow weary in hope, because we know that at the right time (Galatians 4:4-5) God will do what has been promised, because God has already demonstrated His faithfulness and trustworthiness.  

Are there promises in which you’ve lost hope? Are there areas in your life where you’ve grown weary or discouraged? Offer them to God this evening, asking for a renewed faith and hope. 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 20, 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

“Give me a Break”

Genesis 29:31

When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.

My wife and I recently purchased our first home.  I don’t know if it’s always like this, but I feel like our home buying process was not the most civil affair—the seller and I fought over everything, from the price of the house, to repairs, to appliances, etc.  To make matters worse, during the final walk through on the day of closing, we noticed that this guy switched out the washing machine, claiming that the one that was supposed to come with the house broke.  Who does this?!?!  What a childishly crooked thing to do!!!  I didn’t believe it then—and I still don’t— but in the end, I wasn’t going to let my family go homeless over a washing machine.  So I just kind of seethed internally for a while. 

Fast-forward a couple of weeks, as we are meeting families in our new town, we catch wind that the house sellers are now living with their parents (small town gossip).  My wife and I start to feel bad because we assume that these people are getting a divorce, or someone lost a job, or are experiencing some other financial hardship. Well, instead of bad-mouthing these guys as crooks, I start thinking things like, Wow, I’m such a jerk.  Maybe these guys needed the money more than I do.  And I don’t know how serious I was, but I found myself saying things like this, “If I’d have known these guys were in a financial crunch, I would have given them the dryer too.”  Again, I’m pretty cheap, so I don’t know how earnest that comment was. 

If you’re familiar with the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, you know what is going to happen in chapter 30… a soap opera style baby-making contest.  What might surprise you is that God played a critical role in this drama.  He is the one who opened Leah’s womb, and by implication closed Rachel’s for a season (see also 30:2).  Now, before you go jumping to the conclusion that God caused all the drama in Jacob’s house for fun, look what the Bible says about His intention: He opened Leah’s womb because she was so hated.  Did you get that?  All this drama came because God was showing compassion to Leah since she was hated. 

So many times we see bad situations from only our side of the struggle, and we jump to the conclusion that God is punishing us or something worse.  But perhaps what we don’t ever think about is that there maybe someone on the other side of the equation who just needs a break more than you do, and maybe God knows that you’ll bounce back.  Perhaps that guy who got the promotion, which you felt like you deserved, has six kids at home, or maybe he is a crisis in his life, or just needs something to go right for him—only God knows.  In the end, we have to believe that God’s sovereignty reigns, and He has a purpose for everything. 

Prayer: Lord, give me perspective to see other people’s needs, even when mine seem so pressing.  In times when I don’t see, give me grace and patience to submit to Your ways. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverb 26

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Peter 3:8-10: But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Questions to Consider

1.  Based on the passage, what were the first century Christians waiting for?

2.  What does Peter give as God’s rationale for delaying?

3.  Honestly, how do you react when the Lord shows kindness to people who don’t “deserve” it?

Notes

1.  From v. 10 (and vv. 1-7), it seems that many first century Christians were eagerly awaiting for the Lord’s return, likely because they were facing trials in their faith. 

2.  The Lord has not returned because He is showing His mercy; He is waiting for sinner to repent and believe. 

3.  Hopefully, you respond by rejoicing, but, of course, this is a personal question.

Evening Reflection

Today’s theme was perspective—more specifically, seeing things from other people’s perspective.  Is there someone you’ve had a hard time forgiving?  Have you tried to look at life through his/her eyes?  Where is God leading you in this matter?

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Genesis 25:29-34

 Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted.30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.”32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Every year, America witnesses the inner savage in all humans—we call it Black Friday shopping. In the past, shoppers have actually pulled out guns but people still refused to let go of televisions and computers even as they were getting shot at. This year, a shopper threw a shoe at a poor innocent baby while trying to beat the rush.  Suffice it to say, we can all agree that Black Friday shopping has taken over and destroyed the meaning of Thanksgiving. Rather than celebrating with families and friends and thinking of the years’ past blessings, people sit in tents waiting in lines, fighting one another. Over what? Just to save some money on items that will soon be outdated. 

In our passage today, Esau trades his birthright for a lousy bowl of soup because of his physical hunger. During the Mosaic times, the birthright, especially of the first child, meant a double portion of the family inheritance. It was their identity as the one to carry on the family line. Growing up, I always thought that Jacob was the conniving villain and Esau was just a naïve victim. But as I read this passage carefully I realized that, although Jacob deceived his brother, Esau had a great fault of his own. He failed to recognize the value and importance of his birthright; he did not fully understand the depth of the inheritance promised to him. As a result,  Esau traded away something valuable for that which would only satisfy his immediate physical need, only to regret forever.

The stories of Black Friday may seem comical, but the reality is, how often have we fallen into the same trap? How often do we chase after things of the world, putting our value and identity in them only to be disappointed?  Sure, we can say that’s life and we are simply victims of it, but at what cost? May we never lose sight of our true identity and the inheritance that awaits all those who believe in the eternal value of salvation. It’s not to say other things are not important and that we shouldn’t pursue them; but it is to pursue them in light of our eternal inheritance. We all have been given something far greater than what this world could ever offer. May we never trade our identities as co-heirs to His kingdom for the fading temporary pleasures of this world. 

Prayer: Father, we confess that many times we put things before You because we think it will satisfy us. However, we know that all these are temporary pleasures, for only You can truly satisfy us. Would You strengthen us in times when we are tempted to forget this truth? Help us to live our lives in light of our eternal inheritance. 

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 25

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:14-17: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Questions to Consider

1. What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God? How does this change our relationship with God?
2. What does it mean for us to be adopted? What are the implications of this?
3. What is the inheritance given to us as sons and daughters?

Notes

1. Paul states that only those who are led by the spirit can come into a new relationship as sons of God. He contrasts this with the relationship between slaves and their masters. Slaves have no authority in their lives and must listen to their masters. Paul is referring to our state prior to salvation when we were slaves to the flesh under the law. Slaves serve their masters out of fear of being punished; but as sons, we no longer serve out of such fear. Instead, as sons, we have a lasting relationship where we address God as “Father”. 
2. In our modern context, the word adoption brings up images of legal papers and processes. However, commentator Warren Wiersbe writes: “The literal meaning of the Greel
3. word is “son-placing”—the taking of a minor (whether in the family or outside) and making him or her the rightful heir.  As heirs, we are then given an inheritance to His kingdom. We have been adopted into God’s family by the Spirit, and not by our own merit.
4. Paul is talking about an eternal inheritance that awaits us—the glory that we will share with Christ! Note, Paul makes a distinction that such glory comes with some suffering along the way. This suffering refers to the discipline that, as believers, we are to live by (Paul speaks of such disciplined life in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).  But such discipline pales in comparison to “what is in store for us is so grand and glorious that it will be, and will feel, as though we each had alone gotten most of the glory of God” (Timothy Keller). 

Evening Reflection

The 1980’s American classic Annie is a film about an orphan girl who lives under the mistreatment of Miss Hannigan, an abusive alcoholic. The story takes a turn when a billionaire decides to adopt an orphan for a week to boost his public image. Annie is chosen and her life is forever changed as she lives in a lavish house with everything at her fingertips. The story ends with the billionaire eventually adopting Annie as his own daughter. Her life is forever changed from living in a broken run down house under a terrible caretaker, to a lavish mansion under the love and care of her new father. 

May we be reminded that we too were once orphans in this world. And in our hopelessness, God has adopted us as his sons and daughters. Remember we are heirs to His kingdom and we now have full access to all that is His. Spend some time reflecting on this truth.  

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 4, 2017, is provided by Andy Kim who is the Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco. Andy is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.S.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Giving Up Something But For What?”

Genesis 25:6-7; 16-18

Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country.

16 These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes. 17 (These are the years of the life of Ishmael: 137 years. He breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.) 18 They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria. He settled over against all his kinsmen.

We have all given up something to be where we are today.  For the sake of your career, think about all the fun you gave up with countless hours for that next promotion; for your family, all the sacrifices you made for your kids; for your health, all the sugary carbs with depressing diets and workouts.  We call these “opportunity cost”: simply put, it is to give up something for something else usually of greater value. 

This was a situation all too familiar for Abraham as he had to make some difficult choices. 

Finally having become a father to several children, that is, after not having even one for many years, Abraham finds himself having to send them away for the sake of Isaac, his promised inheritance. One thing we learn from Abraham’s life is that living according to God’s promise will come at a cost.

For Abraham, Ishmael, in particular, was one of those great costs that he struggled to give up. Remember, Ishmael was the product of Abraham and Sarah not trusting in the Lord. Nevertheless, Abraham spent 15-16 years raising his only child at the time, giving him everything he had.  It is after this God asks Abraham to give Ishmael up and cast him out of his presence.  This had to be one of Abraham’s greatest regrets, perhaps muttering to himself, “If I had only waited for God to come through, or what about all those years I spent with him . . .”  But the story concludes in verses 12-18 where we see that God is faithful to His promise to bless Ishmael and make him into a mighty nation. 

Like Abraham, maybe there are areas in our lives that we simply cannot let go. Perhaps, we are given to thinking that if we let this go, then all the work and effort we put into will go to waste. But take hope in that nothing goes to waste when it is given to the Lord.  May we remember that it is not simply giving them up, but it is giving them to Him. Though these costs may seem weighty at the moment, they will prove to be insignificant in comparison to the promise given to us.  Therefore, let us follow after Him as Abraham did, knowing that He will be faithful to the very end.  Yes, there will be costs, but may we remember the greatest cost that was paid for us—

the very life of Jesus Christ. 

Prayer: Father, we confess our lack of faith in you. Giving You complete control can be so hard, but help us to see that Your plan is so much greater than ours will ever be. We know that You have what’s best in store for us. Help us to surrender all that we have so that Your perfect will be done in our lives.  

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 24

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Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 9:57-62: As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Questions to Consider

1. Jesus provides three scenarios in regard to following him. What is Jesus trying to teach his disciples about following Him?
2. What does this mean for us? Does this mean we should not have any of these important things?
3. How does this apply to you? Spend some time in prayer, refocusing and remembering the value of Christ. What are the things in your life that you cannot fully let go of?

Notes

1. The context of this passage is Jesus heading to Jerusalem where he would be mistreated, betrayed, and ultimately crucified. In the first scenario Jesus refers to the fact that following him could mean giving up our securities even such as a place to settle down. Second, it could mean giving up obligations to our relationships that are close and dear to us. Lastly, following Christ means not to look back. John Piper warns us of “indecisive discipleship, meaning you can’t follow Christ if you are second-guessing the value of following him.” Following Christ requires everything.
2. No, it’s a matter of what is priority in your life. When it comes to it, could you and will you put Christ before these important things? It doesn’t mean that you don’t care about them, but it means that you trust in Him enough that He would allow His will to unfold in your life.  It means to believe in the value of His kingdom over all things. 
3. Personal Response. Take courage for Christ welcomes us to follow Him as he walks with us. Remember it may not happen overnight, but it is a life long journey that we walk with him.

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Evening Reflection

Today, some churches try to make the Christian faith more appealing and “nicer” by avoiding ideas around the cost of following Him. It can be discouraging to think about the costs. However, as Christians, we look at the cost in the face of understanding what we gain. That in giving up our lives to Him, we gain the ultimate glory of being with Him in eternity. If we truly understood this, then we would gladly give up the temporary pleasures of this world. 

In light of all that we have considered today, spend some time reflecting on this. Begin with the infinite glory that He promises us, and allow that truth to help us to surrender those areas we struggle to give to Him. 

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on September 18, 2016.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Testimony of a New Believer”

John 15:18-27

 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you . . . 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well . . .  26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.”

John 16:8-9

 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me;

In a world that is hostile to their cause, Jesus tells His disciples that they must testify about Him.  The Holy Spirit would testify, but they, too, were to testify.  Below is the story of someone who decided to receive Christ about a month ago as she moves from being resistant to the gospel to embracing and in the end even proclaiming it.  May it encourage us to keep pointing people to God, even in a hostile world, today.  

I always believed in destiny, that is, that everything was planned out without your realizing it – what kind of people you would meet and what kind of things you might do. Once I passed by a church and suddenly had a strong desire to go into it and see its magnificence first-hand. I went inside, sang the songs with a sincere heart, and for a long time afterwards the melody of those songs would not fade from my mind. At that time I basically knew nothing about Christianity. 

The very first time I heard about God and the Bible was at English Corner.  The topic, “Which book has influenced you most?” came up, and two Christians shared about the Bible.  Because of the philosophy I had been taught since I was young, I at first felt offended by things like God and Christianity. It turned my ideology and values upside down. Another time we talked about, “Can people actually feel satisfied and fulfilled?” My answer was, “No, because I have never felt fully fulfilled in my life.” Many people agreed with me, but to my surprise, all the Christians present said unanimously, “I felt fulfilled the moment I received Jesus Christ.” This made me start to think, “What am I pursuing exactly?  What can actually make me feel fulfilled? Why am I living in this world and what makes me different from the grass or flowers?”  Ultimately I realized that all my current knowledge failed to give answers to these questions.

Gradually I started to read the Bible and listened to others’ reflections and testimonies, and then one day I became a Christian. It’s not like everything has suddenly become so clear, but I feel at least a door has opened to me, leading me in a certain direction. A brand-new beginning started for me when what Jesus did for me on the cross washed away all my sins.  I now live to worship and serve Him, helping more and more people receive redemption through Him.  I know that I am deeply loved by Him and will never worry that this love will vanish because He is an unfailing God!

~translation provided by E. Liu

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me to testify even as You testify today.  You are already working in the hearts of people in this world; I want to join in that work.  Open my eyes to the opportunities and empower my testimony today.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 23

REPOST  Today’s Spiritual Food for Though, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on September 24, 2016.  A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Guess Who is Praying for You?”

John 17:9-11

“I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”

When I was in college, I went on a summer missions trip to Uganda. While there, there was a time when I was feeling a little down, and I came across one of the notes a prayer partner wrote for me. While reading this note, I felt God tell me that there were people praying for me. This lifted my spirits greatly, and in that moment, I knew that there really was power in prayer. When people pray for you, you are changed. Prayer has power and it does make a difference.

Looking at this passage for today, we see that Jesus is praying for us. Isn’t that astonishing?! The Lord of the universe, the One who created everything, prays for us. He says He is praying for those whom the Father has given to Him, meaning those who believe in Him. And what does He ask in His prayer? He prays for us to be kept in the Father’s Name—basically, to be kept in faith. 

As I said before, there is power in prayer and it does make a difference in our lives. And how much more when Jesus prays for us! In this passage when Jesus was praying, He knew us, He knew you; He knew who the Father would bring to Him. And He prayed for us to be kept in His name. How amazing is that! When you are feeling weak in your faith or unsure of your salvation, remember that Jesus prayed and is praying for you. He is interceding on your behalf because He wants you to remain in His Name. Let the prayer of Jesus give you strength in times of weakness!

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being the One who intercedes for me. Without You, I would lose strength, lose heart, but I know You are the One holding me close. Help me to keep abiding in You, to not let go. Give me strength to keep running after You.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 21-22

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 8, 2017, is provided by Andy Kim who is the Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco. Andy is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.S.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Like Father, Like Son”

Genesis 26:6-13

So Isaac settled in Gerar. 7 When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he feared to say, “My wife,” thinking, “lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,” because she was attractive in appearance. 8 When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac laughing with Rebekah his wife. 9 So Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Behold, she is your wife. How then could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I thought, ‘Lest I die because of her.’” 10 Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.” 11 So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, “Whoever touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.” 12 And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him, 13 and the man became rich, and gained more and more until he became very wealthy.

Like father, like son—or in the case of my friend, like father, like daughter. To give context, my friend is a 250-pound man who was known to be like a rock—emotionless and unmovable. That was until his daughter came into the picture and found himself crying. Surprisingly, it was not when she was born, but it was the first time she had done something bad. What made him cry was the fact that he saw his own bad habits in his precious little baby daughter. He couldn’t believe how such an innocent child could follow after his own selfishness.  Even when he was disciplining her, he felt like he was disciplining an innocent baby, a victim of his own selfishness. 

Today’s passage shows us another instance of like father, like son. God finally commissions Isaac; and the first thing mentioned about him is his total failure—a  failure familiar to us. In fear for his own life, Isaac gives up his wife to save himself. Even worse, he risked the promised blessing that was supposed to come through her had she been defiled by the Philistines. It was the same selfish and thoughtless heart that Abraham had, but now in his son. But despite Isaac’s selfishness, God still chooses to bless him and remains faithful to the promise made to him. Pastor Jonathan Parnell describes it as the “Providence of God, where He preserves the order of all things and guides them toward His intended end.” In other words, nothing can thwart the fulfillment of God’s purpose in us (Job 42:2).  

For many of us it’s difficult to think that despite our failures, God still chooses to work in us. In our performance driven world, a failure either means some sort of punishment or disqualification, because we think God’s blessing is conditional on our performance. However, when my friend witnessed his daughter’s selfishness, it did not change his love or affection for her. He still had to discipline her, but even this was done in love for her betterment. Imagine how much our Father in heaven continues to love and desires to work in us. May we be encouraged this morning that He works relentlessly for the good of those who love Him. Even in His discipline, He does so in love, so that we would ultimately become more like Christ. Take heart, for He will finish the good work that He started in you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to us. Thank You that there’s nothing we can do to hinder Your plans for us. Help us to remember that You are working for our good and that we can trust in Your providence. Jesus, we thank You for what You did on the cross, for nothing can separate us from the love of the Father.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 21

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Lunch Break Study

Read Micah 7:6-9:  For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies are the members of his own household. 7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. 8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. 9 Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD’s wrath, until he pleads my case and upholds my cause. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.

Questions to Consider

1. How does Micah respond to the sins of God’s people?
2. What releases Micah from the bondage of sin?
3. What can we learn about dealing with sin? How do you usually respond when you have fallen in sin?

Notes

1. The context of the passage is the people of God have rebelled not only against God, but even against each other (v. 6).  First, Micah looks to the Lord and reminds himself that his salvation comes only from the Lord. This gives him the confidence to fight against the enemy’s guilt and shame. Micah puts his hope in the Lord to be delivered from such unrighteousness.
2. In verse 9, Micah writes, “I will bear the indignation of the Lord”—meaning, there is an acknowledgment of sin against the Lord. However, Micah points out that it is the Lord who pleads our case, and only He is the one to execute judgment. Notice here that God is not only the Judge, but He is also his Advocate. As believers we know this was made possible through Jesus Christ who stands on behalf of us and frees us from all condemnation (Romans 8:34). 
3. Our first response must be to look the Lord, knowing that our salvation was never based on our ability to be righteous. Know that it is God who delivers us from our guilt and shame.  Second, let this truth lead us to repentance. Lastly, may we remember that through Christ we are cleansed of all unrighteousness.

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Evening Reflection

Spend a few moments meditating on these verses: 

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! – Psalm 57:2-3

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. – Psalm 139:16

The psalmist was convinced that God knew him, every aspect of him—his past, present, and future. May we come to this conclusion for ourselves this evening. 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on November 30, 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 Thrive Church by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Will in Marriage”

Genesis 24:1-4

Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh, that I may make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”

 The city of Shanghai has a peculiar event called the “Shanghai Marriage Market.” Think local farmer’s market meets eHarmony. At this meet and greet, parents write the basic information of their child on a slip of paper, and it gets put on display on a wall, along with hundreds of other “advertisements.” Pertinent information includes age, height, job, income, zodiac sign, etc. The hope for parents is that they would meet another parent whose child is a suitable match for their own child. As you might expect, the children mostly despise their parents’ participation in the Shanghai Marriage Market. But it continues to take place on a weekly basis because of the strong desire of parents to preserve their cultural traditions for the next generation. 

In our text for today, Abraham is also very serious about whom his son, Isaac, will marry. He makes his lead servant take an oath to go back to his home-country and find a non-Canaanite wife for Isaac. But what was Abraham’s motivation? Was it simply a desire to preserve culture and traditions? Or was there something much deeper going on? (We see a similar thing happen later when Jacob is in search of a wife in Genesis 28.) 

For a long time, I didn’t understand why God didn’t want His people to intermarry, particularly with the Canaanites. For a second I even thought, Is God against marriage of people of differing ethnicities? But that didn’t seem right in line with the rest of Scripture. It wasn’t until I read Deuteronomy 7:3-5 that I began to grasp what is really happening here: “You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods.” God’s primary concern here is holiness. Abraham’s request was not about racial elitism, nor was it merely about preserving one particular culture/tradition; it was a matter of holiness. Abraham understood the power of marriage to transform and influence his son Isaac, and so it was his final mission to help his son find a wife who loved the Lord, and would help move him toward holiness.

A lot has changed since the time of Abraham and Isaac, especially in dating/marriage traditions. But this truth remains: God’s will for us is to move us toward holiness in/through all aspects of our lives. Whether it’s in marriage, relationships, or even our careers, God’s will is that we grow to love Him more through each of these areas. This morning, take a moment and consider if these areas are moving you closer to Him, or further away from Him.

Prayer: God, may everything in my life be used to draw me closer to You. Especially the areas that have the most impact on me, I ask that You use them to sanctify me. Give me wisdom and discernment to be able to identify relationships/activities that may be pulling me away from You. In all things, I ask for Your grace to cover me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 20

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18: And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Questions to Consider

1. According to Paul, why should we obey these commands?
2. What do all of these commands have in common?
3. What can we learn about the will of God from this passage?

Notes

1. Paul gives us a clear motivation as to why we ought to do these things: because it is the will of God for us!
2. It may not be obvious at first glance, but all of the commands listed here have to do with our character. It seems that God is more concerned about who we are becoming than what tasks we can accomplish.
3. Most often, we think the will of God has to do with career path: “Should I take this job offer or this other one?” But this passage says nothing about occupations, titles, or salary. Instead, it says that the will of God is for us to be encouragers, helpers, patient, doing good to all, rejoicers, pray-ers, and giving thanks in all circumstances. Perhaps you are in a season of your life where you are seeking God’s will. If so, may this passage give you a clear place to start! 

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Evening Reflection

Often, the hardest places to live out God’s will are the places that are closest to our hearts: our families and/or our roommates. For some reason, it’s much easier to be more patient and kind to people whom we don’t have to see all the time. But it’s these people (families, roommates, etc.) that God has placed in our lives that can have the biggest impact in forming Christ-like character in us. This evening, spend some time praying for those that God has placed closest to you.