October 17, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on May 2, 2017. Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“How Do You Feel About Sin?”

2 Corinthians 7:2-10

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

When I was in middle school, I was caught shoplifting some candy at a local grocery store. It was a random stranger who turned me in to the store manager. When I was confronted by the manager, I pleaded with him to let me go, that I was sorry and I would never do it again. The manager gave me a tongue lashing, but for some reason, he did not turn me over to the police. Maybe he thought it was not worth his time to report such a petty theft. But here’s the thing: I found myself shoplifting again, no more than a month after my sorrowful repentance.

Here is what the Bible teaches us today: there is an infinite difference between confessing your sin and feeling true sorrow for your sin. We are told that we can repent and even grieve over our sins, but if it is not accompanied by true sorrow or true regret, it will eventually lead to death. We will return to that same sin as a dog returns to his vomit. That is why we need to feel grief and sorrow so deep that we will find ourselves drawn not just to the consequence of sin, but will have real hatred for the actual sin itself.

In other words, a heart that is truly seeking the Lord will have a sense of genuine sorrow for sin. That sorrow will lead to a change of attitude in the heart, which will ultimately lead to a change in the choices we make in life. It is possible. We can find obedience to God become increasingly easier as we feel more deeply regretful over our sins.

Take some time today in your prayer, and ask the Lord to search your heart so that He can expose to you the areas of your life where you can apply godly sorrow. Ask Him to leave no stones unturned. As you do that, the Holy Spirit will begin to convict you of the areas you may need to take action in. Ask God to help you obey. In your obedience, you will find abundant life!

Prayer: Father, to be honest, there has been many times I have done something I knew to be wrong, but casually asked You for forgiveness, not really considering the seriousness of my sin. Forgive me, Lord, for not approaching You with a heart of true sorrow for offending Your Most Holy Throne. Lord, help me to approach You sincerely and honestly with a heart determined to please You, even when I miss the mark. I want nothing more than to stand before You, pure and free from any chains that might bind me to this old world. Lord, I ask You to teach me godly sorrow and help me to quickly recognize when I offend You. Purify my heart, oh God, and help me to be a pleasing and submitted vessel of honor, set apart to glorify You—this is the desire of my heart! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 7

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Samuel 12:1-13: And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms,[a] and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” 7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. 9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’” 13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”

Questions to Consider

1. Consider how Nathan approached David about his sin? What are some lessons to learn when confronting someone who may be lost in sin?

2. What does David’s response in verse 13 tell us about the nature of sin?

3. Is there any sin in your life that you may be ignoring?

Notes

1. There is wisdom in the way Nathan approaches David. He reasons with him, without attacking him or faulting him on matters not related to the sin at hand.

2. All sin is ultimately against God. This doesn’t absolve our responsibility to make amends with the person we have sinned against, but ultimately, we must ask the Lord to make us right.

3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

Meditate on this: “I would rather die than do something which I know to be a sin, or to be against God’s will” (Joan of Arc). Let’s not take sin lightly, not just because it hurts the one committing it, but more importantly, it grieves the heart of God the Father.

October 16, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 10, 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

“The Prancing Dad”

Hebrews 5:8-9

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

About a month ago, I was walking in downtown Boston, and I found myself walking behind a father and daughter, holding hands as they walked along the sidewalks of downtown. The man was probably in his 40’s, fully suited from head to toe. It was obvious that he worked in the corporate world in downtown. Next to him, holding his hand was his daughter who couldn’t have been more than 5 years old. As I was walking behind them, the daughter started skipping. In my heart, I thought, “Aww, what a cute pair…” But I didn’t expect what happened next to happen. Before I could finish my thought, the dad started skipping too! With his suit jacket flapping in the wind, and dress shoes clunking and skidding on the pavement, his gait was anything but graceful. In fact, he looked ridiculous! But as I watched them skip and prance ahead of me, I thought, “That man might be an important businessman somewhere, but he is certainly a great father.” And in that moment I understood a little more of God’s heart for us; although He is an Almighty God, He would willingly humiliate himself, endure ridicule, and go through suffering, all for the sake of being with us.

To be clear, our passage today is not at all saying that Jesus was imperfect at one point, nor was Jesus disobedient at any moment of His life. But it is telling us that God willingly took on flesh and experienced (learned) first-hand what it’s like to be human. Jesus walked, talked, ate, wept, and suffered with us. Furthermore, Scripture says that without falling into sin, He also endured every temptation that we experience. And that’s what made Him our ideal Savior and sympathetic High Priest.

This week, as we remember what Jesus went through on our behalf, let us not forget that He did it all for the sake of being with us.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for willingly humbling Yourself, laying down Your titles and walking in our shoes. May we truly understand and embody Your great love for us. In your name we pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 6

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 2:14-18: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Questions to Consider

According to this passage, why did Jesus have to become fully man?
According to this passage, what is the pre-requisite for helping those who are being tempted?
How can we most effectively help others who are going through trials and temptations?

Notes

Jesus had to become fully man, “made like his brothers in every respect,” so that He could become a merciful and faithful High Priest. In other words, Jesus’ divinity is what made Him worthy to atone for all of our sins. But it’s His humanity that made Him an eligible representative for us. He had to become like us, in order to take our place upon the cross.
Verse 18 reads, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” It is true that God would still be able to help us, even if He hadn’t experienced temptation. But Jesus experienced temptation for our sake, so that we can relate to our Helper. When we are tempted, we can be sure that our Lord has been there Himself, and that He understands the struggles of being tempted.
Most of the time, we feel as if we need to have it all put together before we can provide help for someone who is going through a hard time. Help is seen as something that is given as charity from the strong to the weak. But if we take a cue from Jesus, our idea of help is transformed. Although He was strong, He made Himself weak in order to minister to the weak. He willingly endured temptation and suffering for our sake. Obviously this is not a command to go out and intentionally seek suffering and temptation, but rather it is a call to be honest with our own weaknesses and flaws, because God often uses our own shortcomings as a way to minister unto others.

Evening Reflection

This evening, spend some time meditating on this passage from 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. 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.”

October 15, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on September 4, 2016, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica and three young children, serves in Japan as an AMI missionary. Jason is a graduate of UC San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Reason for My Regrets?”

John 11:45-53 (ESV)

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, [46] but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. [47] So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. [48] If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” [49] But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. [50] Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” [51] He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, [52] and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. [53] So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

When I was a teenager, I would drive very fast, but when I was pulled over once for speeding, I immediately regretted breaking the law. But why did I regret it? I regretted getting caught. I regretted the possibility of a fine and traffic school. I regretted that I would be yelled at by my parents. But to be honest, I didn’t really regret endangering other people. I didn’t regret my “offense.”

The Pharisees were amazingly disciplined in their religion. They fasted and prayed, they studied the Scriptures, and they established meticulous rules in order to obey the Law of Moses. The Pharisees did this because they deeply regretted that Israel had been conquered by empire after empire. They profoundly felt the shame of exile and the loss of the Promised Land.

But did they regret offending God? Did they regret that their sin had separated them from their God?

In our passage, we find that the Pharisees love their status. Jesus is threatening because He is drawing away many people to Himself. The Pharisees also love the honor of men. This is why they do not want to offend the people by openly rejecting John the Baptist or arresting Jesus in broad daylight. The Pharisees also love their power. They do not want to offend the Romans because they could take away their authority, their status, and their nation.

The Pharisees love many things other than God. They do many religious things for reasons other than the love of God. For clearly if they loved God, they would not violently reject His Son and shed innocent blood by killing their own Messiah.

According to verse 53, the Pharisees plan to put Jesus to death. But their plan does not precede the plan of the Father. We, like the Pharisees, rarely regret offending God. We regret consequences of our sin, like guilt, shame, and judgment. We, too, love many things more than God. We are willing to sin as a means to an end. Yet, the Father sends His Son to die for sinners like us, that His people from every tribe and nation would not perish.

May our regrets and our hopes no longer center on our punishments or rewards, but may we regret all that separates us from God and hope in Him who restores us to the Father. The Son of God has paid the price that we might become children of God and live now and forever with and for Him.

Prayer: Father, I’m sorry that I can fear hell more than I long for heaven. May all of my service and sacrifice be free from such unworthy motivation. Give me your Holy Spirit that I might love You and worship You only. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 5

October 14, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on August 14, 2016. 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

“Would You Marry a Baker?”

John 6:27

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

One of my favorite stories from my mom’s college days was when she moved into a high-rise apartment with a bakery on the ground floor. She had never eaten bread so delicious before, she claims, so she would visit every single day on the way home from classes. At one point, she even wondered if she should try marrying the master baker. Then, she reasoned, she would have an endless supply of tasty breads – not a bad life!

How silly it would have been if my mother actually pursued that in order to meet her goal of eating delicious bread. That temporary pleasure would hardly be worth the commitment and cost of marriage. This, of course, is a very extreme example, but if we assess the way we live, don’t we also tire ourselves by spending needless effort on something that passes away quickly?

Our precious resources – time, energy, money, ability – are what we trade away each day to get something else. What are you spending your efforts on? Is it to get food, which you will be hungry for again in a few hours? Is it an appearance which will change with the fashions of the next season? Is it respect and fame, which fades when the next admirable person passes by?

Jesus said that His food was to do the will of God. His life was spent so that we might gain eternal life. Before we plunge again into another week or work and school, let’s take some time today to reconsider where our efforts are spent. Is it for food that spoils in these hundred years, or will it be for food that endures for thousands of millennia? May God give us the desire and the wisdom to work for His heavenly storehouses rather than those on Earth.

Prayer: Father, I confess that I spend too much of my life in search of fleeting things, using my precious resources to gain things that bring me momentary happiness. I want to gain what gives me eternal delight, Your kingdom that will never fade or perish. Give me a heart that truly treasures the things of Heaven so that I can spend my life appropriately. Amen.

Bibe Reading for Today: Amos 3-4

October 13, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on May 12, 2017, is provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, who serves in E. Asia as a missionary, is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Mental Game”

2 Corinthian 10:4-5

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Tennis has always been a large part of my life. I started learning how to play when I was 7 years old and spent majority of my time training for tournaments. I became obsessed with the game and would spend hours watching professionals play. One thing I noticed is that professionals in the top 30 are equal in skill: they all can hit serves at amazing speeds, have great footwork, and their forehand and backhand are fluid. However, what separates the top 5 from the rest is—their mental game. The reason why Roger Federer was able to hold his No. 1 position for years was because he had a strong mental game. Yes, he would get frustrated, but losing a game wouldn’t hinder him from finding a solution to beat his opponent. At the core of it, tennis is a mental game.

Similarly, our Christian life is not just a battle in our spirit, but it is also battle in our minds. Paul mentions in verse 5 that “we must take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” An important aspect of winning the spiritual battle is redeeming our thoughts. In fact, the Bible is filled with passages that emphasize the importance of guarding our minds. For example, Romans 12:2 says: “Do not conform to the pattern of this word, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”; and Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

The reason we need to make our thoughts obedient to Christ is because our minds lean towards disobedience. Paul captures this in Romans 7:19: “I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing….” Our minds naturally wander towards sinful thoughts and easily become distracted.

I believe there are two practical ways to make our thoughts obedient to Christ: First, we can guard our mind from “garbage.” There is so much garbage on our computers, phones, and televisions. If you are struggling with taking every thought captive, try limiting what you see on your screen. Second, we can pursue the knowledge of God. Christ calls us to be disciples, which means learner. As we learn more about Jesus, we start ignoring the garbage that can flood our minds.

Do you struggle with making your thoughts obedient to Christ? Take some time to think about which areas your mind wanders off to. Once you’ve done that, pray through these issues. Ask God to renew your mind so that you are one step closer to winning this spiritual battle.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I know I am sinner. My mind is so quick to disobey You, my mind wandering toward thoughts that are opposite of what You desire. Please give me the strength to slowly renew my mind by limiting the amount of garbage I see. As Your disciple, I want to become more and more like You. Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 119:65-72: Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord. 66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. 72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Questions to Consider

According to the psalmist, what are two reasons why it is important to be disciplined by the Lord (vv. 67 and 71)?
In verse 69, how does God’s law protect the psalmist?
How should we view God’s law (v. 72)?

Notes

First, so that we do not go astray, and second, so that we can learn how to walk on the path of righteousness again.
God’s law guards the psalmist’s heart from the lies of the arrogant enemies.
God’s law is worth more than the material blessings He has given us.

Evening Reflection

In light of today’s devotion regarding the battle of your mind, what steps can you take to guard your mind more? Do you need to focus more on limiting your media intake, or do you need to focus on reading God’s word more? Continue to pray that He will renew your mind more each day.

October 12, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Jabez Yeo who is now a friend of AMI, was first posted on July 23, 2017. He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (B.S.) and Columbia International University where he studied Islam (M.A.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Orphans through Self-righteousness”

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 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. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

A huge benefit of living in New York is all the fantastic art museums. Van Gogh’s Starry Night at MoMA, Monet’s Water Lilies collection at the Met, all a stone’s throw away. My appreciation for art mostly stems from the truth that my artistic skills are non-existent, a fact which some of our church’s children love to remind me of during craft time at Sunday school. But all in all, I am thankful that I can spend hours in New York, appreciating the wonder of different paintings and have peace in my inability to replicate such beauty.

Unfortunately, as one who acts as a spiritual orphan, I do not treat God’s law in the same way. Despite the beauty and perfection of God’s law (Psalm 19:7), I can somehow look at it and believe in my ability to meet its standards. What’s worse, I find myself choosing some of God’s laws to follow, while ignoring others. At the core of my abuse is a heart that declares, “Give me a law that I can fulfill and feel self-righteous.” This self-righteousness then leads to an elevated sense of my abilities and spiritual maturity.

The saddest part about our misuse of God’s law is that it draws us farther away from God. When we misperceive our ability to keep the law and forget our spiritual brokenness, we cut ourselves off from Christ’s power, which is only made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Of all the Christians who have ever lived, the apostle Paul had the most reasons to be confident in his righteousness and his adherence to God’s law (Phil. 3:5-6). Yet God allowed a thorn in his flesh to keep him from being conceited (2 Cor. 12:7) and from boasting about himself (2 Cor. 12:5).

Thus, a proper view of God’s law should lead us to the bad news: we are spiritually bankrupt and impoverished (Matt. 5:3). But praise be to God for the Good News, that our poverty in spirit can lead us to Christ and the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3). Let’s come to God today.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your infinite perfection and beauty which You have displayed through Your written Word and Your living Word, Jesus Christ. I confess that I have abused your Word by acting as if I can meet its standards. Help me to know what it means to be poor in spirit, so that I can experience more of Your grace and Your power made perfect in my weakness. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 1

Lunch Time Study

Read Phil. 3:7-11: But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Questions to Consider

What does Paul now consider to have surpassing worth?
Where does Paul claim His righteousness now comes from?
What is some of the “garbage” that you are still clinging onto?

Notes

1. Knowing Jesus Christ. Paul knew that to do so involved dying to self, so that he would know Christ more intimately through experiencing His resurrection power and participating in His sufferings.

2. His righteousness now comes from God on the basis of faith, not his own righteousness that comes from the law.

3. Personal response (e.g. excessive insecurity, petty jealousy, unwillingness to forgive, being afraid to open up, etc.)

Evening Reflection

Oftentimes, our spiritual blindness prevents us from accurate self-assessment. Seek the Lord and ask for spiritual discernment to areas that have not been surrendered to Him. Ask for strength and power to address these areas once they are known. He will give you all that you need.

October 11, Wednesday

UPDATED Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on February 15, 2017. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

What Gift Will You Give Your First Love?

1 Corinthians 3:12-13

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.

I know this is October but how do you typically celebrate Valentine’s Day? A lot of people might celebrate this with a significant other, giving gifts to each other, or doing something nice together. Everybody has different preferences, but there are some things that likely would have been unacceptable: re-gifted presents, or reheated leftovers. Why? Because we expect an expression of love to be generous and sacrificial, expressing the worth the gift-giver places on the receiver.

Some of us think about doing God’s work as an obligation, but let’s think of it instead as a demonstration of devotion and love to Him. Why does Paul say that the day of fire will reveal the quality of the work based on its material? Because straw, hay, and wood burn up easily. They cost very little time and energy to find; you could go to any park and lawn and collect these things.

But materials such as gold, silver, and precious stones require something more—even their raw forms require additional time and energy to prepare before you use them. They are much more durable, and they require a greater personal cost to obtain. When you bring them for His use, you are showing how much you prioritize and value Him.

Let’s think about what our presents to God are as well. Do we give Him the cheap, convenient, and leftover things of our lives? Or are we giving Him the first-fruits, the best of what we can do? Just as in any relationship, there is considerable grace even when you fail to properly value Him well. But, as we can, and helping one another, let’s strive to give the One who loves us most, the things that show He is worth our best.

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving us! We yearn to love You more and more, but we confess that we do not always honor You rightly with the best we can offer. Teach us how to rearrange our time, our schedules, and our giving so that we can properly convey how valuable and worthy You are. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joel 3

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:16-18:Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Questions to Consider

James writes that we should know rightly where good and perfect gifts come from. Why is this so?
Take some time to reflect on this description of God: “Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” What does this tell us about God, and why would James include it talking about gifts?
The word says that we are a type of first-fruit from God. What does that also say about our identity and our purpose? Take some time to reflect on what it means for us to be a first-fruit from God.

Notes

God alone is the provider of good and perfect things. But it also means that His plans and ways are higher than ours, as we cannot always fathom what is truly ”good and perfect” for our lives.
This description of God calls to mind how He is not only glorious and other-worldly, but His character is also steadfast and dependable. We might fear gifts coming from a capricious being, but when we know that the loving Father does not change, we can eagerly and gladly accept what He has for us.
It says here that the identity of a born-again Christian is the firstfruits among all His creation. The firstfruits are the most valuable and precious; they are the best one has to offer. God has placed us in this world with so much worth and value; we are His gifts to be sources of blessing to one another.

Evening Reflection

Today’s theme was about gifts and gift-giving. Are you giving God the best you have to offer? Do you also believe that God is gifting you unto this world to be used? Let’s take some time to see whether we can shape our lives in light of one of these ideas.

October 10, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI Devotional QT, first posted on October 17, 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

“Being Second”

Genesis 13:5-9

And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6 so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, 7 and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”

In our world, we place a premium on being first in line. If we’re about to check out of the grocery store, we hope to be the first in line at the register. When it’s opening night of a new blockbuster movie, we want to be first in line if we can. And of course when there’s a big job promotion coming up, we want to be first in line to receive it. Being first in line means more opportunities, more choices, better seats, higher income, etc. So, of course, if we have the choice, we’ll always choose to be first in line.

However, in our passage, Abram goes completely against this tendency and instead chooses to be second. Genesis 13 tells us that there was strife between Abram and Lot’s households, and so Abram knows that the best solution for him and his nephew is to go their separate ways. At this point, Abram had every right to be first in line. Abram was not only older than Lot, but as his uncle, he had familial authority over Lot. Also, Abram knew he was favored by God. He was entitled to put himself first in line to choose the best land for settlement. Yet despite the power and privilege that could have easily justified a choice to be first, Abram chose to be second.

Why would anyone choose to be second? Abram was willing to give up his place in line out of love for Lot. Love is demonstrated by our willingness to put others before ourselves, and Abram clearly loved Lot because he gave up his power and privilege for the sake of his nephew. Every day we carry an entitlement that drives our desire to be first; to walk through a door first, to take what we deserve, to have first pick. But each day yields opportunities to be second and to demonstrate love to our family members, friends, co-workers and the world by giving up our privilege and putting others before ourselves. If we choose to be second, we’re not only demonstrating our love to others, but we’re demonstrating the sacrificial love of Jesus to the world. Let’s strive to be second today!

Prayer: Jesus, help me to lay down my privilege and entitlement and put others before myself this day. I remember that this is what You did as you humbled yourself on the cross for us. I pray that I can love others like You love me. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joel 2

Lunch Bible Study

Read Philippians 2:1-4: So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Questions to Consider

According to this passage, from where do we find the foundation for humility?
What is the definition of humility according to Philippians 2? How might this go against our own definitions of humility?
How can we have more humility in our lives? What keeps us from being humble?

Notes

The foundation is found in verse 1, where Paul tells us to be humble on the condition that we have received any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love or any work of the Spirit or any affection or sympathy. In sum, the foundation of humility is if we have received anything from Jesus.
The definition of humility from this passage would be to count others more significant than ourselves by looking out for the needs of others. Humility is not looking down on ourselves or thinking of ourselves as worthless, lowly, or and poor. Humility is putting others before ourselves in spite of our own privilege or entitlement.
Humility has to start with our relationship with Jesus. If we spend time with Jesus, then we will come to realize that humility comes from experiencing grace, and not because of our own works. When we recognize this, it empowers us to let go of privilege or entitlement and to put others first and ourselves second. What keeps us from being humble is when we put ourselves not only before others but above Jesus himself.

Evening Reflection

Think about the events of this day. Did you have opportunities to be second today, and if so, did you take them? It’s hard for us to let go of entitlement because we’re naturally selfish; it is only through God’s grace that we can genuinely put the needs of others before our own. However this day was, go to Jesus tonight and ask Him for the strength and humility to love others.

October 9, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provide by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on October 9, 2017. Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A License to Sin”

Jude 1:3-4

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Churches are filled with many young impressionable believers that can make discipleship exciting. However, at times, it’s unfortunate when someone in the church twists God’s grace into a license to sin. It is true that no person is required to observe the OT Law as a means for salvation; the gospel of Jesus Christ is that Heaven is absolutely a free gift; and no church attendance or offering money is at all required for salvation. This is because when Jesus died on the cross, He fulfilled the OT Law (Rom. 10:4; Gal. 3:23-25). However, the unbiblical conclusion is that there’s nothing that God expects of Christians in terms of a disciplined life in God’s Spirit, and some begin to think, “If I’m saved by grace and all of my sins, past, present, and future, are forgiven, why not sin all I want?”

Do you at times hold to that line of thinking? After many failed attempts to live a holy life, we develop a calloused “so-what” attitude towards sin. However, that thinking is not the fruit of a genuine relationship with God. God’s desire is that we become increasingly more like His Son. Though we can’t do it on our own, God’s grace and His Spirit helps us in our weaknesses as we strive towards holiness. Since God has given us His precious gift of salvation through Jesus, our response is to obey Him out of love and gratitude for what He has done for us (Rom. 12:1-2).

Are there areas in your life where you are twisting the idea of God’s grace?

Prayer: Lord, your grace is truly precious. Thank you that you required nothing from me in receiving your salvation. But now that I’ve been saved, teach me daily to give you everything in living for your purposes. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joel 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43: Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them.30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Questions to Consider

1. At the end of the age, all of the weeds will be pulled up and burned in the fire. However, at this present age, what does Jesus say about the weeds?

2. Why does owner allow the weeds to remain along with the wheat?

3. This parable does not teach toleration of illegitimate doctrines in the church. However, at the present age, the church will be faced with ungodly people who attempt to pervert God’s grace. How can you keep yourself from being deceived by ungodly thinking?

Notes

1. Jesus explains that God tolerates the wicked in the present for the sake of his elect, but will publicly distinguish between the two in the day when the secrets of the kingdom are revealed. God endures the wicked in the present to provide all those who will receive him time to become his followers (Rom. 9:22-24; 2 Pet. 3:9, 15).

2. Jesus’ primary point is the coexistence of kingdom people with the world’s people in this age. The point here is NOT that we should abandon our efforts to keep the church pure (18:7-14, 21-35); rather, the kingdom remains obscure in the present world and only the final day will bring God’s true children into their vindicated glory and banish the wicked from among them.

3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Prayer: Lord, I confess that in my sinfulness, I can be great at selective hearing when it comes to the Word of God. Help me to humble myself before the entire counsel of Scripture. Empower me with Your Spirit to agree with Your Word in the areas that are difficult for me to obey. Amen.

October 8, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on August 7, 2016, is provided by Ulysses Wang who pastors Renewal Church in Sunnyvale, California. Pastor Ulysses is a graduate of New York University (BA) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A False Sense of Spiritual Security”

Colossians 2:20-23

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

I once lived in an apartment with termites. I didn’t know we had termites, until one day my foot suddenly stepped right through the wooden floor. Up until that point everything looked normal – the wood was shiny and clean. What I couldn’t see, however, was that everything below the shiny veneer had been slowly eaten away until the floor could no longer support my weight. I think this is a good illustration of what Paul describes here in his letter to the Colossians. They were impressed and taken in by folks who seemed spiritual because of their harsh treatment of the flesh. The problem, however, was that such treatment was in no way indicative of true spirituality, which lies in the state of one’s heart. I believe that the Colossian problem is not unfamiliar to us today. Millennials are quick to pass on the heart-changing truth of the gospel for a soft-spoken “guru” dressed in eastern mystical garb. What looks spiritual is oftentimes powerless to change our lives. Simpson and Bruce explain what Paul means by “the flesh”:

“When they commended harsh usage of the body as a specific against fleshly indulgence, they thought in terms of the Greek antithesis between body and soul. But this is not Paul’s thought. When he speaks of ‘unsparing treatment of the body’ he means the body in its ordinary sense; but when he speaks of ‘indulgence of the flesh’ he means the old Adam-nature in its rebellion against God.”

I think that as Christians, we, too, can be lulled by our own external appearance of spirituality into a false sense of security. Whether due to a title, i.e. pastor, elder, leader, etc., church attendance or the collection of Christian books on our bookshelves, we let these superficial aspects of our faith become definitive. But Jesus had only one criterion for real spirituality: the things that flow from our heart. In Matthew 15, Jesus was confronted with similar hypocrisy in regards to the ceremonial washing of hands, to which He responded: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Going on, Jesus then declared, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

To guard against such error, it would be helpful to ask oneself these questions every once in a while: “Who would I be if my title were to be taken away? Is God active in the areas of my life that others do not see, such as my thoughts? What things do I do when no one is around?” Such questions dig through the veneer and force us to confront the true state of our heart.

Prayer: God, help me to know that just because other people think I’m ok doesn’t necessarily mean that I am ok, because there’s so much that others do not see. Help me to be brutally honest with myself and with You. Challenge me in any area of my life where my heart has grown cold, hypocritical or complacent. Help my lips to be in sync with my heart, so that my worship and lifestyle may be true. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Titus 3