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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on August 20, 2016. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“What It Means to be a Disciple of Christ”
John 8:31-32
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
There are many images used in Scripture to describe the Christians’ relationship with God. To name a few, we are children, priests, salt and light. But one of the most important is that of a disciple. A disciple is a student – one who not only believes in but also learns from, follows, and obeys his/her teacher. All throughout the New Testament, we are called to be disciples of Jesus. But how many of us are answering that call?
In an article written for the C.S. Lewis Institute, pastor and author Timothy Keller explains what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. First, it means “setting a new priority” – Jesus is of first importance in our lives and we, forsaking all others, follow Him no matter the cost. Often times we want Jesus as our Savior, but not our Lord. We want to be saved from hell, but still want to do things our own way. But, “Jesus is Lord because he’s savior [and] He’s Savior because He’s Lord.” Keller explains that attempting to split the two is as nonsensical as inviting a friend named Barbara Boyd into your home but insisting that only Barbara come in, while Boyd remains outside. Furthermore, it’s silly for us to treat the God who created and sustains the universe as a personal assistant.
Second, discipleship means “finding a new identity.” Keller explains: “Discipleship is not just a matter of bending your will to Jesus’ will; it’s melting your heart into a whole new shape.” We are literally transformed as we follow Christ – our desires change, our thoughts change, and we changealong the way. And finally, this is all possible because discipleship means “living a new mercy.” Look back over the years, and you will see that when people want to atone for their sins and be forgiven, they put a sacrifice on the altar and burn it with fire! There’s something inside us that intuitively says, “That can’t be enough to put away sins.” That’s right. All those fires were pointing to this fire [God’s judgment of Jesus in our place on the cross]…[that] came down on Jesus Christ. He came to take it. He came to bear it.
This is what it means to be a disciple. But are we living this way – with Christ as supreme priority (not work, family, comfort, etc.), being transformed into Christ’s likeness (when others see us, they see Him), and living in the fullness of the forgiveness of sin (not in guilt, shame, or reckless sinfulness)? Will you answer the call? Will you continue in the way of discipleship? May you experience the abundant life and freedom promised to all those who follow Him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, my life is Yours. I am your disciple. Possess me completely. Teach me to surrender all I am and all I have and transform me to be more like You, in light of Your abundant grace and mercy. Thank You for forgiving my sins and making me new. In Your name, amen.
REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 14, 2017, is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei. He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Lamb of God”
John 1:35-36
The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
Not only is the Bald Eagle the national animal for the United States, but the majestic bird is also a cultural symbol representing freedom and strength. Where people from other nations/cultures might see a mere bird, Americans understand the special and profound effect that the bald eagle has in stirring up patriotic emotions.
In a similar way, lambs had a certain special and profound effect on the Jewish people in the first century. To us today, a lamb is just a lamb. But every Jew would have understood that lambs represented sacrifice and atonement. Since the days of Moses, and for generations upon generations, the blood of lambs was the means of forgiveness for the Jewish people for their sins against God. And while wool and meat were some of the secondary provisions from lambs, the primary symbolism of lambs during those times was to remember the grace of God and the forgiveness of sin.
So it must have been strange for his disciples to hear John the Baptist proclaim, regarding Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Interesting choice of animal to describe a fellow rabbi! John could have said, “Lion of God” or “Eagle of God,” but he said, “Lamb of God.” John understood something that few people understood at the time, and we only understand in hindsight: Jesus came to offer atonement for us. He is indeed the Lamb of God.
Many years ago, Jesus submitted Himself to death on a cross. Spend some time this morning coming to Jesus and thanking Him for being our perfect Lamb.
Prayer: Jesus, we thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for being the Lamb of God. As we go through this day, we remind ourselves that we are where we are because of what You have done for us. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 24
Lunch Break Study
Read Philippians 2:5-8: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Questions to Consider
What is Paul’s primary command in this passage?
According to the passage, what actions did Jesus take (although he was God)?
How can we have the mindset of Jesus?
Notes
Paul’s primary command for his readers is found in the first clause: “Have this mind among yourselves….” In other words, he is about to tell us the type of attitude we should have.
When we observe the verbs in this passage, we see that although Jesus was God,
He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped
He emptied Himself
He took the form of a servant
He humbled Himself
He became obedient
Paul’s intention is not for us to literally hang ourselves on a cross. But he exhorts us to have the mindset of Christ, which is to consider others’ needs more than our own, to empty ourselves, take on the form of a servant, humble ourselves, and become obedient to the Lord. This is something we can all do, in both big and small ways!
Evening Reflection
A popular praise song goes like this: “I remind myself of all that you’ve done, and the live I have because of your Son.” This evening, spend some time reminding yourself of what Jesus did for you on the cross, and the life you have because of His sacrifice.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on October 5, 2017. A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Clothed with Christ”
Genesis 9:20-25
Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard. 21 He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father’s nakedness. 24 When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said, “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”
A common nightmare people have is finding themselves naked while outside. Why is this dream so common? Why is this a fear so many people have? Maybe you’ve had a dream like this before. Likely, this fear of public nakedness stems from the Fall, when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of Good and Evil and realized their nakedness and, thus, covered themselves.
The passage for today seems to be echoing that shame felt by Adam and Eve. Noah lay drunk and naked, vulnerable, and is found by his son Ham. However, rather than covering his father, he tries to humiliate him further by calling his brothers over. But instead of joining Ham in humiliating Noah, his brothers do the loving thing and cover their father. Just like God covered Adam and Eve with clothes after the Fall, Noah’s sons Shem and Japheth cover their father in his shame.
Being covered by others is an act of love. Because of the Fall, there is sin in us but God’s desire is to cover us in love. He does not want to strip us, to bring us back to that place of nakedness. Rather, God’s desire is to swallow our shame up in His love. Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” The Greek word for “put on” can also mean “clothe”, so God’s desire is for us to be clothed in Christ. Just like Adam and Eve were clothed by God, God wants to clothe us in Christ, to swallow up our shame in love.
Let us today remember our God who does not mock us in our sin and shame, but covers us and swallows up our shame in love.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that do not leave us abandoned in our nakedness and shame as Ham did to Noah, but You lovingly cover us. And more than that, You cover us in Christ, transforming us into new people, a people without shame or guilt. May we not forget this reality in our lives. Help us to let shame control our lives, but let us live in the freedom You have given to us. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 23
Lunch Break Study
Read Galatians 3:26-27: for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Questions to Consider
What is the means of us becoming children of God, according to this passage?
What is the connection between being baptized into Christ and putting on Christ?
How can you immerse yourself in Jesus today?
Notes
This passage tells us that we are children of God through faith. Through faith in Jesus, we enter into God’s plan for us, His plan to call us sons and daughters, bringing us into His beloved family.
Being baptized into Christ essentially means to enter into Him, to have our identity swallowed up in Him. So, when we are baptized in Christ, Christ surrounds us, and, thus, we are putting Him on, like we put on clothes. Faith really then is not about simply belief, but about immersing ourselves, our whole life, into Jesus.
My prayer is that you may throw yourself at the feet of Jesus in intimacy today, not just momentarily, but continually. Draw near to Him, for His love is great! In every area of your live, be immersed in Jesus!
Evening Reflection
Tonight, perhaps you are putting on pajamas or other bedtime clothes. Imagine putting on Christ, like an article of clothing. That is the intimacy that Jesus desires to share with us! Immerse yourself in Jesus tonight, that you may sleep securely in His love.
