REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 10, 2016.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Why Personal Devotions Are So Important”
John 6:63
The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Proverbs 4:23, 27:19
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. . .. As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. 

“After hearing your testimony about family turmoil,” someone says, “mine is just like yours”; but, after hearing that person’s story, you realize that what appear to be similar stories on the surface, they are actually quite different—while you spoke of unilateral forgiveness, the other person was talking about a conditional forgiveness:  They are not the same.
The Christian narrative is one given to us in God’s Word, interpreted by the Christian community through the Spirit. It is the story that tells us of God’s creation of all things, of the human fall, of how God sent Jesus Christ to redeem humankind from wickedness and suffering.  It tells how the Holy Spirit teaches us to live and how Christ will one day come back to enact true justice and transform the universe into his all-good kingdom. This is our story, and we should not be afraid to live by it. 
But the world tells its own stories, like that sexuality is not God-made and God-directed, that we can only look to ourselves to make the world better, that all religions lead to the same God.  We must guard our heart against these narratives and influences that subvert our story and cause us to live against Christ. What we let influence our heart—whether through media, friends, literature, etc.—will affect who we become and how we live. 
Theologian Wayne Grudem, in speaking of Proverbs 4:23, says that when he was on the translation committee for the ESV Bible, he stopped his personal time of reading his Bible and praying, thinking he was already reading the Scriptures enough in his scholarly work. After a few days of sensing something wrong, he began to reflect on the effects of this neglect of devotion to God: “Results of missing personal Bible-reading and prayer time: pride, talking about myself a lot, often inwardly hoping people will praise me, lack of love for friends, irritability, relationships with friends just stall or put on hold, general inward feeling of unease, unsettledness, hard to concentrate on Scripture and prayer, self-reliance, no peace.” 
Once we let the stories of this world influence our hearts, they will change who we are and our faithfulness in living according to Christ’s story. Deny the ungodly narratives of the world any power in your life! Live according to the Christian story! Live for the Lord Jesus Christ! 
Prayer: Father, I glorify You, for there is none greater in this entire universe.  I thank You for giving us the story of redemption in which we are ultimately triumphant.  While darkness, at times, still inundates my life, the hope in my final redemption in heaven brings me joy unspeakable.  Thank You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.   
Bible Reading for Today:  John 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 3:1-7: Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Question to Consider
1. We are familiar with the story of what the first couple was told as a condition to living in peace and joy in the garden.  The adversary, who opposes God, had a plan to undo all that.  What was his strategy that worked to a tee? 
2. In what sense does this chain of events demonstrate the power of believing in the wrong narrative?
3. What are some stories that we are being told by those who wield great influence in our society that have everything on their side except unvarnished truth and facts?  

Notes
1. The enemy, being mindful of the original narrative (“You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die”) induced the woman to distort it.   All the devil had to do was raise a doubt (“Did God really say?”) and Eve took it from there: she changed God’s narrative from “You must not” to “You may not.” That’s what led to the Fall.
2. What truly affects our view of the reality is what we believe and how passionately we believe it.  If you still believe in a flat earth, then you wouldn’t be sailing too far from the harbor.  If  you don’t believe in a loving and gracious God, then you would try to earn His acceptance by good works.  That, of course, is a ready-made recipe for never-ending disappointments and insecurity.
3. The factuality of evolution, the biological determinism of homosexuality, the global warming—you challenge any one of those reigning discourses of our secular society and you  may lose your job in the academia; you will certainly not be invited to cool parties or be considered very bright. 

Evening Reflection

Here are some truths that you should meditate on before going to bed tonight: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16); “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 Jn. 3:16^a).  You are loved by the God of this vast universe; He knows you by name, in Christ.  Yes, you have the right to feel elated and joyous, regardless of what you got on your last exam, or whether your boss likes your report or not.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on February 22, 2016, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Sovereignty of God”
Acts 4:23-28
On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one. 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 

Let me make a stereotypical statement to start this morning:  “Women hate sci-fi, and only men—but not all men— like sci-fi movies.”  So in logic terms, the conditional statement, “If you like sci-fi, then you are a man” holds true; however, the converse does not: “If you are a man, then you like sci-fi.”  I bring this up because one of the more popular themes in sci-fi is time travel.  Now when Hollywood gets its hands on time travel, they generally go one of two ways:  Option 1:  Fate is set, and all your actions will inevitably lead you to the one destined path.  For example, in The Time Traveler’s Wife (do you see how I got the ladies back into this conversation by connecting sci-fi and romance movies?), despite her best efforts, Rachel McAdams cannot stop her husband from being shot in a freak hunting accident.  Option 2:  There is no fate—and people have the power to change their future (e.g., Back to the Future).  
When it comes to the sovereignty of God, unfortunately, I think too many people are stuck in one of the Hollywood models.  We either think our fate is set, and we are destined to fulfill God’s plan, whether we like it or not; or we react negatively to the idea that God controls anything, so we reject the notion of His sovereignty.  
First, I want to affirm that human beings have choices—and we will be held accountable for our choices and actions.  In the Bible, we are constantly told to believe, obey, or do right and resist evil—these commands imply that we have the power to choose, and that we are not mindless robots.  But second, I want us to see that God’s sovereignty was meant to be a great source of comfort for us.  After being released from prison, Peter and John were able to see that the worst event they had witnessed, the death of their Lord Jesus, was not something that was out of God’s control; in fact, God was using Christ’s betrayal for greater purposes—the redemption of creation.  
How do you see God in your difficult situations?  Do you think He is helpless or just as confused as you are?  Or do you believe that God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).  Does God’s sovereignty bring you comfort, knowing that you are not out of His plan, grasp, or power?  I hope it does.  
Prayer: Oh Sovereign Lord, give me perspective to see that You are in control.  Give me peace in my heart, knowing that I can trust a good, fair, loving, and just God. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: John  1

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Peter 1:3-11: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[c] his own glory and excellence,[d] 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Questions to Consider
1.  As Peter discusses our calling, what are the things that God has done?
2.  What are the things that He commands us to do?
3.  When it comes to your growth in Christ (sanctification), what is the relationship between God’s working and your personal responsibility? 
Notes
1.  God has granted us all things pertaining to life and godliness and called us to the knowledge of Jesus (1:3).  He has given us a new nature, which frees us from corruption and our sinful desires (1:4).  All this is summed up as faith (1:5).  
2.  We are called to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.  
3.  Growing in Christ is a joint venture between us and God.  God provides the power and faith for true change; however, we are responsible to keep His commands and to strive for godliness.  

Evening Reflection

Did you receive some bad news today?  Or has something been going on in your life or your loved ones?  If so, did you struggle to find comfort in God’s sovereign hands?  Did you choose to be obedient or to strive for godliness, knowing that God has given you the power to obey and follow after Him?  

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 9, 2016, is provided by Pastor Barry Kang, who heads Symphony Church in Boston.  Barry is a graduate of Stanford University (B.S.), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Gordon Conwell Seminary (D.Min.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Transformation of a Runaway Slave”
Colossians 4:7-9
Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

Sometimes when we hear a sermon or read the Bible, the knowledge we gain is left theoretical or conceptual.  When Tychicus delivered this letter to the church in Colossae, the Colossians might reasonably have thought they’d have time to reflect upon these words and consider their implications.  However, they wouldn’t have this luxury.  They would be tested right away.
For along with Tychicus was a man they hadn’t expected to see: Onesimus,  a runaway slave from Philemon’s household—now returned, and a Christian with a recommendation from the Apostle Paul to boot!  They all knew Philemon of course.  He was a respected follower of Christ and a wealthy home-owner and host to a church that met in his house.  If they didn’t know Onesimus’s story, they would have heard soon enough. 
It is likely that Tychicus would have read the letter from Paul in their public gathering.  As they listened, their eyes would have shifted in Onesimus’s direction on more than one occasion. 
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (3:11-14). 
Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (4:1) … and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you (4:8).
So how would they receive and welcome the runaway slave?  Praise God for an immediate opportunity to obey and give honor to our God!
The Word of God is not meant to be hypothetical or theoretical: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
His word challenges us and transforms us.  The quicker we obey, the quicker the transformation takes root.  Is there a step (or steps) of obedience God has been asking you to take?  Let us be a people who obey and right away!
Prayer: Father, You delight not in our sacrifices but our obedience. We want to be a people who are transformed through Your word.  Help us not to keep Your word only in our minds, but give us Your grace to immediately live Your good and perfect will.  Thank You for the example of Jesus who obeyed that will even unto death. Thank You that His obedience meant our salvation.  As we think upon Jesus, may we also likewise put on Christ each day, this day.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Nahum 3

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 13, 2016.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Is Life Possible When Both Your Father and Son Have Committed Suicide?”
Romans 7:22-5
For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Theologian Jack Deere, who lost both his father and son to suicide, wrote, “Time does not heal shame. Shame will not go away by itself.  It might be hidden for a little while but sooner or later, it comes back. . . . It’s always there and it tells you this: ‘You know, if these people really knew what you were like, they wouldn’t even want you in this room.’ And because you’ve got this gaping hole you can’t share with anyone, you feel so lonely in the room and like you really need to keep this secret.” 
Philosopher Avishai Margalit describes guilt as that reaction when we view ourselves from the eyes of our inner conscience, making us pale, and shame as that emotion when we view ourselves from the eyes of the other, making us blush. In any case, the two serve as a devastating duo in our psyche: they can make us feel dirty, hypocritical, secretive, alone, burdened, despairing. They are the sorrowful children of our aspirations towards the highest moral ideals coupled with the wretchedness of our fallen, sinful selves. While other tortures may come from external forces, the torture of guilt and shame can be an especially painful assault as it comes from within.  I once heard a young man, who had actually overcome his sin of masturbating to pornography, confess, “I don’t know which is harder: stopping porn or dealing with the guilt that I’ve had since stopping.” 
It seems to me that some guilt and shame is actually good for a person, guiding him toward the right direction. They are a bit like the appearance of fats and sugars at the top of the food pyramid: a little bit can actually be beneficial for the body, but large quantities are destructive, a lifestyle God does not want us to live. I am reminded of Peter who showed a distinct weakness for cowardice, vehemently betraying Jesus at his last hour.  What shame and guilt he must have experienced! Yet our merciful Lord, after His resurrection, renews His friendship with Peter and entrusts to him again the ministry of apostleship that Peter was always meant for (John 21). 
God always loves. God always forgives. Let us never waver from the path of repentance. Let us understand that no matter the secrets people find out about us, no matter the pangs of guilt that haunt us (whether we are alone in bed or worshipping on Sunday), God is with us and He will forgive and He will one day give us the perfect life we so desire, free from failure, guilt, shame, and sorrow. Let us find freedom by confessing our sins and holding firm in our minds to the promises of God for us. That’s why He is the God of grace: He loves us no matter our secret shames and self-hating guilt. We will endure and overcome through Christ. God is with us!
Prayer: Great is they faithfulness, O God, to me despite who I really am from within.  Up on that cross, Christ not only paid for the penalty of my sin but also the guilt and shame that came with it.  Thank You for imputing your Son’s righteousness on me so that I am no longer condemned (Rom. 12:1). Amen.
Bible Reading for Today:  Nahum 1-2

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 6, 2016, is provided by Pastor Shan Gian who leads Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan.  Shan is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“I Am a Victim!”
Philippians 1:12-13
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 

 In the movie Shawshank Redemption, the narrator describes the main character, Andy Dufresne, like this: “He strolled, like a man in a park without a care or a worry in the world, like he had on an invisible coat that would shield him from this place.”  Andy was convicted of a crime that he did not commit and sentenced to life in prison.  He was a victim of injustice, and yet, while stuck in prison, he walked around without a care or worry—it was as if he were a free man.
Perhaps, that’s one of the best ways we could describe the apostle Paul.  He had every reason to feel like a victim to his circumstances.  When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he was imprisoned for doing what he was supposed to be doing—serving the Lord and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Though he hadn’t done anything wrong nor committed any crime, he was being unjustly punished.  And yet through all of it, as a man in chains, instead of feeling like a victim of his circumstances, Paul seemed to be like a free man.  In this passage, Paul was certain that everything that has happened to him—all of the injustices—had a purpose to advance the gospel.  Paul was in prison for Jesus, and because of that, he was free.
In our culture, it’s becoming easier and easier for us to have a victim mentality.  When life doesn’t go our way, when we experience criticism, rejection, loss, or bad traffic, we can tend to feel like, “Woe is me!”  As followers of Christ, we, more than any others in this world, should be able to walk without a care or worry in the world.  When we face the trials, struggles, and injustices, we shouldn’t see ourselves as victims of our circumstances.  Instead, we should strive for this heart that Paul had:  He understood that in all of his difficult situations, Jesus was with him, and that Jesus could use those circumstances for the advancement of the gospel.  No matter what trials or injustices we face, and no matter what direction life leads us, we can live like we are free, because Christ has set us free—and our lives are in His hands.
Prayer: Jesus, I entrust my life into Your hands.  Help me to understand that You reign over my life and that even in difficult times, You are there with me.  Set me free, Lord, and may You be glorified in my life.  Amen.
Bible Reading for Today:  Habakkuk 3

Lunch Bible Study

Read 1 Peter 1:6-9: In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Questions to Consider

1. How was the faith of Peter’s audience tested?
2. What is the result of genuine faith in Christ?
3. Peter encourages his readers to rejoice through their trials. How can we have this same heart of rejoicing as we face trials in our own lives?

Notes

1. The genuineness of their faith was tested through various trials.  Considering the time period when Peter addressed his audience, by “various trials,” Peter was likely referring to the persecution that they were facing as Christians.  Peter compares this testing of their faith to the purification of gold, because gold is purified by exposing it to fire as a way to burn off any impurities.  Likewise, the faith of Peter’s audience was purified as they persevered through various trials.  As they faced the “fire,” they were compelled to put their faith and trust in Jesus.
2. The result is that praise and glory and honor are given to the name of Jesus.  Christ is honored and glorified as our faith in Him is purified.  The more we trust in Jesus, the greater the glory He receives.
3. We can rejoice for the salvation of our souls, as we trust and love Jesus during our trials.

Evening Reflection

Think about your day today.  Were you a “victim” to your circumstances?  Or did you experience freedom as a child of God?  Take a moment and pray so that in all circumstances, your heart can be free, and rejoice that Jesus has set you free. 

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 14, 2016, is provided by Phillip Chen who is associate pastor at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego. Phil is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Influential”
Philippians 3:17-21 (ESV)
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

A motivational speaker by the name of Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Whether you agree with that statement or not, I think it’s safe to say that we are highly influenced by those whom we are around the most. A silly example of this is the way my laughter has evolved throughout the years.  I’ve had friends with very unique laughs, and for some reason, my laugh would begin to look or sound slightly like theirs, the more I hung out with them. I’m sure there are many more ways that we pick up on things and imitate those we are around a lot, especially those we trust and respect. 
Paul is making a plea to the Philippian believers to imitate him in his faith journey. He seems to make this plea often, for he also exhorts the Corinthian believers to follow his example as he follows the example of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). This plea is a serious one when we consider what Paul says: that there are those who walk as enemies of the cross of Christ, seeking to influence these new believers, and they are not to associate with them.
Paul is not against having unbelieving friends. In fact, I think he would encourage us to have more unbelieving friends than we currently have. Rather, he speaks wisdom regarding those whom we surround ourselves with, particularly those who counsel and mentor us. During our impressionable years (particularly our late teens and twenties), we ought to make sure that we are surrounded by people who will remind us of our ultimate end—as citizens of heaven. 
But don’t we need to be relevant? Often, our desire is to be relevant to this culture so that we can change this culture for the Lord. There is validity in that, but I believe there are wise and unwise ways in approaching this matter. Imagine if you saw a friend sinking in a quicksand. Would your first inclination be to jump in with your friend to be relevant to them? No, you would first find solid ground and then look for ways to rescue them from the quicksand. Likewise, we cannot jump into the quicksand of worldly culture under the premise of relevancy. Rather, we place our feet squarely on Christ the solid rock before reaching out in relevancy to those who are sinking.  Our lifestyles, values and belief system must be different from those of this present culture, if we are to represent Christ accurately to this world.
Prayer: Father, help me to find people who would influence me to be more godly rather than worldly.  Help me to be someone who would influence others in a way that leads to life rather than death. I want to be salt and light of this world—help me stand firmly in You so that I can do so! Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Habakkuk 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Proverbs 12:26 (NLT): The godly give good advice to their friends, the wicked lead them astray; Proverbs 13:20 (NLT): Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
Question to Consider
1. What is the writer of these proverbs trying to communicate?
2. Are there ungodly relationships in your life that influence you negatively?  
Notes
1. Who we surround ourselves with is very important – they can either cause us to walk on the right path or get us into trouble. We will certainly be influenced by those we surround ourselves with. 
2. Reflection question. 

Evening Reflection

There is a tension between being relevant and living a life that is set apart. If our lives are not different from those who set their minds on earthly things, how are we to influence them to set their minds on heavenly things? Perhaps we need to take an inventory of our relationships once again and intentionally seek out people who we see having godly wisdom.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on February 24, 2016, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past had served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What’s Your Baseline?”

Acts 4:33-37

And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

I have this friend who is a very gifted athlete; in college he played Division I baseball.  But sometime in his mid/late 20’s, after years of working and not training, his wife challenged him to run a 10k with/against her. Over the next six months, the wife trained pretty diligently for this race, while the husband made absolutely no changes to his life.  Of course, we were all confident that the wife was going to win.  When the day of the race came, this guy literally rolled out of bed, slapped on sneakers—and convincingly beat his wife.  She was furious!  From this, I realized that when it comes to things like athletics, intelligence, musicality, etc., some people just have naturally high baselines—one might call it talent or gifting—and even if the rest of us try hard, we may never exceed their baselines.  
When it comes to the generosity and the community of the early church, I think most people make the mistake of thinking that this level of care, generosity, and sacrifice was the baseline level of commitment for the early church, and that selling your house was the norm for everyone who converted to Christianity.  But I think verse 33 indicates why some people in the church were able to make such incredible sacrifices and give as they did: “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”  People like Barnabas were able to sell everything for the ministry, because the power of God moved in their hearts and great grace was upon them.  Ordinary giving became empowered giving. 
Where am I going with this? Too many of us make the mistake of thinking that having high baselines mean we are moving in the power of God, when this may not be the case.  For example (and I am not trying to brag), my family has always given a “healthy tithe” to church and ministry.  It was just something that my wife and I were both raised to do, so we barely give it a second thought.  Now, most people may assume that we have the gift of generosity or are generous people, but when a special need arises or someone wants support to go on missions, I am ashamed to admit that I struggle with this, wondering whether there is room in our budget for this.  I start looking at my checkbook and give reasons to not give, etc.  On the surface, my giving looks good because my baseline is high, but I wonder if I am really giving in the power of God.  Most times not.  Similarly, some of you may consider yourselves loving people, but are you just naturally inclined to be empathetic or do you really love in the power of God?  Same may go with teaching, leading praise, or administering, etc.  At the end of the day, we want AMI to be a “power community”—meaning, we want to give, minister, work, evangelize, pray—in the power of the Spirit; this is more valuable than having a bunch of talented people with really high baselines. 
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the ways you have gifted and blessed me.  But please help me to be a person who ministers in Your power.  Help me to get into situations that are beyond me, so that I can see You moving and be used by You.  Give me the power that comes from Your Spirit!  
Bible Reading for Today: Habakkuk 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 9:14-29:When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
Questions to Consider
1.  According to Christ, what did the boy’s father lack?

2.  According to Christ, what did the disciples lack?

3.  Which of these do you lack?
Notes
1.  The boy’s father lacked faith (9:23).

2.  The disciples lacked prayer (9:29). 

3.  Both prayer and faith are essential to accessing the power of the Spirit.  That being said, Christ was still gracious to the boy, despite his father’s lack of faith and the disciple’s lack of prayer. He is gracious to us as well. Remember, the most important thing to understand is that God’s power is really accessed by His kindness toward us.  

Evening Reflection

Have you fallen into the status quo in ministry?  Even if your baseline is high and you are serving a lot, are you doing it in God’s power, or your own ability?  How has your prayer life been lately?  Do you connect to the “vine” and access His power?  Are you growing in faith?  Do you take risks that make you depend on God?  Ask God to help you grow.  

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on November 4, 2016.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Buyer’s Remorse”
Hebrews 6:4-8

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance (vv. 4–6a).

Sometimes we can delude ourselves into thinking that we really want something, only to discover in time that we really didn’t. A recent example from my life is how I thought I really wanted to leave my iPhone for a Samsung phone; it was cheaper, it looked like it can do more tricks, and I thought I would be so happier with it. But quickly, I realized that I did not like my new device at all; and as soon as I was done with my contract, I returned to my iPhone.  
Some of the people the author of Hebrews was addressing also struggled with “buyer’s remorse.” They perhaps entered Christianity thinking it would provide things and help them to be happier. When it didn’t go as they planned, they started to return to their old way of life. 
The author is addressing some people who were returning back to Judaism, due to the persecution they were facing as Christians. But here, he tells them that this is not possible if they have truly accepted the gospel—they could not return to their old way of life if they have truly experienced the power of the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit. To do so would mean that they never understood the cross or had the Holy Spirit come to live in them. The writer is suggesting apostasy is only possible because they never truly believed; that is, they never had faith in the first place. If they did, the Holy Spirit in them would enable them to see that there is nothing greater and more powerful than the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
In the end, when you completely abandon the faith, it means that you never truly understood Christianity. Walking away simply proves that you were expecting Christianity to do something for you that it never promised. What we do know with absolute certainty is what the same author says about God— that He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and God will carry it to completion what He has begun in us. The work of salvation is entirely the work of God. If we are truly in Him, we can have the confidence that no matter what we face in this life, God will sustain us and deliver us. 
Prayer: God, I am reminded this day that You are faithful to me. You will never abandon nor forsake me. In spite of my sins and struggles, You choose to remain with me to the end. Your love is truly an everlasting love. Thank You for my salvation! In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.   
Bible Reading for Today: Ezra 10

Lunch Break Study  

Read Lamentations 3:22-23:  The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Questions to Consider 

1. What never comes to end when it comes to God?   

2. Why do you think His love and mercy go hand in hand?      

3. Can you trust in His promise that His mercies cover you this morning? How should that make a difference for you today? 
Notes
1. His steadfast love and His mercies. 

2. To love sinful people, God has demonstrated His mercy again and again, which Jesus Christ has made possible on the cross.  

3. Personal application. 

Evening Reflection

From sunrise to sunset, we are to be reminded of God’s faithfulness all around us. What is one tangible way in which you felt the Lord’s mercy or faithfulness today?  

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on February 4, 2016.  Cami served faithfully as staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Calling”
Acts 3:1-5
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

“Everyone will be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come to naught. Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a true reality beneath and behind this one, and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response to God’s calling, can matter forever.” (Tim Keller)
In one way or another, all people have a felt internal need to make their lives matter. Some of us satisfy this need by serving of others, believing our life to be more significant the more people we impact. Others of us do it by seeking to fulfill all our desires and dreams to the uttermost, believing that we’ll make it count most by maxing out on experiences and adventures. Whatever approach we take, whether Christian or not, humans crave significance and need to know that we make a difference in the world. 
In the context of the church, this need is often addressed through the language of “calling.” We wonder what good works God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), and how He wants us to make an impact in the world for His Kingdom. But, as we see in our passage today, more so than having a comprehensive understanding of God’s calling on our life – how He’s gifted us and what He wants to do – God’s people made a great impact in the world as they lived simple lives of worship to Him. Peter and John, in their regular and mundane life of devotion (it was their custom to go to the temple for prayers, sacrifice, and fellowship), were used powerfully by God to perform a miracle. In our passage yesterday we talked about the importance of devotion. And today we see that it is that very life of devotion that positions us to be used by God in significant and meaningful ways.  
Prayer: Heavenly Father, make my life matter for the advancement of your Kingdom and the glory of Your Name. May my simple offering of my devotion and worship every day position me to be used by You in unexpected and powerful ways.  In Jesus’ name. 
Bible Reading for Today: Ezra 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 28:16-20: Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Questions to Consider

1. What preceded the disciples receiving their “calling” from Jesus? 
2. Many commentators say the following translation better communicates Jesus’ intent in verse 19 – “ As you are going, make disciples, baptizing and teaching.” How does this influence your understanding of this passage?
3. Why are Jesus’ words at the very end of this passage important? How do they encourage you?

Notes

1. Obedience. The disciples were obedient to what Jesus told them to do – not knowing why or what would happen when they did. Their simple act of obedience positioned them to receive the greatest calling not only for their life but for the life of the Church. 
2. Oftentimes we focus too much on the perceived command to “go” and we immediately ask the question, “Where?” While this is an important question, a more important emphasis should be on making disciples. “Make disciples” is the only command given in Jesus’ instructions (while “going” “baptizing” “teaching” are all modifying the command to go). A more important question may be how can I make disciples? How can I best position myself to make disciples? That is how we make an eternal impact. 
3. Jesus’ command to His disciples ends with a promise of His commitment to be with them. Knowing that God is with us should encourage us to continue to be faithful, even in small things, knowing that as we do, we are positioning ourselves to be used by Him. It is always God who does the work of His Kingdom through us.

Evening Reflection

Spend some time thinking about your devotional life. How are you doing in the area of obedience to God in the everyday small things? Would you describe your life as one of worship to Him? Why or why not? How is God calling you to greater devotion and obedience today? Spend some time offering yourself to God in these areas, believing that as you do, He will move through you and make your life matter in ways that far exceed your expectations.  

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Jabez Yeo who is now a friend of AMI, was first posted on July 3, 2016. He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (B.S.) and Columbia International University where he studied Islam (M.A.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Don’t Feel Bad About Yourself in Comparison to Basil; Just Imitate Him”
James 2:14-19
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

Spiritual leaders (particularly known for their keen theological mind) who display their faith in both word and deed are an immense treasure (i.e., with regards to learning about faith and works, spirituality, and intellectuality). One such leader was Basil, one of the Cappadocian fathers who faithfully endorsed the Nicene Creed. During Basil’s time, an aggressive form of heresy, Eunomianism, was gaining popularity, as it claimed that full Trinitarianism was a disguised form of paganism – an argument made today by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Eunomianism also doubted that the Son could be “begotten” and eternal, which led them to deny Jesus’ full divinity despite recognizing Him as Savior.
In response, Basil skillfully refuted Eunomianism by noting that if the Son was merely a creature, humanity would still be without a true revelation of God. Basil also used the imagery of the sun’s rays, which are “begotten” yet have existed with the sun since its beginning to explain how the Son was begotten from, yet exists with the Father for eternity. Basil then wrote On the Holy Spirit (“the first whole treatise on the Holy Spirit”) and effectively used Scripture to explain that “since the Holy Spirit effects our salvation, He cannot be anything but God.”
Thankfully, Basil also communicated Christ through his actions. One of his projects as bishop of Caesarea was building a complex that provided housing and medical care for the needy. Basil also organized a soup kitchen and “gave away his personal inheritance to benefit the poor.” Furthermore, Basil publicly rebuked corrupt officials and excommunicated those involved in human trafficking. He was in many ways, “a man of vast learning, genuine eloquence and immense charity.”
It can be easy to feel ashamed when we compare ourselves to Basil—especially if our confession of faith is not consistent with our actions. But let’s remember that Basil was just a man like us, and that it is only God’s grace that trains us to renounce worldly passions and to live godly lives (Titus 2:12). May we then display Him powerfully through word and deed.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the great truth that proclaims that You loved me while I was still a sinner separated from You. Help me to love others in light of the love I have received from You. May what I know resonate deeply not only in my mind but also in my hands and feet as I interact with and serve others. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Ezra 8