May 11, Wednesday

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from May 9-15 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church (Raleigh). David, a graduate of Drexel University and Columbia International University (M.Div.) is married to Helen (“Pie”) and they have three beautiful daughters (Cara, Phoebe, and Ruth).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 24:22-24

But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. 24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

One of the most popular team-building group games today is called “escape room.” An escape room is an adventure game in which players are locked in a room and have to use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles and escape within a set time limit. What makes this experience exhilarating and stressful is that there is a sense of urgency to finish before time runs out. As the players are frantically trying to find a way of out the room, the participants are scrambling, yelling, and in a hurry before it becomes too late.

The apostle Paul always had a sense of urgency when it came to sharing Christ. He never wasted an opportunity to share about his Savior’s great love and wonderful salvation. Even as he was under trial and in prison, he took the opportunity to be a witness to Governor Felix by sharing his faith (v. 24). He did not know whether he would be let go or killed, but regardless of his circumstances, Paul always lived life with sense of urgency to preach the gospel. It is evident as we read today’s text.

Do you live with a sense of urgency for Jesus? Do you see a world that desperately needs to know the love of Christ because of the reality of eternal judgment? Paul did, and as believers we should also be challenged to live with that kind of mindset as well.

As we examine our lives, maybe we have been too consumed with our own lives and agendas that it has dulled our sense of urgency for the gospel. Take some time to pray this morning, and ask the Lord to bring conviction and change.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 33

Lunch Break Study

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

Questions to Consider

What does Peter teach us about the Lord’s timing?
How should the reality of the “Day of the Lord” give us a sense of urgency in our lives?
How does this passage show us how we should live?

Notes

Peter is reminding us that the Lord’s timing is not like ours. He is in control of all time and space, and when it comes to the “Day of the Lord” (translated “Day of Judgment”), He is patient because He desires all to come to repentance and salvation
We simply do not know when Jesus will return or when our lives will end. It should give us an eternal perspective when it comes to viewing our own lives, and also give us urgency for others to know Him.
We should not only just be concerned with temporary, earthly concerns, but rather seek His kingdom first. We also are called to live with urgency and boldness.

Evening Reflection

What has the Lord reminded you of today? In prayer, ask for greater surrender and joy as we continue to live for Him.

May 10, Tuesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 24:10-16

And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.

One of the challenges of being a Christian today is learning how to defend your faith (often referred to as apologetics). Being part of a pluralistic society, we often hear people in our schools and work places discredit the truths of Christianity. The question I want to challenge us with today is: “Would you know how to defend your faith if someone tried to discredit or disprove Christianity?”

In his book On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision, William Lane Craig pointedly says: “If Christians could be trained to provide solid evidence for what they believe and good answers to unbelievers’ questions and objections, then the perception of Christians would slowly change. Christians would be seen as thoughtful people to be taken seriously rather than as emotional fanatics or buffoons. The gospel would be a real alternative for people to embrace.”

As Paul faces Felix, he is allowed to defend the gospel that put him in prison. He defends the accusations against him that he is a troublemaker and a leader of the Way – a Nazarene sect. He actually ends up agreeing with the substance of the accusations and briefly shares that he does worship the one true God. Paul defends his faith with much wisdom and boldness.

In order to grow in the area of apologetics, I want to suggest a few ideas:

Study the Word diligently: know what the Word says about major themes and doctrines of faith.
Read books on apologetics: There are many books written that will explain how to defend your faith. Authors such as C.S. Lewis, Ravi Zacharias, Lee Strobel, and Tim Keller have all written excellent books on apologetics.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be people who know how to defend our faith in this unbelieving and hostile world. We need Your guidance and wisdom to speak the truth when opportunities arise. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 32

Lunch Break Study

Colossians 4:5-6

⁵Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Questions to Consider

What do you think it means to walk in wisdom towards outsiders?
How can our speech be gracious and seasoned with salt?
How do these verses apply to you personally?

Notes

The basic gospel message is easy to learn, but it takes wisdom to present it in a way that will not unnecessarily create obstacles to its truth in the hearts and minds of unbelievers. To warn people of the judgment, due to their sin, with honesty, love, and humility can be difficult. We can fall into the trap either of being so concerned about sounding judgmental that we never talk about sin, or of being so self-righteous that we forget the grace shown to us—and treat people as if they are so unclean that Jesus could never forgive nor welcome them into His kingdom.
The Greek words that are behind “speech,” “gracious,” and “salt” are used together in first-century literature to refer to speech that is gracious and attractive — winsome, even witty words that are also spoken in a humble manner. In other words, the apostle wants the presentation of the gospel to the outside world done in a manner that captures the gospel’s excitement, and that is able to answer the unbeliever’s legitimate questions.
Reflect and apply.

Evening Reflection

Spend time in personal prayer. Ask the Lord to speak to you on the things you have read and meditated on today.

May 9, Monday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 24:1

And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.

In the book of Acts, one of the major themes that we see is the boldness that the early believers had for the gospel. The Greek translation for the word “boldly” or “boldness” is “candor in the face of opposition.” Boldness isn’t being obnoxious, mean, or pushy; rather, it’s about speaking the truth of the gospel out of conviction of what Jesus has done for sinners, and out of a love for those who need it. Tim Keller puts it like this:

“When the gospel ‘comes home’-humbling and affirming you, it turns every believer into a natural evangelist…Evangelism happens because of the humility of the gospel. The gospel produces people who are not disdainful and contemptuous towards those who disagree with them. Also, it happens through the affirmation of the gospel. Because of the reality and joy of Christ’s love, we are not as concerned what others think. The gospel brings a gentle boldness.”

Paul is about to go before Felix, the Roman governor, because of his defense of the gospel. Tertullus had been hired by the Jews to present their case in Caesarea before the Roman governor, and it was apparent that he and the other Jewish rulers wanted to kill Paul. We see that Paul’s boldness had led him to defend his life and trust in the sovereignty of God.

As you think about your own life, do you have boldness for Christ? Are you willing to speak up about your faith to your friends, co-workers, family members, neighbors and others who are in your circle of influence? Is the fear of man preventing you from being a bold witness?

As we reflect and remember what Christ has done for us, ask the Lord that He would give you the boldness to proclaim Him in this dark and hostile world. Pray for opportunities to share His love to those who do not know Him.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for examples of faith in Your Word that demonstrates great boldness even in the face of opposition. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me today to be bold for the truth in my words and witness. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 31

Lunch Break Study

Luke 12:4-12

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. 8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Questions to Consider

What is Jesus telling us not to fear?
How does vv. 11-12 give you confidence when we acknowledge Christ to the world?
How can you apply these verses today?

Notes

We are called not to fear man because we have a Heavenly Father who knows us (v.7) and we are valued by Him. It should give us courage to display Christ in our lives even when we may fear what man thinks of us.
When we acknowledge Christ before men (v.8), Jesus promises His followers that the Holy Spirit will teach us what to say. We ought not to be anxious about how we should defend ourselves, but rather trust in Him.
Think about how you can acknowledge Christ to those who may not know Him. Be specific in praying for people and ask God that He would give you courage to acknowledge Him even when it seems difficult.

Evening Reflection

Take some time reflecting on the passage you read today. What challenged you? How can you be bold for the gospel? Ask the Lord to search your heart and show you how to make specific applications.

May 8, Sunday

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for March 2-8 are provided by Doug Tritton. Doug, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently pursuing a M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary while working fulltime. Doug is married to Cindy and they serve at Symphony Church in Boston.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 23:11

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

“Take courage”—what great words! I feel like God says that a lot to me: “Do not worry, just trust.” But how easy it is to allow our minds to spin off into fear and anxiety, to imagine every possible terrible situation that could happen us, and to think that there is no way out of this or that present difficulty.

In today’s passage, Paul was in custody. He had just been on trial and had been led out of an angry mob, out from danger where he could have been torn to pieces by the mob. I can imagine how anxious he must have been! But God reminded him: “Take courage.” We have a God who is in control; and there is no situation out of His control. As tough as that is to believe at times, God wants us to remember that He is the One in control – always.

I do not know about you, but for me, Sundays can be an anxious day. The day starts with anxiousness about church and making sure I complete all my duties. And then after church my mind turns to the soon-to-come work week, and I worry about the work I probably need to have completed before Monday comes. Yet, there is no better day than Sunday to reflect on the sovereignty of God. He is in control, not me. Perhaps today, you can listen for the voice of God saying, “Take courage. Do not worry. Trust me. I will carry you through this week. You are mine.” Let’s begin this upcoming week reminding ourselves that we are God’s and He is in control!

Prayer

Lord, I give You control. Though I am worried about many things, help me to trust You. Your burden is light and your yoke is easy, so let me come to You and find rest for my anxious soul. Let Your peace lift me out of fear and worry so that I may rest in You this day.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 30

May 7, Saturday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 23:6-8

Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.

I really enjoy fantasy – movies, books, anything. There is something about fantasy that excites my imagination. I do not think it’s surprising that C.S. Lewis used fantasy in the Chronicles of Narnia to metaphorically speak of the Christian life. Fantasy lifts our minds out of the monotony of everyday life to a place that seems joyful, exciting, and fresh.

Yet, this feeling should be the same when we think of our hope and resurrection. The new heaven and the new earth will be a place where we will have eternal joy, where we will no longer have pain, and where we will be with our King forever. I remember a friend giving me advice, saying, that as someone with a large imagination, I should turn my imagination to thinking about heaven because reflecting on our eternity with God ultimately brings hope. But this same advice applies to all us – we ought to reflect on heaven more.

Paul was on trial for proclaiming this hope in Christ. Paul was a man who constantly reflected on eternity with God – just read his letters and you can tell he longed for heaven. How about you? Have you been longing for heaven lately, or has everyday life distracted you from eternity. Shift your mind to heaven, remember eternity, and suddenly everything will seem lighter, easier. Just like a great fantasy story that lifts us out of monotony, as we reflect on our eternity with Christ, on the truth of our resurrection into the new heaven and new earth, we will find that this life will be much easier to bear.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You have written eternity in our hearts. Let us not block out the truth of eternity with everyday troubles, but help us to remember that we have a hope of a future forever with You. Help us to long for our true home with You.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 29

May 6, Friday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 23:1-2

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

In his book Reaching Out, Henri Nouwen talks about the three movements of the spiritual life, one of which is the movement from loneliness to solitude. Nouwen says that this is a “movement from the restless senses to the restful spirit, from the outward-reaching cravings to the inward-reaching search.” Essentially, solitude becomes an attitude of being humbly sure of oneself – strengths, weaknesses, foibles, desires. And ultimately, in this posture of solitude we can be ourselves in Christ with nothing to prove.

Looking at this passage in Acts, we see Paul before the Jewish council, saying “I have lived my life before God in all good conscience….” This may seem like an arrogant statement, but in reality, Paul was just stating honestly what he knew of himself. He had no fear of what he had done; he had nothing to prove. He knew himself and he knew his calling. And because of this surety of himself in Christ, this solitude of character, he was able to endure the beatings and ridicule.

In our day, we often can be led down the slippery slope of proving oneself. Social media provides numerous outlets for us to present a handcrafted image of ourselves. But this causes us to lose sight of who we truly are, leaving us in a place of fragile loneliness. These “outward-reaching cravings,” using the words of Nouwen, become distractions from becoming our true selves in Christ. In this state, it would be quite difficult to speak of good conscience as Paul had done.

Let’s seek to make the difficult journey from loneliness to solitude. Let’s look inside ourselves, not with fear at what we may find, but with hope knowing that the grace of God changes us from the inside-out.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You are the One who tells me who I am. Let not the world compete with giving me an identity, but help me to remember that I am Yours. Let me not fear myself, but rather trust in You, the One who is changing me. Have Your way in me!

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 28

Lunch Break Study

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

Questions to Consider

What is the difference between the spirit of slavery and the Spirit of adoption?
What does the Spirit of adoption teach us?
What does it mean to be an heir of God?

Notes

The spirit of slavery brings fear. In that fear, we are never truly sure of ourselves, constantly wondering if we are good enough. But the Spirit of adoption gives freedom. Adoption is a gift, so with this Spirit of Adoption, we simply receive and no longer need to strive to make something of ourselves.
The Spirit of adoption teaches us that we are children of God. And more than that, it teaches us that we can cry out to God in intimacy, in affection.
As heirs, firstly, this means we are treasured by God. We are treasured to such an extent that our Father would bestow His riches on us. Further, as heirs we have surety that we belong to God. We have an inheritance in heaven and this inheritance cannot be snatched away.

Evening Reflection

Think about your identity. To what extent have you been trying to craft your own identity? Reflect on what may have shaken your identity or your sense of security in yourself. Take time to remind yourself that you belong to God— simply say, “Abba Father, I need You.”

May 5, Thursday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 22:21-22

“And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.”

When I was much younger, I used to get very upset when people would not believe me about something I knew was true. I recall a time I was playing a board game with my family, and they thought I cheated because they refused to believe I could have made this one particular move. But I did not cheat! Being young, I threw a temper tantrum and stormed to my room in righteous indignation.

In this passage in Acts, Paul is in a similar but much more severe circumstance. He explained his calling from God, but the Jews absolutely did not believe that he was really called to be a minister to the Gentiles, for this did not fit in with the “truth” about God that the Jews believed. They were so against what Paul said that they even called for his death! Paul, though, did not storm away in a temper tantrum; rather, he endured the indictments and endured the resultant flogging.

In our Christian lives, there will be many times when the world will question our faith, our convictions, our pursuits; we may be called ridiculous or senseless or deluded. How will we react? Will we storm away from the world in anger, or will we turn back with love, knowing that Christ endured an even greater hardship? Will we be patient, trusting that God is in control?

We are called to be witnesses; we are called to be image-bearers of Christ. Though this is not an easy calling, we know that we have the power of God on our side. Let’s not turn from the world in anger or fear, but rather embrace the suffering and embrace this world in love.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You have overcome the world. As You have overcome, give us the strength to overcome. Though hardship and persecution may come, may our love and patience simply grow in the face of adversity. This is only possible by Your strength, so come once again and empower us for Your ways.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 27

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 5:11-12: Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Questions to Consider

Is there a contradiction in being considered “blessed” while being persecuted?
What do you think persecution looks like in our culture?
What should our reaction to persecution be?

Notes

I don’t think many people would post #blessed while suffering. Yet this passage tells us that there is blessing in being persecuted. We are blessed because persecution is the best means of preparing us for the reality that we have a better home (see Hebrews 11).
This passage speaks of reviling and uttering evil against us. Those are likely the most common forms of persecution we may face in our culture, since, God-willing, we will not likely endure any physical suffering in our culture. Still, persecution is a reality in our day and we need to be prepared, or else we may be overcome or turn bitterly away from the world.
As crazy as it sounds, this passage tells us to “rejoice and be glad” while suffering in persecution. We rejoice because we are blessed. So how can we best endure suffering? We worship and praise our great God who has overcome the world!

Evening Reflection

Reflect back on today. Did you encounter any antagonism towards your faith or any opposition to your convictions, whether minor or major? How did you react? Take some time to thank God that He is the only One who can give us strength to overcome.

May 4, Wednesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 22:8-10

“‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’”

In the movie The Princess Bride, the male protagonist Westley is in love with the female protagonist Buttercup. Whenever Buttercup asks Westley to do anything, his immediate response is: “as you wish”; this line becomes a theme throughout the story as Westley shows his devotion and love to Buttercup.

Though Paul does not say “as you wish” to Jesus in this testimony Paul is sharing, he does say something that expresses a similar attitude: Paul asks, “What shall I do, Lord?” Just like “as you wish,” this line expresses devotion and a desire to please the other. Paul was basically saying to the Lord, “Have Your way with my life.”

Ultimately, these two expressions “as you wish” and “What shall I do, Lord?” express obedience – an obedience and commitment to the one being spoken to. And obedience is ultimately a reflection of love: 1 John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” You cannot love God but not be obedient—that’s a contradiction.

In your own life, are you feeling a lack of love for God? Or perhaps dryness in your faith? Check your obedience, your willingness to say “as you wish” to God when He speaks to You. Oftentimes our love runs dry when we say “as I wish” instead of “as You wish” to God. Perhaps there is no day better than today to say to God “as you wish.”

Prayer

What shall I do, Lord? Today, help me to hear Your voice and follow You as You lead me. Give me the strength to say “as you wish” and to be obedient to all Your ways. Forgive me for my disobedience and have Your way in me.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 26

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 John 5:2-3: By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

Questions to Consider

According to this passage, what does it mean to love God?
Why does John mention that God’s commands should not be burdensome?
What areas of disobedience do you need to bring to God today?

Notes

According to John in this passage, loving God means obeying His commands. Though loving God is not only about obeying His commands, but we can easily tell if we do not love God if we are not obeying Him.
Love gives no room for bitterness. But when we allow God’s commands to become burdensome, bitterness sets in. Eventually, though we may be “obedient” to the letter of the law, our hearts will drift from God. This is what legalism is: when we obey commands without love.
Has God been calling you to do something that you have pushed off, or something you have said to God, “Not now”? Perhaps write these things down and ask God for the strength to say “yes” to Him today.

Evening Reflection

Reflect back on your obedience today. Were you saying “as you wish” or “as I wish”? Repent of the ways you have been disobedient and ask God for strength to always say “yes” to Him.

May 3, Tuesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 22:3-5

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.”

I did not grow up as a Christian but became one during my college years. But when I first became a Christian, I was quite ashamed of myself and my past; I was reluctant to share with anyone about who I had been, because I was afraid I would be considered a phony or not fit in to the church community. Though I felt forgiven, there was a sense in which I was not yet set free from my past. It was quite some time later when I came to have a more holistic understanding of my identity in Christ.

Here in Acts, Paul was addressing the Jews and he brought up his past. Though his past was marred by sin – he persecuted Christians and had a role in the execution of Stephen – he was not ashamed to use it to make his point. He was not ashamed to show the power of the grace of God in His life. That’s what a personal testimony is all about – testifying to the power of grace in your life.

Perhaps there is shame in your life which you are afraid to confront and you feel uncomfortable sharing with others. Maybe not now, but perhaps at some point God will bring up your past experiences—whether good or bad—for the purposes of His kingdom. Our God, the great Redeemer, can redeem our broken pasts for His Kingdom work. Remember Paul, who having a broken past said that he’d “boast in all the more gladly about [his] weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on [him]” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Our life in Christ does not involve sweeping our past, our sin, our shame under the rug. Rather, our life in Christ is about letting the grace of God come into every area of our life—even the darkest and dirtiest corners—so that the grace of God may bring redemption.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that when You came to die on the cross, You did not die so that our sins may be hidden; You died so that our sins may be fully redeemed. Help us to embrace Your grace in every area of our lives so that shame may have no place in us. Help us to see that Your power is made perfect in weakness and that in our weakness, Your power is more fully known. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 25

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: But [the Lord] 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. 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.

Questions to Consider

How is Christ’s power made perfect in weakness?
Why did Paul boast about His weaknesses?
Do you think you could delight in your weaknesses?

Notes

If were perfect people, there would be no need for grace, no need for Christ’s power. But since we are broken and sinful, we need the power of Christ to bring freedom. And only when we embrace our brokenness and confess our utter need for Christ can the power of grace come into our lives. This is why Christ’s power is made perfect in weakness; because in embracing our weakness, we give room for God to have His way in our lives.
In boasting about his weaknesses, Paul was giving room for the power of Christ in His life. If he rather boasted about his strengths, he would be trusting in his own abilities and there would be no power of God in his life.
Think honestly about this. We cannot easily delight in our weaknesses because we want to be self-reliant, to prove ourselves. But remember, Christ is the One we need to trust and not ourselves.

Evening Reflection

Spend some time reflecting on your past. Is there any shame in your life that you’ve been afraid to bring to God? Use this time to let the power of God rest over your weaknesses.

May 2, Monday

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Doug Triton (Symphony Church).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 22:1-3

“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.”

In thinking about public speaking, I came up with a framework of three levels: The first level is to know your content; a presentation needs content or else there really isn’t anything to present. The second level is to know your audience and tailoring your message to them; a message could have great content but if it’s not relatable, it will fall flat. The third and final level is to enter into the lives of the audience; great speakers are not great just because they have great content or have great personalities, but they can actually enter into our reality and speak as if they know us—there is something powerful when people speak as if they are one of us.

In this passage, Paul addresses a group of Jews concerning his calling to the Gentiles. However, he first explains who he is, but more than just explaining with content, he meets them where they are, in the language they speak—Aramaic. And what happened when the Jews heard Paul speaking in Aramaic? The passage tells us that “they became very quiet.” He got their attention.

When we can speak someone’s language, know their culture and their ways, we can speak into their lives more effectively and be heard, rather than seeming like some distant outsider. This gets people’s attention and opens the door to real impact and influence. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a public speaking setting; this can be in everyday conversations as well. And, really, isn’t that what God did for us in Jesus? He is Immanuel—God with us! And more than just being with us, He became like one of us—taking on our flesh and blood—and lived like us and among us.

There is something powerful about meeting someone where they are. You become more relatable, more real, just like what Jesus did for us: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Heb. 4:15). As Christians, we are called to be in the world as God’s ambassadors. However, if we speak down to people or speak only “Christianese” or do not relate in any way, how can we make an impact? However, if we “take on the flesh” of those whom we are trying to reach and understand, we can become powerful influencers for Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You took on our flesh so that we could be set free. Thank You for taking our burdens and our sins so that we no longer need to bear it. Help us to be ambassadors of You to this broken world, to not take ourselves out of the world but rather be used by You to be salt and light. Use us where we are for Your Kingdom’s sake.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 24

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21: From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Questions to Consider

What is the ministry of reconciliation?
What does it mean to be an “ambassador for Christ”?
How can you be an ambassador in your own life and context?

Notes

The ministry of reconciliation is pointing to the truth that “in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself.” Ministers of reconciliation are not the ones who do the reconciliation, but rather they point to the truth that reconciliation with God is possible and available through Christ.
Being an ambassador for Christ means we allow God to make “his appeal through us.” I like the use of the word “allow”; this is a passive word, meaning we simply allow ourselves to be used by God to reconcile others to Himself. We are not the reconcilers—only God is. Also, the use of the word “ambassador” is key to understanding our role. Ambassadors represent their country to a foreign nation; likewise, our home is with God, but we live in the world as His image, pointing others to Him.
Think about your workplace, where you go to school, the people you interact with, or any other context you are currently in: how can you “take on their flesh” so that you can relate effectively with them, all the while pointing back to your true home in God?

Evening Reflection

Tonight, thank God for being the true Reconciler. Also, invite His Spirit to give you the strength to be His ambassador, so that through us others may be reconciled to Him. Perhaps you can pray for one or two people whom you are currently trying to reach for Jesus.