Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from March 21-27 are provided by Pastor Jason Sato of OTR in Cincinnati.  Jason, a graduate of UC San Diego (B.S.) and Westminster Theological Seminary in California (M.Div.), is married to Jessica, and they have two young children: Jonah and Lily.  

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 11:15-18 (ESV) 

As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. [16] And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ [17] If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” [18] When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

The Holy Spirit, the gift of God that was given to the Jewish believers at Pentecost, is now given to Gentiles! Peter was there, yet even he sounded shocked. The Jerusalem church was so amazed that awkward silence filled the room before they could process what has happened and properly glorify God.

Why the shock? It’s because the Gentiles were people who largely did not know, let alone follow, the Mosaic Law. Traditionally, they were actively opposed to God and His people. For generations, Israel had assumed that the Messiah would come and crush the Gentiles. Yet, the Spirit of God powerfully fell on them; now, God Himself began to dwell in their hearts.
A few years ago, I visited the Grand Canyon. Having gone there as a child, I had a vague recollection of it, but when I saw the canyon as an adult, I was stunned. I realized then that I had no idea what “big” really meant.
In our passage, we see that the people of God were slow in realizing that the good news of Jesus Christ is big. Before Jesus came, many Israelites imagined salvation was about military conquest; but now, the Jerusalem church has a larger view, understanding that Jesus came to grant not temporal but eternal blessing.

With the salvation of Cornelius’ household, the purpose of God extends beyond the individual or a particular ethnicity to include every tribe, nation and tongue. The salvation of God includes even former enemies of Israel, the Romans. God’s message here is unmistakable: All peoples of the earth are to be a part of His Kingdom in Christ.

At times, salvation can be reduced to personal piety and well-being. While Jesus is certainly concerned about both, His purpose is far larger. Even as we labor in our local communities and love the people who are around us, we do so in light of the new heavens and new earth, the final defeat of sin and death, and the gathering of worshipers from every era and every nation. In view of that, our church must be a missionary congregation. Ask God what part you need to play in your local church to that end.

Prayer

Father, thank You for creating me to worship You forever. Help me to see beyond my own life and dreams that I might gladly give my life for Your global and eternal purposes.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 8

Lunch Break Study

Read Revelation 7:9-12 (ESV): After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, [10] and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” [11] And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, [12] saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Question to Consider

1. According to their song in v. 10, why do all peoples worship the Lamb?
2. According to v. 11, who else worships God for this reason?
3. According to v. 12, what is ascribed to the Lamb in light of His work?

Notes

1. It’s because the salvation of all peoples belongs to Him.
2. The angels, elders and four living creatures worship the Lamb because of the salvation He has purchased.
3. Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might – essentially all glorious things – are ascribed to the Lamb because He saves.

Evening Reflection

Reflect upon your day. Did a temporal, individual matter appear to be much larger than it is? Did the eternal, global worship of God appear to be a smaller matter than it is? Invite the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to see things in their proper perspectives.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from March 21-27 are provided by Pastor Jason Sato of OTR in Cincinnati.  Jason, a graduate of UC San Diego (B.S.) and Westminster Theological Seminary in California (M.Div.), is married to Jessica, and they have two young children: Jonah and Lily.  

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 11:1-3 (ESV)

Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. [2] So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, [3] “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

After the household of Cornelius receives the Holy Spirit, the circumcision party is deeply offended.  This is ridiculous.  People were saved and the circumcision party is worried about the quality of Peter’s dinner guests?

Now, the problem is not simply that Peter has eaten with sinners.  Everyone knew that Jesus frequently ate with tax collectors and prostitutes, though these sinners were presumably Jewish.  So, is the circumcision party guilty of blatant racism?  I don’t think the issue is so simple.  Essentially, the circumcision party believes that Gentiles must become Jews before they can become Christians.  After all, Jesus did say, “Salvation is from the Jews.”

The circumcision party assumes that there is something inherently valuable about being Jewish apart from the grace of God.  They have forgotten where they came from.  Of course, the Israelites have a special place in God’s heart and in His redemptive plan, but God chose them, not because they were special, but because they were small and insignificant.

The prerequisite for becoming a child of God, whether for Jewish sinners or Gentile sinners, is not circumcision or even baptism, but repentance and faith.  And this is good news for people who need the grace of God.

At the Living Water Church, I work with teenage boys from the inner city.  I know boys who aspire to be drug dealers.  I know boys who are in juvenile detention for their violence.   I know boys who spent their nights robbing their neighbors.  And there is good news for them.

They do not need to become middle class to be saved.  They do not need to adopt another culture or race.  No, God can wash away their sins as they are and give them a completely new life if they would simply trust in Jesus.

Now it may sound romantic when we apply this good news to others, but are we astounded or insulted when we are told that we need the same, exact kind of grace?  Do we want the grace that is extended to criminals?  Do we know we need it?

Prayer

Father, I thank that the grace You offer to me is real for my sin and my need is real.  May I never forget that I am nothing more than a sinner in need of a Savior and You are a wonderful Savior to me.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 7

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (ESV): For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; [28] God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, [29] so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. [30] And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, [31] so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Question to Consider

1. What kind of people belong to the church of Corinth?
2. Why does God choose such people?
3. What kind of boasting is appropriate?

Notes

1. People who are not wise, powerful, or of noble birth by worldly standards. In fact they are foolish, low, and despised.
2. In order to shame the wise and the strong and so that no person may boast in the presence of God.
3. Boasting in the Lord, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

Evening Reflection

In what ways were you aware of your need of the grace of God today?  In what ways were you tempted to think you had no need of grace?  Take a moment to thank God for His grace that addresses your sin as well as your pride.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from March 14-20 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden, who was recently born.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 10:44-48

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.  45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.

Over the last few days, we have been able to focus on Peter’s vision and how Peter responded to that vision. Today, we see the culmination of Peter’s vision and preaching as the Gentiles receive the gift of the Holy Spirit for the first time. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Gentiles found themselves “speaking in tongues and extolling God” (v. 46), completing their full inclusion into the family of God.

Up to this time, the followers of the Way did not know or were not fully convinced that their Savior was for the whole world. In fact, they were still trying to follow the Jewish laws and even avoid contact with non-Jews. So can you imagine the astonishment to these Jewish Christians of seeing the Holy Spirit being poured out upon these Gentiles? It was almost as though their faith was made complete in seeing others receive the Holy Spirit’s fullness.

I would like for us to consider how we often take for granted the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Perhaps so much so that we don’t even look for it or think that it’s theologically unsound to expect it. But however articulate our presentation is, if we do not see the Holy Spirit fall upon those to whom we are sharing, our gospel is incomplete. We must remind and encourage our new and young friends in the faith to seek the power of the Holy Spirit as evidence for their reception to the gospel. Let us present the full gospel of Jesus Christ!

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank You for Your presence and power in my life and help me live in it this day. Spirit of God, help me to treasure Christ this day!

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 6

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from March 14-20 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden, who was recently born.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 10:34-43

42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.

One of my favorite things we do at Tapestry LA Church is what we call “Threads.” Our members share personal stories during Sunday service to the power of God in their lives, as they testify to God’s rescue, healing and restoration. I love to hear the many ways God is at work in the midst of our church family.

Peter says, in our passage today, “And he (God) commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead” (verse 42). The word “testify” is diamartryomai in Greek, which is to “make a declaration based upon personal knowledge.”

There is a place and a time in which to share absolute truths from the Word of God. There is something very powerful as we hear God’s Word being preached at our weekly worship gatherings. Our pastors and church leaders have the solemn duty to preach well-thought biblical messages for the well-being of the church. However, each of us are also called to preach and testify to the person and the work of Christ based on our personal knowledge of God.

And one might even make the case that sharing personal truths can be initially more effective as a form of communication with the “gentiles” amongst us. People who are either adverse or unfamiliar with the Christian worldview may need to simply see the reasonableness of our faith in the way we live our lives. Skeptics may point to scientific inconsistencies and maybe even the problem of hypocrisy we see too often in the church, but they won’t be able to refute a truth well lived with integrity and love. If we are going to reach a new group of people, we need live in a way people are asking about our hope, as they wonder about our motivations and the clear demonstration of God’s power in our lives.

Here is a challenge I want to leave you with this day: Do you have a testimony? Can you articulate your journey with Jesus in such a way that the truth exudes from you? How about prayerfully considering a game plan for each non-Christian relationship you have, so that when they ask about your life, you can speak to the personal truth of God’s love and power in your life. Think and prepare ahead of time, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to be intentional with all my relationships. Give me opportunities to preach Christ crucified by word and deed this day. May Your Spirit guide me and enable me to help people see the glory of Christ! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 4-5

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from March 14-20 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden, who was recently born.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 10:9-33

10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth.

Having served a number of churches, I’ve come to see that every church has its traditions. Everything from cultural to denominational, I have seen people have strong feelings for certain forms of spirituality or church practices that they are even willing to fight and divide over them.

Traditions are not bad; they can be very good and be a way to remember what God has done in the past—a way to relive those important moments. But we can also become enslaved to them. Instead of serving as a bridge to lead to truth and life, it can also be used to build a box to keep God inside and others out.

In our passage, Peter is with Simon the tanner in the city of Joppa. But while Peter was praying on the rooftop, where meals were often served, he enters into a trance and sees a vision of a sheet descending from the heavens with all kinds of animals on it and an accompanying voice with the words “kill and eat.” Peter refused to violate the dietary laws as prescribed in Deuteronomy 14, where ceremonially unclean animals—like pigs and birds—were forbidden for consumption. But the clear message for Peter, and for all Jews thereafter, was to partake of it, because “what God has made clean, do not call common.”

Consider why it was so difficult for Peter to comprehend God’s message. It comes down to building a life on traditions. The Jews were defined by the traditions of their dietary restrictions, and of course, it served its purpose for its time. But when God was ready to do a new thing, Peter found himself initially unwilling to believe—the old wineskin was keeping him from the new wine.

God speaks through the ordinary things of life as well as through the great visions of the heavens. We are called today to pay attention to see how God is doing a new thing in our lives. Am I listening? Am I paying attention? Consider what traditions, habits or past teachings that might be keeping you from hearing afresh the voice of God in your life today.

Prayer

God, help me to see You today. Help me not to take for granted how You speak through ordinary things in life. Allow my ears to listen attentively to Your voice. Don’t allow distractions or traditions to keep me from loving You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Galatians 5:16-26 

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Questions to Consider

1. What are the works of the flesh? According to Paul, what will keep us from gratifying the desires of the flesh?
2. What is the fruit of the Spirit?
3. What particular fruit of the Spirit do you need to work on?

Notes

1. “The works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (verses 19-21). When we allow the Spirit to lead us, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
2. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (verses 22-23).
3. Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

“Fruit is always the miraculous, the created; it is never the result of willing, but always a growth. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift of God, and only He can produce it. They who bear it know as little about it as the tree knows of its fruit. They know only the power of Him on whom their life depends” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from March 14-20 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden, who was recently born.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 10:1-8

A devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

As far as anyone could tell, the young man looked like he was a brilliant doctor, with all the right certifications indicating that he had fulfilled the rigorous requirements necessary to practice his medicine. Each day he went to work in a lab coat and a stethoscope around his neck, ready to assist anyone who happened to cross his path—but appearances can be deceiving. This was no doctor at all, but he was an 18-year-old Florida teen pretending to be a doctor. Just last month, Malachi Love-Robinson of the state of Florida was arrested for practicing medicine without a license.

Appearance can be deceiving indeed. And its danger lies in the deception of confusing form for substance. We find this to be true in the story of Cornelius, a Gentile who served as a centurion in the city of Caesarea for the Roman Empire. But we also learn that he was a man who feared God. Of all the deities in this Roman city, he chose to have a deep respect and reverence for the God of Israel. Not only that, Cornelius gave generously to the people who were in need, and he was also said to be a man of prayer.

By all appearances, Cornelius was a man of God who had the characteristics of true faith. But the truth is, Cornelius fell short; and apart from the gracious visitation of an angel and the timely visit of Peter, Cornelius would still be lost to the world and his religion.

In a sense, Cornelius represents the best of what religion has to offer, but it can only take us so far. Cornelius shows us how apart from an encounter with the living God and receiving the grace of God, all of our doings are ultimately useless and unsatisfying. We need to meet Jesus, as this is how we begin a relationship with God. It is also how we continue to sustain ourselves in our faith. We are to meet the Lord again and again.

Have you had an encounter with God? Are you making an effort to continue meeting Him this day? As you take time to examine Cornelius’ life, look at the depths of your own heart this morning and earnestly seek to meet the living God.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, come and meet me this hour! I want to experience You anew. Remind me again how apart from Your gracious visit, I am lost in my own goodness. Come and meet me today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 1

[1] Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

[2] but his delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

[3] He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

[4] The wicked are not so,

but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

[5] Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

[6] for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

Questions to Consider

1. According to the first two verses, what makes for a truly happy person?
2. In this short Psalm, there is a clear contrast between the one who follows God and the wicked who do not? What is the consequence of the wicked?
3. The one who meets the Lord “is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (verse 3). In what way will you meet the Lord today aside from doing this Quiet Time Devotional?

Notes

1. The one who walks in the way of God and delights in Him.
2. The wicked stands to be judged and will ultimately perish.
3. Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

“We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.” – Francis Chan

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from March 14-20 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden, who was recently born.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 9:32-42

But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

In the 2002 movie Like Mike, Calvin and his friends who all live in an orphanage, find some old shoes with the faded letters “MJ”. These shoes are somehow tied to a power line; and on one stormy night, they go to retrieve the shoes when Calvin and the shoes are struck by lightning. Calvin now has fantastic basketball powers and eventually plays for the NBA where he dominates fellow NBA stars with his new found shoes.

In the same way, the story of the Bible is the ability of God to take ordinary people to do extraordinary things through them. We see again and again when God’s Spirit takes hold of an individual, astonishing things can happen. We see in our story today, God working powerfully through Peter, an uneducated fisherman from small town Galilee. First, he heals the man Aeneas from paralysis. Then immediately after, he resurrects Dorcas.

Jesus can use anyone who is obedient and willing to be used by Him. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead and saved our soul is now in us to do God’s works. But the truth is, we often find ourselves defeated by Satan’s lies—the most effective one being low self-esteem. That’s Satan’s greatest weapon. He renders us powerless by giving us a sense of inferiority, inadequacy, and low self-worth—this is what shackles many of us. And in spite of amazing spiritual experiences and knowledge of God’s Word, we find ourselves not fully living up to our potentials.

God calls us to an extraordinary life. And for God to use us, we must humbly make ourselves available. Then we must obediently use the gifts and opportunities God gives us to usher the presence of God wherever we find ourselves. This act of surrender is precisely the power of God in us. God will only do great things through us when we surrender to His kingdom and His priorities. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, let us remember the power of God in us this day!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to realize the potential I have in You. I want to be an agent of change. Help me to join You in all the work You are doing in and around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 6:12-20

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Questions to Consider

1. If we are to realize the potential for great power we have in Jesus, we must also realize who our enemy is and what our battle is. According to Paul, who is our enemy and what is our battle?
2. What are we commended to do to prepare for this heavenly battle?
3. As you read through the section on the armor of God, what is one particular area you have to strengthen in your life?

Notes

1. The enemy is the Devil and the battle is against the cosmic powers of darkness.
2. We are to put on the armor of God.
3. Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

“Take God at His Word – because winning the battle doesn’t require physical brawn, but spiritual brains!” – Pedro Okoro

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from March 14-20 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden, who was recently born.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 9:10-19

So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Doing ministry for over two decades, I’ve had my share of disagreements and aggrieved relationships. The temptation to do away with people who are difficult always seems so easy to give into. Yet I have found that some of my most prized relationships today are the result of persisting in difficult relationships and reconciling over broken ones.

Paul—still known as Saul—begins his journey from persecutor of the church to apostle, after he is memorably blinded on the Damascus road by the Lord Jesus himself. Ananias, a disciple from Damascus, is called upon by God to intercede on behalf of the still blinded Saul. But Ananias is initially reluctant for good reason: Paul is a terror to the early church, and it’s possible that Ananias is on the persecutors’ list. He, nonetheless, obeys God and finds himself before Saul, saying, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, Saul regains his sight, he gets up and is baptized.

This event would become Ananias’ greatest test of faith. Remarkably, the dutiful disciple not only follows orders but seemingly does so ungrudgingly. Ananias’ words match his actions, as he not only touches Saul but establishes rapport by receiving him as a “brother.” These gestures add up to a warm welcome, demonstrating genuine love and kindness, and more importantly acceptance as a part of the community. At no point does Ananias reproach Saul. No longer does Ananias speak about “this man” (Acts 9:13), but as “Brother Saul.” The despised enemy, the alien, has become a brother.

He found the feared persecutor alone, blind, and helpless. All the hurt and fear Ananias had felt drained away. The same Lord who called Ananias to go to Saul also filled him with His love and forgiveness. The deep compassion and acceptance that Ananias offers Saul was not his to give: It represents the forgiveness possible through Christ, a reconciliation that would shape Paul’s ministry.

Often the believers are called to respond counter-intuitively to the world, and when we do, we can experience the dramatic reconciling power of the risen Christ. The persecuted Ananias, in the power of the risen Christ, calls his former persecutor “brother.” In Jesus, that kind of reconciled community is possible. Paul’s ministry would come to be defined by this reconciliation, between “Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female.” Paul’s life was changed by the encounter with the risen Christ, but through Paul, the very character of the early church will begin to be transformed.

Bible Reading for Today: Nahum 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Galatians 3:23-9: Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. [24] So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. [25] But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, [26] 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. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

Questions to Consider

1. In verse 24, Paul says that “the law was our guardian until Christ came.” In what sense is this true?
2. According to verse 28, what distinction has been removed in the New Covenant that once existed in the Old Covenant.
3. In what way is the New Covenant of neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, no male or female, most evident in your life?

Notes

1. The Law serves as a guardian, because it highlights and restrains sin, and it also foretells the coming of Christ.
2. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female.
3. Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

“God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.” – Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from March 14-20 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden, who was recently born.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 9:1-9

Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. [4] And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

I was arrested once in my lifetime. Before I knew Christ, I was in the throes of my youthful rebellion when I was picked up by the police for shoplifting at the local mall. I had been stealing for a long time, so when I was finally arrested, it was definitely “a long time coming.”

On his way to Damascus, Saul too, was apprehended by God. A great light from heaven, which Saul would have recognized as the glory of God, accompanied the words of Jesus. Jesus told Saul that persecuting the church was tantamount to fighting God himself. Saul thought he was doing the will of God, but God in His mercy, stopped him from continuing down that destructive path.

Do you remember when you were stopped by the Lord? He does it in a lot of different ways for different people. Some are overcome by the guilt of sin, and they call on the Lord, asking Him to save them from it, while with others, God allows them to smash into a brick wall in life before they see the light and call on the Lord for help. Very often, God will show us through failures and disappointments that we need correction in our life course.

This is because we do not very often call on God when things are going well in our lives. We usually have to hit rock bottom before we are willing to look up for help. It’s only when we humbly acknowledge we cannot do it on our own that God is able to come and help us. If it takes several hard knocks in life to produce humility, then God will allow that to happen for the greater good!

Paul saw the light, and He saw the errors of his way. How about you today? Do you sense God is trying to get your attention? Do you feel the Lord is trying to change the direction you are going? If so, turn to Him in repentance today!

Bible Reading for Today: Nahum 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 3:12-21 (ESV): Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. [16] Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

[17] 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.

Questions to Consider

1. Paul’s life is purposeful, for he constantly aims toward a heavenly goal, but in verse 14, says he has not reached that goal. What is the prize of reaching that goal?
2. Paul calls the Philippians to imitate him. What does this mean?
3. Are you able to say “imitate me as I imitate Christ” to somebody today?

Notes

1. The prize is the fullness of blessings and rewards in the age to come, more specifically, being in perfect fellowship with Christ forever.
2. Paul is not saying the Philippians are to focus on him per se but rather for them to join him in humble, radical dependence on Christ.
3. Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” –C.S. Lewis

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from March 7-13 are provided by Kate Moon.  Kate has been serving the Lord in E. Asia for nearly 15 years. 

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Acts 8:29-36

The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him . . . 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.  36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”

In a remote rain forest jungle part of the world, there were once two villages separated by a large mountain.  One village had received the gospel, built a rough structure with a cross on top, started gathering regularly for meetings, and wonderful and amazing things happened there.  News of these goings on reached the other village, but only in bits and pieces because of the whole mountain separating the two.  They heard that this first village had built this structure, that they gathered there, that amazing things were happening.  So they decided to try the same.  They built a rough structure with a cross on top, started gathering there regularly, and they would sit in this structure and wait—wait to see what would happen next. The documentary that recorded this true story ended something like this: “At the time the editing of this film was completed, there was as of yet still no missionary working among the people of the second village.”

Presumably, it was because the village was too remote – if I remember correctly, for all practical intents and purposes, only reachable by helicopter or a very long trip up a river by boat – but after watching this documentary, I remember having these thoughts:  Here were these people who were sitting around in this (unbeknownst to them) “church” building they had built themselves, waiting for someone to come tell them about Jesus.  People in America had many chances to hear and the luxury to refuse time and again, but there were people in the world who had not yet heard even once and were just waiting for someone to come and tell them.  To me, the obstacles of physical distance or discomfort seemed more surmountable than that of a hardened heart.  If the only reason some people weren’t saved was for lack of hearing because they lived in too remote a place, I thought, heck, I’d go.

The Ethiopian eunuch, like the villagers above, was someone who also just needed a little help.  The Holy Spirit had already done all the work in his heart, even had him start reading the Scriptures; he was just having some trouble understanding what he was reading and needed someone to explain.  Living in certain environments where people are generally not so open to hearing the gospel, we can feel that evangelism is so hard.  But sometimes, it can be as easy as this.  There are people in the world who are reading, searching, wondering, questioning – wishing there were someone they could ask so that they could understand.  Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to bring us to them that we might lend a helping hand.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, help me to be willing to make myself available to help someone in spiritual need.  Open my spiritual eyes that I may see who those people are, whether they are in my immediate context or somewhere farther away that I need to go.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Nahum 1