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 12:20-24 (ESV)

Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. [21] On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. [22] And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” [23] Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. [24] But the word of God increased and multiplied.

In our passage this morning, Herod, a persecutor of the church, is judged by God.  The people flatter him in a blasphemous way, he receives the glory due to God, and he is subsequently struck down.

Herod’s desire for and enjoyment of glory is not unique.  The desire for glory has been the source of conflict with God from the very beginning.  Satan was not satisfied by simply reflecting the glory of God; he wanted to take God’s place.  Adam and Eve were tempted by the prospect of becoming like God.

Glory is something like fame.  Of course, we understand that God deserves His glory (or fame), but we would not mind if we got some for ourselves too.  Perhaps we don’t want to be famous in a TMZ celebrity kind of way, but we would like others to speak well of us and for the right people to know how wonderful or talented we are.

Even in ministry, we are not free from this temptation.  I am a pastor, and I am committed to spreading the fame of God to the whole world, yet I also want people to recognize my gifts and my competence.

Thankfully, there will be a day when you and I will be free from this desire for self-glory, and we will be blessed to wholeheartedly give God everything He deserves.  All of human history is marching forward to the day when Jesus will get all the glory.

Today is Easter Sunday.  May our Risen King receive the reward of His death and resurrection!

[8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11)

Prayer

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You are the One True God and You deserve all the glory!  I hate my sin and long to be free of all my self-love so that I may give You my whole heart, soul, and mind.  Maranatha—come Lord Jesus—and take Your rightful place as King!

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 14

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 12:5, 12-17 (ESV)

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

[12] When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. [13] And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. [14] Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. [15] They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” [16] But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. [17] But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

During one trip to China, I was reading John 3 (being born again) with a young man who was a member of the Communist Party.  I asked him what he thought about the passage, and he said he needed God to make him into a new person.  Tentatively, I asked him if he wanted to be born again right then, and he said “yes.”  So shocked by his response, I almost asked him if he was sure; instead, I led him in the sinner’s prayer.

Over the years, I’ve led short-term mission teams to various places.  Every trip, we pray earnestly for the power of God and the salvation of the lost.  More often than not, we are surprised when God actually answers.

In our passage, the Jerusalem church is earnestly praying for the Apostle Peter.  Though Peter is closely guarded by Roman soldiers, an angel miraculously leads him out of the prison.  When Peter shows up at the prayer meeting that has been convened specifically for him, no one believes it could actually be him.

Sometimes we can assume prayer is about the experience rather than the result.  Of course, spending time in communion with our Heavenly Father is important and worthwhile in and of itself, but at the same time there is real power in prayer!

More than anything else, Peter’s miraculous escape from prison demonstrates the limitless power of God.  The believers in Acts will continue to face opposition and persecution; sometimes they will be rescued, but other times they will face prison or execution (as Peter eventually would).  However, the power of God is always greater than the power of the world and God’s plan to bring salvation to the nations cannot be stopped.

May God grant to us boldness in our prayers and our witness, knowing that He is faithful and strong.

Prayer

Father, so often I am discouraged by circumstances and I doubt even as I pray.  Help me to trust in Your Holy Spirit and not myself, that I might be bold in calling people to Your Son.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 12-13

 

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 12:1-5 (ESV)

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. [2] He killed James the brother of John with the sword, [3] and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. [4] And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. [5] So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

We live in a world of violence.  In the West we can easily forget this, but recent tragedies in Paris and Brussels bring this uncomfortable reality to the forefront.  Violence can possibly invigorate a movement; it can also destroy a movement.

In Acts 12:2, we read of the martyrdom of James.  Formerly a Son of Thunder, James is the first of the apostles to give his life for Jesus.  Peter is apprehended as well, and apart from the supernatural intervention of God, his death is imminent.

The question becomes, will violence and suffering stifle the movement and the message of God?
A pastor who serves in a Muslim country was arrested and interrogated.  In response to threats on his life made by government officials, he responded that they might in fact be doing him a favor.  His sermons were already distributed throughout the region.  If the people knew he was willing to die for his faith, they might listen again and take more seriously a message sealed in his blood.

The gates of hell cannot prevail against Christ’s Church.

At one time, the disciples saw their Lord arrested, and they fled.  Peter, the leader of the disciples, denied Jesus three times when confronted by a servant girl.  But this was before the resurrection of the Son of God.  This was before the giving of the Holy Spirit.  In Acts 12:4, Peter awaits his execution but he does not waver.  Likewise, the church prays and waits.  Regardless of the outcome, they will not abandon their faith or their witness.

They do not know what will happen to them in their earthly lifetimes, but they are crystal clear as to what is to come at the end.  Jesus will receive His glory.  Death will be defeated.  The people of God will reign with Him in eternal joy forever.

Prayer

Father, thank You that You sustain Your Church; and though the devil and the nations may rage against You and Your people, You give us strength to stand.  May I be certain of what is it come that I may not fear what is here today.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 11

Lunch Break Study

Read Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV): Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. [2] And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. [4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Question to Consider

1. According to v. 1, what will ultimately pass away?
2. According to v. 4, what former things will also pass away?
3. According to v. 3, what things will be true of the new heaven and new earth?

Notes

1. The first heaven and the first earth will pass away.
2. Death, mourning, crying, and pain will pass away.
3. In the new heaven and new earth, God will dwell with His people. Also, God and His people will belong fully to one another.

Evening Reflection

Take a moment to reflect.  During your day, did a desire for safety ever prevent you from following the Lord Jesus more fully?  Did God present you with any risky opportunities to serve Him or others?  Pray that He might give you the eyes to see and the courage to follow Him.

May the Lord give you eyes to see and courage to follow.

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 11:27-30 (ESV)

Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. [28] And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). [29] So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. [30] And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

According to the Catholic Church, the seven deadly sins are lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride.  While we will readily confess to some sins on this list, others we may admit, though with reluctance or a bit of embarrassment.  But there is at least one which we tend to be completely blind to— greed.

How many times has someone confessed to lust, sloth or pride in your small group?  Now, how many times has someone confessed to greed?

In today’s passage, God has revealed a coming famine through prophecy.  The disciples hear God speak, and they act by collecting relief and sending it to the brothers and sisters in Judea—this is undeniable.  The part where there might be some debate is the phrase “everyone according to his ability” (v. 29).

A couple years ago, a friend of mine was speaking to a pastor he knew, about a church that could not continue to pay its mortgage and was forced to close its doors. After hearing this, the pastor simply said, “The pastor of the church could have sold his house.  Then the church wouldn’t have had to close.”[1]

“Ability” is not measured in percentages or dollar amounts and in that way it is hard to quantify.  However, we should understand that giving “according to our ability,” or with our whole hearts, is a question of maximum, not minimum giving.

To our discomfort, the Scriptures frequently speak about money.  Is it because God needs ours?  I don’t think so.  Jesus states simply, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).  God is not interested in our money for its own sake but in our trust (will God take care of us?) and in our love (do the needs of others matter as much as our own?).

Prayer

Father, thank You that You are the Provider for me and my family.  May finances not be a matter of fear or idolatry but a means to demonstrate my trust in Your promises and my love for the world.

[1] If selling the house is what God specifically calls a believer to do, then, by all means he ought to obey God; however, no one should be judged down for not selling his house to ensure that church stay afloat.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 19:5-10 (ESV): And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” [6] So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. [7] And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” [8] And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” [9] And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Question to Consider

1. In light of v. 8, what was Zacchaeus willing to do because of his love for money?
2. What does Zacchaeus do in response to Jesus’s acceptance of him?
3. Why is Zacchaeus able to make such generous use of his money?

Notes

1. Zacchaeus was willing to sin and defraud others because of his love for money. He was also willing to be ostracized and separated from his people and religion.
2. He receives Jesus joyfully and offers his goods to the poor and restitution for those he has defrauded.
3. Because he has found acceptance and salvation in God. In light of these things, money is no longer the most important thing to him.

Evening Reflection

Consider, what could maximum giving look like in your life?  What fears, desires, or plans make such giving seem impractical?  Pray that God would address these heart issues in such a way that you could give with the joy of Zacchaeus.

May the Lord give you eyes to see and courage to follow.

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 11:19-21 (ESV)

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. [20] But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

At the beginning of the book of Acts, Jesus tells His disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit falls upon Jesus’s disciples at Pentecost and thousands are saved. A great revival breaks out in Jerusalem; nevertheless, the gospel remains in that city until Acts 8.

So, what causes the gospel to finally spread? Following the martyrdom of Stephen, “there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). In short, persecution is the cause, which God graciously sent to His people, who were reluctant to go to Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth, in order to scatter them among the nations. In His great love for the entire world, God is willing to allow His people to suffer that the world might be saved.

Subsequently, God’s people are scattered “as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch” (v. 19). Some speak only to Jews (v. 19), but others go to Antioch and speak to the Greeks (v. 20). These believers are noteworthy in that they are not even named, but they do their part, perhaps reluctantly, by testifying to who God is and what He has done. And then God does His part; He raises the spiritually dead and “a great number who believed turned to the Lord” (v. 21).

I did not grow up in the church. Hardly anyone in my family or extended family is a believer. So I am thankful that a timid, reluctant Christian was sent by God to share the gospel with me. More so, I am thankful that the Lord is so determined to save that He opened my heart so I could believe. Today, reach out to someone with the gospel.

Prayer

Father, thank You that You have purposed to proclaim Your salvation to all peoples. I am timid and weak in faith, but please use me to speak words of life to people who are perishing. Oh Lord, You are mighty to save!

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 9

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV): And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. [2] For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. [3] And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, [4] and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, [5] so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Question to Consider

1. According to v. 2, what is the opposite of lofty speech or wisdom?
2. According to v. 4, what are the most important elements of Paul’s message?
3. Why does God use a foolish message and a fearful messenger to save?

Notes

1. The simple message of Jesus Christ and him crucified.
2. The most important elements of Paul’s message are the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, not words of human wisdom.
3. So that no one would put their faith in Paul or the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Evening Reflection

Take a moment to pray for unbelieving coworkers or friends whom you see on a regular basis.  Ask that God would open a door to share and that He would use you despite your weakness.

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