Devo Luke 2

Chapter 2
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and
devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was
upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not
die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the
temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what
the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,
saying: 29”Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant
in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight
of all people, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people
Israel.” 33The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him.
34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined
to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be
spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a
sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Meditation:
1. Simeon’s prayer is a prayer of completion. He spent a long life of hopeful
prayer and faithful witness. What he has been praying for all his life is now
present in this infant. He takes the child in his arms and blesses him, and the
parents. Simeon holds the purpose and meaning of his life in his arms. He’s
now ready to die.
2. The prayers of Mary and Simeon are complementary to each other: the
young Mary starting out in submission to God’s word; the old Simeon ending
in submission to God’s word. Mary and Simeon submissively and believingly
spoke the prayer: “according to your word”(1:38, 2:29).
3. Re-read the two prayers by Mary and Simeon (1:38, 2:29). Focus on the
words “according to your word”. Listen to what God is speaking to me. How
could I use this phrase “according to your word” in my response prayer today?

Personal Note:
Simeon and Mary are devout people who had great faith and trust in God.  They witnessed God's salvation and hope.  In my current season of my life, I am preparing to get married.

According to the Word of God, I am called to promise my deepest love to my future wife, my fullest devotion, and my tenderest care.  Eph 5:25-31.  A man is called to to the head of the household, I am called to lead our lives into a life of faith and hope in Christ Jesus through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and God's Word.

Devo Luke 1

Chapter 1
46And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God
my Saviour, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From
now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great
things for me— holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought
down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the
hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his
servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants
forever, even as he said to our fathers.” 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about
three months and then returned home.

Meditation:
1. Mary, like Samuel’s mother Hannah, praises and glorifies God through
her prayer-song for God will accomplish what He has planned for the
world through her. Both prayers describe that God lifts up the poor,
comforts the oppressed, and cares for the despised. Mary’s prayer, in fact,
expands our awareness that we are grateful and joyful PARTICIPANTS
in what has been and is yet to come.
2. Prayer is our way of being attentively present to God, who is present
to us (Emmanuel) in the Holy Spirit. Our prayer is always the second
sentence. First God speaks; our response, our answer, is our prayer. From
this prayer, we learn that Mary hears and receives, believes and submits
to the Word that conceives Christ in her.
3. Have I had any experience that I was an active participant in carrying
out God’s plan for me or others? How has this experience impacted me?
4. Am I aware that I am present to God in prayer just as God is ever present
to me? What will this awareness change me in my attitude and actions
in everyday life?

Personal Note:
I experienced that I was an active participant in carrying out God's plan when I humble myself and rejoices in his leading. Pretty much this is what Crossroad is about.  The goal of Crossroad is to be a community where people can experience God's love and learn God's Words.  God's plan is to reveal his love to his people.  Overtime, I developed a sense of purpose and joy, and I pray that the brothers and sisters will experience this joy too.

God is around me everywhere.  Prayer is essential because this disciplines me to be aware of his love and guidance.  I love Vicky and I am very confident that she thinks about me often.  I long to spend time and talk to her and express my love and receive her love.  God is the only source of unconditional and unfailing love. I pray and read His Words as I desire to build a deeper relationship with God.

Devo 2 Thes 3

II Thessalonians Chapter 3:6-11
6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away
from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you
received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.
We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s food without
paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so
that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9We did this, not because we do
not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to
follow. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will
not work, he shall not eat.” 11We hear that some among you are idle. They are not
busy; they are busybodies. 12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus
Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

Meditation:
1. Paul unabashedly uses the principle of imitation repeatedly in his writings,
because he knows that on its most fundamental level this is how spiritual
formation works. The formation of habits (even holy, patient, righteous,
giving habits) comes only by imitation until they become our own. In this
case, the issue is idleness, and Paul and his co-workers have modeled how
believers are to “work quietly and to earn their own living”.
2. What spiritual habits do I desire to develop?
3. What am I doing in preparation for the coming of Christ, “Idling”? “Working
quietly and earning own living”? “Not weary in doing what is right”? Lord,
help me to be alert and diligent in doing what is good to wait for your coming!

Personal Note:
The people that Paul talks about just idle and do not work as they awaits for Jesus to return.  They thought that what's the point of working and they excuse themselves by being lazy.  Paul and his co-workers showed by example that they "work hard and not be a burden".  It takes work to make $$$ but more importantly, it also takes work to make disciples and growing spiritually.

I desire to develop deeper prayer and Scripture meditation habits.  I would like to discipline myself for focused reflection on Jesus Christ periodically.

God, I need your help in providing me directions and passion in serving and working for your kingdom.  As I   work on the philosophy of ministry today, help me to be honest about who I am, what I am good at, what I am passionate about, and how to put it all together to make disciples for your glory.

Devo 2 Thes 2

II Thessalonians Chapter 2:13-17
13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because
from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of
the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14He called you to this through our
gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then,
brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by
word of mouth or by letter. 16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our
Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good
hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Meditation:
1. Accepting Christ and the salvation is only the beginning of one’s spiritual life
and not just procuring a ticket to heaven. Paul understands the Thessalonian
church is facing persecution, false teaching, secularization and various
uncertainties. Therefore, he tells them to “stand firm” and hold fast to God’s
teaching.
2. I also encounter all kinds of forces constantly trying to pull me away from God.
How am I doing in Holding Fast and Standing Firm?
3. Some brothers and sisters are sacrificing their time and energy to make Crossroad
a better place.  Pray that God will delight in their weekly sacrifices and be near them.
Bless their studies, social interaction, and future.

Personal Note:
I am going to preach on this passage on Oct 30.  Visiting this passage during devotion enables me to be convicted on my own need of the conviction to stand firm and holding tight to God's Words.  In the midst of a lot of misleading teachings and philosophies, secularization (business, education, government, etc getting away from the Gospel), and lots of uncertainties (debt crisis, confusion on life direction, etc), it is essential for me to have the guidance from God's Word in order to stay strong.  I can only be strong when I obey God's Word faithfully.

Devo 2 Thes 1

II Thessalonians Chapter 1:5-12
5All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be
counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6God is just:
He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7and give relief to you who are
troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from
heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not
know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished
with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from
the majesty of his power 10on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people
and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you,
because you believed our testimony to you. 11With this in mind, we constantly
pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his
power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your
faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,
and you in him, according to the grace of our God and t he Lord Jesus Christ.

Meditation:
1. Some people want to think of God as being “nice”. Much too nice to get
angry at people, and much too nice to punish sin. The truth is that the idea
of “nice” as we understand it is not found in the Bible. This passage talks
about Jesus coming in “blazing fire and with His powerful angels” to “punish
those who do not know God”. And they will be “punished with everlasting
destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord”. The justice of God
is displayed in two ways. One is by “paying back” those who do evil (v6). The
other is by taking on Himself the punishment due those who do evil. This has
already happened on Calvary.
2. Spend a few moments meditate on the enormity of God’s love in sacrificing
Jesus to save me!! Say a word of thanksgiving to God.
3. Think of the non-believing family members and friends. Choose one or more
that I will FAITHFULLY pray for their salvation. Remember to pray for
these people every Tuesday according to the PGC prayer calendar.

Personal Note:
The society teaches us to be nice people.  Being nice is not a Biblical concept.  For example, I can be nice to my friends who do drugs by not confronting them and affirming how cool they are.  God tells us to be loving.  The loving thing to do is to pray for the friends to change and say the truth in love.

The truth of the Gospel is that there is one true God and we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  We can be saved through accepting and receiving the good news of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Devo 2 Thes 1

II Thessalonians Chapter 2:13-17
13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because
from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of
the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14He called you to this through our
gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15So then,
brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by
word of mouth or by letter. 16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our
Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good
hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Meditation:
1. Accepting Christ and the salvation is only the beginning of one’s spiritual life
and not just procuring a ticket to heaven. Paul understands the Thessalonian
church is facing persecution, false teaching, secularization and various
uncertainties. Therefore, he tells them to “stand firm” and hold fast to God’s
teaching.
2. I also encounter all kinds of forces constantly trying to pull me away from
God. How am I doing in Holding Fast and Standing Firm?
3. The Worship Bulletin each Sunday helps me to review what I hear at the
service. It also helps me to pray for various ministries, needs and people. By
doing so, I am being built up to Stand Firm and Hold Fast to the faith and
God’s teaching.
4. Spend some time remembering the different segments of the Worship service.
Thank God for each one of those who work diligently. Pray that God will
delight in their weekly sacrifices and be near them. Bless their job, studies,
marriage, family and future.

Devo 1 Thes 5

II Thessalonians Chapter 1:5-12
5All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be
counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6God is just:
He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7and give relief to you who are
troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from
heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not
know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished
with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from
the majesty of his power 10on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people
and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you,
because you believed our testimony to you. 11With this in mind, we constantly
pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his
power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your
faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,
and you in him, according to the grace of our God and t he Lord Jesus Christ.

Meditation:
1. Some people want to think of God as being “nice”. Much too nice to get
angry at people, and much too nice to punish sin. The truth is that the idea
of “nice” as we understand it is not found in the Bible. This passage talks
about Jesus coming in “blazing fire and with His powerful angels” to “punish
those who do not know God”. And they will be “punished with everlasting
destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord”. The justice of God
is displayed in two ways. One is by “paying back” those who do evil (v6). The
other is by taking on Himself the punishment due those who do evil. This has
already happened on Calvary.
2. Spend a few moments meditate on the enormity of God’s love in sacrificing
Jesus to save me!! Say a word of thanksgiving to God.
3. Think of the non-believing family members and friends. Choose one or more
that I will FAITHFULLY pray for their salvation. Remember to pray for
these people every Tuesday according to the PGC prayer calendar.

Personal Note:
I have a friend telling me what's happening to a friend in his small group.  This guy has been very involved in his youth group when he was a teen.  He was a worship leader and small group leader.  When he was in university, he was actively involve in the campus fellowships and have led many people to Christ.  However, his family and close friends have not accepted Jesus Christ as personal LORD and savior.  His dad is suffering from terminal cancer.  He starts to question the meaning of salvation.  He would like to change his thinking of salvation so that he feels better about what's going on with his family and friends.  The truth is still the truth, just because we think differently, the truth is not going to change.  If this friend change his belief system and start to feel at peace about his family and friends not accepting the Gospel, his family and friends would miss out on his witness to them.

To some of the people we really care about, bringing them to faith may seem like an impossible task.  With God, nothing is impossible.  Let's pray for our family and friend's salvation.  Let's make it a discipline to pray for these people every Tuesday!!!

Devo 1 Thes 3

I Thessalonians 3:6-12
6. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news
about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories
of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7. Therefore,
brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because
of your faith. 8. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9.
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the
presence of our God because of you? 10. Night and day we pray most earnestly
that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11. Now may
our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to
you. 12. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and
for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

Meditation:
1. The Thessalonians’ testimony of faith and love comforted and encouraged
Paul. Similarly, your testimony can also provide much needed encouragement
to fellow believers, your cell leaders, Sunday school teachers, and even pastors.
We can also be encouraged by the stories of other members of our community of faith.
2. Have I had the privilege of hearing the testimony of a fellow believer? Is
there anyone at church I’d like to share my experiences or reflections with?
Pray that God will use my sharing to encourage that person.
3. Take time each day this week to reflect and be aware of God’s work in your
life and find someone to share how you are experiencing God in your life.
Then, bring these stories to your cell group and share with each other there.

Personal Note:
In my early days as a believer in Christ, I was touched by the testimonies shared.  I have to confess I was falling asleep during the Baptism service.  When it was the time for the brothers and sisters to share their testimony, I was still dozing off.  The more I listen, the more I was interested and really felt convicted that the   love of Jesus Christ was at work in those believer's lives.  I encourage all believers in Crossroads to prepare and share your testimonies.

Devo 1 Thes 2

I Thessalonians 2:1-12
1. You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2. We had previously
suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God
we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3. For the appeal we
make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
4. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the
gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5. You know
we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our
witness. 6. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7. but we were gentle
among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8. We loved you so much
that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives
as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9. Surely you remember, brothers,
our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to
anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10. You are witnesses, and so
is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
11. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own
children, 12. encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God,
who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Meditation:
1. Paul’s proclamation of the gospel was not to win the approval of the
Thessalonians, but to please God who knows our hearts and our motivations.
Similarly, our Lord has entrusted us this good news, what is our attitude
towards spreading this good news? When we share the good news, what are
we more concerned about: the way that people might respond or what God’s purposes are?
2. Pray that God would help me grasp the true meaning of the gospel and to
grant me the desire “not trying to please men but God”.

Personal Note:
Everything I do should please God instead of pleasing people.  I serve people but ultimately I am serving God.  God's purpose is for people to know Him and accept the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Devo 1 Thes 1

I Thessalonians 1:2-10
2. We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3. We
continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith,
your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus
Christ. 4. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5. because
our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy
Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
6. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you
welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7. And so you became
a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8. The Lord’s message rang
out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become
known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9. for they
themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to
God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10. and to wait for his Son from
heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming
wrath.

Meditation:
1. For Christians, faith, love and hope are not just abstract ideas. We see in the
example of the church of Thessalonica that their faith, love and hope were
very real and were manifested through their ACTIONS. These actions then
became an example and a source of joy for Paul and other churches who heard
about what God was doing among the Thessalonians.
2. How do I live out and act in faith, love and hope as a Christian in my everyday
life?

Personal Notes:
Faith, love, and hope are not just concepts or ideas.  They are displayed and experienced through action.  Personally, I received love and care from everybody through the wedding parties.  I saw how brothers and sisters say kind words, pray for the needs of one another, hanging out and being there to encourage one another.  We pray that we will continue to display the love of Christ through the way we live.

I will start by getting to know and care for people in Crossroad as an example.  I pray that the praise team leaders and small group leaders will continue and develop a deeper passion to care and teach one another the truth and love of Jesus Christ.

Devo Galatians 6

Galatians 6:1-10
1. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore
him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2. Carry each other’s
burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3. If anyone thinks he
is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4. Each one should test his
own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to
somebody else, 5. for each one should carry his own load. 6. Anyone who receives
instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. 7. Do not
be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8. The one who
sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one
who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9. Let us not
become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we
do not give up. 10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Meditation:
1. Reflect on what I have “sown” in my life, what “harvest” am I expecting? Why?
2. What can I do this week to “sow to please the Spirit” (v8)?

Personal Note:
I have sown both good things and bad things.  This week's lesson is on making wise choices.  If I invest my time in computer games, in gossip, in hanging out with the wrong crowd, I expect myself to be attached to gaming, speak hurtful things, and become bad influences for others.  If I invest my time in reading God's Word, prayer, in encouraging one another, and fellowship with believers of Jesus Christ, I would make wise decisions, speak loving things, and become blessing to others.

I can spend time to pray and reflect on God's Words.  I challenge those who missed some devotional time with God to reflect on today's message.  I am compelled to pray for all the people I know today.

Summer 2011 Reflections

Over the past summer, in the midst of serving as an English youth pastor in PGC and preparing for marriage, I thank God for the opportunity to reflect upon life and ministry.  I ask many questions as an attempt of setting goals and planning for the future.

LORD, what should I do with the time you entrusted me with?

LORD, what should I do with the money and resources you entrusted me with?

LORD, how should I lead your people to grow deeper with you?

How does my activities contribute to growth physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

How does my activities help and bless the lives of the people I lead and serve?

Am I doing what I dove and loving what I do?

Am I investing my time with the right people?

Am I functioning in my strength zone?

Am I leading others to a higher level?

Am I taking care of today?

God, am I pleasing you?

You called me to be responsible, trust in you, faithful, take initiative, discipline, patience, courage, love, forgiveness, focus as a leader for your glory.  Your presence and authority is necessary in doing your work of making disciples.  I cannot do the work of reaching the lost without your power and your Spirit guiding me.  This goes the same with leading my future family and any other engagements.  You called me to be intentional in making disciples.

I believe in discipline.  I am to sleep before 12am and wake up at 7am.  I will discipline myself to an hour of prayer each day.  I am to work and labour towards the goals in PGC English.  I am to pray for the growth of the whole PGC.  Father, please guide me the way to generate income to meet the needs and be responsible to protect and care for my family.  I desire to work and build a strong marriage.

I am called to be a diligent minister. 

I need to repent of my sins of laziness, lust, not trusting in you, indifference to the suffering, greed, lack of desire for your direction, envy, pride…  I am called to witness for your Kingdom.  As a pastor, my role is to guide and make disciples who testify for you.  I dedicate 30 hours minimum of faithful labour to teach and equip brothers and sisters to become mature disciples.

I am not to let anyone look down because I am young but I am to set an example in speech, faith, life, and purity.  I am to be strong and courageous.  I am to be careful in obeying all the commands and not turn right or left from it.  I am convicted that you are with us.  You call me to persevere and this will lead to maturity.  When I lack wisdom, I can ask you boldly for it.  For anything I do, I am doing it for you.

Have I been asking the wrong questions?  I shouldn’t ask “God, why did you let this happen to me?”  Instead, I am to ask what are you trying to teach me?  What are you asking me to let go of?  I am called to die to my old self.  The true test of a man actually starts when he can no longer rely on what he’s used all his life.  I am made to depend on God.  The source of my real strength is from God.  Jesus’ strength is from God and guided by the Spirit within.  My strength and power comes from God and the Spirit from within.  What God thinks of me is what ultimately matters?  I am accepted by Him, and I am working and serving Him because of grace. 

A man must have a battle to fight, a mission to his life that transcends home and family.  There is a vision.  I have a cause greater than self-preservation.  Whenever I try to save my own life, I will lose it.  As a warrior, I have a service to a greater purpose than myself.

There are enemies to fight.  There is a traitor from within.  The flesh is to die.  The flesh is not me.  I am of the Spirit.  Sin is not my true nature.  I am a new creation in Christ who is called to be holy.  I am called to fight for integrity, purity, and stand up for what is right.  I know what my strengths are.  I am to stand up for the weak.  My strength is displayed in my weakness.  The world is a system that is built by our collective sins, they are false selves coming together to reward destroying each other.

Where does my own sense of security come from?

Knowledge, wife, # of people in my church, title, degree, position, money, wealth???

My security comes from being accepted by God as His child.

God you are my refuge.  I am called for evangelism and discipleship.  You redeemed me through my darkness.  I praise you for your love and guidance.  I praise you for your protection.  I praise you for your providence.  I praise you for your forgiveness.  I praise you for who you are!!!

God is present.  God is real.  God is my saviour.  God is dependable.  God is everything. 

A man after God’s heart is courageous and responsible.  He is willing to obey God, willing to serve, and willing to love and care for His family.  He sets the direction, provides protection, and makes provisions.

God, you are looking into my heart.  I am coming back to the heart of worship.  It’s all about you, all about you Jesus.  Worship and prayer is about knowing God deeper.  I am called to surround myself with people who closely resemble the character of Jesus for fellowship.  Spiritual wisdom is the fruit of consistent walk into God’s never ending glory.  I can share in God’s hope.  I am convicted that I am led by you.

What are my fears?  Inability to work and provide, inability to grow and lead others, inability to care and love, becoming weak physically, emotionally, and spiritually, unmotivated and directionless.  All my gifts and abilities come from you!!!

You say do not worry.  Be strong and courageous.  Do not let your hearts be troubled.  I praise you for being the saviour.  You are the truth, the way the life.  We shout out praises to you.  You have compassion to the needy and you called us to make disciples this way.  I realize others are hurting.  We are called to make a difference to help them.  God you are in the center of my life. 

I am to begin with God’s Word, then Prayer, then plan, then action!!!

Your will is for people to accept you as personal Lord and saviour.  Develop close and intimate relationship with you.  Grow and become mature disciples.  Witness and share Christ’s love to their friends. 

How to do so?  Pray for open doors, pray for your Spirit to work, and pray for my obedience to your guidance.  Everything is for your glory.  I am grateful for the live your bless me.  You are inspiring me to develop a philosophy of ministry.  Ministry is a means of your grace.  Success and fruitfulness is not dependent on my own effort and godliness.  I am called to hard work and discipline as guided by you.  My willingness to obey rest in the relationship with you.

As a pastor, I am called to grow in leadership, planning, teaching, and preaching.  I have to know my priorities.  I am to be content and plan for long term commitment.  How can I serve the teens and do what’s best for them?  I am to set goals and objectives for the small group leaders meeting and praise leader meeting.

What should I teach a new believer? Sin, repentance, obedience, hope in suffering, identity in Christ, Holy Spirit, personal testimony, and presence of God.  I am to encourage new believers to attend small group, intentionally create an environment for follow up and discipleship.  Let’s continue to pray.

What life gifts have you bless me with?  Public speaking, networking, leading, managing, negotiating, decision making…When I am at my best, what skills gives me the highest enjoyment?

I am called to trust in the LORD with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding.  IN all my ways I will acknowledge you.  You will make my path straight.  God chose to accomplish what he wants to achieve through the obedience of His people.  I need to be empowered by the Spirit in order to complete the task.  I am willing to be used by Him for His glory.

Devo Galatians 5

Galatians 5:16-26
16. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful
nature. 17. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the
Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other,
so that you do not do what you want. 18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are
not under law. 19.The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality,
impurity and debauchery; 20.idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits
of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21. and envy; drunkenness, orgies,
and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not
inherit the kingdom of God. 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23.gentleness and self-control. Against
such things there is no law. 24. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified
the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25. Since we live by the Spirit, let
us keep in step with the Spirit. 26. Let us not become conceited, provoking and
envying each other.

Meditation:
1. The life of discipleship, of following Jesus, and of holiness is not defined
by what we do or avoid doing. It is characterized by vibrant, robust, and
adventurous living “by the Spirit.” Allowing ourselves to be “led by the
Spirit”, we are free to say no to the “desires of the flesh”.
2. Have I ever asked the Holy Spirit for guidance when facing a problem? What
happened? If I haven’t ever asked, try it today. Watch and see if it changes my
perception of the problem?

Personal Note:
By living by the Spirit, I will be free to say no by the desires of the flesh.  I believe the doctrine of freedom.  Biblical freedom means the freedom to obey and do what is right is God's eyes.  Freedom in the world's sense mean having lots of resources in order to gain more choices and options.  The desires of the flesh ultimately leads to bondage.

I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me in leading Crossroad.  There was a time I didn't know what to do.  Through prayer, planning, and guidance from mentors, we have seen the growth of Crossroad spiritually.  I challenge everyone if you face any problem: school stress, work stress, relational stress, family stress, self esteem issues, loss of direction, etc....  Ask God to guide you by His Spirit and His guidance is consistent with the Word of God.

Devo Galatians 4

Galatians 4:12-20
12. I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done
me no wrong. 13. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached
the gospel to you. 14. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat
me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of
God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15. What has happened to all your joy? I
can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and
given them to me. 16. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17. Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is
to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18. It is fine to be
zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am
with you. 19. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth
until Christ is formed in you, 20. how I wish I could be with you now and change
my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Meditation:
1. God uses the raw material of our lives – circumstances, family, and personality
– to conform us to the image of Christ. This is God’s formation work in
us. We can choose to continue to depend on the do’s and don’ts to pursue
perfection, or we can choose to rely on the Holy Spirit and allow Christ to
rule every aspect of my life, to reflect Christ’s image, Christ’s character and
Christ’s beauty through us.
2. Every time I cry to God with the simple prayers: “Lord, I belong to you! Lord,
help me! Lord, have mercy on me! Lord, I thank you! Lord, I love you!…”,
it is my choice to rely on the Spirit. How many times last week have I cried
out to God with the short prayers to tell God and myself that I love Him and
I choose to rely on Him for every day of my life?

Personal Note:
Paul was very concern for his followers.  They seemed to go back to the old ways of life.  How often do I try to rely on my own strength independent of the Holy Spirit's leading?  Do I feel the pains of childbirth like Paul when people turn away to the old ways of life.

I was listening to a radio program and it says that 60% of believers age 18-29 will leave the church.  It is sad to hear this and let's persevere like Paul in the midst of pain and rely on the Spirit and cry out to God for mercy for our generation.

Devo Galatians 3

Galatians 3: 1-14

1. You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus

Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2. I would like to learn just one thing

from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what

you heard? 3. Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now

trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4. Have you suffered so much for

nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5. Does God give you his Spirit and work

miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what

you heard? 6. Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him

as righteousness.” 7. Understand, then, that those who believe are children of

Abraham. 8. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith,

and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed

through you.” 9. So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man

of faith. 10. All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written:

“Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book

of the Law.” 11. Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The

righteous will live by faith.” 12. The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The

man who does these things will live by them.” 13. Christ redeemed us from the

curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone

who is hung on a tree.” 14. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to

Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we

might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Meditation:

1. The Galatians had been taught that they had received the Holy Spirit by faith

and not by obeying the law. However, they still thought it was too simplistic

to be saved by faith only. They wanted to have some rules and creeds to follow

in order to feel closer to God. Spiritual exercises such as prayer and Bible

ready as well as serving may help us grow spiritually but it can never replace

the work of the Holy Spirit. By raising some pointed questions (vv1-4), Paul

tried to help them to restore Christ as the center of their faith.

2. Do I think it not realistic to depend on faith alone for salvation? Would I

think that perhaps a bit more work on my part may bring more assurance?

Personal Note:

In our church, we may impose things like doing devos, praying, singing praise songs, leading small group, leading praise songs, going to TC, etc...  Doing those things are not your ticket to heaven.  You are not saved from doing those works.  We are saved by the power of the Holy Spirit.  We disciplined ourselves spiritually because of our love for God.  We are already loved and accepted by God.  We do those things as a response to His love and grace.  

For example, let's say I want to cultivate deeper bonding and friendship with Alex and Ryan and the homies and I know they like to play PS3.  First of all, I have to make a decision that I want to be their buddies.  Secondly, the homies we know are full of love and acceptance, so they accepted me to be their friend.  Thirdly, I try to do or at least try to understand the things they do because I care.  It would never make sense if our bonding depends solely on how well I do the things that the homies like to do.

Our salvation depends on God's love for us and our faith alone.  We start with faith that the Holy Spirit will guide us in our relationship with God.  From there, anything we do are a response to the love and joy we received.

Devo Galatians 2

Galatians 2:15-21
15. “We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ 16. know that a man is
not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have
put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by
observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
17. “If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves
are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18. If I
rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19. For through the law I
died to the law so that I might live for God. 20. .I have been crucified with Christ
and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith
in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21. I do not set aside
the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died
for nothing!”

Meditation:
1. “(A) man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ”
(v16). Many people go to temples, burn incense, and engage in meditation
and generous donations in the hopes of receiving peace and prosperity. We
tell children that Santa Claus checks “his list twice to see who’s naughty
or nice” in order to give them gifts at Christmas accordingly. Is there any
difference between the two examples? How is Jesus’ gift of salvation different
from them?
2. If Santa Claus existed and had a list with my name on it, what actions might
be listed to determine whether I was naughty or nice? Bring this list to God
and thank Him that He is not like Santa. Tear up the list and throw it to the
garbage. Once again, thank God for all the grace gifts given me without my
working for them.

Personal Note:
We all put out faith in something.  We live in a world that teaches us to observe the law.  There are laws in our society, if we break a law, we go to jail.  There are laws in the family, if we break rules in the family, we are punished by our parents.  There are laws in the Bible, if we break one, we fail the rest and sinned.  The penalty of sin is death.  We cannot be saved and have right terms with God by our own abilities in following the law.  We need to have faith in Jesus Christ, the son of God, who took all the penalty of sins.  We are made right with God by receiving the gift of salvation from Christ.

Jesus' gift of salvation is different from children who try to behave in order to receive gifts of Santa.  I am loved and saved by God just as who I am.  I am accepted by God when I submit and surrender to Him.  He is all mighty powerful, yet loves me more than anyone on earth.  

Devo Galatians 1

Galatians 1:1-8
1. Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God
the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2. and all the brothers with me, 3.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4. who
gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the
will of our God and Father, 5. to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 6. I am
astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace
of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7. which is really no gospel at all.
Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert
the gospel of Christ. 8. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a
gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

Meditation:
1. If I had to argue for the reality of the gospel by giving one example of how I
have changed by faith, what would I share? How is my personal experience
of Christ an important part of my witness to others?
2. Whom do I know who was once very hostile to Christ, but is now His
follower? What brought about that change?

Personal Notes:
I am going to preach a sermon on "Standing firm on the teachings from the Gospel".  There is only one true Gospel (good news).  The one true Gospel is found in Jesus Christ as testified in the Bible.  There are many false gospel out there.  For example, there is the health and wealth gospel, which suggest that riches and happiness are signs of God's blessing.  No where in the Bible can prove this.  It is not a sin to be rich or happy, but when we seek riches and happiness above God Himself, we worship another idol.

Before I accepted Christ, I tried to conform to the ways of the world, which are: Get high grades, get a good job, get rich, be popular, find girls to make me happy, start a family so I gain respect....  Today, I have received the gift of salvation, I strive to please God in every aspect of my life.  I found joy and peace as I trust Him more and more.

I am going to share one area: Money.  Before I accepted Christ, I thought that I need to make a lot in order to be secure.  When I was a young believer, God was challenging my view on money.  I was taught that we are to depend on God and trust that whatever amount he provides, His grace and provision is more than enough.  I was doing well as a professional day trader.  On some days, I would make the same amount as my monthly salary now.  However, I constantly worry whether I will have enough and never felt satisfied.  God prompted and called me to vocation youth ministry.  Even though it was a struggle to leave that behind,  today as I reflected on the journey and experienced the joy of brothers and sisters growing more secure and mature in God.  Having wonderful mentors and support from the PGC community.  Today, even though I do not make the good money like before, I feel a lot more secure about the future.

Devo James 5

James 5:13-20
13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing
songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church
to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the
prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.
If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other
and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man
is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly
that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should
bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his
way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Meditation:
1. Recall a time when I came very close to wandering from the faith? Who
helped bring me back? Spend some time revisit that experience and all my
emotions then and now.
2. Is God putting someone in my heart that is in the “wandering from the faith”
situation as I was? How would I help him/her come back to the faith?
3. Pray for the people in the church and in my cell. We are all broken people—
physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc—and we need each other in the
community of faith to pray that we might be healed. Ask God to give us a
spirit of harmony, acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, and love so that we
would care for each other and witness God’s power.

Personal Reflection:
1. 2006 summer.  Rev. Chan from TRMC helped brought me back.  As I serve the Lord in TRMC and experience the amazing work in reaching out to the people, I had time to reflect on the goodness of the faith in Jesus Christ.  At that time, my emotions were down and I was challenging the meaning of the Christian faith.  If Jesus Christ is real, why do I feel like a loser?  why there is no fulfillment in work and making money?  Now, I thank God for their prayer and the opportunity to see meaning in the Christian faith.

When church is like a routine where we go to just hang out with friends, attend the service and Bible lesson like school, there is no meaning and purpose.  Growing in faith means deeper prayer (relationship/hanging out with God).  Faith leads to action in caring and loving for others.  Faith leads to more prayer and conversation with God and learning His Words and messages.

2. God placed some people in my heart.  I would pray first for my heart to have a deeper burden for them.  I would care for them and let them know that I am concern about their spiritual well being.  I would keep on doing what I usually do and hope that my witness would help them to follow after God.

Getting Clarity on God’s Call, God’s Will, and God’s Plans

Getting Clarity on God’s Call, God’s Will, and God’s Plans

Devo James 4

James 4:11-17
11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother
or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you
are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver
and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge
your neighbor? 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this
or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you
do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist
that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it
is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast and brag.
All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do
and doesn’t do it, sins.

Meditation:
1. Setting goals and making plans can be good. The temptation, however, when
we plan is to think that we are in control of our lives and our future, which
pushes God away from our lives. And when God is not at the centre of our
planning, we will find that we are not participating in His story—the things
that he is doing in this world. Our lives and the future are in God’s hands.
We need to come humbly to God and carefully seek God’s will for our lives.
2. What plans do I have for tomorrow, this year or next ten years? Am I willing
to submit all of them to God so that I can be involved in his work for his glory
and honour? Am I willing to hold loosely to my own plans, and to take risky
steps of faith to follow what God has in store for me? Only when I choose to
allow God to direct my path, will I be able to live the best life, the one God
has in store for me.

Personal Note:
When I think that I can control my life, I become insecure and burdened.  When I am convicted that God loves me and desires me to follow His plans in my life, I become secure and free.  I have some big plans for the near future (Getting married YAY, growing PGC English into a vibrant and healthy group with young adults and teens reaching out to the community and abroad with love and service).  I am willing to submit my plans to God.  I am willing to be used by Him for His glory and honour.  The plans I have I am willing to hold with an open hand, and I am willing take risky steps of faith to follow what God has in store for me.

Let's pray then plan, and submit the plans to God, and trust that walking and living in accordance to your Words will lead to the best life.

Devo James 3

James 3:1-12
1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know
that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If
anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole
body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey
us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they
are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder
wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body,
but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small
spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It
corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set
on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are
being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It
is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and
Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out
of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers,
can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce
fresh water.

Meditation:
1. If I were to record everything I said last week to have it played back during
church, what would I want to erase from the recording?
2. Meditate on 3:9-10. Have I been doing more praising or cursing? What are
ways that I can praise and encourage others more?
3. Is there a family member, a friend or colleague, to whom I may say some
encouraging words?

Personal Note:
Many of life's heartache comes from saying the wrong things to hurt the people we love.  We learn from the passage that it is impossible to control our tongue by our strength alone.  God's purpose for our tongue is to praise God and encourage one another.  Let's pray that God will help us to speak words of kindness and grace.  Let's pray for one particular person with whom you find it difficult to speak with love. As we pray for others, even ones whom we feel like we can’t love, God transforms our hearts to love them like He
does.

James 2:14-26
14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?
Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and
daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well
fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same
way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone
will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I
will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good!
Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish man, do you want
evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham
considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith
was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says,
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was
called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not
by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered
righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off
in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without
deeds is dead.

Meditation:
1. Faith is something that we cannot see but faith is made real and visible in
our works. James tells us that faith and works go hand-in-hand; our faith in
the person and gospel of Jesus Christ changes the way that we see the world,
ourselves, and God’s work. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our
changed perspective and value system will cause us to behave closer to God’s
way. Thus, our actions reveal our faith in God.
2. How has my faith affected the way in which I view my life, relationships,
work, the Church, how I spend my time, etc? How is God already at work
around me? How can I join others to live out my faith in actions?

Personal Note:
Action is necessary to show my faith in Jesus Christ.  Today is a holiday, let's sit down and pray and ask God to show us actions we can take to show the love of Christ to the world.

James 1:1-11
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes
scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of
your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you
may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom,
he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will
be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he
who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man
should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded
man, unstable in all he does. 9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take
pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low
position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.11 For the sun rises with
scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.
In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

Meditation:
1. Life involves us in many kinds of testing; it is in God that the testing of our
faith produces endurance and because of Him, we are able to grow mature.
When we experience difficult times—whether financially, relationally, or
otherwise—those times are when we are most able to focus and be dependent
on God. These times can be filled with joy when we realise that He is strong
when we are weak.
2. Recalling a trial I have experienced, what pressures did it bring on my faith?
What “wisdom” did I gain through it?
3. In this wealth-chasing modern society, what do vv 9-11 mean to me? What
might James say I should “take pride in”? Will I heed his teaching? Why?

Personal Note:
2. I had a trial of not being accepted in church from the past.  I felt that if God is so loving, why was I not accepted.  I felt great pressure because I know it is wrong to quit church because of feelings, but the pain of being isolated and being look down is great.  I prayed to God to help me endure.  The wisdom I got was this: I am to take initiative to seek new friendship and I have made many wonderful friends in Tyndale and in Crossroad.  I could relate to people who are loners and cannot find belongings, but they still need to persevere and trust God to lead and guide them.

3. This means that when I have plenty, I am to remain humble.  When I am in needs, I can take pride in God's providence knowing He is the one who ultimately provides and I cannot boast about my abilities in achieving the success.  Whether I was a master trader or I am a humble pastor, I know that when I trust in God, I will be secure.  When I trust in money and riches, I will fade away.

Devo Acts 28

Chapter 28
23They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers
to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and
declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from
the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24Some were convinced by what he said,
but others would not believe. 25They disagreed among themselves and began to
leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to
your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26” ‘Go to this people
and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing
but never perceiving.” 27For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly
hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with
their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would
heal them.’ 28”Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to
the Gentiles, and they will listen!” 30For two whole years Paul stayed there in his
own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31Boldly and without
hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Meditation:
1. Paul spent two years of imprisonment in Rome welcoming everyone who
came to his house. Acts began with a crucifixion turned into a resurrection.
There had been imprisonments, beatings, martyrdoms – not just for Paul but
for many members of the early church. There had been open threats and
secret intrigues. And there had been the more subtle danger of compromise
– the pressure to be drawn back into Jewish ritual, absorbed into the old rule
keeping. Through it all, the gospel of Christ was spread to the world. Every
attempt to confine it, to compromise it, to muffle it, to reject it was finally
ineffective. It spread from the center of the world in Rome through the far
reaches of the globe.
2. Acts closes with this image: Paul, opening his home and his heart, preaches
boldly and without hindrance to all comers without. As he has received
hospitality, he offers it to “all who came to him.” As “God shows no partiality”
(10:34), God’s messengers must be similarly inclusive.
3. Pray that God will help me to offer hospitality to all who came to me and to
show no partiality just as God does.

Personal Note:
Let's welcome all people and then proclaim the message of the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and without hindrance.