1. This Week’s Quiet Times: May 21-25, 2012
APPRECIATING OUR DIFFERENCES
MONDAY
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to
receive glory and honor and power, for you
created all things, and by your will they
were created and have their being.” (Rev.
4:11) Our Father is our creator and there is
no other like Him!! Look at His awesome
power to create beautiful and wonderful
varieties in all the kingdoms of life- the plant
kingdom- the animal kingdom- and most
importantly the Kingdom of His Son- the
Church of Christ!! Read Matthew 13:47-
52. What is the kingdom of God compared
to? How does this apply to us? Read Matthew 4:18 and remind yourself of what
God has called you to be. Next time you go fishing remember to throw out your
net to catch all kinds of fish!! Share the gospel with any and every person you
have opportunity to!!
TUESDAY
With yesterday’s lesson in mind, read Acts 10 and 11. What was the Lord
revealing to Peter? Does it surprise you that Peter and the other disciples had to
be taught this even though the Lord’s church had been in existence for some
time? What did Paul realize trough his experience with the Lord (see v. 34)? How
about you? Do you show favoritism? Are you more likely to share the gospel
with certain people than others? Do you pass up opportunities that the Lord
provides for you because you are uncomfortable with some people? Imitate the
Lord and let Him break down the barriers that hold us back at times!! Make a
conscious effort this week to share the good news with someone you may
otherwise have passed up. Remember that the kingdom is made up of all
nations.
WEDNESDAY
If you read Galatians 2:11-16 Paul convicts Peter of showing favoritism after some
men from James came to him. Remember what we read yesterday and what the

2. Lord taught Peter. Read Acts 15 and you will see this was an ongoing process.
What was Peter and James’ role in resolving the issue with the treatment of the
Gentiles? What was the Lord teaching them? Now read James 2: 1-13. Isn’t it
awesome how God worked in their lives shaping and molding them? What did
James learn about favoritism? Remember that mercy triumphs over judgment!!
If you have been showing favoritism and judging someone in an ungodly way,
now is the time to turn it around! Show the mercy that God has shown you to
someone else today!!
THURSDAY
Read Romans 12 with the previous lessons in mind. How should we think of
ourselves? Why? What is the danger if we ignore this teaching? What are some
of the gifts that God has given to us? What specific gifts has the Lord given to
you? How are you using your gifts? Are any of these gifts more important than
another? As you realize that the Lord has blessed each of us with particular gifts
does it help you to understand why we should honor one another? How? Think
of a brother or sister who you have not had enough contact with recently. What
gift or gifts has the Lord blessed them with? Call them or visit and let them know
how encouraged you are about the way the Lord has blessed them and is using
them to do His will!!
FRIDAY
Read 1 Cor. 1:26-ff. Notice how Paul reminds the Corinthians of who they were
when they were called? That’s you and me as well brothers and sisters!! This is
sober judgment of who we are and yet we can boast. How can we boast? In
whom should we boast? Read chapter 12:12-26 next and see how each of us fit
into God’s plan. No one is more valuable or more important than anyone else!!
Truly allow God to cause you to see this clearly because we know this is not true
in the world. That is why Paul says what he says in his second letter to the
Corinthians. Read 2Cor.5:16-ff. How have you been viewing one another? Is it
from a worldly or a godly point of view? What do you need to remember in order
to have the right focus? Remember to also view yourself as the new creation that
you are in Christ Jesus!! Praise Him and thank Him every day for newness of
life!!