READ: Acts 9 (Focus vs.10–19)
MEMORY VERSE
“Placing his hands on, Saul [Ananias] said, “Brother Saul, the Lord . . . has sent me.”” Acts 9:17
BACKGROUND
“Lord, please send me anywhere but there.” That was my prayer as a teenager before embarking on a year as a foreign exchange student. I didn’t know where I would be going, but I knew where I didn’t want to go.
I didn’t speak that country’s language, and my mind was filled with prejudices against its customs and people. So I asked God to send me elsewhere.
But God in His infinite wisdom sent me precisely where I asked not to go. I’m so glad He did!
Forty years later, I still have dear friends in that land. When I got married, my best man Stefan came from there. When he got married, I flew there to return the favor. And we’re planning another visit soon.
Beautiful things happen when God causes a change of heart! Such a transformation is illustrated by just two words: “Brother Saul” (Acts 9:17).
Those words were from Ananias, a believer God called to heal Saul’s sight immediately after his conversion (vv. 10–12).
Ananias resisted at first because of Saul’s violent past, praying: “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people” (v. 13).
But Ananias was obedient and went. And because he had a change of heart, Ananias gained a new brother in faith, Saul became known as Paul, and the good news of Jesus spread with power.
True change is always possible through Him!
By: James Banks
INSIGHT
In Acts 9:1–30, Luke tells of Paul’s dramatic conversion—how the persecutor of the church (8:3) became the propagator of the gospel of Jesus.
Paul had the opportunity to retell his conversion testimony in Acts 22:1–21 and 26:1–29.
He also made references to his conversion in his letters: 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8–10; Galatians 1:13–24; Philippians 3:4–7; 1 Timothy 1:12–16.
Of Ananias (his name means “God is merciful”), Luke says he was a disciple of Jesus (Acts 9:10). Paul describes him as “a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus” (22:12 nlt).
By: K. T. Sim
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
The most feared agents in the world are Change Agents pr
“The miracle (of life) is a man can have a change of heart at any moment (for good or bad)” (Adapted) Lailah Akita
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“Beautiful things happen when God causes a change of heart!… True change is always possible through Him!”
APPLICATION
How have you sensed God calling you to have a change of heart? How can you encourage a new believer today?
PRAYER
“Jesus, thank You for changing my heart with Your love. Help me to extend it to others.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“CHANGE MY HEART O…” Vineyard Music
Change my heart Oh God,
Make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God,
May I be like You.
Change my heart Oh God,
Make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God,
May I be like You.
You are the potter,
I am the clay,
Mold me and make me,
This is what I pray.
Change my heart Oh God…
Change my heart Oh God,
May I be like You…
Like You…
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
Joshua 1-3
Mark 16
