January 24 - My Attitude

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 3 - 4
N.T. - Philippians 2

Focus Verses: Phil. 2:3-7
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Insight:
Paul urges his Christian friends in Philippi to do all they can to promote unity among themselves. Their relationships with each other should reflect the unity and fellowship they have with Christ -- the same love, like-mindedness, unity in purpose, and oneness in spirit. To do this, they will have to set aside selfish ambitions, pride, and conceit. They will have to see past their own needs and interests to the needs and interests of others. That is what Christ has done for them; he emptied himself, considered their needs and interests, and exercised humility and unselfishness. This, then, is what Paul says is the same thing they need to do for each other. If they want Christ-like unity, they will need to be Christ-like toward each other.

Response and Action:
Unity among Christians does not ultimately result from shared ideas, projects, dogma, or mission. Instead, it results from Christians being Christ-like toward each other. If I want to experience unity with others, I should follow the example of love Jesus has demonstrated toward me. My relationship with him came about not because I was already like him (far from it), but rather because he was humble, unselfish, and committed to my best interests. How many rich relationships would be available to me if I would humble myself, live generously, and truly care about the best interests of others?

O Jesus, thank you for your selfless love and generosity toward me. Thank you for removing barriers and making it possible for me to experience peace and unity with God. Help me, by your Spirit, to live with humility and care for others. Help me to experience true oneness, like-mindedness, unity of purpose, and a kindred spirit with all who follow you. And may our unity and love be a light and a blessing to the whole world. Amen.

Proverbs: 24:3-4
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

Resources:
Becoming Real: Christ's Call to Authentic Living
by Steven James

January 23 - Real Friends

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 1 - 2
N.T. - Philippians 1

Focus Verses: Phil. 1:3-8
3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Insight:
The early part of Paul's letter to the Christians in Philippi reveals the great heart he has for them. They are not just fellow believers; they are partners and friends. As partners, they share in the experience of being shaped by Christ and the work of spreading the gospel to others. As friends, they pray for each other, enjoy being together, and have real affection for each other.

Response and Action:
Following Jesus is not a solitary pursuit; it is something shared with a wonderful company of friends. Following and serving Christ is something I get to and want to experience with others. I need to find specific ways to partner with Christian friends in service for God. I need to invest myself into the lives of Christian friends -- sharing experiences, praying for them, and working with them. I should have genuine affection for my Christian friends and truly enjoy time spent with them.

Thank you, O God, for the friendship and love you have shown to me through Christ. Thank you that he calls me his friend and laid down his life for me. Help me to be a true friend for those who follow Jesus. Help me to be faithful in prayer for them, to be diligent in work with them, and to be joyful and thankful for experiences and time shared with them. Amen.

Proverbs: 23:23
"Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding."

Resources:
The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends
by Richard Lamb

January 22 - Fighting Evil

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 20 - 22
N.T. - Ephesians 6

Focus Verses: Eph. 6:11-12
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Insight:
The struggle for good and evil has a spiritual, cosmic dimension. Paul reminds us that the struggles of humanity are part of a much larger picture. There is a spiritual dimension to the problems we face. To address difficult life issues effectively, we must recognize the spiritual roots and principles at work: hate, greed, malice, dehumanization, fear, rage, envy, pride, lust for power and possesions, self-gratification, godlessness, rebellion, blasphemy. To be truly concerned about spiritual issues in our world, we must also recognize and counter the problems and systems that grow out of spiritual depravity: social injustice, war, pornography, poverty, starvation, disease, political corruption, abuse, discrimination, human trafficking, and, sadly, so much more. Our struggle is not merely with flesh and blood; it is against spiritual forces. Neither is our struggle merely spiritual; it is against the systems and evils brought on by dark powers at work in our world.

Response and Action:
I must recognize the spiritual root of all the evil and human suffering in my world. I must recognize the very practical and physical ways that spiritual evil is corrupting human affairs in my world. I must put on the full armor of God -- his truth, his counsel, his word, his righteousness, his peace, and his Spirit -- if I am to stand firm in the fight against evil. As a follower of Jesus, in the strength of the Lord, I need to oppose evil and stand up for what is right.

Our Father, who fills the heavens, holy is your name. I long to see your Kingdom come to earth -- your will lived out on earth as it is in heaven. Strengthen me, protect me, and help me to stand firm in the face of evil. Help me to raise my voice, give my energy, and exercise my abilities as a force for truth and good against those powers of evil that are destroying the lives of so many in our world. Amen.

Proverbs: 22:9
"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor."

Resources:
Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World
by Gary A. Haugen

January 21 - Shine

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 18 - 19
N.T. - Ephesians 5

Focus Verses: Eph. 5:8-14
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Insight:
The light of life and truth is in Christ. To surrender to Christ and follow him is to embrace the light and come out of the darkness of sin, corruption, and shame. In Christ, we not only follow the light, we become light -- "now you are light in the Lord." We are to live as "children of the light." Rather than participating in the fruitless acts of the darkness, we expose them for what they are. We see sin for the empty thing it is and the death it brings. We wake up and rise from the dead when we come out of the darkness of sin into the bright light of Christ.

Response and Action:
I see darkness and sin for what they are. I see the shame, destruction, and death they bring. I see Christ Jesus for who he is. I see the light and truth and life he gives. My faith is in Jesus. He is my Lord and my savior. He is my light. I will love and follow him with all my heart. I want to walk in his light. I want to break free from the darkness and become light in Him. I want to have nothing to do with the darkness. With faith in Christ's grace and power, I will put aside the fruitless acts of darkness and, instead, live in truth, goodness, and righteousness.

O God. Show me your ways; guide me in your truth and lead me. Be the light that guides my way. Raise me from the darkness. Help me to follow Christ so wholeheartedly that I am changed so completely that I too become light. Help me to be honest about the darkness in my life and in the world around me. Expose it for the emptiness and death it is, O God, so that it would have no attraction for me. Fill my heart with a desire to know and experience the true light of Christ and to live in it all my days. Amen.

Proverbs: 21:4
"Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!"

Resources:
Reflecting the Glory: Meditations for Living Christ's Life in the World
by N.T. Wright

January 20 - Hello New, Goodbye Old

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 16 - 17
N.T. - Ephesians 4

Focus Verses: Ephesians 4:22-24
22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Insight:
Paul reminds the Ephesians that Christians are to experience a transformation in their lives. They are to put of the old self and their former ways and to put on the new self, becoming like God in righteousness and holiness. It's very important and interesting to note the Christian's part in this transformation. While God's grace guides and empowers the transformation, the believer's understanding and action are essential to it. Paul's words, "You were taught," remind us that learning is a vital part of spiritual transformation. His admonitions to "put off" and to "put on" remind us that our action and obedience is critical to spiritual transformation. We have been taught to make every effort to yield our lives to Christ, who by his grace "creates" and "makes us new in the attitude of our minds."

Response and Action:
I want to experience spiritual transformation. I want to be made new in the attitude of my mind and to live in true righteousness and holiness. God will help me do this as I take action. My faith must be active -- lived out. I believe God will help and empower my effort and my acts of obedience. I will take intentional and energetic steps to put off my old self and to turn away from sin. I will diligently apply myself to becoming an obedient and righteous follower of Jesus. My faith and the clear teaching of Scripture make it clear that with God's help, my efforts will not be in vain. My efforts will be graciously empowered by God.

O God. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Proverbs: 20:8
"A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing."

Resources:
Renovation of the Heart
by Dallas Willard

January 19 - Filled to the Fullest

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 14 - 15
N.T. - Ephesians 3

Focus Verses: Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Insight:
With great passion, the Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesian Christians to be strengthened by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; to be rooted in love; and to grasp, know, experience, and be filled with the fullness of Christ's love.

Response and Action:
I want live and pray with an intensity and vision like the Apostle Paul's. I want to be passionate in my devotion to Christ. I want to know and experience the love of Christ to the fullest measure possible. I want to be strengthened, guided, and shaped by the Holy Spirit. This must be my highest priority, the foundation for all my life, and the object of all my intentions. This is also my prayer for others in Christ -- my family, my friends, my neighbors, and my colleagues.

O God. I believe that knowing you and growing in you must be the passion of my life. I believe that living life to the fullest can only happen by knowing and experiencing the love of Christ to the fullest. Help me as I desire to seek him first -- his kingdom and his righteousness. Strengthen me and guide me by your Spirit. Help me, by your grace, to stretch and to focus my energies and intentions on every good thing that draws me closer to you -- further, deeper, higher, and wider into Christ. Amen.

Proverbs: 19:8
"He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers."

Resources:
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us
by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

January 18 - God's Workmanship

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 12 - 13
N.T. - Ephesians 2

Focus Verses: Ephesians 2:4-10
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Insight:
God's good will toward humanity springs from his own great love, not from our merit, effort, or accomplishment. It's a good thing, because our effort and accomplishment would not get us very far. God's grace and mercy lift us out of the death-grip our sins and transgressions have on us. Instead of being trapped in a downward spiral of self-gratification and the disobedient ways of a fallen world, we are raised to live new lives in the grace and kindness of Christ. With my faith in Christ and my wholehearted surrender to him, I place myself in God's creative and all-wise hands, in order to be shaped by him. I am God's workmanship, created in Christ to fulfill a good purpose. God has plans for me.

Response and Action:
I praise God for his great love and mercy toward me, a person who was trapped in sin. I need to remember that I am no longer trapped! By the grace of Christ, I have freedom from sin and the promise of a new and purposeful life. I need to fully embrace God's good work for me. I need to be sensitive to his leading and guided by his word. I must yield to God's shaping hands and become his workmanship, being attentive to his leading, devoted to him in worship, faithful in the study of his word, and committed to walking in his ways.

O God. Thank you for saving me by your grace. Do not let the world squeeze me into it's mold, instead, transform me by the renewing of my mind. Show me your good, perfect, and pleasing will and strengthen me to live in it. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given me. Grant me the will and wisdom to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, care for my body, and diligently do the good work you have laid before me. Amen.

Proverbs: 18:9
"One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys."

Resources:
The Life You've Always Wanted
by John Ortberg

January 17 - Seeing More Each Day

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 10 -11
N.T. - Ephesians 1

Focus Verses: Ephesians 1:18-20
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms...

Insight:
Paul prays for the Christians in Ephesus to be receptive to, and fully aware of all that God has for them -- the hope, inheritance, and power for all who believe. Implicit in his prayer is the idea that it is possible to be a believer and yet be blind to much of what God has for you. Christians must live, pray, and act in ways that open them up to see and take hold of God's power and blessing in their lives.

Response and Action:
I want to be aware of all that God has for me. I want to take hold of the resurrection power he offers for the transformation of my life. I want to experience of the hope and the depth of life available to those who answer God's call through faith in Christ. I need to prayerfully and intentionally do all I can to be receptive to all God has for me.

O God. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in you will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Open the eyes of my heart and make me fully aware and receptive to you. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given me. Give me the will and the wiseom to guard my heart, to feed my spirit, to stimulate my mind, and to care for my body. Help me to establish routines and practices that contribute to my spiritual growth and maturity. Amen.

Proverbs: 17:24
"A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth."

Resources:
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us
by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

January 16 - Sharing the Load

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 8 - 9
N.T. - Galatians 6

Focus Verses: Galatians 6:2-5
2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.

Insight:
To live out the principle and example of Christ, we must share each other's burdens. This requires humility and selflessness. While followers of Christ should be quick to help others carry their burdens, we should also make every effort to carry our own load and not be an unnecessary burden to others. When our burden is more than we can bear, we should gladly accept the love and help others extend to us.

Response and Action:
I need to be sensitive to the needs of those around me. How can I help? What can I do to share or lighten the load? A humble spirit will stimulate this kind of awareness toward others. This kind of awareness will also contribute to a humble spirit. I want to do my best to carry my own load, and yet be ready to accept help when I need it. I don't want pride to get in the way of giving or receiving help.

O God. Thank you for the love and support you give me through fellowship with other Christians. Give me a humble heart and a readiness to help others bear their burdens. Thank you for Christ Jesus who has given his all to bear my burdens. Help me to have a Christ-like heart for others. Amen.

Proverbs: 16:19
"Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud."

Resources:
Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

January 15 - Keeping in Step

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 5 - 7
N.T. - Galatians 5

Focus Verses: Galatians 5:19-25
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and 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. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Insight:
To belong to Christ is to be committed to being transformed by Christ. Faith in Christ is lived out by putting off the sinful nature and, instead, bearing the fruit of the Spirit. We cannot do this apart from the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. We must, however, keep in step with the Spirit. We must surrender our will to the Spirit's will. We must be careful to not grieve the Spirit by ignoring or rejecting his help and guidance. The life of those who belong to Christ is marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Response and Action:
I need to live out my faith and keep in step with the Spirit. With the Spirit's help and guidance, I must put off those attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors that are rooted in sinfulness. I must open my heart and life to the Spirit's work in my life. I want love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to be present and in my life in ever-increasing measure.

O God. Thank you for the free gift of the Holy Spirit to all who belong to you through Christ. Help me to open my heart and mind to the Spirit's work and in my life. Help me to put of the sinful nature and to live by the Spirit. Help me to discern the Spirit's leading and that I might follow in his steps. Amen.

Proverbs: 15:24
"The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave."

Resources:
Fruit of the Spirit: 9 Studies for Individuals or Groups
by Hazel Offner

January 14 - No Distinction

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 3 - 4
N.T. - Galatians 3:26 - 4:31

Focus Verses: Galatians 3:26-28
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Insight:
Through faith in Christ, we are God's children. Regardless of our race, ethnicity, gender, education, or socioeconomic standing. In the history and patterns we see in the world, these distinctions are the basis of much division, conflict, and human rights issues. In Christ, these distinctions are swept away. Those who are in Christ must no longer look at the world in this way.

Response and Action:
My relationship with Christ Jesus has a profound impact upon the way I see the world. If he is my Lord, I must see others as God sees them. I must not show favoritism. I must love and respect all who follow Christ as equal heirs of his blessing and calling.

O God. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to love my neighbor as myself. Help me to see others with the love of Christ. Give me a humble attitude that looks to the best interests of others. Help me to honor others above myself. Give me a readiness to treat all who love and follow you with equal respect and care. Make me thankful for the goodness and acceptance others show toward me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverbs: 14:21
"He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy."

Resources:
One Body, One Spirit
by George A. Yancey

January 13 - No Longer Locked In

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Kings 1 - 2
N.T. - Galatians 3:1 - 25

Focus Verses: Galatians 3:21-24
21Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

Insight:
The declaration of Scripture and the testimony of our own experience is that "the whole world is a prisoner of sin." Having laws and moral codes doesn't change our hearts nor our actions. In fact, having the law serves to convict us all, as we are all shown to have broken it. It's great to have the moral guidance of the law, but what we need even more is the transformed heart that helps us live up to it. We need more than knowledge; we need to be saved from our bondage to sin. Christ's sacrifice opens the door for us to be justified by faith in him. The power of his Spirit can transform us into people whose lives are guided not by the constraint of laws, but by our Christ-like hearts.

Response and Action:
I need to submit to, and take hold of, the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life. I want to follow Christ with a whole heart and be changed by him. I want God to change my heart and mind so that I am a person for whom rules and laws are unnecessary. I want to be doing what is right because I am becoming a person who is in a right relationship with God. I will do all I can to seek God, to understand his desire for my life, and to take hold of his grace and promise to help me become that person.

O God, work in my life. Change me as I follow Jesus in complete trust. Make me a person who does what is right out of a heart and mind that has been made right by you. Open every door and show me every path that leads to a closer walk with you. Amen.

Proverbs: 13:20
"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."

Resources:
Galatians: Experiencing the Grace of Christ
by John Stott

January 12 - The Life I Live

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 22 - 24
N.T. - Galatians 2

Focus Verses: Galatians 2:19-21
19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20I 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. 21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Insight:
Like so much of the New Testament, Galatians is a letter. Reading Galatians 2 really feels like reading someone else's mail because of the references to very specific people and events that only the writer and recipients can fully appreciate. We can, however, pick up on the main gist of what was going on. The early Christians, their leaders, and even the apostles, were struggling with the issue of how the freedom and grace of Christ related to the observance of Mosaic law. Was observance of the law something Christians needed to do? Were Gentile's who followed Jesus supposed to observe Jewish laws and customs? Paul says, "No." He says that no one is justified by observing the law (vv. 15,16). Christians, both Jews and Gentiles, are justified through Christ Jesus, not by obeying laws. Paul insists that the observance of laws or traditions cannot be used as a test to determine who is or who is not a Christian. Paul says he has died to the law so that he might live for God (v.19). The essence of being a Christian is living for God through faith in Christ -- dying to self and everything else, even the law. Paul's point is that devotion to observing laws is not what brings us to God or produces righteousness; instead, it is complete surrender to God and living in faith and devotion to Christ that saves and results in righteous living.

Response and Action:
I need to live in full surrender to God. Doing the right things is not what makes me right with God; being right with God is what makes me do the right things. Jesus must be the focus of my devotion to God: loving him, following him, hearing him, and pleasing him. I must surrender the ownership of my life to Christ. He must be Lord and master. I must let Christ live his life through me. The choices and actions of my life must be guided not by rules, but rather by the Spirit of Christ - how he would choose and act if he were living my life.

Thank you, O God, for salvation and life through Christ. Help me to surrender fully to you and to follow Jesus with my whole heart. Help me to know him, to love him, to understand him, to honor him, and to draw near to him so that my life is completely shaped and guided by him. Amen.

Proverbs: 12:28
"In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality."

Resources:
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians
by Tom Wright

January 11 - Directly from Jesus

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 20 - 21
N.T. - Galatians 1

Focus Verses: Galatians 1:11-12
11I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Insight:
Paul makes a boldfaced claim about his preaching. He says he received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. It's not a religion or philosphy he has learned from others or invented himself. It is truth he has received directly from the living Christ -- from Jesus, who has raised from the dead and has chosen Paul to be his messenger to the Gentiles (vv.15-16).

The claims of Jesus -- "I am the way, the Christ, the Son of God" -- put me in a position where I have to decide whether or not to accept them. Is he confused, or misunderstood, or lying, or telling the truth? The claims are so straightforward that they require a response. In the same way, I have to decide whether or not to accept Paul's claims -- "my message is not man-made, not invented, not learned, but rather revealed to me directly from Jesus Christ." Is he confused, misunderstood, or lying, or telling the truth?

Response and Action:
I have decided to accept Paul's claims and therefore regard his teaching as true and authoritative. His claim is so straightforward I cannot see room for misunderstanding. His life and the hardships he faced for preaching his message don't support any motive for lying. His reasoning, relationships, and results don't indicate any mental instability. The most logical conclusion is that he is telling the truth. I accept authority of the Bible because I believe it to be revealed by God, just as the Apostle Paul says to Timothy, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness."

O God, thank you for the inspired truth of the New Testament scriptures that have been given to us through the apostles. Help me to understand and apply what I read. I seek you with all my heart, do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Amen.

Proverbs: 11:3
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."

Resources:
Can I Trust the Bible?: Defending the Bible's Reliability
by Darrell Bock

January 10 - Taking Aim

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 18 - 19
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 13

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 13:11-14
11Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints send their greetings. 14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Insight:
Paul concludes this difficult letter with very straightforward instruction and blessing. He tells the Corinthians to aim for perfection, be of one mind, and to live in peace. He assures them that, as they do this, the God of peace will be with them. He reminds them of kinship believers should have with each other. He prays that the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives will strengthen them toward holiness and unity.

Response and Action:
I want to aim for perfection -- holiness and completeness through Christ. I want to live in fellowship and unity with all followers of Christ. These desires are consistent with God's desires for his people; he will be with me as I pursue them. As I do, I need to look to the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

O God, thank you for your love, your grace, and your power. Help me to grow in Christ; make me holy, mature, deep, and complete in him. Help me to do all this in the company of Christian friends. Help us to encourage and help each other; give us oneness and peace as we follow Jesus together. Amen.

Proverbs: 10:23
"A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom."

Resources:
The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends
by Richard Lamb

January 9 - Strength in Weakness

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 15 - 17
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 12

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 12:10
10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Insight:
Most of us find it difficult to admit weaknesses, let alone delight in them. Paul wasn't even really happy about hardships and weaknesses. He cried out to God asking him to remove them. Paul had learned, however, that his weaknesses and hardships revealed the evidence of God's grace and strength in his life. Paul's had come to see that his problems and difficulties were windows for God's grace and God's strength to shine through. This gave him a new perspective. He could delight in weaknesses because God was clearly displayed through them. He could see the his own limitations as a strength because they give witness to God's strength and provision.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize my weaknesses and limitations. I need to rely on God's strength. Reliance on God and openness about my weaknesses and problems can be a testimony that leads others to trust and praise God.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to lean on you and look to you for strength. May my reliance upon your strength, and my humble acknowledgement of my own weakness, be a testimony and praise to you. Amen.

Proverbs: 9:9
"Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning."

Resources:
2 Corinthians: Finding Strength in Weakness
by Paul Stevens

January 8 - Restoring the Banished

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 13 - 14
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 11

Focus Verses: 2 Samuel 14:14
14 Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.

Insight:
Joab's elaborate ruse to convince David to show mercy to his son, Absalom, is very interesting. Why is this so prevalent in the stories about David? Was David difficult to approach? Did he not take criticism well? Was he so feared even by those closest to him? Whatever the reason, the words Joab puts in the mouth of the woman from Tekoa are effective and David is persuaded (even though he sees through the ruse). Her description of God - "he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him" - may have reminded David of his own words of repentance (Psalm 51) that he offered up to God after his sin with Bathsheba: "Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51:11-12)

Response and Action:
I praise God for devising ways to save the lost, welcome back the banished, and restore the estranged. I will praise God for the hope and peace he extends to all who follow Jesus -- peace with God, peace among people, and peace of heart and mind. I will make every effort to live at peace with all people, restore relationships, and rebuild the broken.

Thank you, O God, for your gracious and restoring love toward me. Help me to likewise be gracious to others. Thank you for the peace and restoration you extend through Christ. Help me to live in that peace and to live out that peace. Amen.

Proverbs: 8:34-35
"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD."

Resources:
Rebuilding Your Broken World
by Gordon MacDonald

January 7 - Believing Sinners

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 11 - 12
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 10

Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 10:17-18
17But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Insight:
Both of today's readings are disturbing to read as they expose the frailty and sin of believers. The 2 Samuel narrative tells of King David's self-absorbed acts of adultery, murder, manipulation, deception, and fraudulent abuse of power. It's awful to see just how a person of faith can be so blind to his own sin. The only hopeful moment in the account is David's admission of guilt and his contrite repentance.

Reading 2 Corinthians 10 is a bit like overhearing an argument but not fully understanding what it's about. Though you might not be privy to all the details, some aspects of the disagreement are clear: who has the most authority, who should be respected the most, and who deserves credit for what. It's sad to see that these attitudes and arguments are just as present in the earliest days of Christianity as they are today. The Apostle Paul warns against boasting and thinking of ourselves too highly. Instead, we should be "boasting" about the Lord -- who he is and what he does. It is the Lord's commendation we should desire, not approval from each other.

Response and Action:
I need to be humble before God and before people. I need to be honest about my own capacity for sin and to guard against it. I do not want to be a believer who is blind to his own sin, malice, and pride. Self-approval and the approval of others can be deceptive and dangerous; my desire should be to please the Lord. I want to hear him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Give me an honest and humble view of myself. Help me to recognize my own sin and weaknesses. Give me a genuine love and care for the wellbeing of others that I might not sin against them. Help me to live with reverence before you and to seek you with my whole heart, that I might not sin against you. May your goodness and your grace, O Lord, be the only "boast" I make. Amen.

Proverbs: 7:4-5
"Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words."

Resources:
Humility: True Greatness
by C. J. Mahaney and Joshua Harris

January 6 - Cheerful Generosity

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 8 - 10
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 9:6 - 15

Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Insight:
Giving generously to help others and to advance the cause of Jesus is a testimony of faith and thanksgiving. When I recognize God's grace and generosity to me, I can give cheerfully and freely. Joyful giving reflects my confidence in God to supply my needs and my willingness to share God's blessings with others. What I give is mine to decide, how I give shows my faith in God's ongoing generosity and goodness to those who trust in him.

Response and Action:
God has been so generous and good to me that I too want to be a cheerful giver. I have decided in my heart to give generously to others in need, to my church, and to those who are advancing Christ's kingdom and purposes in the world. I give in the confidence that God is able to supply all my needs and that his goodness to his own will never cease.

Holy Father, I long to see your kingdom come -- your will lived out on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you for faithfully providing my daily bread. Thank you for your generous grace, and mercy, and forgiveness. Make me a cheerful giver and bless my giving to the praise of your name and the fulfillment of your good will toward humankind. Amen.

Proverbs: 6:6-8
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."

Resources:
Giving to God: The Bible's Good News about Living a Generous Life
by Mark Allan Powell

January 5 - Who's Doing the Building?

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 5 - 7
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 8:1 - 9:5

Focus Verses: 2 Samuel 7:9-11
8 "Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. 10a And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.'"

Insight:
After King David was settled into his palace, he got thinking about the old tent that housed the ark of God. He thought, "I live in such a nice cedar house, but the ark of God is in that old worn tabernacle." So he called in the prophet Nathan and told him of his idea to build a nicer house for God. God responds to David by saying, "What makes you think I need you to build something for me?" He reminds David, "I'm the one who found you. I made you what you are. I'm the one building a house for you and for my people! I've gone where they've gone and I've defeated their enemies. I will give you a great name and I will provide a place for my people."

Response and Action:
While it is good for me to want to serve and honor God, I must always remember that anything I do for God is at best a response to what God has already done for me. God is God regardless of what I do or do not do. Unless the Lord builds the house, my labor is in vain (Psalm 127:1). God is the one who is building; he is the one providing, leading, sheltering, and protecting his people. I need to recognize what God is doing for me and be very cautious about thinking too highly of the things I do for God.

O God. Thank you for all the ways you lead, bless, shape, and empower me. I recognize that without you, I would be nothing. You are the one who lifts me. You are the one who saves me. You are the one who gives me purpose. You are the one who provides for me. Help me to offer my body as a living sacrifice to you as a spiritual act of worship. Strengthen my hands to serve you. Help me to always remember that I am your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works you've prepared for me to do. Build me up, O God, that I might do your will and bring praise to you. Amen.

Proverbs: 5:21
"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths."

Resources:
Desiring God's Will: Aligning Our Hearts With The Heart Of God
by David G. Benner

January 4 - Good Sorrow

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 3 - 4
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 7:1-16

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 7:8-10
8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Insight:
In his earlier letter to the Corinthians, Paul had confronted a number of very serious issues. His bold rebukes resulted initially in the Corinthians experiencing sorrow and hurt. The ultimate results, however, were self-examination, repentance, renewal, change, and spiritual maturity. Since the sorrow and hurt brought about good in the end, Paul calls it "godly sorrow." Sorrow and hurt don't always end with good results. So much depends upon how rebuke and confrontation is received. Those who will not accept correction, and are unwilling to be confronted with their failings, or are too proud to take responsibility for their wrongs will not experience godly results.

Response and Action:
Am I teachable and willing to face criticism? Can I accept rebuke? Am I willing to take responsibility for my wrong actions and attitudes? I need to be able answer "yes" to these questions if I want to grow in wisdom and integrity. If I truly want to be like Jesus, I will need to face up to the ways I am so unlike him. I will need to take ownership of my sin, so that in faith and repentance I can take hold of God's grace to overcome it. When I am confronted with my weaknesses and wrongs, I can choose to hold on to my hurt, or I can choose a godly sorrow that produces positive and holy results in my life.

Have mercy on me, O God, a sinner. Give me the humility to see my need and the grace to accept correction. Help my desire for godliness to outweigh the hurt and sorrow of recognizing my failures. Help me to be quick to repent of my sin and slow to sulk about it. Remind me of the glad promise and hope I have in your power and your desire to make me more like Jesus each day. I pray all this in his redeeming name. Amen.

Proverbs: 4:10-11
"Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths."

Resources:
Repentance: The First Word of the Gospel
by Richard Owen Roberts and Henry T. Blackaby

January 3 - An Uncommon Presence

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Samuel 1 - 2
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 6:3 - 7:1

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 6:14-17
14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." 17"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord."

Insight:
Christians have always struggled with being in the world and yet not shaped by it. Our place in the world is, in many respects, a role of being different from the world -- light in the midst of darkness; truth in the midst of deception and confusion; love in the midst of hate; humility in the midst of pride; generosity in the midst of selfishness and greed. To truly follow Jesus, who's Kingdom is not from this world, we must join his cause to change this world. We cannot subvert the evil and sin in the world if we embrace and join the world as it is. We cannot serve two masters, so we must turn away from and shun any allegiance or bond that would hinder our loyalty and faithfulness to Jesus.

Response and Action:
I need to be very careful about the ties and commitments I make. I need to be in the world, but I also need to not let the world squeeze me into its mold (Roman 12:1). I must follow Jesus' example to love, minister, serve, and save. I must also follow his example to challenge, confront, reject, and resist evil.

Dear Lord, help me to be in the world as Jesus was in it. Help me to be truly engaged with my world and culture, and yet truly different from it. Help me to be an instrument of your grace and power. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, unity. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is darkness light. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Amen.

Proverbs: 3:8
"Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways..."

Resources:
Too Christian, Too Pagan
by Dick Staub

January 2 - People in New Perspective

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Samuel 29 - 31
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 5:1 - 6:2

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 5:16-20
16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Insight:
Jesus' life, sacrificial death, and resurrection cause us to regard him as more than a mere human. His wisdom, miracles, character, and victory over death demonstrate that he is clearly more than that. If we no longer regard Christ from a purely human point of view, we can also no longer regard those who are in Christ from a purely human point of view. Those who are in Christ are new creations. There are new possibilities, new resources, new perspectives, new hopes, and new directions for those who have been reconciled to God and have the Spirit of Christ at work in them.

Response and Action:
Christ died to bring reconciliation with God. Faith in Christ opens the door to reconciliation with God. I am putting my faith in Christ Jesus and trusting that, as a person of faith, I have new potential. By God's grace, I can put off old things that limit and diminish me. By the power of Christ's Spirit I can be transformed and live with new freedoms, goals, strengths, and purposes. This perspective will motivate me to persevere with hope and confidence as I follow Jesus, making every effort to mature in my faith.

O God, thank you for the new life that you promise me through Jesus. Help me to take hold of this truth and live with the hope and expectation of becoming new. Thank you for what Jesus has done to bring peace with you. Thank you for not counting my sins against me. Help me to become all that I can be with your guidance and grace. Through Christ Jesus, my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Proverbs: 2:7-8
"He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."

Resources:
Living With Jesus Today
by Juan Ortiz

January 1 - Seeing Beyond Today

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Samuel 26 - 28
N.T. - 2 Corinthians 4

Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 4:16-18
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Insight:
Paul is honest with the Corinthians about the fatigue and weariness he is experiencing in his life and ministry. He is also clear about the hope he has in Christ. Even though there are hardships and troubles, he does not lose heart. In fact, he can see God using those troubles to accomplish greater things. Though Paul and his ministry partners are outwardly weary, he says they are inwardly renewed one day at a time. Paul says that they experience this hope and renewal by looking past the momentary troubles to the eternal promises of God. Christians can find strength, purpose, and renewal each day by having an eternal perspective that sees beyond the trouble of the moment; by looking to Jesus for strength; and by believing God can use even the difficulties of life.

Response and Action:
Jesus said that in this world we would see trouble, but even in the face of trouble we should take heart because he has overcome the world (John 16:33). I will place my hope in Jesus and fix my eyes on him. Because my perspective of life includes eternity, I will look at the troubles of today as momentary and temporary. I will trust God to bring me through my problems and look to him for the strength I need for today. I believe God is so redemptive and sovereign that he can use even the hardships of my life to accomplish good things.

O God, lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. This world is filled with trouble, in your grace and mercy, sustain me and renew me. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus and your eternal promises so that I might not lose heart. Make my life a testimony of your faithfulness to uphold and strengthen those who trust in you. Amen.

Proverbs: 1:32-33
"For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them, but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

Resources:
Embracing the Mysterious God: Loving the God We Don't Understand
by James Emery White