February 16 - Wisdom for Life

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Chronicles 10 - 12
N.T. - 2 Timothy 3
Focus Verses: 2 Tim. 3:12-17
12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Insight:
Some of the promises of Scripture don't get quoted as often as others. Verse 12 is one of those: "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Doing the right thing is likely to lead to difficult circumstances. Jesus faced persecution, so it stands to reason we should not be surprised to encounter persecution as we follow in his steps. The Scriptures are able to give us wisdom for life and salvation. The Scriptures are useful to us because they are alive with the very breath of God's truth and wisdom. The teaching, rebuke, correction, and training we receive from Scripture equips us for every good work and every circumstance.

Response and Action:
I need to expect some measure of hardship and suffering as I follow Jesus. I need God's wisdom and truth to live a righteous life. I will look to the Scriptures as a source of God's wisdom and truth. I will approach the Scriptures with diligence and a desire to be taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained.

O God, how can I keep my way pure? By living according to your Word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Help me to hide your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Give me wisdom and understanding as I commit myself to the study of Scripture. Use the Scriptures to shape and guide me, O Lord, that I might honor and serve you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

Proverbs: 16:16
"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!"

Resources:
Transforming Bible Study: Understanding Scripture Like You've Never Read It Before
by Bob Grahmann

February 15 - Special Use

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Chronicles 7 - 9
N.T. - 2 Timothy 2

Focus Verses: 2 Tim. 2:20-22
20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Insight:
The many objects in my house serve as a good illustration of what it means to be "set apart for a noble purpose." Some objects, like the couch in my living room, are for anybody to use. Others, like the scouring brush in the kitchen sink are for specifically dirty purposes. Others, like my pillow or my toothbrush, are set aside for me, and for me alone. In the same way, God is calling us to his noble purposes. We can't be used by just anybody for anything and still be set apart for him.

Response and Action:
I want to be used by God for noble purposes. I need to flee from evil desires and unrighteousness. I need to pursue purity, faith, love, and peace in the company of others who are trying to do the same.

O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Forgive, cleanse, and renew me so that I might serve your holy purposes. Make me an instrument of your love and peace. Amen.

Proverbs: 15:6
"The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble."

Resources:
Gifts
by John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, and Judson Poling

February 14 - Death Destroyed

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Chronicles 4 - 6
N.T. - 2 Timothy 1

Focus Verses: 2 Tim. 1:8-10
8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Insight:
God's purpose to save and give life has been put on display in the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Christ has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality. This is good news for all of us. Even though death and suffering are so pervasive in our world, God has a will and a way to save us! He calls us to believe and follow Christ, and live holy lives by his grace and power.

Response and Action:
My hope and faith are in Jesus. I will follow him and look to God for the power and grace to live a holy life. In a world filled with death and suffering, I will remember that Christ has destroyed death; life and immortality are found in him. He is alive and he is giving life to me; I can face today with hope and purpose.

O God, you have saved me from death, not because of anything I have done, but because your purpose has always been to save and restore. Thank you for Jesus, who has shared my humanity, has faced death, and has destroyed it. Thank you for giving me the gift of life through Jesus. Make me more alive each day. Help me to remember that I have eternal life right now. Help me live in the hope of light of your eternal love today. Amen.

Proverbs: 14:27
"The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death."

Resources:
Things Unseen: Living in Light of Forever
by Mark Buchanan

February 13 - My Rich Life

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Chronicles 1 - 3
N.T. - 1 Timothy 6:3 - 21

I will be speaking about this text and topic at Evensong Worship, on Sunday evening, February 18.

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Insight:
Am I rich? According to the Global Policy Forum's Statistics on Poverty and Inequality, in 1999, 3 billion of the world's people were living on less than $2 per day while 1.3 billion were getting by on less than $1 per day. Chances are that if you're able to read this blog, you, like me, are rich in comparison to most people in the world.

In today's scripture passage, Paul has some very practical instructions for rich people like us. We need to avoid arrogance. We should not put our hope in what we possess. We should remember that wealth is uncertain. We should trust in God and acknowledge him as the source of blessing and provision. We should be rich in good deeds -- generous and willing to share with others.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize how much I have. I need to be thankful to God who has so generously blessed and provided so much for my needs and enjoyment. I need to be careful to always remember that God is my hope and provider, and to never put my trust in things. Instead of trying to be rich in possessions, I will strive to be rich in doing good deeds. I need to be generous and open-handed with all God has given me. I need to be a faithful steward of all God has given and to be ready to share with others. I will generously give to the church, to efforts to help the poor, to ministries that are taking the Good News of Jesus to the world, and to practical causes that contribute to the health and betterment of my community and my world.

O God, you have blessed me in so many ways. Help me, in reverence and thanksgiving to share all you have given me. Help me to be a source of blessing. Give me the wisdom I need to be a good steward and generous heart that is ready to give and share. Let me to live with a generosity that boldly demonstrates my confidence in you -- my hope, my security, and my provider. Amen.

Proverbs: 13:8
"A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat."

Resources:
Neither Poverty Nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions
by Craig L. Blomberg

February 12 - No Favoritism

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Chronicles 28 - 29
N.T. - 1 Timothy 5:1 - 6:2

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 5:21
21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

Insight:
Impartiality is essential to the administration and oversight of community needs and values. If leaders give preference to some members of the community over others, it will undermine unity and destroy all trust and confidence in the leaders. This is true in all communities, including the church. Christian leaders must be careful to give respect, care, and guidance without favoritism.

Response and Action:
I will do all I can to make sure that everyone is afforded equal opportunity, respect, and resources in the communities of my life. I will guard against favoritism and/or discrimination in my life at home, at work, at church, and in my community.

O Lord, your love and grace extend to all people. Thank you for your goodness and provision given without favoritism. Help me to follow your gracious example, and treat others as I would want to be treated. Amen.

Proverbs: 12:5
"The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful."

Resources:
Subverting the Power of Prejudice
by Sandra L. Barnes

February 11 - Exemplary Living

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Chronicles 25 - 27
N.T. - 1 Timothy 4

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 4:12-16
12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Insight:
Even though Timothy is a young Christian leader, Paul says that he can avoid being dismissed for his youth by being a shining example for all believers in the way he lives out his faith. No one will look down on him if he is living up to Christ's call for his life. The way he talks, loves, and demonstrates holiness will earn the respect of everyone -- even those who are older than him. Paul reminds Timothy that the church elders had publicly recognized his gift for leadership and ministry by laying their hands on him; Timothy should take their endorsement and support very seriously and diligently give himself to progress in his spiritual growth and the exercise of his gifts. This diligence should include the study of scripture, careful self-examination of his lifestyle, and careful attention to sound doctrine. His perseverance in these matters would result in blessing in his own life and in the lives of those to whom he ministered.

Response and Action:
I will do my best to lead an exemplary life of faith in my speech, in my commitment to holiness, in my study of scripture, and in the exercise of my gifts. I believe that diligence in these things will result in blessing to me and to people around me.

By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, O God, 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. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given me. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Help me to do the good things you've prepared for me to do. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverbs: 11:30
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."

Resources:
Spiritual Gifts: 8 Studies for Individuals or Groups
by R. Paul Stevens

February 10 - Ready to Serve

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Chronicles 22- 24
N.T. - 1 Timothy 3

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 3:8-9
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

Insight:
Those who aspire to leadership and service roles in the church are desiring something good. But in order to lead and serve effectively, as Paul points out, it is essential for those who desire to lead and serve to first demonstrate their faith and integrity in their everyday lives. They should be respected, self-controlled, sincere, honest, and selfless. They should also be people with depth who cherish and chew on the deep truths of the faith. In other words, the sincerity of their walk with Christ should be nourished by deep roots, and be evidenced in fruitful lives.

Response and Action:
A whole-hearted desire to be taught and guided by Christ must precede my desire to have a role of leadership/service in the life of the Church. I will give myself fully to knowing and following Christ. I will meditate on the deep truths of the Scriptures and apply them to my life in practical and specific ways. I will make every effort to live out my faith by God's grace; then I will be prepared for ministry to others as a leader and a servant.

O God, give me a sincere heart that seeks you. Help me to follow and emulate Christ in the actions and conduct of my daily life. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear the deep truths of faith. Prepare me for acts of service, and help me to approach every opportunity to lead with selfless integrity. Amen.

Proverbs: 10:17
"He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray."

Resources:
Basic Christian Leadership: Biblical Models
by John R. W. Stott

February 9 - Praying for Everyone

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Chronicles 20 - 21
N.T. - 1 Timothy 2

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 2:1-6
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

Insight:
Paul urges Christians to be people of prayer. He suggests that our prayers should include prayers for world and civic affairs; prayers for peace and stability for daily life; and prayers for God's people to lead holy lives. We can pray for all of these things in the confidence that they are good and pleasing to God. As we pray, we should also remember that God wants ALL people to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved. Jesus, who gave his life as a ransom for ALL, is the only one who can bring humankind to God. Truth and salvation are found in him alone.

Response and Action:
My daily prayers will include prayers for the men and women who are in positions of authority and leadership in the world - internationally, nationally, and locally. I will pray for a peaceful and stable world that gives Christians the opportunity to lead meaningful, quiet, and holy lives that are a testimony to the truth and salvation they have found in Christ. I will pray that ALL people would come to know the truth and be saved.

O God, you have made salvation available to all people. Thank you for helping me to know the truth of Christ and to find salvation in him. Bring peace and light into our world, through your people, your Word, your Spirit, and all that is beautiful and true. Move in the lives and the events of our world in ways that make peace, truth, and salvation available to everyone. Amen.

Proverbs: 9:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Resources:
Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight
by J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom

February 8 - Giving God Glory

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Chronicles 17 - 19
N.T. - 1 Timothy 1

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 1:14-17
14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Insight:
God's grace, love, mercy, and eternal life are available to everyone through Christ. There is no one too sinful to be beyond hope. His grace is greater than our sin. Our faith in Christ and surrender to him make us living demonstrations of the hope and transformation God gives to all who believe. Those who are experiencing changed and renewed lives through Christ are moved to exclamations of praise, and quick to give thanks to God.

Response and Action:
I will continually look to Christ for the salvation and the grace to become like him. I will remember that the hope and power of Christ should be visible to others as they see his work in my life. I want to express my deepest thanks and highest praise to God for the life he gives through Jesus.

O God, help me to live in full surrender to you. Make me more like Jesus each day. Open my mouth, and my lips will praise you. Make my life a testimony of your saving grace. Help me to bring glory to Christ in all that I say and do. Amen.

Proverbs: 8:35
"For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD."

Resources:
Lump (DVD)
A very moving story from Rob Bell that illustrates God's love and mercy.

February 7 - On the Job

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Chronicles 13 - 16
N.T. - 2 Thessalonians 3

Focus Verses: 2 Thes. 3:11-13
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. 13And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

Insight:
In such a short letter, it's amazing how Paul's instructions and topics range from the epic to mundane. One minute he's explaining apocalyptic mysteries, and the next he's talking about holding down a job and earning enough to buy your own groceries. It's amazing, but not surprising, because the big ideas of Christianity are all lived out in the little details of life. Idleness is akin to laziness, a lack of self-control and motivation, and poor stewardship, and is, therefore, inconsistent with the Christian way of life.

Not only is idleness a sin of omission, as good work is left undone, it can also become of sin of commission, as it provides the opportunity to do wrong. Idleness should not be confused with restfulness. The former is a failure to do your job or fulfill your responsibilities. The latter is the thoughtful setting aside of time for renewal and refreshment; it keeps us healthy and ready to perform our duties.

Response and Action:
I will set about doing what is right. I will cultivate good work habits and do my work with care and integrity. I will approach my work with a desire to serve and honor God through it. I will fill my days with good work, so that I will be less tempted to do what is wrong. I will work hard when it is time for work. I will not put off responsibilities for frivolous or lazy reasons. I will also be sure to make times for rest and renewal so that I am healthy and ready to do my work.

O God, help me to live for you and through you. Help me to be a good steward of my life, and to live it with purpose. Help me to cultivate strong work habits and the ability to do good work. Give me the wisdom to work when it is time to work, and to rest when it is time to rest. Amen.

Proverbs: 7:4
"Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' and call understanding your kinsman..."

Resources:
The Monday Connection
by William E. Diehl

February 6 - Discerning Lies

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Chronicles 10 - 12
N.T. - 2 Thessalonians 2

Focus Verses: 2 Thes. 2:15
15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Insight:
This chapter contains some of the most difficult to understand words of all the Apostle Paul’s writings. The passage must be approached with care because it is a clarification of teachings he had previously given Thessalonians when he was with them. The original teachings are not available to us.

While we might not be able to grasp all of what Paul is saying here, we can certainly profit from the principles he gives to help them avoid being deceived. He warns them that not every claim to Apostolic authority is true (v.2). They should be careful to remember the teachings they received directly from the Apostles (v.5), stand firm in them (v.15), and consider them to be authoritative over competing or conflicting teachings and ideas. He tells them that false and deceptive teachers are marked by: a rebellious spirit (v.3), a disregard for law and morality (v.3), and an inflated view of self that has no reverence for God (v.4). Self-deception, he says, results from delighting wickedness, refusing to love truth, and believing lies (vv.10-12).

Response and Action:
I need to love and seek out the truth. Delighting in wickedness makes me vulnerable to being deceived by lies; it leads to an inability to ever see or want truth. I need to immerse myself in scripture in order to know the words of Jesus and the teaching of the Apostles. I should be extremely guarded against teachers who have an inflated view of self, even if they claim to be teaching what the Bible says. I should watch out for teachers who have a haughty spirit, a disregard for the way they treat others, and are motivated by personal gain.

God of Truth, I believe that Jesus, your son, is the way, the truth, and the life. Help me to know him and follow him closely that I might walk in your truth. Help me to hide your word in my heart, to read and memorize the Scriptures, and to meditate upon them day and night. Help me to discern lies and to delight in the truth. Help me to love and use your word that I might be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Amen.

Proverbs: 6:23
"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..."

Resources:
Enemies With Smiling Faces
by Donald C. Posterski

February 5 - Prompted by Faith

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Chronicles 5 - 9
N.T. - 2 Thessalonians 1

Focus Verses: 2 Thes. 1:11-12
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 the Lord Jesus Christ.

Insight:
Paul was confident that God would one day put the world to rights. He was sure that judgment would be passed on all who rebelled against God and rejected Christ; he was just as convinced that blessing would be poured out upon all who had put their faith in Christ and followed him through thick and thin. With that in mind, he prayed for his Christian friends in Thessalonica -- that God would fulfill every good intention and every righteous act prompted by their faith. They wanted Jesus to be lifted up and glorified in their lives.

Response and Action:
My faith should help me persevere in times of trial, and prompt me toward good purposes and good deeds. As I act upon my faith, God's grace and power help me to accomplish this.

Help me, O Lord, to do the good things you've prepared in advance for me to do. I am your workmanship. May my faith in Jesus prompt me to delight in your will, to want what you want, and to do what you would be pleased and honored for me to do. Amen.

Proverbs: 5:22-23
"The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly."

Resources:
The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives
by Dallas Willard

February 4 - Expectation

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 1 Chronicles 1 - 4
N.T. - 1 Thessalonians 5

Focus Verses: 1 Thes. 5:2-6
2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

Insight:
The "day of the Lord" is a phrase that goes all the way back to the Old Testament prophets. It refers to a final day when God will intervene with judgment and blessing. The Christians who witnessed Jesus' ascension into heaven were told that he would one day return. This belief has been central to Christianity since the beginning. The Nicene Creed (325 A.D.) says, "He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead, and his Kingdom will have no end." With this faith and hope, Paul urges Christians to live with an expectation of that "final day." This expectation should guide the way they live each day. They should be thoughtful, alert, and self-controlled.

Response and Action:
Anticipating and looking for Christ's return should be a part of my daily thinking. Remembering and believing that the "day of the Lord" is real and impending should heighten my vigilance and diligence. The possibility of Christ's soon return should guide my choices and actions in life.

Dear Lord, I want to be ready for Christ's return. More than that, I long for it. Bring your Kingdom to earth today, O Lord. Help me to live and work in this world today as a servant of your Kingdom, which is and is to come. Help me to be alert and able to see the world from a Kingdom perspective. Help me to be self-controlled and to walk in your ways. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Proverbs: 4:25-26
"Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm."

Resources:
When Christ Comes
by Max Lucado

February 3 - Ordinary Ambition

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 24 - 25
N.T. - 1 Thessalonians 4

I will be speaking about this text and topic at Evensong Worship, on Sunday evening, February 11.

Focus Verses: 1 Thes. 4:11,12
11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Insight:
The ambition of Christians, Paul says, is to be directed toward a quiet life. In their everyday lives they should avoid being a burden on others, mind their own affairs, hold down a job, and do honest work. Christians should live in a way that wins the respect of those who do not yet know or follow Christ. When I look at the world around me, I see many people who are ambitious for possessions, achievement, success, happiness, and status. It seems like I see all those things at church too. I wonder what answers I would get if I asked ten Christians what they thought they should be ambitious about. Saving the world? Social justice? Bible study? Missions? Evangelism? Social issues? Holiness? How many of them would say that "a quiet life" should be their ambition?

Response and Action:
What does ambition mean to me? What are my ambitions? As a follower of Jesus, I will be ambitious toward my everyday life. I will do an honest day's work; I will mind my own business; and I will try not to be a burden on others. I will do my best to live in a way that earns the respect of my neighbors and friends. Living for Jesus begins with the life I live at home, at work, and in my community. I will not let other lofty ambitions distract me from the most basic of ambitions. The first part of the world I want to change is the part between my haircut and my shoes.

Dear Lord, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and help me to love my neighbor as myself. Help me to live a quiet life. Provide for my needs today, and help me to be hardworking and responsible about my daily life. Help me to pay my bills, to be a good worker, to take care of my home, to be a good steward of all you have entrusted to me. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Help me to live an admirable life that is a testimony of your grace and power at work in me. Amen.

Proverbs: 3:3-4
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

Resources:
Living the Story: Biblical Spirituality for Everyday Christians
by R. Paul Stevens and Michael Green

February 2 - Not Unsettled by Trials

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 22 - 23
N.T. - 1 Thessalonians 2:17 - 3:13

Focus Verses: 1 Thes. 3:2-5
2We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. 4In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith.

Insight:
The Christian life is not free from troubles and problems. In fact, following Christ may result in struggles and persecution. Those who imagine that faith in Jesus exempts them from trials will find themselves unsettled. Sound Christian teaching should strengthen and encourage new believers to prepare for hardships and difficulties.

Response and Action:
Jesus endured hardship and suffering, so I will not expect to escape the trials of life as I follow him. I will not live in a false faith that expects life to be trouble free. Instead, I will draw near to Christ and do all I can to mature in him, believing that his grace and power and wisdom can see me through any circumstance or storm. While I do not expect my life to be trouble free, I know that, by following Jesus, far fewer of my problems will be of my own making. Obedience to Christ, and the transformation he can bring about in my life, will certainly free me from the hardships that result from my own sin. If I experience hardship, I want it to be the result of doing and believing what is right (1 Peter 2:19-21).

Strengthen me, Holy God, to follow you with my whole heart. Prepare me for the trials of life, and sustain me through every storm, by your grace and power. Give me the wisdom to face the realities and pains of life in a fallen world. Transform me and give me spiritual maturity so that I might avoid the snares and wounds that result from my own disobedience and sin. Whether by life or by death, may Christ be exalted in me. Amen.

Proverbs: 2:12-13
"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways..."

Resources:
Strength for the Storm: Finding God in Every Crisis
by Richard Exley

February 1 - Nurturing Relationships

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 20 - 21
N.T. - 1 Thessalonians 2:1 - 16

Focus Verses: 1 Thes. 2:6b-12
6bAs apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8We 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. 9Surely 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.
10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Insight:
Paul uses the imagery of parenthood to describe the nurturing role that he and his missionary companions filled when they ministered in Thessalonica. Like a mother with her children, they loved and delighted in the people they served. They didn't merely teach; they shared their very lives. Like a good father, they encouraged, comforted, and prodded their new converts to live lives that honor God, and to see themselves as Kingdom people with a purpose to fulfill. This is a good model for spiritual guidance and mentoring. Christian leaders would do well to choose the model of loving and nurturing parents over the entrepreneurial, business, marketing, coach/expert models that seem to be more prevalent today. Nurture is more likely to flow out of relationships than lessons.

Response and Action:
I need to see relationships as the basis for real spiritual nurture and Christian mentoring. I need to look for this kind of leadership and example for my own maturity in Christ, and I need to become this kind of leader to serve and bless others.

O God, bring spiritual leaders into my life who nurture and encourage me as good parents love and guide their children. Help me to be an encouraging and loving friend, example, and mentor to anyone who is looking to me for spiritual guidance and support. Help me to be a faithful and effective servant to you: as a husband, father, son, brother, friend, neighbor, colleague, and mentor. Help me to encourage, to comfort, prod, teach, remind, and motivate others to follow Christ. Help me to love and delight in the people I serve. I pray through Christ, your son, who has demonstrated true servanthood, and calls me to be a servant too. Amen.

Proverbs: 1:8-9
"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."

Resources:
Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction
by David G. Benner and Lawrence J. Crabb

January 31 - Not Just Words

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 18 - 19
N.T. - 1 Thessalonians 1

Focus Verses: 1 Thes. 1:4-7
4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because 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. 6You 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. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

Insight:
The Thessalonian Christian's faith in Christ and commitment to him was very plain to see. Their faith was more than words; their lives were changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. They lived with deep conviction and followed the pattern for life the Apostle Paul had given to them. They were not deterred from following Jesus, even if it resulted in suffering. Their work produced by faith, their labor prompted by love, and their endurance inspired by hope in Christ (1:3), was a wonderful model for all Christians to follow.

Response and Action:
My faith in Christ must be more than words. Real faith in Christ results in my life being changed. I want to experience the power and grace of the Holy Spirit at work in my life. My convictions must be deep, and must be lived out. I must have a devotion to Christ that endures hardship and suffering. I want to follow the example of Christian leaders who model true faith as they are shaped and transformed by the Spirit, and as they are faithful to Christ through thick and thin.

Lord God, let my faith be more than words. Grant me a deep conviction to following Christ and transform me by the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for those Christian men and women who are good examples for me to follow. Help me, by faith, to do good works; give me endurance inspired by my hope in Jesus; and may my love for Christ prompt me to be his faithful servant. Amen.

Proverbs: 31:30
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Resources:
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
by Eugene H. Peterson

January 30 - Praying with Open Eyes

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 16 - 17
N.T. - Colossians 4:2 - 18

Focus Verses: Col. 4:2-6
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Insight:
Prayer is something that requires devotion. True devotion is demonstrated through intentional practices and committed routines in daily life. Faithfulness in prayer will help me be watchful and thankful. Praying for people will make me more thoughtful and aware of their needs, relationships, responsibilities, joys, and sorrows. Consistent times of prayer will also help me to see the many ways God is working, saving, sustaining, and blessing. This will result in an attitude of gratitude and a desire to give thanks and praise to God. A devoted prayer life includes a concern for the spreading of the gospel of Christ Jesus. It's important to pray for missionaries, churches, and evangelistic ministries. It's also important to pray about my own witness for Christ in everyday life and conversation.

Response and Action:
I must be committed to prayer and be intentional about how and when I will pray. I will exercise my commitment to prayer with a thoughtful approach to who and what I pray about. I will strive to develop consistent prayer routine. I will keep a prayer journal, noting the ways I see God responding to my prayers. I will ask God to open doors for missionaries and evangelists who are taking the message of Christ around the world. I will also pray for God's help to be a gracious and winsome witness for Christ in my everyday life and conversations.

Gracious God, thank you for hearing the prayers of your people. Open my eyes to needs and situations around me as I pray. Give me a heart of gratitude and lips that praise you as my time in prayer helps me to see the many ways you answer and bless. Guide and sustain your servants who are taking the good news of Jesus to those who do not yet know him. Give me a gracious and seasoned demeanor as I go about my life today, that I might be an effective and salty witness for the hope and life you freely give through Christ. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Proverbs: 30:4
"Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!"

Resources:
Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight
by J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom

January 29 - Life Together

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 14 - 15
N.T. - Colossians 3:1 - 4:1

Focus Verses: Col. 3:12-15
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Insight:
Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience are all prominent characteristics of God's people. These qualities are essential if people who follow Christ are to become a "people" -- a community. Forbearance and forgiveness are also essential to community. Love is at the heart of all of this. Christ's love, peace, and forgiveness are what make it possible for his people to love each other and live together in unity.

Response and Action:
Are compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience prominent characteristics of my life? Are these the qualities I am known for by others? I need to think about Christ's great love and forgiveness for me. I need to consider how I can follow his example and exercise love, forbearance, grace, and mercy toward others. Paul says instructs Christians to "clothe themselves" with these virtues. This instruction makes it clear that action on my part is needed for this to happen. I will give effort to the things that will help me cultivate, learn, and live out these virtues.

O God, thank you for the love, mercy, and forgiveness you have for your people. Help me to clothe myself with the virtues of love, humility, gentleness, and patience, that I might experience true Christian community and make a positive contribution to it. Help me to graciously forgive and forbear others and live in peace with everyone as much as is possible. Help me and my circle of Christian friends to be a testimony of your truth and grace as we live in unity. Help our unity to be marked by love, gentleness, servanthood, and peace. Amen.

Proverbs: 29:22
"An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins."

Resources:
Life Together
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

January 28 - Rooted in Christ

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 12 - 13
N.T. - Colossians 2:6 - 23

Focus Verses: Col. 2:6-10
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

Insight:
Putting faith in Christ Jesus and surrendering to his authority is the beginning to a new life that must be continued and lived out. As our roots grow deep into Christ and our hearts are strengthened by faith in him, our lives are built up; we are able to do what we've been taught, and thankfulness flows out of us. We need to be careful to not let Christian faith become a powerless list of rules, beliefs, and traditions or be reduced to a philosophical system of principles. Christian faith is rooted in Christ. Christ is our hope because he embodies the fullness of Deity. As we receive Christ, his fullness becomes our fullness. He is greater than every power and authority. It is by his power and authority that our lives can be transformed.

Response and Action:
I want to live a transformed life in Christ. My faith and hope are in Christ and so I want to continually live out that faith. I want to be strongly rooted in Christ. I want my life to be built up with Christ as my foundation. Christ Jesus is the one who saves me; not religion, not a set of ideas, not traditions, not spiritual disciplines, and not rules for living. These all become distractions if they do not lead me to a deeper love and relationship with Jesus. They are valuable to me only as a means for connecting with Christ. Jesus is the hope of my life and the power for living.

O God, help me to know and experience Christ Jesus more each day. My faith and hope are in him. Strengthen and increase my faith as I put down deep roots in Christ through the study of scripture, prayer, service, obedience, and fellowship with other believers. O Christ, all authority and power belong to you. Lead me, teach me, and transform me into your likeness. May my life overflow with thanksgiving as I continue to build my life on you. Amen.

Proverbs: 28:26
"He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe."

Resources:
Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ
by Dallas Willard

January 27 - All Over the World

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 10 - 11
N.T. - Colossians 1:1 - 2:5

Focus Verses: Col. 1:3-6
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.

Insight:
The truth of God and the good news of Jesus is bearing fruit all over the world. Christianity is not a private thing or a western culture thing. In fact, there are now more Christians in the southern hemisphere than in the northern. English is not the first language of most Christians. People all around the globe are putting their faith in Jesus, which is resulting in changed lives. Hope for life and love for others flows out of an understanding of God's grace in all its truth. Hearing about the worldwide response to Christ should make me thankful and move me to prayer.

Response and Action:
I want to be a world Christian who appreciates being part of global community of faith in Christ. I want to pray for Christians around the world. I want to grow in my own faith as I gain understanding and encouragement from Christians living in other cultures and circumstances. I want to understand and experience God's grace in all its truth.

Dear Lord, thank you for your grace and mercy to all people. Thank you for extending your love to the whole world and your salvation all who will receive your grace by putting their faith in Christ. Help me to understand and remember that my faith in Christ is not just a personal, individual affair, but is, rather, a reality to be experienced in a global community of believers. Help me to be faithful to pray for Christians around the world. Help all who follow Christ to be a light and witness, that the household of faith will extend to and include people from every tribe, language, ethnicity, and nation. Amen.

Proverbs: 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Resources:
Window on the World: When We Pray God Works
by Daphne Spraggett and Jill Johnstone

January 26 - Upward Thinking

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 8 - 9
N.T. - Philippians 4:2 - 23

Focus Verses: Phil. 4:8-9
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Insight:
What we think about is important. What we take into our hearts and minds can edify and inspire us toward righteousness and wholeness; it can also corrupt and diminish us. Paul urges Christians to focus their thoughts and stimulate their minds with what is true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. He also suggests that they look to and emulate his example of following Christ.

Response and Action:
I need to be careful and intentional about the focus of my thoughts. I need to stimulate my mind and heart with healthy and uplifting things. I must be intentional about seeking out what is beautiful and true. I need to take note of and imitate men and women who exemplify faith and life in Christ. I need to be discerning and discriminating about everything I take in through reading, listening, viewing, and experiencing.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Encourage me, by your Spirit, through your word, your people, and all that is beautiful and true. Give me the will and the wisdom to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Thank you that there is so much good in the world that inspires and motivates me toward truth and beauty. Show me what is best, and use it to bless, enrich, and improve me for your service and praise. Amen.

Proverbs: 26:27
"If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him."

Resources:
Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense
by N.T. Wright

January 25 - Pushing Forward

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Kings 5 - 7
N.T. - Philippians 3:1 - 4:1

Focus Verses: Phil. 3:12b-14
12bI press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Insight:
For the Christian who is growing and maturing, nothing comes before Christ. The center and priority of life is to know him and all he has for us -- experiencing the transformation and purpose he brings. This requires effort. Paul says he "presses on" and "strains toward what is ahead." Implicit in these words is the idea that Christians face pressures and resistance as they endeavor to move ahead in their pursuit of Christ. Paul also says that in order to move forward he "forgets what is behind." The habits and burdens from the past can also drag Christians down and hold them back.

Response and Action:
If knowing Christ and taking hold of his plan for me is my greatest desire and priority, I must fix my eyes on Jesus and direct my energies toward him and the purposes he has for me. I must let go of the past and be prepared to face challenges in the future. I do this in the confidence that his grace and power will sustain me.

Dear Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you and to desire you more than anything else in life. You are my life. I want to know you and the power of your resurrection. Lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me. Help me to let go of the past, to break free from old patterns and habits, and to shake off the sin that so easily entangles. Help me to press forward through the challenges and pressures that would hinder me from knowing and serving you. Help me to mature in Christ and give me confidence in your grace and power to help me win the prize of my upward calling. Amen.

Proverbs: 25:28
"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

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