March 16 - Burden God

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Job 15 - 17
N.T. - 1 Peter 5

Focus Verses: 1 Peter 5:5b-7
5bAll of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Insight:
Seeing God for who he is and seeing ourselves for who we are requires humility. God opposes the proud because pride makes it impossible to recognize truth. The person who acknowledges weakness and the need for God's grace will not be disappointed. God gives grace to the humble. Peter encourages us to place faith in God's might and care. The word translated "to cast" could also be translated "to saddle" or "to burden." Instead of carrying our stress and worries by ourselves in our own strength, Peter tells us to saddle/burden God with our anxieties. If we believe God truly cares for us, we should let him carry our burdens, believing that he will sustain us and lift us up.

Response and Action:
I must humble myself and recognize my need for God's grace. I must remember that God cares for me and is ready to help me. What am I stressed out about and what are the burdens I'm carrying today? Relationships, responsibilities, fears, failures, hopes, conflicts, problems, needs -- whatever the anxiety, I will humbly look to God for the guidance and strength and peace I need. I will trust God to help me and to lift me.

O God, I will rejoice in you. You are the God of my salvation; you are my strength. You make my feet stable and you help me walk in difficult places. Give me your peace, O God -- the peace that the world cannot give. Still and quiet my soul; let your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Thank you for your grace and care. Teach me to lean on you and trust you. Help me to acknowledge you in all my ways. Make my paths straight and level. Amen.

Proverbs: 16:17
"The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life."

Resources:
Living Peacefully in a Stressful World: A Stategy for Replacing Stress With Peace
by Ronald Hutchcraft and Ray C. Stedman

March 15 - If You Suffer

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Job 12 - 14
N.T. - 1 Peter 4

Focus Verses: 1 Peter 4:12-16
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Insight:
Christians are not exempt from suffering. We live in a sin-sick world where suffering is the norm, so we should not be surprised when we experience it. A Christ-centered, biblical faith is very realistic about the reality of sin and suffering. We can bring suffering onto ourselves by our participation in sinful actions. We can also suffer for participating in Christ's call to oppose and resist sin in ourselves and in the world. Peter encourages followers of Jesus to remember that Christ himself suffered, and that God will bless and sustain us when we suffer with Him.

Response and Action:
I will be realistic about suffering and accept the fact that I am more likely to experience suffering than escape it. Because I understand that suffering is the result of sin in the world, I will avoid sinful choices and actions. I don't want to bring suffering upon myself, or others. I will follow Jesus' example and consider how he remained faithful to God while enduring suffering. I will try to resist, oppose, and undo sin in the world as an act of worship to God, and if I suffer for doing so, I will consider it a blessing.

O God, give me the grace and strength to face suffering. Help me to throw off the sins that entangle me, that I might not cause suffering for others, and that I might avoid needless suffering in my own life. Help all those who believe and follow Christ to stand firm against sin in the world, even if when they suffer for doing so. Sustain us and encourage us by your grace and Holy Spirit. Thank you for Jesus, who suffered for my sake and for my salvation. Thank you that one day you will set all things to rights and wipe away all tears from our eyes. Amen.

Proverbs: 15:11
"Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD — how much more the hearts of men!"

Resources:
The Cross of Christ
by John Stott

March 14 - Harmony

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Job 9 - 11
N.T. - 1 Peter 3

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

Focus Verses: 1 Peter 3:8-9
8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Insight:
Growing in our relationship with God enables us to have better relationships with each other. Christ calls us and empowers us to live in harmony. Healthy and loving relationships result as with God's grace and help we learn to: 1) be sympathetic -- able to understand and feel for others; 2) be compassionate -- having real concern for the hardships and difficulties of others; 3) be humble -- behaving with modesty and treating others with respect; 4) be gracious - not responding in kind to evil or insult, but instead with blessing.

Response and Action:
I want my relationships with others to be healthy, harmonious, and life-giving. Looking to God for wisdom and grace, I will do my best to cultivate sympathy, compassion, humility, and graciousness. I will do all I can to build strong and loving relationships.

O God, make me a person who is able to live in harmony with others. Where there is hatred, let me respond in love. When I am injured, help me to respond with pardon. Where there is despair and darkness, give me sympathy and compassion that brings hope and light. When others fail, give me compassion. When others are wrong or weak, give me humility and patience. When others are in need and fall short, give me generosity and grace. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverbs: 14:29-31
"A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God."

Resources:
Making Friends & Making Them Count
by Emory A. Griffin

March 13 - Living Light

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Job 6 - 8
N.T. - 1 Peter 2:4 - 24

Focus Verses: 1 Peter 2:9-10
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Insight:
Christians believe Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer, God's living stone upon which we are to build our lives. We belong to God and are part of a people that exists by God's choice. Just as the nation of Israel existed by God's choice for God's purposes, we have been called to a holy purpose: "to declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light." Our lives are to be living declarations of praise and truth and light as we turn away from sin, live with integrity, and do good deeds (v. 9-10). In every arena of life, from dealing with civil authorities (v.13-14) to oppressive socio-economic realities (v.18-21), Christ Jesus must be the model and foundation for all our actions and reactions.

Response and Action:
I must remember that as a believer and follower of Jesus, I am called to declare the praises of God in my daily life. I will strive to live with integrity, to put away sinful desires, and to do good deeds. In every situation and circumstance, I need to live out my faith in Jesus. I need to follow Christ's example. I want to walk in his steps with complete trust in God, no deceit or insults in my mouth, and responding to injustice without retaliation or threats.

O God, help me to put absolute faith in Jesus and to build my life upon him. Help me, by your Spirit, to follow his example and to live a life that declares your praises. Give me the wisdom to navigate my way in this world as I face injustice, political and civic issues, and the social issues of race, economics, language, and religious beliefs. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and base all my words and deeds upon the example he has given me. Help me to keep my way pure as I make every effort to know your word and live accordingly. Amen.

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

Resources:
Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in an Everyday Life
by Eugene H. Peterson

March 12 - A Good Craving

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Job 4 - 5
N.T. - 1 Peter 1:1 - 2:3

Focus Verses: 1 Peter 2:2-3
2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Insight:
Peter begins his letter with an exclamation of praise to God who "in his great mercy has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." This living hope comes with the possibility and responsibility of living a new life. He urges them to "grow up in their salvation" by craving the “pure spiritual milk” that comes through the "living and enduring word of God."

Response and Action:
Salvation is more than forgiveness for sin; it is the hope of living in the grace and resurrection power God offers through Jesus. I want to "grow up" in my salvation -- to mature in Christ, and to throw off the old habits and deeds of sin. I will crave and seek out every opportunity to learn and follow God's word. I will strive to know Christ and surrender to him. I will read the Scriptures and pray each day for God's wisdom and grace. In faith, I will expect my life to change and mature as God blesses my wholehearted efforts to live for him.

Dear Father, I ask that by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, you would 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. Stir up my desire for the pure spiritual milk of your word that I might become transformed and mature in Christ. Amen.

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

Resources:
Savoring God's Word: Cultivating the Soul-Transforming Practice of Scripture Meditation
by Jan Johnson

March 11 - Cart Disease

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Job 1 - 3
N.T. - James 5

Focus Verses: James 5:3-6
3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

Insight:
Hoarding and self-indulgence are wrong. Our possessions and the blessings God gives to us should be used to honor God. We cannot honor God if we consume resources and money at the expense of workers who do not receive a fair wage. We are self-condemned if we turn a deaf ear toward the needs and cries of developing countries and economies. God hears their cries and we will face his judgment if we consume without regard to the ways our consumption is impacting the innocent and vulnerable lives of others.

Response and Action:
As a Christian in the USA, I need to recognize the ethical responsibility that accompanies the wealth and blessing I enjoy. I need to be a careful consumer -- giving thought to what I purchase, how much I purchase, why I purchase, and what impact these purchases have on others. I should be willing to pay more for goods and services if it results in better circumstances for needy people who produce them. I should avoid investments and purchases that profit from exploiting people in need or adversely affect their economies or living situations. I should make consumer choices that are good for the environment and developing economies. I must be generous and give to causes and efforts that are lifting people and countries out of poverty.

O God, I thank you for the abundant provision and blessings you have poured out on me. Help me to be a good and faithful steward of all you have given. Give me a caring heart, a discerning mind, and a watchful eye that I might avoid selfish consumption and hoarding habits. Help me to be careful in purchases, wise in investments, and generous in contributions. Make me quick see ways to use what you have given me to serve others. Make me slow to desire or buy the things I really don't need. Give me a compassionate and generous heart for those who are in need. Amen.

Proverbs: 11:25
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

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

March 10 - God Owns My Tomorrow

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Esther 6 - 10
N.T. - James 4

Focus Verses: James 4:13-17
13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Insight:
People of faith must prayerfully and humbly look to God when they look toward the future and make plans. Since we don't know what tomorrow brings (we don't even know how many tomorrows we will have), we should look to God for guidance and wisdom about our plans. Every thought about our next steps should be tempered with a consideration of whether or not we believe those steps are consistent with what we know of God's will. To plan without God, and without thoughtful regard for His will, is a form of pride and selfishness. Leaving God out of our thoughts and plans for tomorrow is sin.

Response and Action:
I will hold every plan I make up to the light of God's word and God's will. Every idea, goal, and intention should be informed and shaped by my desire to honor and serve God. I will seek godly counsel and guidance from Scripture, Christian friends, and through prayer. I will remember that life is short and ask God for the wisdom and humility to be a good steward of each day He has given me.

O God, teach me to number my days, that I might present a heart of wisdom. A thousand years in your sight are like a day that quickly passes, but I'm like grass that springs up and quickly fades away. Help me to live each day for you. Help me to hold up every plan and dream and goal to you for guidance and direction that I might serve and honor you in every tomorrow you graciously give me. Amen.

Proverbs: 10:27-28
"The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing."

Resources:
Knowing God's Will: Finding Guidance for Personal Decisions
by M. Blaine Smith

March 9 - Words that Bless

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Esther 3 - 5
N.T. - James 3

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

Focus Verses: James 3:9-12
9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Insight:
An undisciplined tongue is inconsistent with following Christ and honoring God. What we say is very important. If hurtful and careless things flow from our mouths, the praise we offer God may be nothing more than lip service. A mouth that says sweet things to God should not say bitter things to those God has created and loved. Being careful to say helpful, loving, and constructive words to others may be the best way to praise God with our mouths.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize the importance of my words and the need to choose them wisely. I need to see the connection between my words to people and my words to God. I must avoid a mental disconnect that allows me to offer words of praise to God, but be careless or hurtful in my words to people. I will ask God for the grace and guidance I need as I make every effort to be disciplined and helpful in my speech. I will strive to honor God in the way I speak to others, not just in the words I say to God.

Dear Lord, help me to be careful about my words. Grant me the grace to be disciplined in my speech. Forgive me for the times I am thoughtless or hurtful with my mouth. Teach me to be wise in my speech, that my words would honor you as they help and bless others. Amen.

Proverbs: 9:12
"If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

Resources:
Leaving Ignorance for Awareness (Podcast / Listen or Download)
by Rob Bell (Mars Hill Bible Church)
This is a talk Rob gave last Sunday with lots of good insights about our mouths and words.

March 8 - Doing Faith

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Esther 1 - 2
N.T. - James 2

Focus Verses: James 2:14-17
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Insight:
True faith is lived out through deeds. A claim of faith is hollow and worthless if it is not accompanied by action. The specific deeds James mentions here are in the area of practical benevolence: food, clothing, and other physical needs. People of faith should be leaders in social justice and benevolence.

Response and Action:
My faith needs to be more than words and ideas; it must produce action. True faith in Christ results in righteous and benevolent deeds. I should be concerned about the practical, physical needs of people in my community and my world. My faith should prompt me to look for ways to help people in need. I should support benevolent and social justice efforts with my service, time, energy, and giving.

O Lord, open my eyes to the needs of people around me. The needs are so many and so great, Lord, help me not to be overwhelmed by them. Help me to grow in faith, and help me to live out my faith in acts of care and compassion. Thank you for the amazing grace and compassion you have poured out on me. Make me an instrument of your grace and compassion as I live by faith. Amen.

Proverbs: 8:13
"To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I (wisdom) hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

Resources:
Head, Heart & Hands: Bringing Together Christian Thought, Passion And Action
by Dennis P. Hollinger

March 7 - Quick to Listen

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Nehemiah 12 - 13
N.T. - James 1

Focus Verses: James 1:19
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Insight:
For anyone who wants to live a righteous life, anger is something to be avoided. James offers some suggestions for how anger can be avoided: 1) be a good listener; 2) be sure to take the time to be considerate and thoughtful before speaking; 3) be honest about your own sin and be serious about dealing with it; 4) be humble and be a person who loves and absorbs God's word.

Paul's words in Ephesians 4:25-27 on this subject are helpful: "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

Response and Action:
I must recognize the danger of being angry and make efforts to avoid it. I will immerse myself in God's word so it can shape and guide me. I will be careful to humbly deal with the sin in my own life and patient with the weaknesses of others. I want to do more listening than talking. When I do speak, I want it to be loving, helpful, measured, and considerate.

O Lord, help me to be a good listener. Help me to be quick to listen to you, that I might be led and shaped by you. Help me to be a considerate listener to the people around me, that I might be able to understand and respect them. When I speak, help me to speak truth and love that is consistent with your word. Help me to say only the things that are helpful and useful for others. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverbs: 7:2
"Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye."

Resources:
The Other Side of Love: Handling Anger in a Godly Way
by Gary Chapman

March 6 - Remembering those in Need

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Nehemiah 10 - 11
N.T. - Hebrews 13

Focus Verses: Hebrews 13:1-3
1Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. 3Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Insight:
Love, benevolence, social justice, and empathy are all essential to living out our faith in God. We should be loving, hospitable, and caring. Followers of Christ Jesus should have soft hearts toward those who are being mistreated and those who are suffering.

Response and Action:
I want to have a Christ-like love for my Christian brothers and sisters. I want love, genuine concern to guide my attitudes and actions toward all people. I need to open my eyes to the needs of people around me. I need to cultivate a compassion and empathy for those who are suffering, and take action to help them. I need to be a helper and friend for those who are in difficult circumstances.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is darkness, light. Grant that I might not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving we receive; it is in pardoning, we receive pardon; it is in giving that we are born to eternal life. 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:
Practical Justice: Living Off-center in a Self-centered World
by Kevin Blue

March 5 - Strength through Discipline

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Nehemiah 8 - 9
N.T. - Hebrews 12

Focus Verses: Hebrews 12:11,12
11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.

Insight:
The things that lead to maturity are often difficult and sometimes unpleasant. The old cliché, "no pain -- no gain," seems to be true. But for those who have been trained by the difficulties of discipline, there is a rich harvest of righteousness and peace. Christian maturity results from accepting instruction and correction, living with purpose, learning from mistakes, setting goals, and taking intentional steps to grow.

Response and Action:
I will accept correction and instruction from God. When I face hardship and struggles in my life, I will look for the ways God is using those problems to refine and discipline me. I will also take steps to lead a self-disciplined life. I will make every effort to develop spiritual patterns and practices that contribute to my spiritual maturity.

O Lord, 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. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given 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 a disciplined life that results in Christ-like conduct and spiritual maturity. 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:
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
by Richard J. Foster

March 4 - Something Better

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Nehemiah 5 - 7
N.T. - Hebrews 11

Focus Verses: Hebrews 11:1-2; 39-40
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for. - - - 39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Insight:
By faith, it is possible to have a certainty about how I see the world and where I place my hope. The story of faith recorded in the Scriptures includes many men and women who lived by faith. What they believed about God guided their choices and actions. Real faith looks beyond circumstances and the limitations of self. People who have faith in God look beyond what they have received and what they are experiencing today. They believe that God has something better planned for humankind, and that he will be faithful to his promises.

Response and Action:
I will put my faith in God. I believe that God has something better planned for his people. I will follow the example of the long train of believers throughout history who have exemplified faith in God. My faith in God, and confidence in his promises, will guide my actions and choices each day. I will live each day with a certainty about God's love and faithfulness.

O God, increase my faith. Help me to live out my faith in thought, word, and deed. Help me to gain insight, inspiration, and encouragement from examples of faith recorded in Scripture and throughout Christian history. Help me to look beyond what is seen and to grasp what is unseen and yet so real. May I, like the ancients of the faith, be commended one day for my steadfast confidence in you. Amen.

Proverbs: 4:18
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day."

Resources:
Living Faith: A Guide to the Christian Life
by John Schwarz

March 3 - Encouragement

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Nehemiah 3 - 4
N.T. - Hebrews 10

Focus Verses: Hebrews 10:23-25
23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Insight:
God is faithful and he will keep his promises made to us in Christ. Because I have professed faith in Christ, I will hold on tightly to the hope I have in him. Christian community should be a source of encouragement to all believers. It should also prompt believers to grow in love and to do good deeds.

Response and Action:
I must hold on tightly to hope I have in Jesus. I must live out my faith in the company of friends who also follow Jesus. Christian community is necessary for me; I must be actively involved in the fellowship of the Church. Christian friends can encourage me in my faith and spur me on to do good deeds. I, too, can be a source of godly encouragement and prompting for others.

O God, you are faithful to your promises. Help me to remember your promises and cling to the hope I have in you. Surround me with Christian friends who can encourage me and push me toward righteousness. Help me to be a source of encouragement and prompting for my Christian friends. Amen.

Proverbs: 3:3
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

Resources:
Encouragement: The Key to Caring
by Dr. Larry Crabb and Dr. Dan B. Allender

March 2 - Salvation Himself

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Nehemiah 1 - 2
N.T. - Hebrews 9

Focus Verses: Hebrews 9:23-28
23It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Insight:
While many things before Jesus (the tabernacle, ceremonial washings, offerings, feast days, the temple, sacrifices, Passover) pointed to God's plan and desire to save the world from sin, Jesus himself is God's plan. Jesus is not another symbol or message about the salvation God has in mind for the world and mankind; Jesus actually is that plan. He is what all those other things are pointing to.

Response and Action:
My faith is in Jesus the Christ. I believe that he takes away the sins of the world through his sacrifice on the cross. I will recognize Jesus’ death as more than a symbol of God's love; Jesus’ sacrifice is God's love in action. I will praise Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God, and my redeemer. Jesus is salvation.

Jesus, you are worthy of my praise, my life, and my all. You were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. I will give you my worship and honor and glory and power, forever and ever! Amen.

Proverbs: 2:6
"...The LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Resources:
The Cross of Christ
by John R. W. Stott

March 1 - Change from the Heart

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Ezra 9 - 10
N.T. - Hebrews 8

Focus Verses: Hebrews 8:10-12
10This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

Insight:
External laws are not able to transform the heart and mind that opposes and resists them. Because God desires to forgive our sins, make us his people, and be our God, he declares that he will put his laws in our minds and write them on our hearts. Instead of doing good things to become God's people, God will make us his people in order to help us do good things. This is the covenant he makes with all who place faith in Christ Jesus.

Response and Action:
I need to surrender my heart and mind to God. I should expect him to change me and guide me. I must meditate on the Scriptures and prayerfully ask God to help me apply them to my daily life. I can't settle for a "behavior modification" approach to following Christ; I need my heart and mind to be changed so that Christ-like behavior will flow out from what I am in Jesus.

O God, you are my rock and my salvation. Forgive my wickedness and forget my sins. Save me from the inside out. Heal and transform my heart and mind. Be my God, and make me one of your people. Make me new by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Proverbs: 1:22-23
"How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you."

Resources:
Renovation of the Heart
by Dallas Willard

February 28 - Always Able

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Ezra 7 - 8
N.T. - Hebrews 7

Focus Verses: Hebrews 7:23-25
23Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Insight:
Because Jesus has overcome death and lives forever, his priesthood is permanent and is therefore superior to any priesthood that preceded him. The salvation he makes possible is complete and eternal. He died for us, and now lives for us. He is always pleading on our behalf before God.

Response and Action:
It's incredible to think that Jesus is forever interceding and advocating for all who are coming to God through faith in him. I want to be responsive to Christ's saving work in my life. I will follow him with my whole heart and expect change and spiritual maturity, knowing that Jesus is able to save me completely.

King Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for interceding on my behalf. Thank you for saving me from the penalty of sin and the bondage to sin. 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: 28:13
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."

Resources:
The Incomparable Christ
by John Stott

February 27 - Things that Accompany Salvation

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Ezra 4 - 6
N.T. - Hebrews 6

Focus Verses: Hebrews 6:4-9
4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. 9Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation.

Insight:
It's very easy to miss the real point of this passage of scripture if we are sidetracked into a discussion about whether or not these verses say salvation can be lost. That's not an uninteresting subject or a bad conversation to have; it's just a distraction from the writer's main point -- the things that accompany salvation.

Like land that that produces a useful and blessed crop after it drinks in the falling rain, our lives should produce better things -- a harvest of righteousness -- once we have taken in the life-giving rain of salvation through Christ. If we are truly receiving the saving grace of God through faith in Christ, our lives will be transformed; we should expect better things, the things salvation produces. To be saved is to change and grow and produce a life that honors God, and is blessed by God.

Response and Action:
I want to experience transformation. With God's salvation and by his grace and power, I want to move toward better things. I want God's word and blessing in my life to produce fruit that gives witness to his salvation and power in my life. Through Christ, I will continually pursue righteousness and turn from sin. I will confidently expect change and growth in my life. I will not settle for a "taste" of heaven and the word; I will give every effort to experiencing the transformation salvation brings.

Thank you, God, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making me whole. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving to me your great salvation, so rich and free. Amen.

Proverbs: 27:12
"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it."

Resources:
Revolution of Character: Discovering Christ's Pattern for Spiritual Transformation
by Dallas Willard and Don Simpson

February 26 - Help and Understanding

Today's Reading:
O.T. - Ezra 1 - 3
N.T. - Hebrews 4:15 - 5:14

Focus Verses: Hebrews 4:15-16
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Insight:
Jesus is without sin, but he is not without sympathy for us when we face temptation. He did not give in to temptation, but he experienced it fully. In our times of need, we can have confidence that he understands what we are going through, and he has the grace and strength we need to help us overcome temptation and sin.

Response and Action:
I have confidence in God's grace. I take heart in the knowledge that Jesus has faced temptation, knows me needs, and understands what I am going through. I will look to Christ for the grace and guidance I need to face and overcome the temptations I face today.

Thank you, O God, for sending your son, Jesus, into the world. It is so good to know that he truly understands the struggle and challenge of temptation. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, help me to stand firm in the face of trials and temptation. Amen.

Proverbs: 26:12
"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."

Resources:
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
by John Owen, John Piper, Kelly M. Kapic, and Justin Taylor

February 25 - Nothing Hidden

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Chronicles 34 - 36
N.T. - Hebrews 4:1 - 14

Focus Verses: Hebrews 4:12-13
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Insight:
Nothing is hidden from God. God's word is alive and active; his truth is penetrating and able to cut to the heart of everything in creation. Even our thoughts and attitudes are an open book to God. God's truth must be heeded because we are all accountable to him.

Response and Action:
I recognize that God knows me better than I know myself. I will look to his word for guidance in my life. His word is able to help me see my own motives and attitudes. I will meditate on God's word and hide it in my heart. I will let the truth of God's word shape and direct me.

Almighty God, before you my heart is open, all my desires are known, and none of my secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the power of your Holy Spirit. Guide me and teach me through your word. Help me to love you with my whole heart, and to live in your truth, that I might bring you glory. Amen.

Proverbs: 25:25
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."

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

February 24 - Firm to the End

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Chronicles 32 - 33
N.T. - Hebrews 3

Focus Verses: Hebrews 3:1, 12-14
1Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. … 12See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

Insight:
The Hebrew writer encourages his Christian readers to fix their thoughts on Jesus, and to hold firmly to him in faith to the end. He warns them to not turn away from faith in the living God, and uses the story of the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness to illustrate his point. Their bodies fell in the desert, and they never entered into the promise land because of their unbelief.

More than just a warning, the Hebrew writer suggests two things we can do to cultivate enduring faith. 1) We must focus on Jesus. We should immerse ourselves in everything the scriptures tell us about Jesus -- his words, his actions, his promises, his mission, his teaching, his commands, his example, and his call to us. 2) We must be part of a Christian community that encourages and admonishes us in faith. We should seize every opportunity to stimulate and inspire each other toward a deeper knowledge and experience of Christ. We should also be able to help each other identify and turn away from the deceitfulness of sin.

Response and Action:
I will fix my thoughts on Jesus. I will seek him in the company of faithful friends. I will study and meditate on the Scriptures. I will look to other followers of Jesus to encourage me in my faith. I will be on guard against the deceitfulness of sin, and listen to the wise warnings and rebukes of my Christian friends. I will do all I can to encourage others to know and follow Jesus. I will look for opportunities to encourage others in their faith.

O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. I will seek you in the morning. I will learn to walk in your ways. Lead me step by step that I might follow you all of my days. Amen.

Proverbs: 24:14
"Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Resources:
Following Jesus in the "Real World": Discipleship for the Post-College Years
by Richard Lamb

February 23 - Flesh and Blood

Today's Reading:
O.T. - 2 Chronicles 30 - 31
N.T. - Hebrews 2

Focus Verses: Hebrews 2:14-15
14Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Insight:
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent; I attended a worship service in the morning. At one point in the service, I went forward where a minister put ashes on my forehead, looked me in the eye, and said, "Remember you are dust, and to dust you will return." At the same time, I remembered Jesus' words, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25,26).

In Jesus, through the incarnation, God shares our humanity. Jesus suffered death, in order to destroy the power of death. Jesus, the one human being who is not guilty of sin or bound by death, willingly laid down his life in our place in order to free us from the bondage to death and the fear of death.

Response and Action:
I will put my trust and hope in Jesus. I will praise and thank God for the great deliverance Christ Jesus has made possible by sharing my humanity and through his sinless death destroyed death's power and grip on me. I will live with hope and purpose and joy, believing that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. I will live today in the confidence that I have eternal life in Jesus. I will encourage others to take hold of eternal life through faith in Jesus.

I will rejoice in you, O God. You are my salvation and my strength. I bless and thank you, Lord, because you are a God of deliverance -- the escape from death belongs to you. Even when walking in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. You are worthy of my praise, my life, my all. Because you have freed me from death, I will live for you. Amen.

Proverbs: 23:17,18
"Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Resources:
Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in an Everyday Life
by Eugene Peterson