April 18 - Knock Knock

Overview of: Matthew

Today's Reading:
Matt. 7:1-29
"Sermon on the Mount"

Focus Verses: Matt. 7:7-8
7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Insight:
Giving and receiving are central to meaningful and loving relationships. The bonds of love are both demonstrated and deepened when one has the freedom to make a request and another has the will to grant it. Just as neighbors open their doors for each other, and just as parents are ready to provide for their children, our Father in heaven is ready to give us good gifts. He also calls us to be ready to treat others with the same goodwill we would like to receive.

Response and Action:
God has invited me to a relationship with him through Christ Jesus. He wants me to seek him out, to knock on his door, and to ask him for help. He promises I will find, the door will be opened, and my needs will be provided. This is the way God demonstrates his love for me; it is also the way I can demonstrate love for others. In the same way that I receive grace and love in my relationship with God, I should extend grace and love in my relationships with others.

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as myself. Thank you that I can come to you with my requests and needs--that you can be found, your door is open, and you are giving. Grant me a sensitivity toward the needs of others around me. Help me to be available, approachable, and generous. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Jeremiah 29:10-13
10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
In Context: Jeremiah 29:1-23

Proverb for Today: Prov. 18:15
"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out."

Recommended Reading:
The Message of the Sermon on the Mount: Christian Counter-Culture
by John Stott

April 17 - Quiet Good

Overview of: Matthew

Today's Reading:
Matt. 6:1-34
"Sermon on the Mount"

Focus Verses: Matt. 6:1
1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Insight:
Even righteous deeds can be done with unrighteous motives. Self-sacrifice can be self-centered. In order to guard against self-centered motives, Jesus taught that we should be secretive about our devotion and spiritual practices. True devotion toward God does not seek to draw attention to self. Private piety is less likely to be pretentious.

When we give to the poor, we should do so quietly. When we pray, we should seek out a place where we can be alone. When we fast, we should avoid any appearance or behavior that attracts special notice or concern. The same is true of nearly everything we do for God and for others.

The problem, of course, is not that others know or notice acts of righteousness (of course they will -- "a city on a hill is not easily hid"); the real issue Jesus is getting at is the problem of our hearts. In order to be truly righteous, we must acknowledge our potential for selfishness and false motives. We must realize that true righteousness is directed toward God, not centered in self. We must not let righteous deeds become a way to achieve self-gain, self-esteem, self-aggrandizement, or self-gratification. The way of true righteousness is self-denial.

Response and Action:
I will do all I can to practice righteous deeds in quiet and unassuming ways. I will guard against drawing attention to myself. And if something I do for God does draw undue attention to me, I will be careful to give God the glory. I will seek God's blessing, not the praise of people.

O God, give me a heart to do what is right, and to do it for you. It is your glory and your approval that I desire, not the notice or applause of others. Help me, by faith, to do the good things you have prepared in advance for me to do. Help me to be faithful, fruitful, and effective as your servant: as a husband, father, son, brother, friend, neighbor, pastor, and colleague. Through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 29:13
13 The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.
In Context: Isaiah 29:1-24

Proverb for Today: Prov. 17:27
"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."

Recommended Reading:
The Message of the Sermon on the Mount: Christian Counter-Culture
by John Stott

April 16 - Wanting what God Wants

Overview of: Matthew

Today's Reading:
Matt. 5:1-48
"Sermon on the Mount"

Focus Verses: Matt. 5:17-18, 20
17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. - - - 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Insight:
Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the Law and Prophets pointed to. Through faith Christ, we are able to become more than rule-keepers. By the power and grace of God we are able to experience transformation of the heart. More than just obeying external laws, the Spirit of God changes the hearts and renews the minds of those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Response and Action:
My faith is in Jesus. I am looking to him for the renewal and transformation of my heart. I want to be more than a rule-keeper; I want my heart and my desires to be shaped by God. I want to want what God wants.

More than merely modifying or restraining my behavior, I want to live out the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus. I want to love and live righteousness in a way that makes commands unnecessary. I want to be renovated by the Spirit and grace of God. I will surrender my will and my heart to Jesus, and yield myself to God's transforming power.

O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Change my heart and place righteous desires within me. Lead, shape, transform, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Through Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Ezekiel 36:26-27
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
In Context: Ezekiel 36

Proverb for Today: Prov. 16:23
"A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction."

Recommended Reading:
The Message of the Sermon on the Mount: Christian Counter-Culture
by John Stott

April 15 - Kingdom Power

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 5:1-43
"Power over Demons, Disease, and Death"

Focus Verses: Mark 5:17-20
17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Insight:
In the first chapter of Mark's gospel, he records that Jesus began his ministry by proclaiming, "The time has come, the kingdom of God is near." Jesus not only proclaimed the news of the kingdom, he demonstrated the power of the kingdom. In today's reading, Jesus gave powerful signs of the kingdom's power over demons, disease, and even death.

After being delivered, the man who had been possessed by demons wanted to go with Jesus. He was directed by Jesus, instead, to go home to his family and tell them how God had been merciful and how much God had done for him.

Response and Action:
God's mercy and power are greater than the circumstances and problems I face--both spiritual and physical. God's mercy and power are available to me through Christ Jesus. I will look to Jesus for the strength, mercy, and deliverance I need to face life's challenges and afflictions. I will be faithful to tell others about God's mercy and goodness to me.

O God, thank you for Jesus who has brought the good news and power of your kingdom to me. By your power and mercy, help me through the difficulties and heartaches of life in this fallen world. Make me ready and quick to tell others of the many ways you mercifully bless and save. Bring your kingdom to earth, O Lord. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 103:2-5
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
In Context: Psalm 103

Proverb for Today: Prov. 15:11
"Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!"

Recommended Reading:
Miracles
by C. S. Lewis

April 14 - Ready for the Word

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 4:1-41
"Parables and Power"

Focus Verses: Mark 4:18-20
18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."

Insight:
God's word can bear fruit in the lives of people. The readiness of people to hear, and their softness of heart to receive the word, produces positive results in our lives. The pressures, worries, and deceits of life all diminish or destroy the results of the word in our lives.

Response and Action:
I want to cultivate receptivity to God's word. I will seek the truth and open my heart to the teachings of Christ and the truth of the scriptures. I will strive to put Christ first, and do my best to put aside the distractions, worries, and lies that hamper or prevent God's word from taking root and bearing fruit in my life.

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. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Give me a soft heart and a willing spirit to receive your truth and to walk in your ways. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Hosea 10:12
12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
In Context: Hosea 10

Proverb for Today: Prov. 14:23
"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

Recommended Reading:
Interpreting the Parables
by Craig Blomberg

Reading Schedule for April 13 - 18

April 14 - Mark 4:1-41
April 15 - Mark 5:1-43
April 16 - Matt. 5:1-48
April 17 - Matt. 6:1-34
April 18 -Matt. 7:1-29
April 19 - Matt. 11:1-30




You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through key scripture passages from Genesis through Revelation. Click here to download your copy of the Useful Breath Reading Schedule for 2007-08.

April 12 - Brother Jesus

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 3:1-35
"Seekers, Doubters, and Believers"

Focus Verses: Mark 3:31-35
31 Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." 33 "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Insight:
Jesus was a controversial figure. Crowds pursued him, Pharisees plotted against him, his own family questioned his mental stability, and the teachers of the Law accused him of being satanic. Some, however, believed and followed him, desiring to do God's will. Jesus called them his brothers and sisters.

Response and Action:
Jesus remains a controversial figure today. He still elicits strong reactions. There are those who oppose him, dismiss him, ignore him, and despise him. But I love and him and trust him. I will follow him and be a part of the family who desire to do God's will.

O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Help me to follow Jesus--to listen and to follow where he leads. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, help me to delight in his will and walk in his ways to the glory of his name. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 1:1
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
In Context: Psalm 1

Proverb for Today: Prov. 12:17
"A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies."

Recommended Reading:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N. T. Wright

April 11 - Any Way I Can

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 2:1-28
"Encounters with Jesus"

Focus Verses: Mark 2:2-4
2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.

Insight:
Today's scripture passage describes a wide variety of encounters people had with Jesus. We see the struggle someone had just trying to get close to Jesus and a tax collector who decided to follow Jesus. On one occasion the Pharisees questioned Jesus about his diet and associations with people they deplored. On another occasion they criticize his observance of Sabbath law. Jesus offered new hope, new purpose, "new wine," and new understanding.

Response and Action:
I am struck by the persistence of the paralytic and his friends. They were dogged in their efforts to get close to Jesus. The four men were willing to do whatever it took to get their friend next to Jesus.

That's the way I want to pursue Jesus. That's the way I want to help my friends get next to Jesus. Because I believe Jesus offers hope, healing, purpose, and understanding for life, I will be tenacious and unwavering in my efforts to get myself and my friends as close to him as possible.

O God, thank you for all you have given through Jesus. My hope and faith and purpose are in him. Help me to get closer to him every day in any way I can. Help me to press on in order to take hold of that for which he has taken hold of me. Help me to know him through the pages of Scripture, through the witness of the church, and through the indwelling of his Spirit. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 40:16-17
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!" 17 Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
In Context: Psalm 40:1-17

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

Recommended Reading:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N. T. Wright

April 10 - From Now On

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 5:1-11
"Calling of Disciples"

Focus Verses: Luke 5:8-11
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Insight:
Simon Peter was shaken by the mystery and authority he saw in Jesus. Because of the awe he had for Jesus, and the deep sense of his own sinfulness, Peter's first inclination was to push Jesus away. Jesus reassured him and spoke of a new future and purpose for his life. Peter and his partners, James and John, walked away from everything and followed Jesus.

Response and Action:
Like Peter, I am very impressed with Jesus. His power and authority are amazing. Sadly, like Peter I can also, at times, be preoccupied with my sin and weakness. It's so good to know that Jesus interrupts my shame and self-doubt with grace and peace. He tells me to not be afraid and gives me hope and purpose. I want to put Jesus first. I will follow him and treasure him above all things. I will leave behind anything that hinders my walk with him.

O God, thank you for the grace and truth Christ brings. Help me to honor and obey him. Help me to demonstrate my love for him by keeping his word. Show me your purpose for my life and give me the courage to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Give me the wisdom and the will to cast off anything that would distract me from the promise I have in Christ . Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 1:1-2
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
In Context: Psalm 1

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Recommended Reading:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N. T. Wright

April 9 - Good News for Now

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 4:14-30
"Nazareth Rejects Jesus"

Focus Verses: Luke 4:18-21
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Insight:
Jesus came preaching the good news, which had been promised and foretold by the prophet Isaiah. It was good news of healing, freedom, justice, and restoration. More than merely spiritual, philosophical, or religious, Jesus came to bring truth and deliverance that would bring about real change, recovery, and hope in the real world.

This good news was not just for Israel, but for all people everywhere. When the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus, he reminded them that they were not the first to reject someone sent by God. In fact, the abuse and rejection of the prophets was typical in their history. They became outraged when he pointed out scriptural examples of non-Jews who, unlike them, were quicker to recognize God's power and truth.

Response and Action:
I recognize Jesus as good news. He is the hope of salvation. He brings forgiveness and restoration. He offers freedom from oppression and bondage. He is the proof of God's love and favor toward humanity. I will embrace the good news that Jesus embodies. My faith and hope are in him. Not only will I receive the good news, I will commit myself to joining Jesus in preaching and living the good news of God. As a follower of Jesus, I must commit myself to bring peace, deliverance, health, justice, life, truth, and freedom to the world around me. To embrace Christ Jesus is to embrace his agenda for the world.

O God, you are holy and loving. Your love and holiness have been gloriously lived out on earth through Christ Jesus. Thank you for the good news Jesus has brought to the whole world. Help me to follow in his steps and to walk in the power of his Spirit, that I might live and preach the same good news. Help me to be an active agent and living witness of the freedom, restoration, and hope that are in Christ Jesus. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 61:11
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
In Context: Isaiah 61:1-11

Proverb for Today: Prov. 9:10-11
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life."

Recommended Reading:
Kingdom Come: How Jesus Wants to Change the World
by Allen Mitsuo Wakabayashi

April 8 - Crossing the Lines

Overview of: John

Today's Reading:
John 4:1-42
"The Samaritan Woman"

Focus Verses: John 4:23-26
23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

Insight:
Not only did Jesus come proclaiming, "The Kingdom of God is near," he also proclaimed salvation and hope for all people. In his interaction with the Samaritan woman, he stepped past many cultural barriers. Not only did he choose to travel in Samaria, he stopped to eat and drink. Not only did he converse with a Samaritan, he conversed with a woman. Not only a woman, but one who was an outcast among Samaritans. Not only did he speak to her, he drank water she had collected. He crossed the lines that divided people from each other and God.

The conversation Jesus had with the woman was at a well dug by the Patriarch Jacob (Israel). The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had made a covenant promise to bless all people through their descendants. Jesus openly claimed to be the promised Messiah who would be the Savior of the world, the source of eternal living water, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promise.

Response and Action:
I am thankful for Jesus' direct claim to be the Christ. I believe him and accept his claim as truth. I acknowledge him to be Savior; I believe he is the source of living water that never runs dry. I will worship God in spirit and in truth by embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior. I will follow him and tell others about what he is doing in my life, and as I do, be ready and willing to cross cultural barriers.

O God, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the living water you pour out on all who believe in him. Give me the honesty and courage to face the things Jesus exposes in my life. Give me a humble and responsive heart and make me ready to believe and follow. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead and transform me, and make my life a witness of Christ's power to save. I pray in him name. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 45:20-22
20 "Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. 21 Declare what is to be, present it—let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD ? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. 22 "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
In Context: Isaiah 45:15-25

Proverb for Today: Prov. 8:17
"I (wisdom) love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."

Recommended Reading:
Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ
by Robert H. Stein

April 7 - Into the Light

Overview of: John

Today's Reading:
John 2:12-3:21
"The Temple and Teacher"

Focus Verses: John 3:19-21
19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Insight:
The people who encountered Jesus had to wrestle with who he was and what he was doing. The merchants driven out of the temple, the crowds who heard him making unusual claims ("tear this temple down and I'll build it up in three days"), the disciples who followed him, and the religious teachers who questioned him, all had to deal with him. Was he telling the truth or was he a fraud? Was he sent from God or a troublemaker?

Jesus claimed to be the son of God, the one sent from heaven, and the one able to give eternal life. He said he had been sent into the world as an expression of God's great love and desire to save all who would believe.

Response and Action:
Jesus said light had come into the world, but people loved darkness more than light because of their evil deeds and desires. The desires of the heart affect the response of the person. Do I have desires that are getting in the way of my faith? Am I holding on to things that keep me from knowing truth and following Jesus?

I want to embrace the light of Christ. I want to follow him. I believe his claims, and I will look to him in faith for truth, for life, and for salvation.

O God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, into the world. Thank you for loving people and for making a way for us to be saved and renewed. 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. Through Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 69:1-9
6 May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel. 7 For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. 8 I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons; 9 for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
In Context: Psalm 69:1-9

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

Recommended Reading:
Jesus and His World
by P. W. L. Walker

Reading Schedule for April 7 - 12

April 7 - John 2:12-3:21
April 8 - John 4:1-42
April 9 - Luke 4:14-30
April 10 - Luke 5:1-11
April 11 - Mark 2:1-28
April 12 - Mark 3:1-35


You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through key scripture passages from Genesis through Revelation. Click here to download your copy of the Useful Breath Reading Schedule for 2007-08.

April 5 - Seeing and Believing

Overview of: John

Today's Reading:
John 2:1-11
"Jesus' First Miracle"

Focus Verses: John 2:11
11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

Insight:
There are some unusual things about Jesus' first miracle. To begin with, the supply of wine at a wedding doesn't seem like it really warrants supernatural intervention. There also seems to be reluctance on Jesus' part. His mother wants him to do something, but he doesn't want to get involved; he doesn't think it's the right time. When he does get involved, it seems to be at Mary's insistence. And though he performs a miracle, he does so in an anonymous way. Only Mary and the servants seem to know what has happened.

All of these peculiarities make fertile ground for both speculation and question. We ask “why this” and wonder “why that?” John jumps beyond our questions about this specific miracle and gets to a bigger question: Why miracles at all?

His answer: To reveal Jesus' glory and to foster faith in him (1:11).

Response and Action:
As I encounter Jesus' miracles while reading the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, I will remember what John said at the conclusion of his account of Jesus' first miracle. I will ask myself, "What does this miracle reveal to me about Jesus' glory?" and "What does this miracle call me or cause me to believe about Jesus?" I will look for his glory and consider my faith in him.

O God, help me to recognize Jesus as your Son, the Christ, the Savior, and Lord. Help me to grow in my knowledge and experience of who he is and what that means. Increase my faith and do a miraculous work in my life. Take my bondage to sin and transform it into freedom and righteousness. Help me to live by the miraculous power of resurrection. Change my heart from stone to flesh. Turn the tepid and bitter waters of my life into the rich new wine of your Spirit. Take my death and give me life. In Jesus transforming and powerful Name, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 77:13-14
13 Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
In Context: Psalm 77

Proverb for Today: Prov. 5:1-2
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, 2 that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.

Recommended Reading:
Miracles
by C. S.Lewis

April 4 - Time for Good News

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 1:9-45
"Jesus Begins His Ministry"

Focus Verses: Mark 1:14-15
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

Insight:
Jesus proclaimed the good news of God. He declared that the kingdom of God was near. His authority and message were demonstrated and confirmed through the amazing miracles he performed. He cast out evil spirits and healed the sick.

Response and Action:
The nearness of the kingdom of God is good news. I want to receive and experience the good news of God. I also want to bless others and change my world by living out the good news. I will recognize Jesus' authority and follow him. I will come to Jesus for healing and hope, and I will point others to Jesus. I will cultivate an awareness of God's presence and work in the world. I will commit myself to God, that he might use me to bring his kingdom to earth.

Our Father who fills the heavens, holy is your name. I long to see your kingdom come--your will lived out on earth as in heaven. Give me the wisdom to recognize Jesus' authority. Help me to follow him and to make every effort to advance his kingdom agenda. Help me to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Through Christ, Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 52:7
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
In Context: Isaiah 52:1-10

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

Recommended Reading:
The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God
by Dallas Willard

April 3 - Submission and Resistance

Overview of: Matthew

Today's Reading:
Matthew 3:13 - 4:11
"Jesus' Baptism and Temptation"

Focus Verses: Matthew 3:15 & 4:10
3:15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness."

4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'

Insight:
Jesus' baptism was an act of submission to God. It was an act of witness declaring Jesus' full surrender to God the Father. His submission to God was how righteousness would be fulfilled in his life.

Jesus' victory over temptation in the wilderness was an act of resistance. In every case, Jesus saw that giving in to temptation would be a failure to submit to God. He resisted and renounced every temptation, recognizing them for the satanic snares they were.

Response and Action:
Jesus' submission to God and his resistance in the face of temptation remind me of the words of James 4:7 -- "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Like Jesus, I want to live a righteous life that honors God. I will submit myself to God (a pledge I made when I was baptized), pursue righteousness, and hide God's word in my heart. I will guard against temptation, recognize it for what it is, and resist it.

O God, I desire to honor you this day in thought, word, and deed. Help to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Lead me away from temptation, and deliver me from evil. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. I pray in the name of Jesus, my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Deuteronomy 6:13-15
13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.
In Context: Deut. 6:4-19

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

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

April 2 - Growing Up

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 2:41-52
"Jesus in the Temple as a Boy"

Focus Verses: Luke 2:49-52
49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Insight:
With all of the unusual circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, it's not hard to imagine that his childhood would be marked by unusual events. The four gospels of the New Testament, however, tell us very little about Jesus' boyhood. In fact, the short story of Jesus in the Temple as a twelve-year old boy, during his family's Passover trip to Jerusalem, is the only childhood event recorded in the Bible.

Though the account is very short, it gives us some interesting insights about Jesus. It reveals that even as a boy Jesus had a sense of calling. He spoke about his mission, and referred to God as his Father. At age twelve, Jesus was so knowledgeable of Scripture he could have intelligent and thought-provoking conversations with the experts in the Law. Jesus treated his mother, Mary, and his stepfather, Joseph, with dignity and respect. He obeyed them as he grew in stature, increased in wisdom, and earned the respect of others.

Response and Action:
From a young age, Jesus faithfully pursued God's purpose for his life. He knew the Scriptures, and was obedient to God. Like Jesus, I want to live by faith and seek God's purpose for my life. I want to know the Scriptures. I want to engage with others in meaningful conversations about God, the Kingdom, and the meaning of life.

O God, give me a love and passion for the Scriptures. Give me guidance for my life, and help me to apply your word to my daily life. Help me to discuss and declare the grace and truth of Christ Jesus with others around me. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 119:99-101
99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.
In Context: Psalm 119:97-112

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:6
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Recommended Reading:
Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ
by Robert H. Stein

April 1 - Seeking and Finding

Overview of: Matthew

Today's Reading:
Matt. 2:1-23
"The Wise Men"

Focus Verses: Matthew 2:3-6
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Insight:
When the visiting wise men from the east came looking for the "one who had been born king of the Jews," Herod had his advisers search the scriptures for clues to the birthplace of the Christ. They pointed him to the words, "in Bethlehem in Judea," from the prophet Micah. The words of Micah’s prophecy also seem especially appropriate to the story of the visiting magi as they describe Christ’s greatness “reaching to the ends of the earth, and he will be their peace."

The Wise Men were seekers of the Christ. The priority they gave to finding Jesus, the way God led them in dreams, the worship they offered, and the gifts they presented all suggest to me that they were people who knew and believed God's covenant promise to Abraham: "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Gen. 12:3).

Response and Action:
I believe the scriptures are reliable, that Jesus is the Christ, and that the peace he brings is for all people. I will search the scriptures in order to be wise. I will seek Christ in order to find peace. I will trust God to keep his promises and to lead me.

O God, show me your ways. Thank you for the scriptures. Guide me in your truth and teach me. Give me the wisdom to seek you above all else. Help me to love, worship, and follow Christ wherever he leads. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Micah 5:4-5
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 5 And he will be their peace.
In Context: Micah 5:1-5

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

Recommended Reading:
Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ
by Robert H. Stein