January 14 - Breaking Barriers

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 4:15-26
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Old Testament -
Psalms 106:1-23
1 Samuel 26-28
Click on Text Links to Read Online

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:
Jesus not only proclaimed, "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 Samaritan 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 & 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 his name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 2:13-14
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility..."

Resources:
A Credible Witness: Reflections on Power, Evangelism and Race
by Brenda Salter McNeil

January 13 - Faith, Wisdom, and Restraint

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 4:1-14
2 Corinthians 10
Old Testament -
Psalms 105
1 Samuel 24-25
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Samuel 24:18-20
18 You have just now told me of the good you did to me; the LORD delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. 19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today. 20 I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

Insight:
Saul was hunting David with the intent to kill him. Rather than recognizing that the loss of his kingship was due to his own failure and sin, Saul convinced himself that David was the problem.

The events described these verses illustrate how David could have easily taken Saul's life, but he would not do it. This made the situation so clear that even Saul was forced to admit that David was not stealing the kingdom away from him. God was taking the kingdom from Saul and giving it to David.

Response & Action:
Like David, I want to have the wisdom to wait on God to accomplish his purposes, especially when I am facing resistance or when there is controversy about what is the right thing to do. This kind of waiting on God is very important, not only for me, but for others around me.

Pushing too hard or moving too quickly in times of conflict may make it more difficult for me and for others to discern God's will from personal opinions or feelings. Like David, I want God's leading and blessing to be recognized by all concerned--even those who like Saul may be standing in opposition to what God is doing.

O God, help me by faith to do the good things you've prepared in advance for me to do. Give me the wisdom and patience to do them in ways that are clearly blessed and guided by you. Help me to be measured and righteous in times of conflict and controversy. Give me a heart that depends on you and trusts you to accomplish your purposes. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 Peter 3:8-9
8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do 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.

Resources:
The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande

January 12 - Generous

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 3:22-36
2 Corinthians 9
Old Testament -
Psalms 104
1 Samuel 21-23
Click on Text Links to Read Online

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

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

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

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

Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 4:19
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

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

January 11 - Light of the World

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 3:16-21
2 Corinthians 8
Old Testament -
Psalms 103
1 Samuel 19-20
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 3:16-19
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil."

Insight:
Jesus' words to Nicodemus are very straightforward. "The Son" is God's plan for saving the world. Salvation comes through believing in the Son. Condemnation is not the penalty for rejecting the Son. Rather, condemnation is where we are until we are saved by the Son. Jesus, God's Son, is the one who rescues us from darkness and condemnation.

Response & Action:
I want to take hold of God's gift of salvation. I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. My faith in Jesus draws me into his light. I want to turn away from evil and do what is right. I want to reflect the light of Christ in my world so that others can believe in Him too.

O Lord, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me to walk in the light and Jesus is in the light. Help my life to be a light and witness of Jesus' power to save and transform. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 5:11-12
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Resources:
Becoming a Christian
by John Stott

Reading Schedule for January 11 - 16

Psalm 119:105-108
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. 106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. 107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word. 108 Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.

Schedule and Tips:
2009-10 Reading Schedule
Tips for Daily Bible Readers

January 11 -
John 3:16-21 / 2 Corinthians 8
Psalms 103 / 1 Samuel 19-20

January 12 -
John 3:22-36 / 2 Corinthians 9
Psalms 104 / 1 Samuel 21-23

January 13 -
John 4:1-14 / 2 Corinthians 10
Psalms 105 / 1 Samuel 24-25

January 14 -
John 4:15-26 / 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Psalms 106:1-23 / 1 Samuel 26-28

January 15 -
John 4:27-42 / 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Psalms 106:24-48 / 1 Samuel 29-31

January 16 -
John 4:43-54 / 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalms 107 / 2 Samuel 1-2

January 9 - Battles

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 3:1-15
2 Corinthians 7
Old Testament -
Psalms 102
1 Samuel 17-18
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Samuel 17:45-47
45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

Insight:
The young David did not have the size, strength, or military experience of a soldier, but he had reverence for God and faith in God's power. He spoke defiantly against Goliath with great boldness, believing as he did that the battle was not something to won by might, but by the Lord.

Response & Action:
The challenges and problems I face in life must be faced by faith in God. My well-being and victory over troubles is something that only God can provide. When I trust in God's power to save and deliver, I can face hardship and challenge with great boldness.

O God, give me the faith to face giants. When the problems and hardships of life are more than I can bear, grant me a heart that trusts in you so completely I am able to stand firm. Help me to remember that victory is not by might or power, but by your Spirit. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Resources:
David: Developing a Heart for God (12 Studies)
by Jack Kuhatschek

January 8 - Be Different

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 2:12-25
2 Corinthians 6
Old Testament -
Psalms 101
1 Samuel 15-16
Click on Text Links to Read Online

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

Insight:
Christians have always struggled with being in the world and yet not shaped by it. Our place in the world is, in many respects, a role of being different from the world -- light in the midst of darkness; truth in the midst of deception and confusion; love in the midst of hate; humility in the midst of pride; generosity in the midst of selfishness and greed.

To truly follow Jesus, who's Kingdom is not from the world, we must embrace and join his mission to change and redeem the world. We cannot subvert the evil and sin in our world if we embrace and join the world as it is. We cannot serve two masters, so we must turn away from and shun any allegiance or bond that would hinder our loyalty and faithfulness to Jesus.

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

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

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 2:14-16
14 I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Resources:
Too Christian, Too Pagan
by Dick Staub

January 7 - Water, Wine, and Wonder

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 2:1-11
2 Corinthians 5
Old Testament -
Psalms 100
1 Samuel 14
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 2:7-11
7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." 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 his disciples' faith in him (v. 11).

Response & 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.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 11:6
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Resources:
Miracles
by C. S.Lewis

January 6 - Seeing the Unseen

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 1:43-51
2 Corinthians 4
Old Testament -
Psalms 99
1 Samuel 11-13
Click on Text Links to Read Online

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

Insight:
Paul is honest with the Corinthians about the fatigue and weariness he is experiencing in his life and ministry. He is also clear about the hope he has in Christ. Even though there are hardships and troubles, he does not lose heart. In fact, he can see God using those troubles to accomplish greater things.

Though Paul and his ministry partners are outwardly weary, he says they are inwardly renewed one day at a time. Paul says that they experience this hope and renewal by looking past the momentary troubles to the eternal promises of God. Christians can find strength, purpose, and renewal each day by having an eternal perspective that sees beyond the trouble of the moment; by looking to Jesus for strength; and by believing God can use even the difficulties of life.

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

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

Spiritual Formation Verses: James 1:2-5
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

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

January 5 - Reflecting His Glory

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 1:35-42
2 Corinthians 3
Old Testament -
Psalms 98
1 Samuel 9-10
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Insight:
The Spirit of the Lord gives freedom. Those who place faith in Christ receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) who indwells our mortal bodies (Romans 8). We are no longer in bondage to sin (Romans 6), but instead we are freed from it to live a new life in Christ.

Freedom in Christ means that I have the freedom to change and grow and become. The Spirit of God leads, empowers, transforms, and shapes the lives of all who follow and submit to Christ. The Christian life is a process of change and renewal. Every passing day, every passing year, I can continue to grow and become more and more like Jesus.

Response & Action:
I need to remember that in Christ, I have the freedom to change and become more like Jesus. The Good News of Jesus tells me that I really can change. I need to hold on to this promise and take hold of God's grace, making every effort to experience the reality of what God can do in my life. I need to open my heart and focus my mind on the leading of the Spirit of the Lord as I read the scriptures, as I pray, and as I participate in Christian community.

O God, I have so far to go, but I know you love me where I am. Thank you for a love that accepts me where I am and yet calls and lifts me to where I can be. Thank you for your Spirit and the freedom he gives me as a believer in Christ Jesus. Help me to be faithful in prayer, a student of the scriptures, and an active participant in Christian community. Make me sensitive and alert to your leading. Help me to make new strides each day as I follow Jesus with a heart to be like him. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Peter 1:3-4
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

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

January 4 - The Voice

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 1:29-34
2 Corinthians 2
Old Testament -
Psalms 97
1 Samuel 6-8
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 1:32-34
32 Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."

Insight:
John the Baptist was born to parents of advanced age. The angelic visits and miracles that accompanied his conception and birth (Luke 1) were signs that John was a special voice—a prophet who would announce the coming of Messiah. At his birth, John's father, Zechariah, exclaimed, "You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation, through the forgiveness of their sins..." (Luke 1:76-77).

John the Baptist, was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 40:3). He was "A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God." He was also the fulfillment of God's promise through the prophet Malachi: "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers..." (Malachi 4:5-6).

All this adds tremendous force to John's declaration that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. John was giving prophetic notice that Jesus was the one who would fulfill God's promise to save sinners from judgment. Jesus was God's solution to humanity's problem of sin. Jesus was the one who would be the instrument of God's saving grace and salvation for the world.

Response & Action:
I accept the testimony of John the Baptist. John's birth, life, and ministry give prophetic credibility to his witness. I am putting my faith in Christ Jesus and I look to him as the one who can save me from sin. I believe that Jesus saves me from the penalty of sin and from bondage to sin. As I follow Jesus, I pray that my life and my voice, as John the Baptist's, might be a testimony and declaration of the saving and transforming power of Jesus.

O God, thank you for Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Help me to recognize him, to follow him, and to trust him. Make my life a testimony of his salvation, and use me to point others to Christ Jesus, your Son, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 5:11-12
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Resources:
Jesus: Lord and Savior
by F. F. Bruce

Reading Schedule for January 4 - 9

2 Timothy 2:15
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Schedule and Tips
2009-10 Reading Schedule
Tips for Daily Bible Readers

January 4 -
John 1:29-34 / 2 Corinthians 2
Psalms 97 / 1 Samuel 6-8

January 5 -
John 1:35-42 / 2 Corinthians 3
Psalms 98 / 1 Samuel 9-10

January 6 -
John 1:43-51 / 2 Corinthians 4
Psalms 99 / 1 Samuel 11-13

January 7 -
John 2:1-11 / 2 Corinthians 5
Psalms 100 / 1 Samuel 14

January 8 -
John 2:12-25 / 2 Corinthians 6
Psalms 101 / 1 Samuel 15-16

January 9 -
John 3:1-15 / 2 Corinthians 7
Psalms 102 / 1 Samuel 17-18

January 2 - Losing God

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 1:19-28
2 Corinthians 1:12-24
Old Testament -
Psalms 96
1 Samuel 3-5
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Samuel 4:2-3
2 The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand of them on the battlefield. 3 When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, "Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the LORD's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies."

Insight:
After suffering defeat at the hands of the Philistines, the elders of Israel asked a good question: "Why did the Lord bring this upon us today?" The answer they came up with was not so good: "Maybe we should get the Ark of the covenant so that it may go with us and save us."

Instead of considering their own corruption and faithlessness, they assumed they had made some error in their method or ritual. Instead of directing their question to God and looking for an answer from him, they just asked each other and came up with their own ideas. Instead of trusting in God, they trusted in an object. They turned an object intended to help them worship God, into an idol that took the place of God.

Response & Action:
My hope is in the Lord. When facing difficulties and defeats, I will look to God for the guidance and strength I need. I do not want the things intended to point me to God to become things that take his place. Religion, spiritual disciplines, church gatherings, Christian service, Scripture, and Christian community are wonderful things that can help me know and honor God, BUT they can never take the place of God himself. I will make every effort to seek, know, and follow Jesus. I will put my hope in him alone.

O God, you are my God. I earnestly seek you. My soul yearns for you and my body longs for you. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Lead me away from temptation, deliver me from evil, and provide for my needs today. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me by your Spirit through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 Peter 5:6,7
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Resources:
Breaking the Idols of Your Heart
by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman

January 1 - Light in the Flesh

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 1:1-18
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Old Testament -
Psalms 95
1 Samuel 1-2
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 1:9-12
9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God...

Insight:
Jesus is the human manifestation of God's creative word--"all things came into being by him." Jesus is the incarnation of God's word of wisdom--"the true light that enlightens all mankind." Jesus is the embodiment of God's saving word--"in him was life." Jesus is the human face of God's regenerating word--"to those who received him, who believed in his Name, he gave to the power to become the children of God."

Response & Action:
I believe that Jesus is God made flesh. I believe that the gifts of God's grace and truth are found in him. I believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior. I receive him, embrace him, surrender myself to him, and look to him in faith. I look to Jesus to understand and take hold of God's truth and wisdom. I look to him for salvation and regeneration.

O God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, into the world. Thank you for showing yourself through him. Thank you for the grace and truth we receive through him. Give me the wisdom and the will to love and follow Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is in his saving Name that I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 1:1-3
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Resources:
Jesus according to Scripture: Restoring the Portrait from the Gospels
See Part 3, Chapter 12, p. 409 for a fantastic explanation of John 1.
by Darrell Bock