August 14 - I AM

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 14:53-65
Revelation 16
Old Testament -
Job 38:1-21
Zephaniah 1-2
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 14:60-64
60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" 62 "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 63 The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. 64 "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?"

Insight:
If Jesus did not believe himself to be the Christ and Son of God, or had he been misunderstood, or misrepresented, his trial before the high priest would have been the perfect time for him to set the record straight. When asked directly about being the Christ and the Son of the Blessed One, Jesus' answer was every bit as direct and clear. "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

The high priest and the assembly clearly understood Jesus' answer to be a boldfaced claim to deity and Messiahship. They considered his words to be blasphemy and the grounds for execution.

Response and Action:
I believe Jesus' claim to be the Son of God. I accept his authority. I believe he has risen from the dead, he has ascended into heaven and is seated at the Father's right hand, where he lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit and the Father, one God now and forever. He will come again to judge the living and the dead, and his Kingdom will have no end.

Thank you, O God, for Jesus, your Son who came to live among us, full of grace and truth. Help me to grow in my relationship with him. Help me to follow him wherever he leads. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: John 3:16-17

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.

Resources:
Jesus according to Scripture: Restoring the Portrait from the Gospels
by Darrell L. Bock

August 13 - Why Are You Silent?

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 14:43-52
Revelation 15
Old Testament -
Job 37
Habakkuk 1-3
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Focus Verses: Habakkuk 1:12b-13
12b O LORD, you have appointed them to execute judgment; O Rock, you have ordained them to punish. 13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?

Insight:
Like Jeremiah, Habakkuk prophesied during the final years of Judah, before the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 597 B.C. While Habakkuk recognized Israel's unfaithfulness to God, he complained and questioned why God would use the Babylonians to deliver judgment when they were more wicked than Israel.

God revealed to Habakkuk that though he was using the Babylonians as an instrument of judgment, their bloodshed and pride would come crashing back upon them. They too would experience judgment.

Habakkuk ended his prophecy with an expression of his faith in God's justice and promise of restoration. He said, "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (3:17-18).

Response and Action:
Being used by God and being caused by God are two different things. Though God may be using something to accomplish his purpose, I should not assume that God loves or approves of that something. God's power to accomplish his purposes is so great, he can use things people have intended for evil and turn them to accomplish good. I will put my trust in God. I will trust him to be working for good, even when my circumstances are painful and hard to understand.

O God, you are the God of my salvation. Give me a heart that trusts in your unfailing love and rejoices in the hope of your deliverance. Strengthen my heart with the confidence that you will eventually put all things to right. Remind me that righteousness will ultimately win the day, though present trials and circumstances make this hard to believe. I pray in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Romans 8:28

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Resources:
Evil And the Justice of God
by N.T. Wright

August 12 - True Repentance

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 14:32-42
Revelation 14
Old Testament -
Job 36:16-33
Nahum 1-3
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Nahum 1:3,14
3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. - - -14 The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh : "You will have no descendants to bear your name. I will destroy the carved images and cast idols that are in the temple of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are vile."

Insight:
When Jonah went to Ninevah and announced God's judgment, the people of Ninevah repented and were spared. Their repentance was short-lived, however. King Sennacherib made Ninevah the capital city of Assyria around 700 B.C., and so Nahum's prophecy against Ninevah can be seen as a message against the Assyrian empire which was infamous for its military brutality and political pride.

By the time of Nahum, Assyria had destroyed and scattered the ten tribes Israel's northern kingdom. King Sennacherib had threatened Jerusalem and the southern kingdom during the time of Hezekiah, but God had saved them. Now Nahum declared God's judgment against Ninevah-Assryia. Though God had been slow to anger in the past, he would hold back no longer. Their destruction was sure and complete.

Response and Action:
The Lord is slow to anger. God extends mercy and grace to all who will humble themselves and turn to him. True repentance, however, is a change of life. It is demonstrated in a lifetime, not just a day. Real humility is demonstrated through an ongoing obedience and surrender to God, not just a short-term adjustment to avoid punishment. Those who truly turn away from sin are those who seek the Lord with all their hearts. A true change of heart produces a changed life. I have turned to God and I will not turn back.

O God, thank you for your grace and mercy, for being slow to anger, and for being ready to save those who repent and humbly turn to you. Help me to live out my repentance every day. Teach me to walk in your ways. Give me a heart that delights in your will. Make me ready to follow Jesus and to demonstrate my love through obedience. Give me the wisdom to understand salvation as a way of life. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 10:26-27

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

Resources:
Why Sin Matters: The Surprising Relationship between Our Sin and God's Grace
by Mark R. McMinn

August 11 - Bread and WIne

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 14:12-31
Revelation 13
Old Testament -
Job 36:1-15
Micah 6-7
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 14:22-25
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."

Insight:
It's bad enough that Jonah ran from God's call to preach repentance to the people of Ninevah. But even worse was his reason for running. In chapter four, we read that he ran because he knew that God was "gracious and compassionate, slow anger, and abounding in love." The sad truth is that Jonah didn't want God to forgive the people of Ninevah! His reason for disobeying was rooted in his antipathy toward the people of Ninevah.

Response and Action:
I will join with other Christians every week to worship and remember Christ through with the simple elements of broken bread and poured wine. In doing so I will remember and give witness to my need for forgiveness and salvation. I will remember and give witness to God's great love for humanity. I will remember and give witness to my place in the church--the body of Christ. I will remember and give witness to my faith and hope in the promise of Christ's return to redeem, restore, renew, and set all things right.

O God, thank you for sending your only Son into the world to save and redeem. O Christ, thank you for your selfless sacrifice. Thank you for the new and living way you have made for us to be renewed and made right with God. Thank you for rescuing us from the dominion of darkness and bringing us into your kingdom. Thank you for your church and for the opportunity to gather with them around a table each week to remember the cross, the resurrection, and the hope and purpose you give to our lives. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 23:5-6
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Resources:
The Meal Jesus Gave Us
by N. T. Wright

August 10 - Strength in the Lord

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 14:1-11
Revelation 12
Old Testament -
Job 35
Micah 4-5
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Revelation 12:10
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

Insight:
There is so much in life that poses a threat to my wellbeing and causes me to be weary. Beyond the practical difficulties of my circumstances and problems, these things are part of a spiritual battle for my heart and mind.

Response and Action:
I recognize that there is a spiritual dimension to the challenges and struggles I face. According to the Scriptures, all of creation is part of a cosmic battle God is waging to redeem and save. I will look to the Lord for strength, trusting in his mighty power. I will put on the full armor of God in order to stand my ground against the forces and schemes that threaten to defeat me. I believe in the salvation, power, and authority of Christ. I believe that he can save me and bring me safely to himself.

Save me, O God, when my heart is fainting. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Protect me from discouragement and encourage me, by your Spirit, through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. 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 trust and acknowledge you in all my ways. Be my rock and helper in every storm and trial. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 6:10-13
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Resources:
The Throne, the Lamb & the Dragon: A Reader's Guide to the Book of Revelation
by Paul Spilsbury

August 9 - False Profits

Today's Readings:
New Testament -Mark 13:32-37
Revelation 11
Old Testament -Job 34:21-37
Micah 1-3
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Focus Verses: Micah 2:11 & 3:5
2:11 If a liar and deceiver comes and says, 'I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,' he would be just the prophet for this people! 3:5 This is what the LORD says: "As for the prophets who lead my people astray, if one feeds them, they proclaim 'peace'; if he does not, they prepare to wage war against him.

Insight:
Anytime someone is being paid to teach or preach or prophesy, the listener should beware. This is true in all spheres of life, including religion, politics, business, media, and academics. When a person's livelihood is likely to be impacted adversely by what she/he says, it stands to reason that there will be a strong temptation to adjust the message for self-serving purposes. When truth-telling results in hardship or loss for the teller, strong character, courage, and integrity are necessary.

The "prophets" Judah would listen to were the ones who said exactly what they wanted to hear. If you're willing to pay, there is always someone willing to say what you want to hear. Micah declared God's condemnation of both the false prophets corrupted by money, and those who were paying them off.

Response and Action:
I need to be careful about who I listen to and who I believe. When a preacher or politician or celebrity make truth claims, I need to consider how personal gain figures into their motives for their message. I must be a person of integrity and be a truth teller. I must not allow my personal interests or opportunities for gain allow me to compromise my motives or my message.

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to love truth and walk in truth. Give me the courage and integrity to speak the truth. Give me the heart and spiritual maturity to speak the truth in love. Give me the honesty to consider my motives for who I listen to, and who I believe. Give me the wisdom and discernment to recognize self-serving lies when I hear them. I ask all this in the name of Christ Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Titus 2:7b-8
7b In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Reading Schedule for August 9-14

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

August 9 -
Mark 13:32-37 / Revelation 11
Job 34:21-37 / Micah 1-3

August 10 -
Mark 14:1-11 / Revelation 12
Job 35 / Micah 4-5

August 11 -
Mark 14:12-31 / Revelation 13
Job 36:1-15 / Micah 6-7

August 12 -
Mark 14:32-42 / Revelation14
Job 36-16-33 / Nahum 1-3

August 13 -
Mark 14:43-52 / Revelation 15
Job 37 / Habakkuk 1-3

August 14 -
Mark 14:53-65 / Revelation 16
Job 38:1-21 / Zephaniah 1-2

August 7 - Gracious and Compassionate

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 13:14-31
Revelation 10
Old Testament -
Job 34:1-20
Jonah 1-4
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Jonah 3:10 - 4:4
3:10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. 4:1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." 4 But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"

Insight:
It's bad enough that Jonah ran from God's call to preach repentance to the people of Ninevah. But even worse was his reason for running. In chapter four, we read that he ran because he knew that God was "gracious and compassionate, slow anger, and abounding in love." The sad truth is that Jonah didn't want God to forgive the people of Ninevah! His reason for disobeying was rooted in his antipathy toward the people of Ninevah.

Response and Action:
Is my slowness to serve others rooted in my dislike for them? Do I fail to do things God has asked me to do because I don't care about the people it would benefit? Are there people I don't serve because deep inside I don't want God to help them? Do I let my personal likes and dislikes get in the way of becoming the loving and serving person Jesus is calling me to be?

O God, save me from a hard heart toward others . You know, O Lord, that I find it hard to care about some people. I realize that it's only by your transforming grace that I will be able to care for them and serve them. Thank you for the unmerited love and care you have given to me. Give me a humble heart that delights in seeing your love and forgiveness extended to everyone. Make me a willing instrument of your love and grace to both the lovely and the unlovely. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 25:40
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "

Resources:
Kissing the Leper: Seeing Jesus in the Least of These
by Brad Jersak (Author), Eugene H. Peterson (Foreword), Andy MacPherson (Introduction)

August 6 - The Sour and the Sweet

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 13:1-13
Revelation 9
Old Testament -
Job 33:12-33
Obadiah 1:1-21
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses:
Revelation 10:9-11
9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." 10 I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11 Then I was told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings."

Insight:
God is the righteous and the Mighty Lord of all the heavens and earth. He shines forth in perfect beauty and summons all the earth and all people of all times to stand before him—both those who have made a covenant with him, and those who have ignored and rejected him.

Judgment is a bitter thing to consider and take in, but the sweetness of a just and redeemed world is not possible without it. Thankfully, the Mighty Judge is also Mighty Savior, and has made a way—the Lamb of God—for everyone to find redemption and salvation.

Response and Action:
I must acknowledge my own sin and recognize my need for salvation. I will live in covenant with God by taking hold of the salvation he offers through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who has laid down his life in order to bring me safely through the fire of God's refining judgment.

While judgment is bitter to me, redemption and the hope of a purified and righteous world is sweet to me. I will celebrate and share God's love and power to save. I will shout out the promise of salvation and the hope of a restored and renewed world made possible through Christ Jesus.

O God, shine forth in perfect beauty and righteousness. Make your salvation known to all peoples, nations, languages, and kings, that they might escape your righteous judgment by your gracious redemption. May the sweetness of your desire to save overpower the bitterness of judgment that comes only to those who refuse your grace. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 30:4-5
4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name. 5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Resources:
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church
by N. T. Wright

August 5 - Building True to Plumb

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 12:35-44
Revelation 8
Old Testament -
Job 33:1-11
Amos 7-9
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses:
Amos 7:7-9; 9:14-15
7:7 This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. 7:8 And the LORD asked me, "What do you see, Amos?" "A plumb line," I replied. Then the Lord said, "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer. 7:9 "The high places of Isaac will be destroyed and the sanctuaries of Israel will be ruined; with my sword I will rise against the house of Jeroboam." - - - 9:14 I will bring back my exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. 9:15 I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them," says the LORD your God.

Insight:
God could no longer spare Israel from the consequences of their sinfulness, self-deception, inhumanity, and disregard for justice. If a builder discovers the entire foundation of a building site is not level, he may be forced to destroy what is there in order to start over. In the same way, God held a plumb line up to the nation of Israel and saw no way to fix the problems without taking everything down and starting over.

The good news was that the destruction and judgment of Israel was something God intended to use to create a new start. His ultimate purpose wasn't to tear them down, but rather to rebuild—to plant vineyards and gardens, and to do this all so well they would never again be uprooted.

Response and Action:
What things in my life need to be dismantled and thrown out in order for God to help me rebuild something good and lasting? I need to recognize that there are some things in my life that must be put to death before I can experience true life. God doesn't want to merely reform me, he wants to tear down the old self and make me new. He wants to build my life on the foundation of Christ Jesus.

O God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I realize there are so many ways I fall short of what I can be in you. I know that I have so far to go, but I also know you love me where I am. Help me to put to death every sin and evil desire that would turn me away from you. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus who has begun a good work in me. By your grace and power, build me into the person you want me to be. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 7:24-25
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Resources:
Counterfeit Gods
by Tim Keller

August 4 - Never Again

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 12:28-34
Revelation 7
Old Testament -
Job 32
Amos 5-6
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Revelation 7:13-17
13 Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?" 14 I answered, "Sir, you know." And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Insight:
Hope, redemption, and eternal provision are part of John's vision for all who "have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; he will cover them like a tent of protection, he will see that they never go hungry or thirsty, he will shade them from the scorching heat, and the Lamb will shepherd them to streams of cool refreshing water.

Response and Action:
I will persevere through the challenges, pains, and struggles of life in the hope that God will one day set things right and wipe away all tears from my eyes. My faith is in Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. I will confess my sins, knowing that he is able to forgive and purify me ("wash my robes") because of his sacrifice on the cross of Calvary.

O God, you are my hope, my protector, and my deliverer. Shield me from the harsh heat of this world and bring me through the struggles of my life. Lead me and keep me. Let your holy word and the presence of your Spirit be like cool water to my soul. My soul thirsts for you and my flesh yearns for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water. God, you are my God, I will seek you earnestly. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 63:1, 6-7
1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. - - - 6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

Resources:
The Throne, the Lamb & the Dragon: A Reader's Guide to the Book of Revelation
by Paul Spilsbury

August 3 - Greed and Need

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 12:13-27
Revelation 6
Old Testament -
Job 31:24-40
Amos 3-4
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Amos 3:15; 4:1
3:15 I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed and the mansions will be demolished," declares the LORD. 4:1 Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, "Bring us some drinks!"

Insight:
At the time when Amos' prophesied, Israel was politically secure and spiritually careless. Gone were the days of drought and famine the previous generation had suffered during the time of Elisha. They took God's goodness for granted. They interpreted their prosperity as a sign of God's blessing. Sadly, they were allowing that wealth and comfort to corrupt their morals and compromise their faithfulness to God. Amos was sent to tell them that God's patience had run out and they would soon face his judgment.

Response and Action:
Prosperity and comfort are not necessarily signs of God's blessing. In fact, wealth and security can be dangerous distractions from obedience and faithfulness to God. I need to be careful to not assume success and prosperity equals blessing from God. Are there ways my possessions are distracting me from obedience to God? Am I allowing security and comfort to make me spiritually lazy or careless?

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I thank you for every blessing and success you give, but I ask you to make me wise so that blessings do not become distractions. Do not let comfort lead to moral compromise. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given to me. Teach me to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Whether living in plenty or in need, help me to honor you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 Timothy 6:17-18
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Resources:
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity
by Ronald J. Sider

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

August 2 - He Is the Capstone

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 12:1-12
Revelation 5
Old Testament -
Job 31:1-23
Amos 1-2
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 12:10-12
10 "Haven't you read this scripture: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 11 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" 12 Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

Insight:
The authority of Jesus' words and actions were a direct confrontation to the authority of the religious establishment in Israel. This tension between the two was increasing and coming to a point of crisis. In clearing the temple, the cursing of the fig tree (see Luke 13:6-9), and the parable of the tenants, Jesus was denouncing and rejecting the authority of the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. They rejected Jesus' claims to authority, and plotted to have him arrested and silenced.

Using the words of the Psalms and the prophets, Jesus claimed to be the capstone and foundation stone of God's salvation. He said that in rejecting him, the religious leaders were ultimately rejecting God's hope and salvation. Jesus' appropriation of Psalm 118 turned it into a powerful statement of his claim to be God, the Messiah, the source of salvation, the foundation for life, and the gateway to salvation.

Response and Action:
I accept Jesus' authority. I look to him as the Son of God, the source of salvation, and the rightful Lord and master of my life. I will seek to know him, to follow him, and to obey him. I will build my life on the solid rock of his teaching. I will submit myself to his ways and trust him for the strength I need for life.

O Christ, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. I will seek you in the morning and learn to walk in your ways. Lead me step by step. Save me, strengthen me, guide me, renew me, and sustain me. Help me to know you more each day. Be the cornerstone of my life. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 118:8, 20-24
20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Resources:
Praying the Psalms of Jesus
by James Sire

Reading Schedule for August 2-7

James 1:19-22
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, 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. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

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

August 2 -
Mark 12:1-12 / Revelation 5
Job 31:1-23 / Amos 1-2

August 3 -
Mark 12:13-27 / Revelation 6
Job 31:24-40 / Amos 3-4

August 4 -
Mark 12:28-34 / Revelation 7
Job 32 / Amos 5-6

August 5 -
Mark 12:35-44 / Revelation 8
Job 33:1-11 / Amos 7-9

August 6 -
Mark 13:1-13 / Revelation 9
Job 33:12-33 / Obadiah 1:1-21

August 7 -
Mark 13:14-31 / Revelation 10
Job 34:1-20 / Jonah 1-4