December 5 - Mercy & Compassion

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Joshua 9-10
New Testament: Romans 9:1-29

Focus Verses:
Romans 9:14-16; 30-33
14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.
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30What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." 33As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Insight:
This chapter of Romans can be very misunderstood unless it is read in context with the entire book of Romans. Who is chosen by God to receive his mercy (9:14)? The one who pursues righteousness by faith (9:30-31) in Christ (9:33). God's sovereign choice ("compassion on whom I have compassion") is not some willy-nilly arbitrary groundless whim. The sovereign God has made a way to life and salvation. That way is Jesus. Pursuing righteousness through faith in Christ is to obtain salvation by God's sovereign choice. Read all of Romans and notice how God holds people accountable for rejecting Christ. Notice that those who do not receive mercy are obstinate toward God's mercy (10:21) even though God has been extending his open arms of love to them. They exchange the truth of God for a lie (1:25).

Response and Action:
I surrender to God and embrace the salvation and forgiveness he extends to me through faith in Christ Jesus. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus.

O God, thank you for extending your compassion and mercy to mankind. Help me to know your compassion and mercy in deeper and fuller ways with each new day. O Lord, I pray that you would soften hearts and open eyes so that more and more people would come to know the hope of Christ and the joy of salvation. Help me to be a witness of your mercy and a testimony of your compassion. Thank you for your promise to save all who put their faith in Christ. Amen.

Proverbs: 5:21-22
"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast."

Resources:
Chosen But Free
by Norman Geisler

December 4 - Resurrection Power in Me

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Joshua 7-8
New Testament: Romans 8

Focus Verses: Romans 8:5-11
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. 9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Insight:
When we surrender our lives to Christ, the Spirit of God lives in us. Belonging to Christ and the indwelling of the Spirit go hand in hand. The Spirit who indwells the mortal bodies of believers is the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. That same resurrection power of the Spirit is directed toward the believer's life.

Response and Action:
It's an amazing thought that the same Spirit who raised Christ Jesus from the dead is living inside my mortal body. If the Spirit has power to raise the dead, he surely has the power to give new life to the living. My mouth, my mind, my habits, my choices, my weaknesses, my strengths can now be raised to new life by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit.

O God, raise me to newness of life through the resurrection power of your Spirit who lives in me. Help me to yield fully to the guidance and influence of your Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to understand your direction, and strengthen me to follow. Apply your resurrection power to every aspect of my life, that I might be raised to live as Christ. Amen.

Proverbs: 4:20-22
"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body."

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

December 3 - Rebuilding Me

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Joshua 3-6
New Testament: Romans 7

Focus Verses: Romans 7:21-25
21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Insight:
Knowing what a righteous life is and living it are different things. It is a miserable thing to recognize sin and yet feel trapped by it. Only Jesus can save me from this predicament. My surrender to Christ began my journey of transformation. To be holy, I must become holy.

Response and Action:
Even after I surrender to Christ and embrace his way for my life, I struggle with putting off sin and becoming like him. It is one thing to know what is right and to want to do it; it is another to overcome the habits and inclinations of my body. Many of my failures and sins have nothing to do with what I believe or think; many patterns, reactions, habits, reflexes, and inclinations have been established in my body and life through years of formative experience. This old formation needs to be transformed by the power and grace of God.

O God, I delight in your truth and the ways you would have me live. It will take your guidance and power for me to overcome the patterns of sin that have been well established in my life. My will is to do your will. Help me to draw upon your grace and strength as I make every effort to bring my body and life-patterns into conformity with your commands. It's a wretched situation to know and desire your will, and yet see a different pattern in my habits. How can I be delivered from this personal contradiction? Through, Jesus! Thank you for the hope of transformation that I have because of the presence and help of your Spirit. Amen.

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

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

December 2 - Freedom to Change

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Joshua 1 - 2
New Testament: Romans 6

Focus Verses: Romans 6:19b-23
19I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Insight:
Salvation is more than forgiveness; it is the transformation of our lives. Through faith in Christ Jesus, I am not just saved from the penalty of sin; I am saved from bondage to sin. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. This eternal life in Christ is a life of righteousness. Instead of being shaped by sin, I can be shaped by the grace of God, which results in ever-increasing holiness.

Response and Action:
I must remember that I am not a slave to sin. Through faith in Christ and by God's grace, I can say no to sin. I can offer my body to God and be shaped and refined by him. I must always remember that true salvation from sin is more than escaping a penalty; it is breaking free from the control of sin. To be truly saved is to be truly changed -- transformed to live a holy life.

O God, my Savior. Thank you for your saving grace. Thank you for Jesus has done to free me from sin. Help me surrender to you fully so that I might not only be saved from destruction, but transformed to live a righteous life that honors you, blesses others, and gives me joy and fulfillment. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, change, and shape me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Amen.

Proverbs: 2:6-8
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."

Resources:
The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges

December 1 - Suffering toward Blessing

Today's Reading:
Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 32 -34
New Testament:
Romans 5

Focus Verses: Romans 5:1-5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Insight:
By grace, Jesus' death and resurrection make it possible for us to have peace with God. We take hold of this possibility through faith in Christ Jesus. The hope we have, though faith in Christ, gives a joy and hope. Not only hope for some distant future, but hope for today. Faith in Jesus makes it possible to rejoice, even in the face of suffering. Suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God love is in our hearts.

Response and Action:
Do I rejoice in the face of suffering and hardship? I should rejoice because of what Christ Jesus has done to give me strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. If I keep my eyes on Jesus, trouble and hardship will only serve to make me a deeper, stronger, and more committed follower of Christ. I must learn to persevere and grow in Christ-like character. Suffering can be a refining and maturing tool in God's hand.

O God, by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, help me to persevere through the sufferings and hardships of life. Grant me the strength to persevere and the hope to press on through the difficulties and burdens of life. Use them to refine me and bring me to maturity in Christ. I ask this in the name of Jesus, the One and Only, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and evermore. Amen.

Proverbs: 1:22
"How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?"

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

November 30 - Believing God's Promise

Today's Reading:
Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 29 - 31
New Testament:
Romans 4

Focus Verses: Romans 4:18-25
18Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Insight:
Abraham recognized that the things God promised he could do for him and through him would only be possible by God's power. Abraham believed God had the power to keep his promises. This faith is essential for righteousness.

Response and Action:
Like Abraham, faith is essential for me to be righteous -- faith that Jesus died for my sins and was raised to life for my justification. I recognize my own weakness and inability to be what God has called me to be, but I also recognize God's power to keep his promises. I believe that God has begun a good work in me and that he will be faithful to complete what he has started.

O God, I believe that for my sake Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures. Because I believe in his resurrection, I believe you have the power to keep your promises to me. By the power of your Holy Spirit, O God, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverbs: 30:5
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."

Resources:
Believing God
by Beth Moore

November 29 - Salvation for Sinners

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 27 - 28
New Testament: Romans 3
Focus Verses: Romans 3:19-24
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Insight:
No one can stand before God and say, "I have not sinned." Everyone has sinned. All have fallen short of the glory of God. No one will be declared righteous in God's sight by perfectly obeying the law, because no can keep the law perfectly. Since no one completely obeys the law, the law serves to show us how sinful we really are and how much we need to be saved by Jesus. This salvation is possible by faith in Christ.

Response and Action:
I understand that I am a sinner. The more I understand God's righteous law, the more I understand my need to be saved. My faith is in Christ Jesus; my redemption is made possible by his grace.

Have mercy on me, O God, a sinner. Thank you for the hope of redemption that is mine through Christ. Help me to grow in my salvation -- to be transformed and more obedient to your will each day. Amen.

Proverbs: 29:6
"An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad."

Resources:
The Smell of Sin: And the Fresh Air of Grace
by Don Everts

November 28 - Hearing, Knowing, and Doing

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 23 - 26
New Testament: Romans 2

Focus Verses: Romans 2:13; 21-23
13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

Insight:
It is not enough to hear God's law, or understand it, or teach it, or preach it. We must obey it, act upon it; we must do it.

Response and Action:
Morality and righteousness must be lived out. It is important to know the scriptures and grow in my understanding of all God calls me to be and do. I will need more than knowledge; I will need God's grace and the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit. Righteousness comes by faith in Christ Jesus who makes God's grace and Spirit available to me.

O God, teach me your ways and show me your path. Guide me in your truth and lead me. My hope is in you all day long. I want to be more than a hearer and a knower; I want to be a doer of the word. Help me, through faith and by your grace, to do the good things you have prepared for me to do. I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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

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

November 27 - Faith Friends

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 20 - 22
New Testament: Romans 1

Focus Verses: Romans 1:8-12
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

Insight:
The first chapter of Romans is so loaded with important statements and huge theological concepts that Paul's relationship with the people he addresses and his pastoral affection for them might be overlooked. He thanked God for them; he constantly remembered them in prayer; he longed for an opportunity to see them face-to-face and spend time with them; he wanted to encourage them in their faith and impart a spiritual blessing upon them; he longed to be encouraged by them. He is very expressive and careful to communicate his affection for them.

Response and Action:
I want to have meaningful and precious relationships with my Christian brothers and sisters. I will cultivate my Christian friendships by following Paul's example. I will thank God for my Christian friends and be intentional about praying for them. I will seize opportunities to spend time with them. When we are together, I will consciously look for ways to be a spiritual blessing to them. I will make an effort to encourage them in their walk with Christ and look to them for encouragement. I will also communicate my affection for them in my words and actions.

Thank you, loving God, for the Christian people you have placed in my life. Bless them and help them to grow stronger in you with each passing day. Help me to be a true friend and blessing to them. Help me to encourage them and make the most of every opportunity I have to spend time with them. May our life in you and our walk with Christ Jesus be enriched by our times spent together. Amen.

Proverbs: 27:10
"Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away."

Resources:
Making Friends & Making Them Count
by D. Mason Rutledge

November 26 - Written by Hand

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 17 - 19
New Testament: Acts 28

Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 17:18-20
18 When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. 19 It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees 20 and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.

Insight:
The law of Moses anticipated the day when Israel would have a king. The king was expected to revere God and to study and follow the law of Moses. As a tool toward this end, the king was expected to write out a copy of the entire law with his own hand. This not only assured that the king would read and think about every word of the law, it also removed any excuse of ignorance. The king could not claim to be ignorant of something he had written out with his own hand.

Response and Action:
Familiarity with written scripture is an important help toward living with reverence for God and living according his commands. Taking time to memorize and write out verses of scripture can help me know what God is like, what he has commanded, and what he has promised. I will read, study, memorize, sing, and copy scripture as ways to hide God's word in my heart.

O God, how can a person keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I will make every effort to hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Amen.

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

Resources:
Memorize This
by D. Mason Rutledge

November 25 - Openhanded Living

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 14 - 16
New Testament: Acts 27

Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 15:7-11
7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

Insight:
One of the truly astounding aspects of the Mosaic law is the concern for the welfare of the widow, orphan, slave, and alien. God expected his people to live with compassion, concern, and generosity toward those who were in need. Those who were doing well were to see their wellbeing as a blessing from God. They were expected to give "without a grudging heart" and to be "openhanded" to the poor. There will always be someone in need, so those who are in a position to help must always be ready and willing to do so. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7).

Response and Action:
Do I have concern for those who are in need? Do I have compassion for those who are in circumstances that lead to poverty? If so, how do I demonstrate this compassion and concern? I must be ready to pitch in and give when someone around me is in need. I should also encourage my church family to be ready to meet practical needs within our fellowship and in the community around us. I can also be an advocate for social programs on the local, state, and federal level, that are directed toward meeting the needs of the poor and the alien. I must be realistic about poverty; it is persistent and ongoing. My concern for those in poverty must likewise be persistent and ongoing.

O God, you have been so gracious and generous to me. Give me a heart like you -- compassionate toward the poor and generous to the needy. Give me the attitude of Christ Jesus, who emptied himself for my sake. Help me to be cheerful and openhanded as I share the blessings you've given me with those who are in need. Amen.

Proverbs: 25:16
"If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit."

Resources:
Practical Justice: Living Off-center in a Self-centered World
by Kevin Blue

November 24 - True and Reasonable

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 11 - 13
New Testament: Acts 25:23 - 26:32

Focus Verses: Acts 26:22-27
22But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." 24At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." 25"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."

Insight:
When Paul testifies before King Agrippa, he explains that belief in the possibility of resurrection does not contradict his own Jewish beliefs or background. Even as a Pharisee Paul would have accepted that possibility. He admits that early on, he too opposed the Christians, in fact he was obsessed with opposing them, until one day he came face to face with the resurrected Jesus himself. Paul tells Agrippa that he is now convinced that the suffering, death, burial, and resurrection are exactly what Moses and prophets said would happen. What's more, Paul says that he is sure Agrippa is already familiar with the accounts of Jesus' resurrection, because none of the things he was describing were "done in a corner."

Response and Action:
What could turn a Pharisee who opposed the followers of Jesus to become an ambassador for Jesus? 1) The realization that Jesus' resurrection was consistent with his faith in God; 2) seeing that the suffering and resurrection of Jesus were consistent with Jewish prophecy; 3) a face-to-face personal encounter with the resurrected Jesus; and, 4) the wide-spread testimony of many others who had also seen and encountered the resurrected Christ.

O God, I believe that you have the power of life and death. Resurrection is not too difficult for you. I see from reading scripture that Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection are perfectly consistent with prophecy. My own walk with Jesus has confirmed and strengthened my faith. The countless testimonies of people throughout history and around the world serve to increase my belief. May the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead raise and transform my life. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

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

Resources:
Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics
by William Lane Craig

November 23 - Is Jesus Dead?

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8 - 10
New Testament: Acts 25:1-22

Focus Verses: Acts 25:18-21
18When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar."

Insight:
The veracity of the resurrection story has always been at the heart of the Christian message. To accept that message is to accept the resurrection of Jesus. Luke's frank account of Paul's testimony before Festus and Agrippa illustrates this. Festus understood that Paul's entire message and worldview hinged on his claim that "a dead man named Jesus" was now alive. Such a claim was seen as a threat by the Jews of his day, and superstitious by the Romans. Paul did not make this claim and expect people to make a blind leap of faith. He reasoned with them, gave testimony, and made a case for why he believed accepting the resurrection of Jesus was perfectly sensible.

Response and Action:
I must grapple with the claims of Jesus' resurrection. Everyone who encounters the message of Jesus must deal with this incredible claim. It may seem threatening, unreasonable, or anti-intellectual to believe such a thing, but it must be faced head on. If Jesus is dead, then Christianity is also dead. If he is alive, then Christianity is alive. The hope of transformation and new life offered by Christianity is dependent on the resurrection of Jesus being factual and historical. I must give serious and careful consideration to the resurrection claims of Christianity. I will not dismiss it out of hand. Is it reasonable to believe such an amazing thing? Is there enough evidence and/or substantive testimony to make faith in the resurrection an honest and reasonable choice? I believe there is. Even as a believer, I will continue to scrutinize and think about this central claim of Christianity. I will encourage others, both Christians and non-Christians alike, to do the same.

O God, I believe that, for my sake, Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate. I believe that he suffered death, was buried, and rose again, in accordance with the scriptures. Help me, like Paul, to think clearly about the resurrection and to have reasons for what I believe. Help me to be able to discuss the resurrection in clear and reasonable ways with others who are wrestling with whether or not to believe. Amen.

Proverbs: 23:15-16
"My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right."

Resources:
Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?: The Resurrection Debate
by Gary R. Habermas, Antony G. N. Flew, and Terry L. Miethe

November 22 - God in the Good Times

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 5 - 7
New Testament: Acts 24

Focus Verses: Deut. 6:10-13
10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.

Insight:
Moses reminds the Israelites that the abundance and blessing they are going to experience, as they enter the land he has promised, do not result from their own efforts or strength. God is the one who has delivered them from Egypt, sustained them in their journey, and brought them into the land he promised. God is to be thanked, worshipped, served, and honored.

Response and Action:
Blessings may be a snare to me if I lose sight of the source of those blessings. When things are going well and I am experiencing abundance, I must be diligent to remember that it is the Lord who is blessing me. I must be careful to not let blessings be a source of pride or a false sense of self-security. God is the one who blesses and provides. I will give him my thanks, worship, service, praise, and love.

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May I always remember to give you thanks. Help me to never allow the blessing and provision you provide to become a distraction from you. I am powerless apart from your blessing and provision. O God, you are my God, I will seek you earnestly. Amen.

Proverbs: 22:1-2
"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all."

Resources:
The Good of Affluence: Seeking God in a Culture of Wealth
by John R. Schneider

November 21 - Testimony of Obedience

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 3 - 4
New Testament: Acts 22:30 - 23:35

Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 4:5-9
5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." 7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? 8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? 9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Insight:
Moses instructs the Israelites to observe carefully all the laws and commands God had revealed to them. Their obedience would serve as a witness to the nations around them. He also told them to keep a close watch on themselves, to remember all they had seen, to keep these experiences in the hearts, and to teach all the commands and experiences to their children.

Response and Action:
I need to know God's laws and commands; I will study the Scriptures. I need to keep a close eye on myself; I will practice self-examination. I need to be a testimony to the people around me and carefully teach my children in the ways of the Lord.

O God, help me to know and understand your written word and hide it in my heart. Help me to grow in Christ as I continue to examine my ways and follow you more closely each day. Make my life a testimony of your goodness to people around me. Help me to be effective as I teach your ways to my children. Amen.

Proverbs: 21:30
"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD."

Resources:
Character Witness: How Our Lives Can Make a Difference in Evangelism
by Christine Wood

November 20 - My Faithful Provider

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 1 - 2
New Testament: Acts 21:37 - 22:29

Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 2:7
"7 The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything."

Insight:
God took care of the Israelites during all their travels in the wilderness, even though their wandering in the wilderness was a punishment for lack of faith and obedience. God did not abandon his children or fail to meet their needs.

Response and Action:
My failures to believe in God or obey God can result in missed blessings and a more difficult journey. Even when God's hand of discipline or punishment is on me, he will not abandon me or fail to provide for me.

O God, make me quick to obey you and strong in faith toward you. Thank you for being faithful to take care of me even when I fail you. Be my guide, my strength, and my provider, by the power grace of your Spirit, through Christ Jesus. Amen.

Proverbs: 20:22
"Do not say, 'I'll pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you."

Resources:
Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts
by Jerry Bridges

November 19 - Just Being Me in Public

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 33 - 35
New Testament: Acts 21:1 - 36

Focus Verses: Acts 21:1-6
1After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6After saying good-by to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.

Insight:
In the last verses of Acts 20 we see Paul, his companions, and the Ephesian elders near the ship he was about to board. We see them kneeling to pray, weeping, and embracing. Then, in chapter 21, we see something similar when the ship stops to unload cargo in Tyre. Paul and his entourage, having stayed with Christians for seven days, kneel down on the beach to pray with the disciples and their wives and their children.

Response and Action:
I am struck with how natural and matter-of-fact Luke is in his recounting of these open displays of Christian love and prayer in what must have been decidedly public places. It does not seem like Paul and his companions and disciples were making any special effort to be noticed in public. They seem to be genuine displays of fellowship and affection that just happen to be in public -- not unlike many affectionate good-byes I have seen in airports. What impresses me today, as I read this passage, is how there was also no special effort by Paul and the disciples to protect the public from seeing not only their open affection for each other, but also their faith in God, as demonstrated through kneeling in prayer. When I am with my family and friends in public, I am going to feel free to be open about my affection for them and our shared faith in God. I don't need to protect the public from genuine displays of faith such as a prayer with a friend or grace before a meal.

O God, help me to live out my love and faith in everyday ways. Help me to be as open about my love for you in public places as I would be about giving a loved one a good-bye hug in an airport. My love for Jesus and for family and for fellow Christians is not something I need to protect people from seeing. Amen.

Proverbs: 19:23
"The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble."

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

November 18 - Watch Out for Wolves

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 30 - 32
New Testament: Acts 20

Focus Verses: Acts 20:23-27
25"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.

Insight:
Paul reminds the leadership of the Ephesus church of how he led when he was with them. His ministry was selfless, Christ-centered, and motivated by his heart to work for their best interest. He did not diminish the message (v.27), distort the truth (v.30), seek followers for himself (v.30), or work for his own financial gain (v.33). He warns them that they must guard even themselves, because it is leaders like them ("from your own number" v. 30) who are potentially the biggest threat to their church.

Response and Action:
Leaders need to be held to high standards. Paul's warning to the Ephesian elders gives me some practical guidance for evaluating leadership and discerning whether or not a leader should be followed. 1) Self-examination is a trait of a good leader. A good leader is humble and open to questions and concerns about his/her leadership. 2) A good leader will not diminish or distort the truth of scripture in order to gain followers. 3) A good leader will point followers to Christ, not collect followers for him/herself. 4) A good leader puts more confidence in the grace of God (v.32) than his/her ability to lead. 5) A good leader is not motivated by personal gain or status.

O God, you are the True Shepherd. Help me to be discerning of leaders. Help me to only follow those who help me follow you. Protect me, and your church, from those who position themselves as shepherds but are actually hurting the flock for personal gain. Help me to be humble, selfless, and full of integrity so that I may honor you and serve the best interests of others in every opportunity I have to lead. Help me to approach all leadership opportunities as a sacred trust. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Proverbs: 18:1-2
"An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."

Resources:
Basic Christian Leadership: Biblical Models of Church, Gospel And Ministry
by John Stott

November 17 - The Danger of Jesus

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 27 - 29
New Testament: Acts 19

Focus Verses: Acts 19:23-27
23About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. 25He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. 26And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."

Insight:
In Acts 19, Luke gives an account of Paul's efforts to take the message of Jesus to the people of Ephesus. There he encounters a wide variety of opportunities and opposition. In one short chapter we see him in the synagogue (religious Jews), in the lecture hall (academics and philosophers), confronting those who practiced sorcery (superstitious), and opposed by those who were followers of Artemis (pagan worship) and by those who profited from the followers of Artemis. The message of Jesus was dangerous, according to Demetrius the silversmith, because it would subvert their world.

Response and Action:
Demetrius worded his opposition as a defense of the goddess Artemis, but it seems pretty clear that his greatest concern was the profits he would lose if Artemis worship was to stop. I need to remember that opposition to the message of Jesus might be worded in one way, but actually be rooted in something altogether different. The message of Jesus is dangerous. To accept the truth of Christ may indeed require the loss of profits, the change of career (Demetrius), the burning of a book (sorcery), the risk of seeming less than intellectual (lecture hall), and the turning away from centuries of tradition (synagogue).

Almighty God, help me to recognize the false and selfish "reasons" I may be using to justify half-hearted discipleship. And as I share the message of Jesus with those around me, help me to remember that it may not sound like good news -- in fact, it may sound dangerous and threatening as it challenges lifestyles, beliefs, and practices. Help me to respond to the real reasons people oppose the message of Jesus, not necessarily the spoken reasons. In all conversations, give me grace and charity. Give me the humility and integrity to be honest about the ways Jesus challenges me too. Amen.

Proverbs: 17:3
"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart."

Resources:
Six Dangerous Questions to Transform Your View of the World
by Paul Borthwick

November 16 - Helpful Minds

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 25 - 26
New Testament: Acts 18

Focus Verses: Acts 18:27-28
27When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Insight:
Apollos was from Alexandria, Egypt, the second most important city in the Roman Empire, a center of academic excellence, and home to a large Jewish population. He was very educated (v.24), a passionate speaker (v.25), and a skillful debater (v.28). He would have certainly been conversant in Western thought, Hebrew Scriptures, and dominant world-views of his day. His education and ability to communicate effectively and persuasively made him a "great help" to believers.

Response and Action:
Christians who are well-educated, critical thinkers, strong communicators, knowledgeable of scripture, and instructed in the way of the Lord Jesus, can be a great help to other believers. I am very thankful for the wonderful help I have received from intelligent and articulate people like C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, N.T. Wright, Dallas Willard, Darrell Bock, Ravi Zacharias, John Stott, James Sire, and many others. I want to grow in my understanding of the world, the scriptures, religion, philosophy, history, and theology.

Lord Jesus, help me to love you with all my mind. Strengthen my faith through learning, and help me to be an encouragement and source of insight to others. Amen.

Proverbs: 16:20-21
"Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction."

Resources:
Discipleship of the Mind: Learning to Love God in the Ways We Think
by James W. Sire