April 15 - Treasures

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 6:16-24
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Old Testament -
Proverbs 12:15-28
Nehemiah 9
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Matthew 6:19-24
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Insight:
Life does not consist of the abundance of possessions. Security is not to be found in things, even lots of things. Worry about things can lead to misplaced priorities: obsession with self; blindness toward the needs of others; disregard for righteousness; failure to recognize the real beauty of today; and distorted values. My pursuits and treasures indicate whether my perspective toward life is temporal and false, or eternal and true.

Response & Action:
I want to live with the eternal values and perspectives of the kingdom of Christ. I want to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. I want my faith in Christ, my pursuit of his righteousness, and my submission to his authority to shape the way I live and the choices I make. I do not want my faith in self or the pursuit of things to shape my relationship with Christ. I want to seek Jesus, his ways, and his priorities more than anything else. I will put first the things that last.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Shape my love for others by the grace and work of Christ in my life. Give me the wisdom to recognize what is true and what has eternal value. I trust you to provide for my needs as I put you first. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Colossians 3:1-3
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Resources:
The Suburban Christian: Finding Spiritual Vitality in the Land of Plenty
by Albert Y. Hsu

April 14 - Opening the Book

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 6:1-15
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Old Testament -
Proverbs 12:1-14
Nehemiah 8
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Nehemiah 8:5-6
5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

Insight:
Reading and understanding the Scriptures were central to the rebuilding of Israel. The remnant of Jews who had returned from exile needed to understand the word of the Lord if they were to reestablish their worship, life, and traditions. For days, the people listened to Ezra reading the book of the Law. Teachers helped to translate and explain what Ezra was reading, and the people wept because they were so moved and convicted by what they heard.

Response & Action:
Reading and understanding God's word is central to my life. If I am to build a life that is strong and true, I must build on the solid ground of God's word. Just as the Ezra and the people of Israel gave special effort and time to give attention to Scripture, I will set aside time and make a special effort to attend to Bible reading. Just as those who heard the Scriptures were moved to tears, I will be soft-hearted toward God's word. Just as those who had trouble understanding what they were hearing, I will seek out help and instruction to gain understanding.

O God, thank you for the Bible. Thank you for the testimony and guidance of Scripture. Help me to understand and apply the truth of your Word in my daily life. Give me the wisdom and the will to make time for reading and meditating upon your Word. By the breath of your Holy Spirit, make your word living and active in my heart. Use it to teach me, rebuke me, correct me, and train me in righteousness, that I might be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 7:24
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.

Resources:
Life with God: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Transformation
by Richard Foster

April 13 - Perfect Love

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 5:33-48
2 Timothy 2:1-13
Old Testament -
Proverbs 11:16-31
Nehemiah 7
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Matthew 5:43-48
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Insight:
Love is imperfect and incomplete if it is only given to those who respond with love. Love is made complete when it is given to those who are undeserving, unresponsive, and perhaps even unrighteous. That is the way God loves.

Response & Action:
Jesus calls me to love my enemies and to pray for those who persecute me. The reason for doing this is not necessarily because they will be responsive to me, but rather because I am being responsive to God. I am guided by the example of Christ's love. If I am a child of God, I must love as the Father loves.

O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. And help me to love my neighbor as myself. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. 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. Help me to do the good things you've prepared in advance for me to do. Help me to faithful, fruitful, and effective as your servant, as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend, neighbor, co-worker, stranger, and enemy. Through Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Mark 12:28-31
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Resources:
40 Days Living the Jesus Creed
by Scot McKnight

April 12 - Not Ashamed

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 5:21-32
2 Timothy 1:8-18
Old Testament -
Proverbs 11:1-15
Nehemiah 6
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 2 Timothy 1:8-10
8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Insight:
God's purpose to save and give life has been put on display in the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Christ has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality. This is good news for all of us. Though death and suffering are pervasive in our world, God has a will and a way to save us! He calls us to believe and follow Christ, and to live holy lives by his grace and power.

Response & Action:
My hope and faith are in Jesus. I will follow him and look to God for the power and grace to live a holy life. In a world filled with death and suffering, I will remember that Christ has destroyed death. Life and immortality are found in him. Because is alive and giving life to me, I can face today with hope and purpose.

O God, you have saved me from death, not because of anything I have done, but because your purpose has always been to save and restore. Thank you for Jesus, who has shared my humanity, has faced death, and has destroyed it. Thank you for giving me the gift of life through Jesus. Make me more alive each day. Help me to remember that I have eternal life right now. Help me live in the hope of light of your eternal love today. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Romans 1:16-17
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Resources:
Things Unseen: Living in Light of Forever
by Mark Buchanan

Reading Schedule for April 12 - 17

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

April 12 -
Matthew 5:21-32 / 2 Timothy 1:8-18
Proverbs 11:1-15 / Nehemiah 6

April 13 -
Matthew 5:33-48 / 2 Timothy 2:1-13
Proverbs 11:16-31 / Nehemiah 7

April 14 -
Matthew 6:1-15 / 2 Timothy 2:14-26
Proverbs 12:1-14 / Nehemiah 8

April 15 -
Matthew 6:16-24 / 2 Timothy 3:1-9
Proverbs 12:15-28 / Nehemiah 9

April 16 -
Matthew 6:25-34 / 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Proverbs 13:1-12 / Nehemiah 10

April 17 -
Matthew 7:1-14 / 2 Timothy 4
Proverbs 13:13-25 / Nehemiah 11

April 10 - Let Your Light Shine

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 5:13-20
2 Timothy 1:1-7
Old Testament -
Proverbs 10:17-32
Nehemiah 4-5
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Matthew 5:14-16
14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Insight:
A life lived in worship to God is a light to the world. Good deeds shine with the truth and beauty of God when they are done out of reverence for God. The testimony of a person who wholeheartedly loves and serves God is like a city on a hill that can't be hidden in the dark of night.

Response & Action:
My life can be a light. I will follow Christ with my whole heart. I will commit my energy and efforts to living out my faith through good works and acts of love. I will immerse myself in the study and application of Scripture so that it can teach, rebuke, correct, and train me—making me ready to do the good things God would have me do. My life can point others to the truth and hope of Christ.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Give me the wisdom and the direction I need to live in your ways. Help me to walk with integrity and to do good for others. Let my love and devotion to you result in goodness and grace to everyone around me. Help me to walk so closely with you that my life is a beam of light giving praise to you and witness to the world. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 5:8-10
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.

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

April 9 - Those Who Are Rich

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 5:1-12
1 Timothy 6:11-21
Old Testament -
Proverbs 10:1-16
Nehemiah 3
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
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. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Insight:
If you have access to the resources to read this blog, you are, from a global economic perspective, among the wealthiest people in the world. Since I'm in a position to write a blog, I must be rich too. Paul has some very practical instructions for rich people like us.

He tells us that we need to avoid arrogance, and that we should not put our hope in what we possess. We should remember that wealth is uncertain. We should trust in God and acknowledge him as the source of blessing and provision. We should be rich in good deeds—generous and willing to share with others.

Response & Action:
I need to acknowledge that all I have is a gift from God. I must never put my trust in things, but rather recognize that God is my hope and provider. I should strive to be rich in doing good deeds instead of trying to be rich in possessions. I need to be generous and open-handed. I need to be a faithful steward of all God has given. I will generously give to the church, to efforts that help the poor, to ministries that are taking the Good News of Jesus to the world, and to practical causes that contribute to the health and betterment of my community and my world.

O God, you have blessed me in so many ways. Help me, in reverence and thanksgiving to share all you have given me. Help me to be a source of blessing. Give me the wisdom I need to be a good steward and generous heart that is ready to give and share. Let me to live with a generosity that boldly demonstrates my confidence in you -- my hope, my security, and my provider. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 19:23-24
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

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

April 8 - Let's Start Rebuilding

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 4:18-25
1 Timothy 6:1-10
Old Testament -
Proverbs 9
Nehemiah 1-2
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Nehemiah 2:17-18
17 Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work.

Insight:
Though Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, his heart and prayers were with his fellow Israelites—the remnant of Israel— who had returned to Jerusalem from their exile in Persia. Upon hearing news that the rebuilding of the temple and the city were being hindered because of the disrepair of the city walls and gates, he prayed and fasted and took up the challenge to do something about it.

God provided the materials, time, and security Nehemiah needed to take on the task. Nehemiah's ability to plan, pray, and push served the cause well. Under his leadership, the wall, which had been in ruins ever since the exiles had returned, would soon be completed.

Response & Action:
I want to have a heart for God's people and the cause of Christ. As Nehemiah was concerned for the advancement and restoration of Jerusalem, I want to be seriously engaged in the mission, the stability, and the body life of my church as they serve God's greater cause to restore, redeem, and heal the world.

I will fast and pray for the advancement of God's kingdom. I will contribute my skills and efforts to help my church family become stronger, deeper, and more effective in God's mission to save and renew. My faith in God compels me to have a passion for Christian community and the cause of Christ. I will do my part and enlist others to join me in Kingdom service and mission.

O God, thank you for your Church. Thank you for the community of Christ-followers in my city. Help me, as a member of that community, to do my part to strengthen and advance the ministry and mission of Jesus. Bless and provide for all those who are committing their lives and their efforts to proclaim the Good News. Uphold and guide all those who are serving and blessing the world in the spirit and way of Jesus. It's in his name that I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 9:35-38
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Resources:
Kingdom Come: How Jesus Wants to Change the World
by Allen M. Wakabayashi

April 7 - No Favoritism

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 4:12-17
1 Timothy 5:16-25
Old Testament -
Proverbs 8
Ezra 10
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 5:21
21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

Insight:
Impartiality is essential to the administration and oversight of community needs and values. When leaders give preference to some members of the community over others, it undermines unity and destroys all trust and confidence.

Playing favorites is harmful, hurtful, and destructive to everyone involved. This is true in all communities, and it is especially true in the Christian community we call church. Christian leaders must be extremely careful to give respect, care, and guidance without favoritism.

Response & Action:
I will do all I can to make sure that everyone is afforded equal opportunity, respect, and resources in the communities of my life. I will guard against favoritism and take a stand against discrimination starting in my family, in my workplace, and in my church. I will also extend this principle to my neighborhood, city, state, and country.

O Lord, your love and grace extend to all people. Thank you for your goodness and provision given without favoritism. Help me to follow your gracious example, and treat others as I would want to be treated. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: James 2:3-4
3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Resources:
Subverting the Power of Prejudice
by Sandra L. Barnes

April 6 - Every Word

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 4:1-11
1 Timothy 5:1-15
Old Testament -
Proverbs 7
Ezra 9
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Matthew 4:1-4
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Insight:
In times of temptation and need, it is always wise seek God's guidance, strength, and provision. When tempted during his forty days in the wilderness, Jesus reflected on Israel's forty years in the wilderness. He answered the Tempter's challenge with the words Moses had given to his people as they were entering the land of promise.

Jesus understood the human impulse to take things into our own hands. He knew the temptation of turning to something or someone other than God for temporary relief. He remembered Moses' instruction and followed it in faith. He recited Moses’ wise words of admonishment as the guiding truth he needed in times of trouble.

The person who truly has faith in God will wait on the Lord, and look to him for the direction and help needed. Faith is tested and made strong through time spent in the wilderness.

Response & Action:
I need to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. I need to wait on the Lord and take in every word of truth and wisdom that comes from him. God's word can sustain me through difficult times and help me overcome temptation. I will spend time reading the Bible and meditating upon it.

I will prayerfully consider God's leading in my life and hold up my actions and choices and thoughts to the light of Scripture. In the face of temptation, I will look to God and wait on him for the strength to stand and the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).

Thank you for your word, O God. By the power of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape and strengthen me that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Deuteronomy 8:2-3
2 Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Resources:
Lies We Tell Ourselves: How to Say No to Temptation and Put an End to Compromise
by Greg Laurie

April 5 - Setting an Example

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 3:13-17
1 Timothy 4
Old Testament -
Proverbs 6
Ezra 8
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 4:12-16
12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Insight:
Though Timothy was a young Christian leader, Paul told him he could avoid being dismissed for his youth. He could do this by being a shining example in the way he lived out his faith. No one would look down on him, Paul said, if he were living up to Christ's call for his life. Timothy could win the respect of everyone, even those older than him, if his life (speech, love, purity) were shaped by his faith in Jesus.

Paul reminded Timothy that the church elders had publicly recognized his gift for leadership and ministry by laying their hands on him. Their endorsement and support should be taken very seriously, and he should be diligent to make progress in his spiritual growth and the exercise of his gifts. Timothy's diligence toward maturity should include the study of scripture, careful self-examination of his lifestyle, and careful attention to sound doctrine. Paul promised that perseverance in these matters would result in blessing, both in his own life and in the lives of those to whom he ministered.

Response & Action:
I want to mature in my faith as I follow and serve Christ. I will do my best to lead an exemplary life in my speech, in my commitment to holiness, in my study of scripture, and in the exercise of my gifts. I believe that diligence in these things will result in blessing to me and to people around me.

By the power and grace 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. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given me. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Help me to do the good things you've prepared for me to do. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Proverbs 11:30
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."

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

Reading Schedule for April 4-9

Luke 24:30-32
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

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

April 5 -
Matthew 3:13-17 / 1 Timothy 4
Proverbs 6 / Ezra 8

April 6 -
Matthew 4:1-11 / 1 Timothy 5:1-15
Proverbs 7 / Ezra 9

April 7 -
Matthew 4:12-17 / 1 Timothy 5:16-25
Proverbs 8 / Ezra 10

April 8 -
Matthew 4:18-25 / 1 Timothy 6:1-10
Proverbs 9 / Nehemiah 1-2

April 9 -
Matthew 5:1-12 / 1 Timothy 6:11-21
Proverbs 10:1-16 / Nehemiah 3

April 10 -
Matthew 5:13-20 / 2 Timothy 1:1-7
Proverbs 10:17-32 / Nehemiah 4-5

April 3 - Fruit and Repentance

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 3:1-12
1 Timothy 3:11-16
Old Testament -
Proverbs 5
Ezra 7
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Matthew 3:8, 11-12
8 "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." - - - 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Insight:
John the Baptist was a forerunner to Jesus. He preached a message of repentance and was preparing the hearts and minds of people to recognize and receive Christ.

Repentance and humility before God are essential preparation for recognizing and receiving the blessing and transformation that are Christ's to give. Those who truly repent and believe are transformed by the Spirit, and are able to produce fruit. Those who reject Jesus or give him mere lip service end up with unchanged and fruitless lives. The difference is clear and judgment is sure.

Response & Action:
I want to find life, fulfillment, and transformation in Christ Jesus. My faith must be more than words; it must be lived out with surrender, obedience, hope, and expectation. I want a humble heart, open eyes, and a receptive attitude toward Christ. I will earnestly seek him, listen to him, and follow his leading. I cultivate my awareness of his presence, my knowledge of his words, and my submission to his Spirit. I want to be prepared and ready for his transforming and fruitful work in my life.

O God, forgive and save me from hardness of heart. Deliver me from the pride that would close my heart to your power and purpose. Rescue me from the lip service of fruitless religiosity. Liberate me from the lies of self-importance that dull my ears to your voice. Free me from the illusions of self-reliance that squelch the Spirit's work in my life. Make me ready to recognize, receive, and rejoice in the Good News of Jesus. Strengthen my faith, change my heart, and make me fruitful as I abide in you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Acts 3:19-20
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

Resources:
After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters
by N. T. Wright

April 2 - Shining Ever Brighter

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Matthew 2:13-23
1 Timothy 3:1-10
Old Testament -
Proverbs 4
Ezra 6
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Proverbs 4:18-19
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

Insight:
The more a person walks in the light of God's wisdom, the more he is able to see. As the light increases, the clearer things become. As the sun of wisdom rises higher into the sky of a person's life, the right paths to walk become easier to find and follow.

Darkness, on the other hand, leads to deeper darkness. The longer the sun of truth sinks below the horizon, the darker the night becomes, and the harder it becomes to see anything at all. The tighter people close their eyes, the more hopeless and futile their journey becomes.

Response & Action:
I am encouraged by the idea that knowledge leads to more knowledge. I'm inspired by the promise that living in the light of wisdom will result in greater light and wisdom. I want to grow in truth and understanding every day.

I will seek God's wisdom through study, knowing that as I learn and grow, I will get increasingly more out of the things I am studying. I will explore and consider things that stretch my mind. I will seek out meaningful conversations with others, trusting that deep questions and discussions will lead me to deeper understanding. I will humble myself before God through prayer, worship, and obedience, believing that the more I see the light of Christ, the more clearly I will see everything else by that light.

O God, guide my steps in the light of your truth. Help me to walk in the light as Christ is in the light. Make your wisdom to shine brighter and brighter each day I live. Help me to see the light and to see by the light. Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. Be thou my best Thought, by day or by night--waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Luke 8:16-18
16 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him."

Resources:
The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God
Dallas Willard