Reading Schedule for July 19-24

Proverbs 4:18-23
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. 20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

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

July 19 -
Mark 8:14-21 / 2 John 1-13
Job 19 / Daniel 3-4

July 20 -
Mark 8:22-30 / 3 John 1:1-14
Job 20 / Daniel 5-6

July 21 -
Mark 8:31-38 / Jude 1:1-7
Job 21:1-21 / Daniel 7-8

July 22 -
Mark 9:1-13 / Jude 1:8-16
Job 21:22-34 / Daniel 9

July 23 -
Mark 9:14-32 / Jude 1:17-25
Job 22 / Daniel 10-12

July 24 -
Mark 9:33-50 / Revelation 1:1-8
Job 23 / Hosea 1-3

July 17 - Resolute Living

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 8:1-13
1 John 5:13-21
Old Testament -
Job 18
Daniel 1-2
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Daniel 1:8,11-12,15-16
8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. - - - 11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. - - - 15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

Insight:
Daniel, like Ezekiel, prophesied during the time of Israel's exile and captivity. From lands he had conquered, the King of Babylon selected bright young promising men with the intention of preparing them to serve his purposes and his kingdom. Daniel, however, never forgot that his life and his purpose belonged to the God of Israel. He made up his mind to honor God in the details of his daily life, trusting that God would bless his devotion. God’s blessing was so apparent, even the kings Daniel served came to realize that Daniel's god truly was God.

Response and Action:
My mindset and desires of my heart are important. I want to honor God and put him first in the daily details and routines of my life. I want to live out my faith and commitment to God in my schedule, my diet, my study, my habits, and my work. The evidence of a consistent life well lived is a stronger testimony for God than words can ever be. People cannot argue with a life of faith that proves itself in peace, integrity, balance, strength, and wellness.

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 to love my neighbor as myself. Help me to be a good steward of all you have given to 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 live a disciplined life with a heart aimed toward honoring and enjoying you. Though Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 5:15-18
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Resources:
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
by Richard Foster

July 16 - The Testimony of God

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 7:24-37
1 John 5:1-12
Old Testament -
Job 17
Ezekiel 48
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 John 5:9-12
9 We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10 Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Insight:
God has spoken. His testimony is that life is in his Son, and only in his Son. Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God have this testimony in their hearts. To reject faith in Jesus and this promise of life, John says, is to reject the Christian view of God and the Christian hope of life in Christ.

Response and Action:
I believe that the testimony and teaching of the apostles is true and reliable. I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. I believe that God has given abundant testimony—through scripture, prophecy, miracles, incarnation, history, apostolic revelation, the present work of the Holy Spirit, and my personal experience in following Christ—that Jesus is His Son and that life is found in him. This testimony rings true in my own heart.

O Lord, confirm your testimony and the truth of Christ Jesus in my heart more and more with each new day. Help me to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. Help me to mature in my faith, that my life might also become a testimony of your grace and the truth of Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: John 5:24-25
24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.

Resources:
The Incomparable Christ
by John R. W. Stott

July 15 - Acknowledging Jesus

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 7:1-23
1 John 4:7-21
Old Testament -
Job 16
Ezekiel 45-47
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 John 4:1-3; 14-15
1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. - - - 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.

Insight:
Just as we saw warnings from Peter and Jude regarding faith and sound doctrine, we now see the Apostle John telling Christians to be careful to not believe just anyone. He urges them to "test the spirits" and to remember that there are many false teachers in the world.

John gave them some important truths about Jesus they should look for as they exercised discernment. First, sound doctrine acknowledges that Jesus is from God. Secondly, sound doctrine acknowledges that Jesus is God incarnate—actually human, actually flesh and blood. Third, sound doctrine acknowledges that Jesus is actually the Son of God—actually divine.

Response and Action:
I need to be careful to not believe just anyone who claims to be teaching from the Bible or claims to be a “Christian” teacher. I need to study the Bible carefully for myself in order to have first-hand knowledge of the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. I will reject teaching that fails to recognize the importance of the incarnation and the humanity of Jesus. I will reject teaching that fails to acknowledge the deity of Jesus.

I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven and by the power of the Holy Spirit became incarnate from the virgin Mary.

Show me your ways, O Lord. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. I pray through Jesus, the son of God and the son of man, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God today and for all eternity. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Proverbs 30:4
4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

Resources:
Who Was Jesus?
by Scot McKnight

July 14 - Wherever Jesus Is

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 6:45-56
1 John 4:1-6
Old Testament -
Job 15:17-35
Ezekiel 42-44
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 6:54-56
54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

Insight:
When people recognize the presence and the power of Jesus, they come running to him. Why is it that so many Christians and churches act as though Jesus needs to be marketed, promoted, and sold to get attention? In Mark's account, I see Jesus doing the very opposite. He tries to get away from the crowds, he withdraws for prayer and rest, and still the crowds seek him out wherever he goes.

When people recognize Jesus, they are drawn to him. They don’t need to be pushed toward him. If Jesus is alive in me, I will find myself meeting and serving new friends who have been drawn to the Jesus-shaped way I am living. If Jesus is living and active in the lives of those in my church, we will discover that others are seeking out the love and blessing our Christian community has to offer.

Response and Action:
I want to experience the power and presence of Christ Jesus. I will seek him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. If Jesus' power and presence are at work in my life—shaping, guiding, and transforming me—I will not have to figure out ways to tell people about Jesus. I want Jesus to be recognizable in me. I will lift him up in my life by following him and living for him.

O God, help me to grow in my knowledge and experience of Jesus. Help me to recognize him and to follow him. Transform me and shape me by his power and grace. Make my life a testimony of his love and mercy, that others might recognize Jesus at work in me. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Galatians 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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

July 13 - Making Time for Others

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 6:30-44
1 John 3:19-24
Old Testament -
Job 15:1-16
Ezekiel 40-41
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 6:31-34
31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Insight:
With the news of John's death and the relentless press of the crowds, Jesus decided to retreat to a solitary place with his disciples for rest. There was no escape. Everywhere Jesus went, the crowds anticipated his arrival and were waiting for him.

Instead of being completely upset with the crowds and telling them to leave him alone, Jesus had compassion on them. Jesus saw how desperate they were for guidance and truth. And so, instead of sending them away and guarding his own needs and agenda, Jesus began to teach them many things and sent his disciples to find food for them. When only a small amount of food was found, Jesus multiplied that food and fed the crowd.

Response and Action:
Jesus' love and compassion for others is compelling. I am thankful that he sees our needs and extends his grace and provision, putting our interests and well-being above his own. I will give God thanks for the grace upon grace I receive from Christ. I will follow Jesus' example and look beyond my own interests to the interests of others. Like Jesus, I want to have compassion and care for others who may interrupt my plans. I want to be willing to serve the needs of others, even if it means upsetting my schedule and delaying the fulfillment of my own needs.

O Father, thank you for Jesus who although he existed in the very form of God did not regard that equality as something to be grasped, but emptied himself for us. Thank you for the sacrifices Christ Jesus has made for us and for our salvation. Help me to follow him and, strengthened by his Spirit, to be ready and willing to empty myself and make sacrifices for others. Give me compassion and mercy for others. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 103:13-14
13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

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

July 12 - Knowing What Love Is

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 6:14-29
1 John 3:11-18
Old Testament -
Job 14
Ezekiel 38-39
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 John 3:16-20
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19 This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20 whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Insight:
Jesus' love was more than words and feelings; he demonstrates God's love through the selfless act of laying down his life for us. We are called to follow his example through selflessly laying down our lives for others.

Love must be demonstrated through actions that respond to the practical needs of people around us. Meeting real needs not only proves to others the sincerity of our love, it also confirms it to us. We begin to know that we belong the truth once we see ourselves living it out—not just talking about it.

Response and Action:
I need to be quick to see the needs of others. I need to be willing to take selfless action to help and address the needs of others. To see needs, but do nothing, is a contradiction. Following Jesus is a call to love, and his call to love is a call to action.

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to love my neighbor as myself. Help me to follow Christ's selfless example, watching for the needs of others, and doing what I can to meet those needs. Help me to use every good gift you have given me to bless and encourage others. Through Christ, Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Proverbs 14:21
"He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy."

Resources:
The Mark of Jesus
by Timothy George and John Woodbridge

Reading Schedule for July 12-17

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

July 12 -
Mark 6:14-29 / 1 John 3:11-18
Job 14 / Ezekiel 38-39

July 13 -
Mark 6:30-44 / 1 John 3:19-24
Job 15:1-16 / Ezekiel 40-41

July 14 -
Mark 6:45-56 / 1 John 4:1-6
Job 15:17-35 / Ezekiel 42-44

July 15 -
Mark 7:1-23 / 1 John 4:7-21
Job 16 / Ezekiel 45-47

July 16 -
Mark 7:24-37 / 1 John 5:1-12
Job 17 / Ezekiel 48

July 17 -
Mark 8:1-13 / 1 John 5:13-21
Job 18 / Daniel 1-2

July 10 - Imagining Possibilities

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 6:1-13
1 John 3:1-10
Old Testament -
Job 13
Ezekiel 35-37
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Ezekiel 40:1-3
1 In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth of the month, in the fourteenth year after the fall of the city—on that very day the hand of the LORD was upon me and he took me there. 2 In visions of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city. 3 He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand.

Insight:
Ezekiel's vision of a restored temple is very strange and mysterious to me. It's a temple plan that was not built when the Israelites returned from their exile. And from a Christian point of view, it's a temple plan that doesn't seem necessary to build nor likely to be built at any time in the future.

So what is here for me to apply? Well, for starters I could simply embrace the mystery of Scripture. The words of the prophets, like most true things, are gloriously complex and difficult to fully understand. Ezekiel's vision was for someone else in another time and place. Maybe they didn't even understand it. Or maybe they did not accept it and so never took hold of the promised possibility.

Though I do not understand Ezekiel's vision, I do understand that Ezekiel was a man in exile living among the exiled captives who had experienced the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Twenty-five years into captivity and forty-five years before it would end, Ezekiel had such faith in God's promise to literally save and restore his people, that he had dreams about the floor plans and measurements of a new temple built in a new Jerusalem. That's real faith and hope.

Response and Action:
The story of God's redemptive relationship with his people is long and complex. I will not let the things I don't understand stop me from pursuing my own story and my own relationship with God. I recognize that even my story is too difficult for me to fully comprehend!

I will also open my heart and mind to to what Ezekiel calls "visions of God." I want to have a godly imagination and be open to possibilities of restoration, new life, and new hope, and to dream about them in full color and great detail.

O God, open my eyes to the possibilities you have given me in Christ. Show me your ways and give me faith and hope to pursue every good dream and every worthy goal that finds its inspiration in you. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Resources:
An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination
by Walter Brueggemann

July 9 - Hearing and Doing

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 5:21-43
1 John 2:24-29
Old Testament -
Job 12
Ezekiel 33-34
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Ezekiel 33:30-33
30 "As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, 'Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.' 31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. 33 "When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them."

Insight:
People would come to hear Ezekiel prophesy, but their hearing didn't move them toward doing. They would listen to him, they found him to be entertaining, even inspirational, and they invited others to come along with them. They would nod their heads in agreement and sing songs of devotion with great emotion.

At the end of the day, however, they would go their merry way without acting upon the things he had said. They enjoyed religion, but they were unchanged. They were okay with words and feelings, but these words and feelings were disconnected from the reality of their lives and their hearts. Only after they suffered the consequences of their inaction would they come to understand the practical truth and divine authority of Ezekiel's words.

Response and Action:
Jesus said that wise people not only hear his words, but also put them into practice. When I hear the word of God and fail to act upon it, I am deceiving myself. It is not enough to hear or say words, enjoy teaching, or sing Christian songs; my faith must be lived out in real and tangible ways. Hearing without doing is worthless.

O God, thank you for your word. Give me a receptive heart and give me the wisdom to put your word into practice. Help me to demonstrate my faith in the Bible in the ways I act upon what it says. I believe the Scriptures to be God-breathed and I believe they are useful. As I read and meditate upon your Word, give me the wisdom to be taught, corrected, rebuked, and equipped for every good work. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: James 2:14-17
14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Resources:
Faith Works
by Jim Wallis

July 8 - What Jesus Has Done

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 5:1-20
1 John 2:18-23
Old Testament -
Job 11
Ezekiel 31-32
Click on Text Links to Read Online

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

Insight:
The man Jesus healed was an outcast from society. His condition had driven him away from family and friends and left to fend for himself among graves and near pig herds. It's completely understandable that he would want to leave his past behind and go with Jesus. The prospect of a new start in a new place must have seemed more desirable than going back to broken relationships and a shattered reputation. Yet Jesus told him to go home to his family and friends, and to show and tell them how much God, in his mercy, had done for him.

What a shock and wonder it must have been to family and old friends to see him healed and restored to his right mind. How much more healing and renewal did the man experience as a result of going home? What a powerful testimony it must have been to all who heard his story!

Response and Action:
I must look to Christ for the healing and renewal I need. Following Jesus is not is not about withdrawal from my world, but rather the sharing of my experience and story. I must tell my family and friends about how God's mercy is restoring my life and what God is doing for me. My changed life can be a meaningful message of God's saving power.

O God, by the power and grace of Christ Jesus, make me new. Forgive my sins, heal the wounds of my failure, take away the guilt of my transgressions, strengthen me in my weakness, free me from my bondage to sin, and restore my life. Give me the courage to be honest about my problems and needs, and help me give witness to the ways you are helping me to overcome them. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 4:22-24
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Resources:
Miracles
by C. S. Lewis

July 7 - Whatever is Hidden

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 4:21-41
1 John 2:12-17
Old Testament -
Job 10
Ezekiel 29-30
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Mark 4:21-25
21 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."

Insight:
When a light is lifted up and placed high, it illuminates the entire room. Hidden things are revealed. Things that would not have been seen or found are now "brought to light."

Jesus words are truth and light. The more they are lifted up in a person's life, the more they reveal. The higher they are placed, the more they disclose.

When Jesus words are known and understood and taken to heart, they bless the listeners with greater insight about themselves and greater understanding about the world they live in. The more we listen, the more we gain in understanding. If we refuse to listen, we will become even more confused and darkened in our minds.

Response and Action:
I want to listen closely to Jesus. I want his words of light to illuminate my life experiences and help me to know myself. I want his words to give me wisdom and understanding about my world and my place in it. I believe the truth of Christ's words can give me insight about my culture and my times. I will commit myself to knowing Jesus' teachings and give them serious thought. I will study the words of Scripture that they might be a light to my path and lead me into truth, purpose, and meaning.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to know your word and to hide it in my heart. Open my eyes to see the world by the light of your word. Help me to hold my life, my choices, and my actions up to the light of Jesus. Shine, Jesus, and show me who I am, and what you want me to be. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

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

July 6 - Whoever Hates

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 4:1-20
1 John 2:1-11
Old Testament -
Job 9:21-35
Ezekiel 27-28
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 John 2:9-11
9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

Insight:
Hate and darkness go together. Hate and light are contradictory. A hate or disregard for others is inconsistent with a claim to love God. You cannot hate others and embrace the light of Christ. Blindness toward the needs and concerns of others indicates blindness toward God. True love for God will always result in love, concern, and compassion for others.

Response and Action:
Hate is a strong word. Do I hate others? Who have I written off, or judged, or given up on? I need to be on guard for the subtle ways hate may be at work in my heart. To detest, disrespect, disregard, or dislike others may be subtle forms of hate.

I need to hold up my motives, feelings, and actions to the light of Christ's love so hate can be exposed for what it is. I need to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength; this will help me to love my neighbor as myself. By God's grace and the power of his Spirit, I need to cultivate compassion, understanding, sympathy, and love for others.

O God, help me to truly love you. Don’t let me be blinded or deceived by hatred. Teach me to love others as I follow the example and the commands of Christ Jesus. Forgive me for the times I claim to know and love you, but harbor hate toward others. Help me to walk in the light and to walk in fellowship with others. Give me a heart of compassion and concern for the interests of others. Help me to be patient and forgiving with others, as you are patient and forgiving to me. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Mark 12:29-31
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:
Relational Masks: Removing the Barriers That Keep Us Apart
by Russell Willingham

July 5 - Who Is My Family?

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
Mark 3:20-35
1 John 1:5-10
Old Testament -
Job 9:1-20
Ezekiel 24-26
Click on Text Links to Read Online

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

Insight:
When Jesus’ family heard the constant reports of crowds, miracles, and his run-ins with religious authorities, they feared he was losing his mind . They thought it was time to do a family intervention and take him home so he could regain his senses and get back to a normal family life. Instead of going outside to meet them, Jesus looked at the people sitting around him and said, "These people around me here are my real family! My family is comprised of those who do my Father’s will.”

I wonder if Mary heard an echo of Jesus’ voice as a young boy in the Temple saying, “Why are you searching for me? Don’t you know I have to be in my Father’s house?” His Father’s house—his true family—is made up of everyone who does his Father’s will. It's a revolutionary way to think about family. God’s family must be regarded as of even more importance than earthly family. Kingdom family relationships are deeper, more profound, and more enduring than flesh and blood relationships. Spiritual kinship is more important than physical DNA.

Response and Action:
I want to hold my relationship with Christ above all others. I want to love him more than father, mother, son, daughter, and self. I want to embrace my family of Christian brothers and sisters. I will value and cherish the gift of Christian friends.

O Lord, thank you for adopting me into your family. Help me to do your will. Thank you for my Christian brothers and sisters, and for all they do to help me grow in my relationship with you. Thank you that so many of my earthly family relatives are also part of my Kingdom family. Help me to live in a way that draws people into the family of faith. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 10:37-39
37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Resources:
God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation
by Andreas Kostenberger and David W. Jones