Christ Lives in Me

Today's Reading:
1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17
Galatians 2:17-3:9
Psalm 106:1-15 
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Focus Verses: Galatians 2:19-21
19 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20I 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. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Insight:
Like so much of the New Testament, Galatians is a letter. Reading Galatians 2 really feels like reading someone else's mail because of the references to very specific people and events that only the writer and recipients can fully appreciate. We can, however, pick up on the main gist of what was going on.

The early Christians, their leaders, and even the apostles, were struggling with the issue of how the freedom and grace of Christ related to the observance of Mosaic law. Was observance of the law something Christians needed to do? Were Gentile's who followed Jesus supposed to observe Jewish laws and customs? Paul says, "No." He says that no one is justified by observing the law (vv. 15,16). Christians, both Jews and Gentiles, are justified through Christ Jesus, not by obeying laws.

Paul insists that the observance of laws or traditions cannot be used as a test to determine who is or who is not a Christian. Paul says he has died to the law so that he might live for God (v.19). The essence of being a Christian is living for God through faith in Christ, dying to self and everything else—even the law. Paul's point is that devotion to observing laws is not what brings us to God or produces righteousness; instead, it is complete surrender to God and living in faith and devotion to Christ that saves and results in righteous living.

Response and Action:
I need to live in full surrender to God. Doing the right things is not what makes me right with God; being right with God is what makes me do the right things. Jesus must be the focus of my devotion to God: loving him, following him, hearing him, and pleasing him. I must surrender the ownership of my life to Christ. He must be Lord and master. I must let Christ live his life through me. The choices and actions of my life must be guided not by rules but, rather, by the Spirit of Christ. I want my life to be guided by how he would choose and act if he were living my life.

Thank you, O God, for salvation and life through Christ. Help me to surrender fully to you and to follow Jesus with my whole heart. Help me to know him, to love him, to understand him, to honor him, and to draw near to him so that my life is completely shaped and guided by him. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Mark 8:34-35
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 

Resources:
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians
by N. T. Wright

God Remembered His Holy Promise

Today's Reading:
1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4
Galatians 2:1-16
Psalm 105:37-45 
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Focus Verses: Psalm 105:39-42
39 He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. 40 They asked, and he brought them quail; he fed them well with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed  like a river in the desert. 42 For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham.

Insight:
Earlier in this psalm, the psalmist says: "Let the hearts of those who seek  the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength. Seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done." Remembering is a helpful thing to do for those who are seeking the joy and strength of the Lord. Looking back at the things God has done is a great way to reinforce hope for God's blessing in the future. Recounting the ways God has kept his word in the past is an encouraging thing to do for those who are leaning into God's promises for the future.

Response and Action:
I will take time to consider the things God has done in my past. Instead of worrying about tomorrow, I will recount the many ways God has provided, delivered, led, and sustained me. My life has its share of challenges, but I've also had more than my share of blessings. My hope, my joy, and my confidence in God are all strengthened as I consider the wonderful things he has done in my life, and in the lives of others who are seeking him.

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All you who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, who has prospered my work and defends me;
Surely His goodness and mercy will always attend me.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
Since with His love He befriends me.

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly, for yes we adore Him!

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

Resources:
Praying the Psalms of Jesus
by James Sire

Received by Revelation

Today's Reading:
1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17
Galatians 1:1-24
Psalm 105:23-36 
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Focus Verses: Galatians 1:11-12
11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Insight:
Paul makes a bold claim about his preaching. He says he received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. He asserts that his message is not a religion or philosophy he has learned from others or invented himself. Rather, it is truth he has received directly from the living Christ—from Jesus, who rose from the dead and has chosen Paul to be his messenger to the Gentiles (vv.15-16).

The claims of Jesus—"I am the way, the Christ, the Son of God”—put me in a position where I have to decide whether or not to accept them. Is he confused, or misunderstood, or lying, or telling the truth? The claims are so straightforward that they require a response. In the same way, I have to decide whether or not to accept Paul's claims—"my message is not man-made, not invented, not learned, but rather revealed to me directly from Jesus Christ." Is he confused, misunderstood, or lying, or telling the truth?

Response and Action:
I have decided to accept Paul's claims and therefore regard his teaching as true and authoritative. His claim is so straightforward I'm forced to make a choice. His life and the hardships he faced for preaching his message don't support a motive for lying. His reasoning, relationships, and results don't indicate any mental instability. I think it's reasonable to accept that he is telling the truth.

I trust the authority of the Bible and consider it to be revealed by God. As the Apostle Paul says to Timothy, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness."

O God, thank you for the inspired truth of the New Testament scriptures that have been given to us through the apostles. Help me to understand and apply what I read. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Resources:
Can I Trust the Bible?
by Darrell Bock

Aim for Perfection

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 23:31-25:30
2 Corinthians 13:1-14
Psalm 105:12-22 
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Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints send their greetings. 14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Insight:
Paul concludes this difficult letter with very straightforward instruction and blessing. He tells the Corinthians to aim for perfection, be of one mind, and to live in peace. He assures them that as they do this the God of peace will be with them. He reminds them of the kinship believers should have with each other. He prays that the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives will strengthen them toward holiness and unity.

Response and Action:
I want to aim for perfection—wholeness and completeness through Christ. I want to live in fellowship and unity with all followers of Christ. These desires are consistent with God's desires for his people; he will be with me as I pursue them. As I do, I need to look to the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

O God, thank you for your love, your grace, and your power. Help me to grow in Christ—make me holy, mature, deep, and complete in him. Help me to do all this in the company of Christian friends. Help us to encourage and help each other; give us oneness and peace as we follow Jesus together. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Resources:
The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends
by Richard Lamb

The Words Written in this Book

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 22:3-23:30
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Psalm 105:1-11 
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Focus Verses: 2 Kings 23:1-3
1 Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 2 He went up to the temple of the LORD with the men of Judah, the people  of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the LORD. 3 The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD -to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.

Insight:
In the declining years of Judah, the Temple's ruin and disrepair had become a metaphor for the nation's spiritual condition. The nation had become so careless in their spiritual apathy that they had lost the Book of the Law of Moses in the mess and clutter of the Temple.

When King Josiah ordered that efforts be made to restore the Temple and make worship a priority, they found the Book of Law. As Josiah heard what it had to say, he was thunderstruck by how far his people had wandered from the truth of God. He understood that a knowledge of God's word would be  essential to any spiritual renewal he hoped to bring to Israel, so he made sure everyone had an opportunity to hear it.

Response and Action:
Losing God's written word is a sure way to lose my spiritual health. I must guard against the deterioration of my spiritual health. I must not let the truth of Scripture get lost in the messy distractions and clutter of life. Like Josiah, I want to be responsive to God's word and be ready to live by it. I must direct my efforts to know and understand the Bible. I will commit myself to reading and applying God's word.

O God, how can I keep my 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 hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Peter 1:19
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Resources:
The IVP Introduction to the Bible
by Philip S. Johnston

Reading Schedule for March 11-17

Tips for Bible Readers

Reading Schedule for 2017-2018

SUNDAY

2Kings 22:3-23:30

2Corinthians 12:11-21

Psalm 105:1-11

MONDAY

2Kings 23:31-25:30

2Corinthians 13:1-14

Psalm 105:12-22

TUESDAY

1Chronicles 1:1-2:17

Galatians 1:1-24

Psalm 105:23-36

WEDNESDAY

1Chronicles 2:18-4:4

Galatians 2:1-16

Psalm 105:37-45

THURSDAY

1Chronicles 4:5-5:17

Galatians 2:17-3:9

Psalm 106:1-15

FRIDAY

1Chronicles 5:18-6:81

Galatians 3:10-22

Psalm 106:16-31

SATURDAY

1Chronicles 7:1-8:40

Galatians 3:23-4:31

Psalm 106:32-39

Strength and Weakness

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 20:1-22:2
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Psalm 104:31-35 
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Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 12:10
10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Insight:
Most of us find it difficult to admit weaknesses, let alone delight in them. Even Paul wasn't really happy about hardships and weaknesses. He cried out to God asking him to remove them. Paul had learned, however, that his weaknesses and hardships revealed the evidence of God's grace and strength in his life.

Paul came to see that his problems and difficulties were windows for God's grace and strength to shine through. This gave him a new perspective. He could delight in weaknesses because God was clearly displayed through them. He could see his limitations as strengths because they gave witness to  God's strength and provision.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize my weaknesses and limitations. I need to rely on God's strength. My reliance on God, my openness about my weaknesses, and transparency about my problems can be a testimony of God's grace and power in my life.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to lean on you and look to you for strength. May my reliance upon your strength, and my humble acknowledgment of my weakness, be a witness that results in praise to you. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 Corinthians 1:26-27
26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Resources:
2 Corinthians: Finding Strength in Weakness
by Paul Stevens

The Only True God

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 18:13-19:37
2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Psalm 104:19-30 
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Focus Verses: 2 Kings 19:16-19
16 "Give ear, LORD, and hear; open your eyes, LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. 17 It is true, LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. 18 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 19 Now, LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, LORD, are God.”

Insight:
When the Assyrian commander came to threaten Jerusalem, he was bold and intimidating. He wanted them to surrender without a fight. He hurled out threats in Aramaic to be sure all the bystanders would be able to understand his graphic description of the horrors they would face if they resisted. He told them that no other god of any other city had been able to stop Sennacherib's takeover. He even claimed that the god of the Israelites had told the Assyrians to attack Jerusalem. He told them that King Hezekiah had been deceiving his own people.

In the face of this powerful enemy, and with his own people terrified and demoralized, Hezekiah quickly turned to the prophet Isaiah for counsel. He poured out his heart to God and pleaded for God to intervene. As he made his appeal for deliverance, he asked God to show himself to be the true God—the God who was faithful and able to save his people, the God who was not like the false gods of the surrounding nations, the God who was worthy of glory and praise.

In the end, God delivered Jerusalem. The words of the prophet Isaiah all came to pass. Incidentally, there is good extra-biblical witness for Sennacherib's withdrawal from Jerusalem and his subsequent death.

Response and Action:
When I face bold threats and dangers, I will lean into the Lord. When my faith is insulted and my God is slandered, I will cry out and ask God to show his power and faithfulness. I will pray for more than my own deliverance; I will pray that God's character and actuality are clearly made known.

O God, give me a faith that is stronger than the threats I encounter. Help me to know you so well that I am not shaken or frightened by those who deny or misrepresent you. Give me the wisdom to trust you in every situation. Help me to humble myself in the confidence that you are faithful and will lift me up in due time. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

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

Resources:
Know Doubt
by John Ortberg

Following Worthless Idols

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 17:1-18:12
2 Corinthians 11:1-15
Psalm 104:1-18 
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Focus Verses: 2 Kings 17:14-17
14 But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their ancestors, who did not trust in the LORD their God. 15 They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors and the statutes he had warned them to keep. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the LORD had ordered them, “Do not do as they do.” 16 They forsook all the commands of the LORD their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts, and they worshiped Baal. 17 They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.

Insight:
The Israelites had a long and sad history of unfaithfulness. Hosea and Amos preached against their idolatry and blatant disregard for the commands of the Lord. Israel fell because of its hard-heartedness toward God. They allowed their worship of God to be compromised and corrupted by serving foreign gods and idols. This spiritual adultery began with the first king to rule over the north after Solomon's death, Jeroboam, and persisted even after the fall of the northern kingdom. Eventually even the southern kingdom would succumb to idolatry.

Response and Action:
God calls us to undivided devotion to him. We are to worship him, and him only. Half-heartedness toward God is self-destructive. Careless compromise destroys. God calls us to worship him in spirit and truth. I will seek God with wholehearted devotion. I will honor God by putting him first in my life. I will follow Jesus and look to him for the guidance and strength I need to draw near to God.

O God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Lead me away from temptation, and deliver me from evil. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Teach me to recognize those things that threaten to diminish or corrupt my walk with you. Help me to worship you in spirit and in truth. Show me your ways and give me an undivided heart that is quick to worship and serve you alone. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: John 4:23-24
23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

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

The Father's Compassion

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 15:1-16:20
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Psalm 103:13-22 
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Focus 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. 15 The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

Insight:
God knows my frailty and weakness. He knows I'm made of dust—that I fail and sin—and yet loves me. He has compassion on me as a good father has compassion on his children. God's compassion and forgiveness are given to all who have reverence for him, the humility to acknowledge sin, a heart to follow him, and the desire to live a fruitful life that honors him.

Response and Action:
Faith in God is more than a matter of words and beliefs; it is something to be lived out. Though I fail and fall, God's love and compassion never fail. Because my heart is turned toward God and my desire is to keep his word and obey his precepts, God graciously comes to my aid. God's grace is greater than my sin. God's steadfast love and transforming power will help me to turn away from sin and push forward toward righteousness. God knows I need his grace to become the child he has in mind for me to be.

O God, have mercy upon me, a sinner. In your compassion, forgive my sin. Give me the strength and heart to live a life that honors you. Grant me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Thank you for your faithfulness to forgive and purify. By the power and guidance of your Holy Spirit, help me delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Resources:
Learning to Pray Through the Psalms
by James Sire

Sowing and Reaping Generously

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 13:1-14:29
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Psalm 103:1-12 
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Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

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

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

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

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

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

Taking Pains to Do What Is Right

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 10:32-12:21
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Psalm 102:18-28 
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses:
2 Corinthians 8:19-21
19 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we   carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

Insight:
Paul took seriously the administration of the financial gifts he had received from fellow Christians. Their generosity toward the needs of others was sacred, and he considered the handling of those funds to be a sacred charge. He made every effort to act with integrity before God. He took pains to ensure that the people working with the money were well-respected. He followed protocol that would stand up to the scrutiny of anyone who might question their honesty. He clearly felt accountable to God, to those who had given the gifts, and to those who were to benefit from the gifts. 

Response and Action:
I want to be generous toward the needs of others. When I give, it is good to expect that those handling those funds will do so with integrity. When I contribute to charitable and missional initiatives, I will expect those who administer those contributions to do so in ways that are transparent and honest. Those entrusted with gifts given to honor God should have checks and balances, protocol, and standards that ensure the gifts are treated with the reverence and respect they deserve.

O Lord, help me to excel in the grace of giving. Give me a generous heart that is ready to meet needs and willing to share. Help me to be wise about who I trust and where I give. Grant those who manage and distribute the funds that have been given to their charge. Give them the wisdom, integrity, creativity, and transparency they need to be faithful stewards. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses:  
Proverbs 11:1-3
1 The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Resources:
Courage and Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential
by Gordon T. Smith

The Prayer of the Destitute

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 9:14-10:31
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Psalm 102:12-17 
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Focus Verses: Psalm 102:15-17
15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth  will revere your glory. 16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. 17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.

Insight:
This Psalm is prefaced with the note: "A Song of an Afflicted Person who Has Grown Weak and Pours Out a Lament before the Lord." The lament is more that just a plea for personal help and relief; it's an expression of faith and longing for the world. The psalmist hoped for a day when all peoples, nations, and kingdoms would find truth and redemption in the Lord.

Response and Action:
There is no shortage of affliction and weariness in the world. I have more than enough in my own family, church, and community. Like the psalmist, my hope and faith are in the Lord. He can comfort the sorrows, remove all affliction, and strengthen those who are weary.

My lament and cries for help are directed to God—from the smallest problems of my own life, to the troubles of friends, the hardships of people in my church family, to the overwhelming conflicts around the world. I look for a day when a future generation and the whole world gather around the throne of Christ Jesus and find renewal in him.

O Lord, in your grace and mercy, incline your ear to all who are weary. Help us in our time of need. Renew us and save us from the things that afflict us. Give us the strength to persevere, and give us hope as we cling to your promises. Forgive us our sins and deliver us from evil. Make us vessels of your grace in a weary world. Though we are surrounded by so much suffering and hate, make us living witnesses of your saving and transforming love. Amen.

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

Resources:
Mobilizing Hope
by Adam Taylor

Reading Schedule for March 4-10

Tips for Bible Readers

Reading Schedule for 2017-2018

SUNDAY

2Kings 9:14-10:31

2Corinthians 8:1-15

Psalm 102:12-17

MONDAY

2Kings 10:32-12:21

2Corinthians 8:16-24

Psalm 102:18-28

TUESDAY

2Kings 13:1-14:29

2Corinthians 9:1-15

Psalm 103:1-12

WEDNESDAY

2Kg 15:1-16:20

2Corinthians 10:1-18

Psalm 103:13-22

THURSDAY

2Kings 17:1-18:12

2Corinthians 11:1-15

Psalm 104:1-18

FRIDAY

2Kings 18:13-19:37

2Corinthians 11:16-33

Psalm 104:19-30

SATURDAY

2Kings 20:1-22:2

2Corinthians 12:1-10

Psalm 104:31-35

Godly Sorrow Brings Repentance

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 8:1-9:13
2 Corinthians 7:8-16
Psalm 102:1-11 
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 7:8-10
8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Insight:
In his earlier letter to the Corinthians, Paul had confronted a number of very serious issues. His bold rebukes resulted, initially, in the Corinthians experiencing sorrow and hurt. The ultimate results, however, were self-examination, repentance, renewal, change, and spiritual maturity. Since the sorrow and hurt brought about good in the end, Paul called it "godly sorrow."

Sorrow and hurt don't always end with good results. So much depends upon how rebuke and confrontation are received. Those who will not accept correction, and are unwilling to be confronted with their failings, or are too proud to take responsibility for their wrongs will not experience godly results.

Response and Action:
Am I teachable and willing to face criticism? Can I accept rebuke? Am I willing to take responsibility for my wrong actions and attitudes? I need to be able answer "yes" to these questions if I want to grow in wisdom and integrity.

To truly follow in the way of Jesus, I will need to face up to the ways I am so unlike him. I will need to take ownership of my sin, so that in faith and repentance I can take hold of God's grace to overcome it. When I am confronted with my weaknesses and wrongs, I can choose to hold on to my hurt, or I can choose a godly sorrow that produces positive and holy results in my life.

Have mercy on me, O God, a sinner. Give me the humility to see my need and the grace to accept correction. Help my desire for godliness to outweigh the hurt and sorrow of recognizing my failures. Help me to be quick to repent of my sin and slow to sulk about it. Remind me of the glad promise and hope I have in your power and your desire to make me more like Jesus each day. I pray all this in his redeeming name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Proverbs 27:5-6
5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Resources:
Coming Home to Your True Self: Leaving the Emptiness of False Attractions
by Albert Haase

Dare to Be Different

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 6:1-7:20
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7
Psalm 101:1-8 
Click on Text Link to Read Online

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

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

To truly follow Jesus, who's Kingdom is not from the world, we must embrace his mission to change and redeem the world. We cannot subvert the evil and sin in our world without being different from it. We cannot serve two masters. We must turn away from any allegiance or bond that would hinder our loyalty and faithfulness to Jesus.

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

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

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

Resources:
Too Christian, Too Pagan
by Dick Staub

Wash and Be Cleansed

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 4:18-5:27
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Psalm 100:1-5 
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: 2 Kings 5:13-14
13 Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!" 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

Insight:
Naaman did not know the God of Abraham, but his hope for a cure led him to Elisha. After being healed, he decided to never again worship any god other than the God of Israel. He didn't fully understand who that God was, but his heart was turned and headed in the right direction.

Gehazi did know the God of Abraham, and had seen his power displayed in powerful ways through Elisha's ministry. However, in his actions toward Naaman, and deceit toward Elisha, he demonstrated that his heart was turning away from God and headed in the wrong direction.

Naaman turned toward God and found healing. Gehazi turned away from God and became diseased. Carelessly turning away from God in selfish sin leads to death and sickness. Turning toward God in faith and submission leads to life and restoration.

Response and Action
Am I, like Naaman, seeking truth and drawing nearer to God? Am I growing in my understanding and my wholeheartedness toward Christ? Or am I, like Gehazi, taking God for granted, and getting careless about my actions? I do not want my profession of faith to be contradicted by actions that are selfish and deceptive.

Both Naaman and Gehazi were confused in their understanding about God, but Naaman was stumbling toward God, and Gehazi was stumbling away from God. I have a long way to go in my understanding of God, my knowledge of Scripture, and my spiritual growth, so I will keep eyes on Jesus, turn my heart toward him, and pursue righteousness. When I stumble, I want to stumble toward   God.

O God, I want to know you more. Thank you, that though I have so far to go, you love me where I am. Draw me closer to you. Grant me the wisdom and the will to seek you with my whole heart and to walk in your ways. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: James 3:14-15
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

Resources:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N.T. Wright (Ch. 8 - "The Mind Renewed" is based on 2 Kings 5)

Don't Ask for Just a Few

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 3:1-4:17
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Psalm 99:1-9 
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: 2 Kings 4:3-6
3 Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." 5 She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one." But he replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.

Insight:
Elisha performed many miracles. They were a demonstration of God's power and presence and, therefore, reinforced the authority of Elisha's prophetic words. The benevolent, providential, and restorative focus of these miracles was a witness to God’s redemptive character and inclination to bless. Similarly, the miracles of Jesus demonstrated his authority and testified to God’s saving power.

The miracle of the widow's oil illustrates the importance of faith. Her willingness to gather many jars demonstrated that she believed the prophet's promise. The detail about the flow of oil stopping at the precise moment when the last jar was filled seems to imply that the amount of the miraculous provision was somehow proportionate to the amount of her faith and obedience.

Response and Action:
I need to recognize God's goodness and goodwill. If I believe in God's power and his redemptive will, I will respond to his commands in obedience and put my faith into action. I do not want to limit God's   blessing and provision, so, as the widow gathered many jars, I will seek out every opportunity I can for God to fulfill my need and bless my life.

O God, thank you for your resurrection power, your loving provision, your readiness to save, and your ability to satisfy needs. Thank you for Jesus who has demonstrated your great love and redemptive heart. Give me the wisdom to follow him and to submit to his authority. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: John 14:10-11
10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

Resources:
Miracles: A Preliminary Study
by C.S. Lewis