Broken Spirit & Contrite Heart

 Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Acts 5:1-42
Psalm 51:1-9
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: Psalm 51:6,10,17
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. - - - 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. - - - 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Insight:
When Samuel rebuked King Saul and told him the kingdom would be taken away from him (1Sam. 13:14), he said the Lord had "sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people." That man was David. In Acts 13, the Apostle Paul also makes reference to David as being "a man after God's own heart" who "would do everything God wanted him to do."

How can it be that David is described as a man "after God's own heart?" He was every bit the sinner that Saul was. In fact, David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband (one of his most faithful soldiers) might surpass any of Saul's sins.

Obviously, "having a heart after God" does not mean being without sin. David and Saul were both sinners, but David was quick to recognize his sin, humble his heart, ask God for cleansing, and turn his heart back toward following and obeying God.

Response and Action:
I want to have a heart after God. This does not mean that I will never sin or make mistakes. It does mean, however, that I am seeking God. It means that I am humble before God and ready to recognize my sin and my need for forgiveness. It means that I desire to obey and serve God. It means that I will look to God for direction, for cleansing, for purpose. It means that I acknowledge Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and that I will seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.

O God, create in me a clean heart -- a heart that is after your heart. Search me and try me to see if there is anything hurtful or sinful in me. Forgive me, purify me, and lead me in your everlasting ways. Put your truth and wisdom in my inmost parts. Help me to delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Corinthians 7:9b-10
9b ...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.

Resources: 
A Heart for God: Learning From David Through the Tough Choices of Life
by Rebecca Manley Pippert

Ordinary, Yet Astonishing

 Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20
Acts 4:1-37
Psalm 50:16-23
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: Acts 4:13-14
13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note  that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

Insight:
The religious leaders who seized and jailed Peter and John were astonished. How could such unschooled and ordinary men perform a miracle, preach with such clarity and conviction, and be so confident when confronted?

Three things in the text explain the extraordinary effectiveness of such ordinary people. Peter and John had been with Jesus. The miracle they had performed in the name and power of Jesus was undeniable (the healed man was standing right there with them). The growing community of believers was faithful in prayer for them.

Response and Action:
I'm an ordinary person, but my devotion and fellowship with Christ Jesus can produce extraordinary results in my life. I will seek him first. I will commit myself to daily time in the scriptures and in prayer. I will set my heart and mind to follow him. I will cultivate an awareness of his presence and sensitivity to his Spirit. I will be open about my faith in Christ. I will give Jesus the honor for every good thing I am able to do by his power and grace. I will not be afraid of those who do question or oppose the cause of Christ. I will live in Christian community, depending on my Christian friends for prayer, encouragement, and help.

O God, thank you for your love and mercy for all people. Thank you for Jesus who came to seek and save all who come to him in faith and humility. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen your people for effective service in your kingdom. May the weakness and ordinariness of our lives be an astonishing reminder and testimony to all that the good we say and do is the result of your presence and power within us. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Romans 8:39-39 
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Resources: 
Make Your Job a Calling by Bryan J. Dik and Ryan D. Duffy

READING SCHEDULE: NOV 28 - DEC 5

READING SCHEDULE & HELPS

SUNDAY
Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20
Acts 4:1-37
Psalm 50:16-23

MONDAY
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
Acts 5:1-42
Psalm 51:1-9

TUESDAY
Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32   
Acts 6:1-15
Psalm 51:10-19

WEDNESDAY
Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23
Acts 7:1-29
Psalm 52:1-9

THURSDAY
Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20
Acts 7:30-50
Psalm 53:1-6

FRIDAY
Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20
Acts 7:51-8:13
Psalm 54:1-7

SATURDAY
Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30
Acts 8:14-40
Psalm 55:1-11

Times of Refreshing

 Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25
Acts 3:1-26
Psalm 50:1-15
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: Acts 3:19-21
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. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

Insight:
Peter preached that Jesus was the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. He gave witness to the resurrection of Jesus. He declared that the miracle he performed was done by the power of Jesus. He called people to turn from sin and put their faith in Christ Jesus. He promised that this would result in refreshment and restoration in their lives, and eventually all things would be restored and renewed by Christ.

Response and Action:
I believe that my hopes for forgiveness and renewal are in Jesus. I believe that only Christ can give me the refreshment and strength I need for life. I believe that Jesus will one day restore and renew all things. I will turn away from sin and seek him with my whole heart. I will follow and obey him. I will put my faith in him and build my life on the foundation of his words and his example. I will trust him to restore all things as I look toward the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

O God, thank you for the redemption and restoration you have made possible through Christ. Help me to seek him and follow him with all my being. Give me hope and refreshment as I walk in his ways and obey his commands. Restore and renew me today and make my life a testimony of your power and promise to ultimately restore and renew all things. Help me to live by faith and to be a shining demonstration of your power to save and restore. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Resources: 
Surprised by Hope
by N. T. Wright

All Things in Common

 Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Acts 2:1-47
Psalm 49:1-20
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: Acts 2:42-45
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

Insight:
The two short passages in today's reading are long on challenging things to think about. The community described sounds so intense and radical, just the way I would expect the beginning of something as amazing and explosive as Christianity to be. But what of these experiences of the early church should be a part of my church experience today?

A wedding day is one thing, but living out a marriage over years and decades is quite another. Similarly, the first days of the church are not the same as living out Christian community over many centuries and across many cultures. When I attend a wedding service, the songs, vows, scriptures, promises, and the faces of a young couple make me think about my thirty-some years marriage. In the same way, reading Luke's description of the first days of the church helps me think about being part of the church two thousand years later.

Response and Action:
I can and need to be devoted to the apostles teaching. By reading and studying the New Testament scriptures, I can follow the instruction and the example of the apostles. I can follow the patterns and precedents of the early Christians. I can and need to be devoted to fellowship. By faithful and self-giving involvement in Christian community, I can help, support, and encourage others. I can and need to look back to the early days of the church with awe and wonder. And today, I can still expect God to be at work in my life and my church in miraculous ways that inspire and amaze.

O God, thank you for your church. Help me to seek you with all my heart, to share my life with others in generous, authentic, and meaningful ways, and to serve others in the power and grace of Jesus. Thank you for the church. Help the church of today be a shining testimony of your truth and grace. Help me to be a devoted and giving member of the Christian communities I'm a part of. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 133:1
1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Resources:
Life Together
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Story Continues

Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 2:1--3:29
Acts 1:1-26
Psalm 48:9-14
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: Acts 1:1-5
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

Insight:
In just a few words of introduction, Luke says some very big things as he begins his account of the early church. Acts begins where The Gospel of Luke left off. Presumably, it was written with the same care and attention to detail as his first book (see Luke 1:1-4). Luke then tells us that Jesus' instruction to the apostles was inspired by God. Next, he explains that the apostles were chosen by Jesus. He then goes on to say that Jesus spent significant time with these apostles after his resurrection—40 days of proofs and teaching. Finally, Luke tells us that Jesus instructed the apostles to remain in Jerusalem. Their ministry would begin there when they received the gift of the Holy Spirit from God.

Response and Action:
Luke's account of these events is carefully assembled and is written with eyewitness perspective. The writings and practices of the early church are received from the apostles, authorized by Jesus, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. The apostles and, by extension, the New Testament have authority because of their relationship to the Risen Christ.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. He has spoken through the prophets. I accept the authority of Jesus the Christ, the teaching of his apostles, and the scriptures. I seek you, Lord, with all my heart. Don't 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 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Resources:
Acts for Everyone, Part 1
Acts for Everyone, Part 2
by N. T. Wright

BIBLE PROJECT OVERVIEW: ACTS 1-12

 Click here or on the image below...

Do You Love Me?

 Today's Reading:
Num. 36:1 - Deut. 1:46
John 21:1-25
Psalm 48:1-8
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 21:17-19
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." 18 Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Insight:
During the arrest and trial of Jesus, Peter had denied Jesus three times. Now the resurrected Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each time Peter affirmed his love for Jesus, and Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

Following Jesus requires a love for him above all else, participation in his ministry, and a heart to bring glory to God in life and in death.

Response and Action:
How many times do I deny or fail Jesus in the trials and tasks of daily life? For each and every time I do, I need to hear his voice asking, "Do you love me?"

To love and follow Jesus, I must deny self. Jesus said, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matt. 10:39) To love and follow Jesus, I must share in his ministry -- "Feed, care for, and shepherd his sheep."

To love and follow Jesus, I must share in his suffering ("when you are old you will stretch out your hands") and face things that are beyond my choice and control, and yet give glory to God. As the Apostle Paul said, "whether by life or by death, may Christ be exalted in my body" (Phil. 1:20).

This day, O God, help me to love you more than all else. Help me to serve and share in the saving work of Christ. In every circumstance, every choice, every action, every temptation, and every trial, may I hear Jesus voice asking, "Do you love me more than these?" In every case, give me the grace to say "Yes, Lord, you know I love you," so that in life and even death I give you praise. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Mark 12:29b-31
29b " '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:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N.T. Wright

BIBLE PROJECT OVERVIEW: DEUTERONOMY

 Click here or on the image below...

Faith AND Doubt

 Today's Reading:
Numbers 33:40-35:34
John 20:1-31
Psalm 47:1-9
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 20:24-28
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
 
Insight:
When the disciples told Thomas that they had seen Jesus, he found it difficult to believe. Maybe they had seen someone or something else. Thomas would have to see it for himself. He would have to hear Jesus' voice, see his face, and see the evidence of his crucifixion.

When Thomas did eventually see Jesus, he was so convinced that he exclaimed, "My Lord and My God!" His expressions of praise and worship for Jesus are especially meaningful in light of how skeptical he had been. We should also not fail to notice how Jesus allowed Thomas to worship him. Jesus' claim of deity and authority is implicit in his acceptance of Thomas' confession. If Jesus did not consider himself to be Lord and God, why would he let Thomas to say such a thing?

Response and Action:
My doubts and concerns are not too much for Jesus. God will meet me in my honest doubts and help me come to the truth. Faith is not opposed to reason. A humble skepticism may lead me to genuine faith.

O God, I believe in Jesus. Increase my faith and help me to deal with honest doubts. Help me to see Jesus and, as my eyes are opened, make me quick to confess him as Lord and God. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 11:6
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Resources:
Faith AND Doubt
by John Ortberg

Ever-Present Help

 Today's Reading:
Numbers 32:1-33:39
John 19:23-42
Psalm 46:1-11
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: Psalm 46:1-3 
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
 
Insight:
Trouble is never far away. Neither is God. The psalmist proclaims that God is ever-present. He is with his people in every moment of trouble.

The psalmist has complete faith in the provision and power of God. When the troubles are big, God is bigger. When the earth gives way, God is immovable. When the seas come crashing in to destroy, God is steadfast and sure. The two-fold confidence that the Lord God is almighty, and is with us gave the psalmist peace in the midst of life's storms.

Response and Action:
Truly believing in God's power, God's purposes, and God's presence makes a difference in how I face the troubles and terrors of life. When it comes to problems and pain, there is always something. That's why I need to remember that when it comes to peace and promise there is always Someone.

God is as present as my problems. His presence is even more real and persistent than my troubles because he is greater and deeper than any problem. Beyond sickness, he is the hope of health. Beyond war and politics, he is peace and truth. Beyond death, he is life. Beyond my sin and weakness, he is salvation and transformation. Beyond heartache, he is joy. Beyond darkness and despair, he is light and truth.

O God, save me from trouble and mercifully stir my heart toward complete trust in you. Grant me a deep sense of your loving presence when the troubles of life threaten to overwhelm me. Remind me of your faithfulness. Calm my heart. Help me to be still and know that you are God. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: John 14:27; 16:33
14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Resources:
For the Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope
by Max Lucado

The King of the Jews

 Today's Reading:
Numbers 30:1-31:54
John 18:25-19:22
Psalm 45:10-17
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 19:19-22
19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." 22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

Insight:
Jesus was very straightforward in his claim to authority. In response to Pilate's questions, Jesus said, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world" (John 18:37). When Pilate, irritated at Jesus' silence, spoke about his authority over Jesus, Jesus replied, "You wouldn't have any authority if I didn't allow you to have it."

By turning symbols of kingship (crown, robe, scepter) into symbols of contempt, the soldiers who mocked Jesus demonstrated their understanding of his claim. The Jews who handed Jesus over to Pilate said, "He claimed to be the Son of God." Pilate purposefully threw the word "King" back in their faces to provoke and annoy them.

The "King" claims of Jesus seem to annoy people today too. How many people today would raise their voices in objection to Pilate and say, "Don't write King Jesus. Instead, write Teacher Jesus, or Prophet Jesus, or Philosopher Jesus, or maybe even Savior Jesus."

Response and Action:
Belief in Jesus requires the acceptance of his authority. He must be recognized as King—he is Lord, he is master, and he is the highest authority.

I want Jesus to be the King of my life. I will commit myself to yielding to him in every choice, action, circumstance, opportunity, goal, direction, and relationship. In all my ways I need to acknowledge his authority over me.

O God, help me to follow Jesus in thought, word, and deed. Help me to live in complete surrender to Christ. Help me to submit to his authority and to trust his loving and gracious reign as my king. Amen.

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

Resources:
How God Became King
by N. T. Wright

SCHEDULE: NOVEMBER 22-28

READING SCHEDULE & HELPS

SUNDAY
Numbers 30:1-31:54
John 18:25-19:22
Psalm 45:10-17

MONDAY
Numbers 32:1-33:39
John 19:23-42
Psalm 46:1-11

TUESDAY
Numbers 33:40-35:34
John 20:1-31
Psalm 47:1-9

BIBLE PROJECT OVERVIEW: DEUTERONOMY

WEDNESDAY
Numbers 36:1-Deut 1:46
John 21:1-25
Psalm 48:1-8

BIBLE PROJECT OVERVIEW: ACTS 1-12

THURSDAY
Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Acts 1:1-26
Psalm 48:9-14

FRIDAY
Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Acts 2:1-47
Psalm 49:1-20

SATURDAY
Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25
Acts 3:1-26
Psalm 50:1-15

A Very Unusual Arrest

 Today's Reading: 
Numbers 28:16-29:40
John 18:1-24
Psalm 45:1-9
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 18:6-8
6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go."

Insight:
John's account of Jesus' arrest includes a very important detail missing from the other gospels. It also seems to be missing from most contemporary recounts of the story. I've never seen this detail depicted in any Passion play, movie, or painting. I've rarely heard it talked about in sermons. Many Christians actually react with surprise when I point out this detail in John's eyewitness account.

When Judas led a detachment of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees to the garden to arrest Jesus, an amazing thing happened. Jesus asked, "Who are you looking for?" They replied, "Jesus the Nazarene." Then Jesus said, "I am he," and when he said those words, Judas and all the soldiers and officials, with their swords and lanterns and torches, fell to the ground.

What an incredible display of Jesus' authority and the power of his word! Clearly, he would not have had to submit to their arrest. No wonder Peter was so emboldened to strike out at a guard. Jesus had made his point, and so asked for the release of his disciples, which was granted, and only then submitted to arrest.

Response and Action:
Jesus clearly did not have to submit to arrest. This demonstrates his free and selfless choice to suffer death on the cross for us and for our salvation. Today, I will offer up my thanks to Christ Jesus who loved me and gave himself for me. I will praise him for his selfless gift of salvation. As a follower of Jesus, I will endeavor to live a selfless life, and surrender myself to God in service to others.

Help me, O God, to have the same attitude that was in Christ Jesus. He emptied himself and was obedient to death—even death on a cross. Help me to empty myself and freely choose to live for you. Give me the grace and courage to serve others in the name and spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 2:4-8
4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Resources:
40 Days Living the Jesus Creed
by Scot McKnight

Our Lord's Prayer for Us

 Today's Reading: 
Numbers 26:52-28:15
John 17:1-26
Psalm 44:13-26
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 17:20-21
20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Insight:
Though it may sound confusing at first, I like to refer to John 17 as "The Lord's Prayer." No, it's not the model prayer Jesus gave his disciples when they asked him to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1-4). It is, however, the longest, most personal, and deeply relational prayer of Jesus recorded in Scripture. John 17 gives insight into Jesus' sense of mission, his hope for the world, and his love for his disciples.

Jesus asked his Father God to help him accomplish his purpose in a way that would demonstrate divine love and glory. He asked God to protect, sustain, and guide his disciples. He asked God to help them know the truth and to live holy lives. He prayed for the unity of believers—not just for those who were following him at that point, but for all believers who through the testimony of the disciples would subsequently come to believe in him.

Response and Action:
In this prayer of Jesus, I can recognize his claim to divinity. He calls God his Father and claims to have been present with God in glory before the world began. I also recognize Jesus' call to his disciples to follow him in faith, to walk in holiness, to be witnesses of the truth, to share the gospel, and to live in unity with other believers.

O God, thank you for Jesus and his prayer for all who believe in him. Thank you, Jesus, for interceding for your people at God's right hand. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, help me to grow in my faith, to lead a righteous life, to be a light, to live in harmony and shared purpose with other believers, and to give glory to God. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 133:1
1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Resources:
Thinking About Church Life
by R. Paul Stevens and Robert Banks

Peace in Troubled Times

Today's Reading: 
Numbers 26:1-51
John 16:1-33
Psalm 44:1-12
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 16:33
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Insight:
In these hours when his death, resurrection, and return to the Father were imminent, Jesus gave his disciples important promises and provision. He promised to send the Holy Spirit who would convict the world of sin and guide them into all truth. He promised that though they would face grief and trouble, he would sustain them, and ultimately their grief would turn to joy. He promised them that they could make requests to God in his name, and that God would provide for them and make their joy complete. He promised them that though in this world they would see trouble, they could take heart and live in faith, being confident that he had overcome the world.

Response and Action:
I will look to the Holy Spirit for truth, guidance, and understanding. I will hold on to Christ Jesus through every hardship and grief. I expect to find hope in Jesus, trusting that God hears and answers every request I offer up to him in Jesus' name. I need to remember that though troubles are a certainty in this broken world, Jesus has overcome the world and will one day set all things right. I will take courage and comfort in these promises.

O God, thank you for the Holy Spirit who convicts, guides, teaches and renews me. Thank you for the promise and hope I have in Christ. Help me to take courage as I face troubles and hardship, and help me to overcome through faith in Jesus. O God, sustain me by your Spirit. Redeem and renew all things through Jesus. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 85:6-9
6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. 8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints—but let them not return to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

Resources:
Waiting: Finding Hope When God Seems Silent
by Ben Patterson

 

The Vine and the Branches

 Today's Reading: 
Numbers 24:1-25:18
John 15:1-27
Psalm 43:1-5
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 15:5-8
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Insight:
Living in relationship with Jesus is essential to becoming a person who glorifies God. In the same way a branch must be connected to the vine in order to produce fruit, I must live in connection with Christ. If I am abiding in Jesus, my life will bear fruit that is consistent with Jesus. Loving as Christ has loved is the best evidence that I am abiding in him. Bearing the fruit of Christ's love brings glory to God.

Response and Action:
I will do all I can to abide in Christ. I will look to Jesus for the guidance, the power, the nurture, and the transformation I need to love as he loves. I will be intentional about seeking Christ through prayer, study, obedience, community, worship, and service. I do not want anything to threaten or diminish my connection with Jesus, and so I will put those things aside and ask God to prune away those dead branches that stifle my wellbeing and fruitfulness.

O God, thank you for the fruitful life I am able to live through Christ. Help me to stay connected to Jesus. By the power and grace of his 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: 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) 11 and find out what pleases the Lord.

Resources:
The Fruitful Life
by Jerry Bridges

My Peace I Give to You

 Today's Reading:
Numbers 22:21-23:30
John 14:15-31
Psalm 42:7-11
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 14:25-28
25 "All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Insight:
Jesus promised his followers that God would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit, Jesus said, would teach them all things and remind them of all Jesus had spoken.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is so much greater than anything the world has to offer or give. God's Spirit comes alongside his people to comfort, transform, and guide them. Christ's promises and the gift of his Spirit are a source of lasting and real peace. The Spirit is able to put the mind and heart at peace—calming fears and dispelling anxiety.

Response and Action:
I will take hold of this promise Jesus has made to his followers. Jesus has made provision for me through the gift of the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Christ, sent from the Father. I will live with assurance, believing this promise, and look to the Holy Spirit for peace, understanding, wisdom, and hope. The Holy Spirit is able to help me remember all Jesus has said.

Thank you, Jesus, for this promise. Thank you, Father, for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, teach me, lead me, calm me, and direct me. Remind me of all Jesus has said and, by your power and grace, transform and strengthen me that I may walk in the way of Christ Jesus to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Thessalonians 3:16
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Resources:
Baptism and Fullness: The Work of the Holy Spirit Today
by John Stott

As I Have Loved You

 

Today's Reading:
Numbers 21:1-22:20
John 13:31-14:14
Psalm 42:1-6
Click on Text Link to Read Online
 
Focus Verses: John 13:34-35
34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Insight:
Jesus calls his followers to love each other. The love he commands is the same love he has exemplified. Following Jesus means loving like Jesus. This type of love is the true mark of the true disciple.

Response and Action:
If I am to love others as Jesus loves, I will need to know and understand all I can about Jesus and his love. I must read, study, contemplate, and emulate all that the scriptures reveal about his example of what love should be. I cannot duplicate something I do not know.

Since mature followers of Jesus have more experience at practicing and pursuing Christlike love, there is much to be gained from following their example too. I will pay attention to the lives and actions of those who have been following Christ for a long time. Those who are mature, committed, and growing in their walk with Jesus are a visible example of what Jesus' love looks like in my world. I will copy them as they copy Christ.

O Lord, help me to know and understand the love of Jesus. Help me to experience it. Help me to share it. Help me live out love in such a way that it is clear to all around me that I am following Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 2:5-6
5 "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."

Resources:
The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others
by Scot McKnight

Serving as the Master Serves

 Today's Reading: 
Numbers 19:1-20:29
John 13:1-30
Psalm 41:7-13
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 13:14-17
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Insight:
The normal time for foot washing would have been upon entering the room. The water, basin, and towels must have been just sitting there in plain sight. Any one of the disciples could have taken the role of servant, but none of them did. They certainly must have seen no was serving them, but apparently did not see the opportunity to serve each other.

After the meal had begun, Jesus got up from the table, took the role of a servant, and began washing feet. He demonstrated that true greatness and authority is lived out in servanthood. He told his disciples blessing would result from doing what he had modeled.

Response and Action:
I want my eyes to be open to opportunities to serve. If I am observant, I will see these opportunities all around me. They may be as simple as washing dishes or housekeeping. The longer I follow Jesus, and the more like him I become, the better I should be at serving.

O God, make me a servant. Give me eyes that see what needs to be done. Give me hands that are ready to pitch in and help. Give me the humility and wisdom to see that no act of service or care is below me. Give me a willingness to serve and give me the joy and blessing that comes from serving in Jesus name. It's in his name that I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Mark 10:42-45
42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Resources:
The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others
by Scot McKnight