November 21 - Testimony of Obedience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 20 - My Faithful Provider

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 19 - Just Being Me in Public

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 18 - Watch Out for Wolves

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 17 - The Danger of Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 16 - Helpful Minds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 15 - Faith and Reason

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 22 - 24
New Testament: Acts 17

Focus Verses: Acts 17:2-3
2As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said.

Insight:
The apostle Paul reasoned with people. He reasoned with Jews and Gentiles, idol worshippers and philosophers, educated and illiterate. He reasoned in many places, from the synagogues to the public square. He reasoned from the Hebrew scriptures (17:2); his listeners' reading and examination of the scriptures (17:11); inscriptions on pagan altars that indicate a sense of God's presence and direction (17:23); the beauty and order of creation (17:24); the human desire to seek out God (17:27-28); the allusions to God that are present even in pagan poetry (17:28); the flawed logic of worshipping man made things and ideas (17:29); and the resurrection of Jesus (17:31).

Response and Action:
Faith is not opposed to reason. In fact, it is doubtful that anyone can truly believe in anything that does not appeal to reason in some way. Reasonable people believe all kinds of things that are not provable in a a strictly scientific way. Are there reasons to believe in Jesus? Yes. I believe that Jesus is the Christ because it is reasonable to do so. The scriptures, the witness of many people through the ages, the counsel of others, and even my own personal experiences give me reasons to believe.

Dear Lord, strengthen my faith by helping me to thoughtfully and critically examine my own reasons for believing in Jesus. Help me to always be ready to give answers and reasons for why I believe Jesus is the Christ. Help me to reason honestly, humbly, and thoughtfully with others who are exploring life's big questions and the claims of Jesus. Amen.

Proverbs: 15:2, 23
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly."
"A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!"

Resources:
Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense
by N.T. Wright

November 14 - Need and Belief

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 20 - 21
New Testament: Acts 16

Focus Verses: Acts 16:29-34
29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.

Insight:
What would make this jailor ask, "What must I do to be saved?" Was it the hymns he heard Paul and Silas singing? Was it the way they conducted themselves as prisoners? Was it a the fact that they stopped him from killing himself? And was it a miracle that none of the prisoners had escaped when an earthquake shook the prison doors open and the prisoners chains were loosed? When the question was asked, Paul and Silas instructed him to "Believe in the Lord Jesus." The Philippian jailor probably had absolutely no idea who Jesus was, so Paul and Silas "spoke the word of the Lord" to him.

Response and Action:
What brings people to a place where they sense their spiritual need and cry out for salvation? There are so many influences. It could be something as simple as the lyrics of a song. It could be the difference they see Jesus making in someone's life. It could be a sense of wonder. It could be a kindness. When they ask, I need to be ready to point them to Jesus. They may not have a clue about who he is or what it means to believe in him. I need to be ready to "speak the word of the Lord" to them.

O God, may the words of my mouth and the actions of life be a testimony of the difference you make in the lives of those who believe in Jesus. When people around me become aware of their need for your salvation and love, help me to point them to Jesus and speak words of life. Amen.

Proverbs: 14:27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Resources:
Speaking of Jesus: How to Tell Your Friends the Best News They Will Ever Hear
by J. Mack Stiles

November 13 - Disagreements

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 17 - 19New Testament: Acts 15

Focus Verses: Acts 15:36-41
36Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." 37Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Insight:
Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement about John Mark. Paul was disappointed with John Mark, because of his failure with them in Pamphylia, and didn't want to risk the same thing happening again. Barnabas, however, wanted to give John Mark another chance. This should not have surprised Paul, since it was Barnabas who had stood up for him in the early days of his own Christian faith when none of the disciples wanted to give him a chance. They disagreed and parted company, because it seemed like the only way they could both do what they believed needed to be done. Paul needed to pursue his apostolic priority and Barnabas needed to pursue his pastoral priority.

Response and Action:
Christians can disagree with each other. People who work well together in one season may need to part ways in the next. Priorities and perspectives can change. It is important to be gracious and humble about such disagreements. Each of us needs to seek God's guidance and follow it with integrity. We must also grant others the freedom and respect they need to do the same.

O God, help me to live in peace and harmony with others. Help me to be gracious when disagreements arise. Help me to graciously stand my ground and live within my convictions even if it means a parting of the ways with others. As I seek to draw near to you, help me to grow closer to others who seek to draw near to you. Amen.

Proverbs: 13:10
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice."

Resources:
The Mark of the Christian
by Francis Schaeffer

November 12 - Spreading Good News

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 15 - 16
New Testament: Acts 14

Focus Verses: Acts 14:14-18
14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

Insight:
The good news Paul and Barnabas proclaimed to the people of Lystra was that the true God who made heaven and earth was showing himself to them. The living God was calling them to come to him and to turn away from worthless things. Paul explained that the worship of false Gods resulted from a long history of nations ignoring the witness God had given them and going their own way instead. Paul pointed to creation and God's abundant provision as witnesses of his kindness to them.

Response and Action:
The good news is that God is calling people to himself. In proclaiming this good news, it is important to help people see evidence of the true and living God who is already at work among them with love and kindness. It is also necessary to help them recognize what is false and worthless.

O Living and True God, I want to be responsive to your invitation. Help me to turn away from all that is worthless and false. Help me to recognize the evidences of your truth and kindness toward me. As I respond and surrender to you, help me to share this good news with others. Help me be a witness of your truth and kindness. Help me to humbly and gently expose falsehoods and point others to you. Amen.

Proverbs: 12:17
"A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies."

Resources:
Growing Your Faith By Giving It Away: Telling The Gospel Story With Grace And Passion
by R. York Moore

November 11 - Seeing Myself

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 13 - 14
New Testament: Acts 13

Focus Verses: Numbers 13:26-33
26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan."

30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

Insight:
All of the spies Moses had sent to scout out Canaan agreed that the land was good -- flowing with milk and honey. All of the spies saw that the inhabitants of the land were powerful and that conquering them would be very difficult. Because Caleb and Joshua saw themselves in the light of God's promises and power, they believed the land could be taken. The other ten could only see their own weaknesses and fears and therefore became "like grasshoppers" in their own eyes.

Response and Action:
Life is filled with challenges and opportunities that I am unable to face in my own strength. If I fail to remember God's promises and strength, I become a grasshopper in my own eyes. To forget God is to diminish my life and to miss great opportunity and blessing. I must hold every possibility, choice, and potential up to the light of God's promise and call for my life. With God, all things are possible.

Almighty God, I am painfully aware of my weaknesses and limitations. Make me even more aware of your strength and boundless grace. Help me to lean on you in every circumstance and believe in your power to sustain and support me. Guide me and give me courage to do whatever is necessary to follow your leading. Amen.

Proverbs: 11:6
"The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires."

Resources:
Strength for the Journey: Day-by-Day with Jesus
by Joseph Stowell

November 10 - Prayerful Expectation

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 11 - 12
New Testament: Acts 12

Focus Verses:
Acts 12:3-5; 8-9; 13-15a
3When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
------- 8Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. ------- 13Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" 15"You're out of your mind," they told her.

Insight:
Herod began persecuting Christians and arrested Peter. The church was praying earnestly for Peter. Peter was undoubtedly praying earnestly about his own situation too. So why are these people, engaged earnest prayer, so surprised when Peter is rescued? Peter thought he was having a dream. When he knocked on the door of the place where all the disciples were praying, no one seemed to anticipate the possibility that it could be Peter.

Response and Action:
When I cry out to God in times of need, I should be fully prepared for him to answer my prayer and grant my request. No one is more prepared to face trials and hardships of life than a follower of Christ. No one has more reason to expect help and intervention in difficult times than a follower of Christ. I will make my requests known to God. I will be fully open to the prospect of his answer to my prayer to be more than I can ask or imagine. I will pray expectantly.

O Father, thank you that I can pour out my heart and lift up my needs and concerns to you. I cast all my cares upon you, knowing that you care for me. I have confidence in you. Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cries for help, my King and my God. In the morning, you hear my prayer. In the morning, I lay my requests before you. In the morning, I wait in expectation. Amen.

Proverbs: 10:3
"The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked."

Resources:
Praying to the God You Can Trust
by Leith Anderson

November 9 - Hearing and Following God

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 9 - 10
New Testament: Acts 11

Focus Verses: Numbers 9:17-23
17 Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. 18 At the LORD's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 19 When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD's order and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD's command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. 21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. 22 Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. 23 At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.

Insight:
Where the Israelites went and how long they stayed in each place was up to the leading of the Lord. They would set up camp not knowing if they would be there for just a day or two or even a year. However God led, they would follow.

Response and Action:
This account of the Israelite sojourn has always been a good reminder to me about letting God lead. Where I am, how long I'm there, and when I move on to the next thing must all be informed by God' will and directive. I wish it was simply a matter of looking out my window in the morning to see if the pillar of fire or cloud had lifted. Hearing God and following him may not be quite like that, but it is still quite possible. I have written scriptures, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the counsel of brothers and sisters in the church, a heart that is being transformed by God, and God's promise to meet me and guide me through prayer.

Lead me, O God, in the ways I should go. Make my path straight as I acknowledge you in all my ways. Give me ears to hear you, and a readiness to obey and follow you. Help me to delight in your Word. Help me be devoted to prayer. Give me a heart that discerns your leading each and every day of my life's journey with you. Amen.

Proverbs: 9:6
"Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding."

Resources:
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship With God
by Dallas Willard

November 8 - Acceptance for All

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 7 - 8
New Testament: Acts 10

Focus Verses: Acts 10:30-35
30Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.' 33So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us." 34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."

Insight:
God accepts anyone who has faith in him and reverence for him. Faith and reverence are lived out by honoring God and doing what is right. The testimony of all the prophets, Peter says, is that "everyone who believes in him (Jesus) receives forgiveness of sins through his name." God not only shows himself to Cornelius and his household, he is also helping Peter to know and understand him in fuller way.

Response and Action:
I am so glad that the scriptures make it very clear that God's mercy and love are available to everyone regardless of ethnicity, language, nationality, or even religious background. Those who believe in God and humbly seek him will find him. My faith in God and reverence for him must be lived out in my daily life by doing what is right. I will seek God with my whole heart. I will continue to expect God to help me know him more completely and deeply. I will be ready and willing to help others know and respond to God. The experience of helping them will undoubtedly help me to learn new things too.

God, thank you for loving us and for making a way for us to have forgiveness and life through Jesus. You have promised that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life. May all who seek you find you, O God. May all who know you freely and boldly share your love with everyone around them. Help me to know you more and more each day. Amen.

Proverbs: 8:4 & 35
4 "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind." 35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.

Resources:
Out of the Saltshaker & into the World: Evangelism As a Way of Life
by Rebecca Manley Pippert

November 7 - Encouraging Change

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 5 - 6
New Testament: Acts 9

Focus Verses: Acts 9:23-27
23After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. 26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Insight:
This chapter of Acts records the radical change in the Apostle Paul's life. It begins with Saul (Paul) "breathing murderous threats against the disciples" and moves to Saul preaching "fearlessly in the name of Jesus." Those who welcomed the anti-Christian Saul turned against him and conspired to kill him. Those who feared the anti-Christian Saul found it difficult to believe he could ever be a true disciple. Barnabas was an exceptional Christian brother to Saul. He believed Saul was a true convert and accepted him as a brother in Christ. He welcomed Saul into fellowship and vouched for him to other believers.

Response and Action:
It's hard for people to change. Some people don't want them to change and turn on them when they do. Others, who should be praying for change in others, find it hard to believe true change has happened and are therefore slow to welcome them. Barnabas is a great example to me. He believed that God has the power to transform people and so he welcomed and encouraged those who were making important changes in their lives.

Thank you, O God, for everyone who has been a Barnabas to me. Thank you for everyone who has believed in the possibility of change in my life. Thank you for everyone who has welcomed me into a supportive friendship. There are so many people I know who need your help to change, Jesus. Help me to pray for them, to believe in your power to transform them, to encourage them, and to welcome them into a supportive circle of Christian friends. Amen.

Proverbs: 7:4
"Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' and call understanding your kinsman..."

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

November 6 - Sensitive, Thoughtful, and Ready

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 3 - 4
New Testament: Acts 8

Focus Verses: Acts 8:30-36
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." 34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"

Insight:
Philip was able to find and help the Ethiopian because: 1- He received direction from the Holy Spirit (vv.26 & 20); 2- The Ethiopian was already seeking God through worship (v.27) and reading the scriptures (v.28); 3 - Philip knew the scriptures so well that he could recognize what the man was reading and could explain how that scripture pointed to Jesus.

Response and Action:
I need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. I need to be thinking about how I can be a help to people around me who are seeking truth. I need to be very familiar with the Scriptures and be ready to explain how they point to Jesus.

Holy Father, please lead me into paths where there are opportunities to help others find you. Help me to recognize those who are seeking for the truth that can only be found in Jesus. Help me to know and remember scripture and give me the ability to explain how it points to Jesus. Amen.

Proverbs: 6:23
"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..."

Resources:
Hope Has Its Reasons: The Search to Satisfy Our Deepest Longings
by Rebecca Manley Pippert

November 5 - Being a Bold Witness

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Numbers 1 - 2
New Testament: Acts 7

Focus Verses: Acts 7:51-53
51"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

Insight:
Stephen's ministry in the early church had attracted the attention and opposition of the Sanhedrin -- the ruling council and highest authority in ancient Jerusalem. His preaching and his persuasive arguments about Jesus were especially unacceptable to them. When Stephen is called to stand before them and defend himself, he gives a brief review of Hebrew history with an emphasis on the many occasions when the Israelites have been slow to obey God or recognize God's leading. He challenges them to consider their rejection of Jesus as the latest misstep in a long history of disobedience and disbelief.

Response and Action:
In the face of abuse and opposition, Stephen stood firm in his faith. Instead of defending himself or arguing for his own release, Stephen boldly challenged the Sanhedrin to consider their own history and give careful consideration to the claims of Jesus. They were cold and cruel to him, yet he was gracious and forgiving toward them.

O God, give me eyes to see the work of Jesus in my world today. Help me to experience and understand your work and presence in my life. Help me to stand firm in my faith and be a bold and effective witness for Jesus in my world and in my time. If I face disapproval from others, help me to be gracious to those who oppose me. Amen.

Proverbs: 5:1-2
"My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. "

Resources:
Living Loud: Defending Your Faith
by Dr. Norman Geisler

November 4 - Rest and Trust

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Leviticus 25 - 27
New Testament: Acts 6
Focus Verses: Leviticus 25:18-24
18 "Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. 19 Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live there in safety. 20 You may ask, 'What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?' 21 I will send you such a blessing in the sixth year that the land will yield enough for three years. 22 While you plant during the eighth year, you will eat from the old crop and will continue to eat from it until the harvest of the ninth year comes in. 23 The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. 24 Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land."

Insight:
God promises to protect and provide for the Israelites if they will follow his commands. Part of those commands was to observe Sabbath rests and trusting God to provide. Sabbaths included: the seventh day of each week, special assembly days, and every seventh year. God also tells them that they are stewards of the land, not permanent owners of the land. The use of the land was his gift to them, but the land itself was his.

Response and Action:
I need to trust God to supply my needs. He knows what I need each day and he is able to provide for me. I can take time for rest and refreshment. The act of taking time to rest and be renewed is a witness of to my trust in God and is, therefore, an act of worship. I need to see my possessions as things God has temporarily entrusted to my care. I benefit from them and should use them to benefit others and bring honor to God.

The earth and all that is in it belong to you, O Lord. Help me to trust you when you say you will take care of me. Everything I have is from you, O Lord. Help me to be a faithful steward of the things you have entrusted to me so that you are honored and your will is done. Amen.

Proverbs: 4:6
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

Resources:
Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting (Paperback)
by Marva Dawn

November 3 - Persistent Truth

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Leviticus 23 - 24
New Testament: Acts 5

Focus Verses: Acts 5:33-39
33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Insight:
It's a stunning fact that the message of Jesus has persisted through the last two thousand years. Gamaliel suggested that the only way the purpose and activity of the apostles could be sustained would be if it were truly a movement and work of God.

Response and Action:
How is it that the claims of Jesus and the widespread acceptance of those claims have persisted for so long? If the Gospel were of human invention, could it persist so well and so long? If there were nothing to those claims and following him produced no real results, wouldn't his followers disperse and nothing come of them? My experience with following Jesus has strengthened my faith in him. The lives and testimonies of so many others encourage me in my faith as well. In a world where so little stands the test of time, the message of Jesus remains strong and enduring.

Thank you, O God, for the message of Jesus. Thank you for preserving the truth about Jesus through the last two thousand years and making it available to me. Help me to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live in a way that gives evidence of his power and guidance in my life. Amen.

Proverbs: 3:19-20
By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

Resources:
The History of Christian Thought: The Fascinating Story of the Great Christian Thinkers and How They Helped Shape the World As We Know It Today
by Jonathan Hill

November 2 - Only Jesus

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Leviticus 21 - 22
New Testament: Acts 4

Focus Verses: Acts 4:8-12
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Insight:
The Sadducees could not accept the message of Jesus because they were so entrenched in their preconceptions about the messiah and the resurrection. They did not deny that miraculous power had been demonstrated in the healing of a crippled man, yet they could not accept the message and, in fact, wanted to stop it from spreading.

Peter testifies that the miracle he and John performed was done by the power of the Jesus. His testimony about Jesus includes some very important points: 1) Jesus was raised from the dead; 2) Jesus is the Messiah; 3) rejection of Jesus was foretold by the prophets -- he is the "stone the builders rejected;" 4) salvation is found in no one else but Jesus.

Response and Action:
Only Jesus has risen from the dead. Only Jesus is the Messiah -- the promised deliverer. Only Jesus fulfills the words of the prophets. Only Jesus has the power to save from sin. I must put my faith in him and surrender my life to him.

O God, do not let any of my preconceived ideas and expectations blind me to the reality of who Jesus is and my need for him. I want to know him and share the good news about him with others. Give me an open heart and mind so that I might be receptive to Jesus. Give me a boldness to be a witness to the things I have seen and heard in my walk with Christ. Amen.

Proverbs: 2:4-5
"...if you look for it (wisdom) as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. "

Resources:
Jesus Among Other Gods The Absolute Claims Of The Christian Message
by Ravi Zacharias

November 1 - God and Neighbors

Today's Reading:
Old Testament: Leviticus 19 - 20
New Testament: Acts 3

Focus Verses: Leviticus 19:15-18
15 "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. 16 Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the LORD. 17 Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt. 18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

Insight:
Jesus said that all the law and the prophets were connected to two fundamental principles: 1) To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and 2) love your neighbor as yourself. Keeping these primary principles in mind is a great help when reading through all the laws of Leviticus. The focus verses I have chosen for today are very straightforward. Be fair to everyone regardless of social and economic standing. Respect the reputation of others. Guard against negligence and be careful to protect the wellbeing of others. Have goodwill in your heart toward others. Be honest to people who are in need of rebuke -- don't turn a blind eye to problems or wrongdoing. Be merciful and gracious and forgiving -- letting go of grudges and revenge. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Do all of this out of reverence for God.

Response and Action:
True reverence for God and goodwill toward others go hand in hand. How can I claim to love God, who is unseen, if I do not love my neighbor who is right before me? My love for God leads me and calls me to look toward the best interests of everyone around me.

Dear Lord, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. Help me to remember that my lift affects the lives of others. Help me to look not only to my own needs and interests, but also to the needs and interests of others. Help me to bring good to the lives of my family, my friends, my colleagues, my neighbors, and even those around me I do not know -- at the store, on the freeway, in the elevator, on the sidewalk, at the gym, in the library. Make me a blessing to others. Amen.

Proverbs: 1:7
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Resources:
Love Beyond Reason: Moving God's Love from Your Head to Your Heart
by John Ortberg