February 15 - Partners in Grace

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 11:1-16
Philippians 1:1-11
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:105-112
2 Kings 1-3
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Philippians 1:3-8
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Insight:
The opening lines of Paul's letter to the Christians in Philippi reveals his great heart for them. They are not just fellow believers; they are partners and friends. As partners, they share in the experience of being shaped by Christ, and the work of spreading the gospel to others. As friends, they pray for each other, enjoy being together, and have real affection for each other.

Response & Action:
Following Jesus is not a solitary pursuit; it is something shared with a wonderful company of friends. Following and serving Christ is something I get to and want to experience with others. I need to find specific ways to partner with Christian friends in service for God. I need to invest myself into the lives of Christian friends--sharing experiences, praying for them, and working with them. I should cultivate genuine affection for my Christian friends, and truly enjoy time spent with them.

Thank you, O God, for the friendship and love you have shown to me through Christ. Thank you that he calls me his friend and laid down his life for me. Help me to be a true friend for those who follow Jesus. Help me to be faithful in prayer for them, to be diligent in work with them, and to be joyful and thankful for experiences and time shared with them. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 Peter 1:22
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

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

Reading Schedule: February 15-20

Psalm 119:129-133
129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. 132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. 133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

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

February 15 -
John 11:1-16 / Philippians 1:1-11
Psalms 119:105-112 / 2 Kings 1-3

February 16 -
John 11:17-37 / Philippians 1:12-20
Psalms 119:113-120 / 2 Kings 4-5

February 17 -
John 11:38-44 / Philippians 1:21-30
Psalms 119:121-128 / 2 Kings 6-7

February 18 -
John 11:45-57 / Philippians 2:1-11
Psalms 119:129-136 / 2 Kings 8-9

February 19 -
John 12:1-11 / Philippians 2:12-18
Psalms 119:137-144 / 2 Kings 10-11

February 20 -
John 12:12-19 / Philippians 2:19-30
Psalms 119:145-152 / 2 Kings 12-13

February 13 - Fighting Against Evil

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 10:22-42
Ephesians 6:10-24
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:97-104
1 Kings 21-22
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Ephesians 6:11-13
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Insight:
The struggle for good and evil has a spiritual, cosmic dimension. Paul reminds us that the struggles of humanity are part of a much larger picture. There is a spiritual dimension to the problems we face. To address difficult life issues effectively, we must recognize the spiritual roots and principles at work: hate, greed, malice, dehumanization, fear, rage, envy, pride, lust for power, possessions, self-gratification, godlessness, rebellion, and blasphemy.

To be truly concerned about spiritual issues in our world, we must also recognize and counter the problems and systems that grow out of spiritual depravity: social injustice and war; corporate greed; systemic poverty, starvation, and disease; political corruption; abuse and discrimination; human trafficking, and so much more. Our struggle is not merely with flesh and blood; it is against spiritual powers and principalities. Neither is our struggle merely spiritual; it is against the very material systems and evils brought on by dark powers at work in our world.

Response & Action:
I must recognize the spiritual root of all the evil and human suffering in my world. I must recognize the very practical and physical ways that spiritual evil is corrupting human affairs in my world. I must put on the full armor of God—his truth, his counsel, his word, his righteousness, his peace, and his Spirit—if I am to stand firm in the fight against evil. As a follower of Jesus, in the strength of the Lord, I need to oppose evil and stand up for what is right.

Our Father, who fills the heavens, holy is your name. I long to see your Kingdom come to earth—your will lived out on earth as it is in heaven. Strengthen me, protect me, and help me to stand firm in the face of evil. Help me to raise my voice, give my energy, and exercise my abilities as a force for truth and good against those powers of evil that are destroying the lives of so many in our world. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: James 4:7-8
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Resources:
Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World
by Gary A. Haugen

February 12 - Good Shepherd

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 10:11-21
Ephesians 6:1-9
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:89-96
1 Kings 19-20
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 10:14-18
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

Insight:
The religious leaders of the time had failed to shepherd the people of Israel. They did not know them; they exploited them; they didn't care for them or defend them or sacrifice for them. Jesus, on the other hand, listened to people; he understood them and loved them. He knew them by name, and they recognized the truth of God in his voice. He was willing to lay down his life for them.

Christ's sacrifice for us was his own choice. No one took his life from him; he laid it down of his own accord. God gave him the authority and power to raise it up again.

Response & Action:
I recognize the truth of God in Jesus. I believe he is the good shepherd who can lead me to life, hope, and purpose. I give thanks to God for the sacrifice Jesus willingly made for me. I believe that Jesus laid down his life and raised it up again on the third day. I will follow in his steps and listen to his voice. I will do my best to be help others to find and follow him.

O God, thank you for Jesus, the good shepherd. Thank you that he knows my name and has called me to follow him. Thank you for his selfless love and the sacrifice he made to reconcile humanity to you. Give me a responsive and thankful heart, and help me to help others hear the voice of Jesus and come to find life in him. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 13:20-21
20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Resources:
They Smell Like Sheep: Spiritual Leadership for the 21st Century
by Lynn Anderson

February 11 - "...But First"

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 10:1-10
Ephesians 5:22-33
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:81-88
1 Kings 17-18
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 17:13-14
13 Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.' "

Insight:
By the time the prophet Elijah entered the story of Israel, the northern ten tribes had allowed their faith in the one true God to be compromised, corrupted, and blended with other forms of pagan worship and false gods. Because of their unfaithfulness, God allowed them to be subjected to drought, famine, and political oppression.

It was so bad that streams dried up and crops failed. Elijah asked a widow in Zarephath to provide him with some food. He promised her that if she did, God would provide for her needs. She believed him and gave him the little bit she had. She had thought it would be the last meal she and her son would have before they died, but even so, she served the prophet first. Her faith resulted in God's blessing and provision.

Response & Action:
Even when times are hard and resources are few, I will put my faith in God's promises, and put God first. When finances are tight, I will still give first. When days are busy, I will still make time to seek and serve God first. I will approach every circumstance with faith in Christ, believing that through him, and by his strength, I can face any and every situation.

O God, help me to put you above all else. Give me a strong faith and the courage to live with complete confidence in your promises. Save me from half-heartedness toward you. Give me the wisdom and the will to guard my heart, feed my spirit, stimulate my mind, and care for my body. Help me to delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Through Christ, I pray. Amen

Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Resources:
The Life You've Always Wanted
by John Ortberg

February 10 - Shine

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 9:26-41
Ephesians 5:1-21
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:73-80
1 Kings 15-16
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Ephesians 5:8-14
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Insight:
The light of life and truth is in Christ. To surrender to Christ and follow him is to embrace the light and come out of the darkness of sin, corruption, and shame. In Christ, we not only follow the light, we become light--"now you are light in the Lord." We are to live as "children of the light." Rather than participating in the fruitless acts of the darkness, we expose them for what they are. We see sin for the empty thing it is and the death it brings. We wake up and rise from the dead when we come out of the darkness of sin into the bright light of Christ.

Response & Action:
I see darkness and sin for what they are. I see the shame, destruction, and death they bring. I see Christ Jesus for who he is. I see the light and truth and life he gives. My faith is in Jesus. He is my Lord and my savior. He is my light. I will love and follow him with all my heart. I want to walk in his light. I want to break free from the darkness and become light in Him. I want to have nothing to do with the darkness. With faith in Christ's grace and power, I will put aside the fruitless acts of darkness and, instead, live in truth, goodness, and righteousness.

O God. Show me your ways; guide me in your truth and lead me. Be the light that guides my way. Raise me from the darkness. Help me to follow Christ so wholeheartedly that I am changed so completely that I too become light. Help me to be honest about the darkness in my life and in the world around me. Expose it for the emptiness and death it is, O God, so that it would have no attraction for me. Fill my heart with a desire to know and experience the true light of Christ and to live in it all my days. Amen.

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

Resources:
Reflecting the Glory: Meditations for Living Christ's Life in the World
by N.T. Wright

February 9 - One Body

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 9:13-25
Ephesians 4:25-32
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:65-72
1 Kings 13-14
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Insight:
Fellowship and friendship among Christians requires care and effort. There are many things that threaten to destroy unity within the body of Christ. Paul warns the Ephesians of some of the things they must guard against: falsehood, failure to speak truthfully, uncontrolled anger, holding grudges, stealing, laziness, selfishness, careless words, bitterness, rage, fighting, slander, lack of compassion, ignoring the Spirit, and the failure to forgive. All these things give the devil a foothold and sabotage Christian community.

Response & Action:
I want to both enjoy and extend the blessing of Christian fellowship. I understand that this will require effort, humility, and obedience on my part. I will strive to live with integrity. I will speak truthfully and carefully because I want my words to be helpful and beneficial to others. I will keep my attitude and my temper in check. I will not allow anger to slip into rage or bitterness. I will not hold grudges, but will instead learn to forgive and extend grace. I will do my best to be a responsible and hardworking person. I will cultivate a compassionate and generous attitude toward others. I will look to the Holy Spirit for the guidance, strength, and transformation I need to be a life-giving member of the body of Christ.

O God, protect your people from the sins and weaknesses that destroy fellowship. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, shape and create a community of Christ-followers that honor you, love each other, and bless the world. Forgive us for the times we are careless and allow anger, malice, and selfishness divide us from each other. Help us to turn away from careless words, ugly attitudes, and foolish actions that cause dissension. Give us hearts that seek to love you with everything we've got, and seek to love others as ourselves. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 2:1-4
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Resources:
Life Together
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

February 8 - Light Display

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 9:1-12
Ephesians 4:17-24
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:57-64
1 Kings 12
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 9:1-5
1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

Insight:
When the disciples saw a man disabled with blindness, they asked Jesus a question that betrayed a very simplistic view of God and suffering. The man was blind so they assumed it was a punishment from God. They seemed sure his condition was a direct result of sin; it was only a question of who had sinned. Was God punishing the man for his own sins or for the sins of his parents?

Jesus’ answer boldly countered their assumptions. He declared that the man's blindness had nothing at all to do with sin. It wasn't a punishment from God, but it was something God could use to display his redemptive power and will to save.

Response & Action:
When things go wrong do I jump to the simplistic conclusion that God is punishing me or someone else? While it's always good to consider how the problems I face may be consequences from sin or errors on my part, it doesn't make sense to interpret every problem or hardship as judgment from God. Sometimes hardships are just part of living in an imperfect world. Every hardship and weakness is an opportunity for God to display his redemptive and saving power in my life.

O God, you know the hardships and weaknesses I'm dealing with today. Help me to discern the difference between the consequences of sin and the ordinary hardships of life. In every weakness and need, I turn to you, O Lord, asking you to display your saving power to redeem and transform. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Luke 4:17-19
17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to [Jesus]. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Resources:
Miracles
by C. S. Lewis

Reading Schedule: February 8-13

1 Corinthians 2:12-14
12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

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

February 8 -
John 9:1-12 / Ephesians 4:17-24
Psalms 119:57-64 / 1 Kings 12

February 9 -
John 9:13-25 / Ephesians 4:25-32
Psalms 119:65-72 / 1 Kings 13-14

February 10 -
John 9:26-41 / Ephesians 5:1-21
Psalms 119:73-80 / 1 Kings 15-16

February 11 -
John 10:1-10 / Ephesians 5:22-33
Psalms 119:81-88 / 1 Kings 17-18

February 12 -
John 10:11-21 / Ephesians 6:1-9
Psalms 119:89-96 / 1 Kings 19-20

February 13 -
John 10:22-42 / Ephesians 6:10-24
Psalms 119:97-104 / 1 Kings 21-22

February 6 - Snared by Success

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 8:48-59
Ephesians 4:1-16
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:49-56
1 Kings 11
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 11:9-11
9 The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD's command. 11 So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.

Insight:
Solomon's success seems to have squelched his spirit. In the accumulation of wealth, he lost track of wisdom. He became completely occupied with his own desires, and his prosperity turned his heart away from seeking and serving God. This led not only to his own demise, but also the downfall and division of Israel.

Response & Action:
If they turn me away from God, I do not want success, wealth, comfort, or possessions. I want to be a good steward of all God gives. I want every blessing from God to draw me closer to him. I want gratitude and praise to be my response to every success. I want to be devoted to God. I will seek him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I will guard my heart against attitudes, desires, and even blessings that distract me from putting Christ first.

O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Help me to love you with all that is within me. Do not let success become a snare to me. Do not let me be thrown off balance by blessings. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus, and to press forward to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 3:14
14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Resources:
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
by Eugene Peterson

February 5 - The Fullness of God

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 8:31-47
Ephesians 3:14-21
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:41-48
1 Kings 9-10
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: Ephesians 3:14-19
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Insight:
With great passion, the Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesian Christians to be strengthened by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He prays for them to be rooted in love. He prays that they will be able to grasp, know, experience all God has for them. He prays that they be filled with the fullness of Christ's love.

Response & Action:
I want to live and pray with an intensity and vision like that of the Apostle Paul. I want to be passionate in my devotion to Christ. I want to know the love of Christ experience the fullest measure of the life he gives. I want to be strengthened, guided, and shaped by the Holy Spirit. This must be my highest priority, the foundation for all my life, and the object of all my intentions. This is also my prayer for others others in Christ—my family, my friends, my neighbors, and my colleagues.

O God. I believe that knowing you and growing in you must be the passion of my life. I believe that living life to the fullest can only happen by knowing and experiencing the love of Christ to the fullest. Help me as I desire to seek him first -- his kingdom and his righteousness. Strengthen me and guide me by your Spirit. Help me, by your grace, to stretch and to focus my energies and intentions on every good thing that draws me closer to you -- further, deeper, higher, and wider into Christ. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 6:33
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Resources:
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us
by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

February 4 - Heaven Meets Earth

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 8:21-30
Ephesians 3:1-13
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:33-40
1 Kings 8
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 8:27-29
27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place.

Insight:
Though the Temple was to be a place of worship, and a place where God's presence would dwell in a special way, Solomon and the people of Israel understood that no building could contain God. They knew that not even the whole of creation or the highest heavens could contain the one true God, much less a building built by human hands. The Temple served merely as a place of connection between God and man--a place where heaven and earth would overlap.

Jesus used temple language about himself. He referred to himself as the temple of God (Mt. 12:5-7; John 2:19). God's presence entered the world in a special way through Jesus. The word became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Today, those who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:8-10) serve as a sort of temple as they live in the world filled with the Holy Spirit. Through God's people, heaven and earth overlap. Because God's Spirit lives in us, we are to live as children of light (Eph. 5:8).

Response & Action:
Through faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, I am part of God's temple. My heart and life should be a place where God's presence is powerful, fruitful, and visible. By God's grace my life can be a place where heaven and earth overlap. My life can be a witness for Christ and a connecting point with the love and grace of God.

O God, who fills the heavens, you are Holy. I long to see your kingdom come -- your will lived out on earth as in heaven. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform my heart by your power and grace. Help me to live to the praise of your glorious grace as the Spirit of Jesus indwells my mortal body. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Resources:
The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is
by N.T. Wright

February 3 - Challenging Claims

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 8:12-20
Ephesians 2:11-22
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:25-32
1 Kings 6-7
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 8:12-13, 23-25
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."13 The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid." - - - 23 But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." 25 "Who are you?" they asked. "Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied.

Insight:
Jesus makes astounding claims and promises. He claims to be the light of life, to be from above, and to be the one who saves from sin. These claims must be dealt with -- they must be rejected or accepted. Is Jesus lying? Is he crazy? Is he misunderstood or misrepresented? Or is he telling the truth? Faith in Jesus means believing he is what he claims to be.

Response & Action:
Some people argue that Jesus never claimed to be God, or the Son of God, or the Messiah, or the only way to be saved. These people have either never read the Gospel of John or doubt the reliability of the Gospel of John. John was clearly writing to present Jesus' claims and to convince people to believe them. I trust the reliability of scripture and accept Jesus' astounding claims. Now I have the opportunity to live by these claims and see if they prove to be true in my own experience.

I believe your claims, Jesus. I will keep you claims and promises clearly before me as I read and study scripture and apply it to my life. Help me to experience the truth of your claims in my life and I follow you in faith. Fill me with life and light. Confirm the truth of your claims as I walk with you each day. I will keep my eyes and ears open for everything that validates your claims. Show yourself to be true in my daily life, O God. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 5:11-12
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Resources:
The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is
by N.T. Wright

February 2 - Put Down the Rocks

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 8:1-11
Ephesians 2:1-10
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:17-24
1 Kings 4-5
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: John 8:10-11
10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Insight:
The teachers of the Mosaic Law and the Pharisees were looking for ways to trap Jesus. The law laid out clear penalties and consequences for adultery, would Jesus just discard or contradict Moses? For them, the law had been reduced to a list of rules and punishments. They seemed to have no regard or concern for the woman. If they were truly interested in justice, where was the adulterous man? In their pious legalism they would rather see her pounded with rocks than see her find redemption or renewal.

Jesus said, "The first rock should be thrown by whichever one of you is without sin." This simple and thought-provoking statement made it clear that every one of them deserved judgment. Without redemption, it would be rocks for everyone. All have sinned. All deserve judgment. The message of Jesus was that God’s desire was to redeem sinners, not strike them down with a rock. In the same way, we should be more interested in renewal and forgiveness than in judging and condemning. Redemption is far better than rocks.

Response & Action:
I will take hold of the redemption and forgiveness God has extended to me in Jesus. I will turn away from sin. I will join Jesus in his mission to proclaim and extend grace and redemption to the world. I will value redemption and hope and lay down the rocks of judgment and condemnation. Though I recognize sin and understand it has consequences, I will always strive to bring healing and hope instead of condemnation.

O God, help me to live for you and through you this day in thought, word, and deed. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, redeem and renew me, that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Help me to be a witness and a channel of the redeeming love and hope of Jesus to everyone around me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Romans 8:1-2
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Resources:
Why Sin Matters: The Surprising Relationship between Our Sin and God's Grace
by Mark R. McMinn

February 1 - Asking for Wisdom

Today's Readings:
New Testament -
John 7:45-53
Ephesians 1:15-23
Old Testament -
Psalms 119:9-16
1 Kings 2-3
Click on Text Links to Read Online

Focus Verses: 1 Kings 3:7-10
7 "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.

Insight:
God forgave David for his grave sins in the affair with Bathsheba, but scandal, violence, infidelity, and power struggle plagued his kingdom for the rest of his life. Eventually, his son Solomon, whose mother was Bathsheba, became the heir to David's throne. His succession was challenged, but Solomon finally prevailed and reigned over Israel's most glorious days as a united kingdom.

Early on, Solomon recognized that being the King of Israel was more than anyone could do in their own strength and understanding. He humbly asked God to grant him the wisdom needed to lead. His commitment to walk in the ways of his father David, and his quest for wisdom, served him well. God's blessing was upon him and the nation of Israel flourished.

Response & Action:
I recognize that my life is bigger than my ability to live it. The privileges, responsibilities, relationships, and struggles are more than I can face in my own strength and in my own understanding. I need wisdom from God, the strength of the Holy Spirit, and the hope that comes through faith in Christ.

I will seek wisdom through prayer, through Scripture, and through godly counsel. I will humble myself before God and look to the Holy Spirit for guidance and transformation. I will trust in the Lord Jesus, walk in his ways and hold to his teaching.

O God, show me your ways. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

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