Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Today’s Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

Today’s Insights

To encourage believers in Jesus who were suffering because of their faith, Paul reminded them of the blessed hope of His imminent return (1 Thessalonians 1:3, 10; 3:13; 4:13-17; 5:1-10). Twice, he instructed them to “encourage one another” (4:18; 5:11). The Greek word translated “encourage” (parakaleō) means “to come alongside”; “to give one the strength and courage to get up and get going again.” It’s like giving a much-needed push to a child’s swing to get it moving. The apostle John used paraklētos to refer to the Holy Spirit, who comes alongside us to be our “Advocate” (John 14:26). It’s difficult to find an equivalent to this Greek word, so it’s translated in several different ways to describe the Spirit: “Helper,” “Counselor,” “Comforter,” “Companion,” or “Friend.” These are all apt descriptions of coming alongside to encourage.

Today’s Devotional

An Indiana schoolteacher suggested that her students write notes of encouragement and inspiration for their peers. Days later, when a school tragedy occurred in a different part of the country, their notes buoyed the spirits of their fellow students as they dealt with the resulting fear and pain that something could happen to them too.

Encouragement and mutual concern were also on Paul’s mind when he wrote to the believers at Thessalonica. They had lost friends, and Paul instructed them to hope in Jesus’ promised return to bring their loved ones to life again (1 Thessalonians 4:14). While they didn’t know when that would occur, he reminded them that as believers they needn’t wait in fear of God’s judgment when He returned (5:9). Instead, they could wait with confidence in their future life with Him and meanwhile “encourage one another and build each other up” (v. 11).

When we experience painful losses or senseless tragedies, it’s easy to be overcome with fear and sadness. Yet Paul’s words are helpful to us today, just as when they were written. Let’s wait in hopeful expectation that Christ will restore all things. And meanwhile, we can encourage each other—with written notes, spoken words, acts of service, or a simple hug.

Reflect & Pray

How have you been encouraged by others? How can you encourage someone today?

Risen Jesus, despite my hurts in a messed-up world, please help me to wait on You with hope and faith and to encourage those around me until You come again.

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She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7

Luke 2:1-7

Luke 2:1-7

Today’s Insights

Many of us have heard that Jesus was born in a stable, largely due to the translation of the Greek word katalyma as “inn” in Luke 2:7 in some versions. This, combined with the detail that Jesus was placed in a “manger,” has led many to assume Mary and Joseph were turned away from an inn and found refuge in a stable. But katalyma is better translated “guest room.” In ancient Near East peasant homes, there would often be a space reserved for guests separated from the area of the home where animals would also stay. Joseph went to Bethlehem to stay with family during the census (v. 4). But because there wasn’t enough room in the guest area of the house, Mary gave birth in the area of the home that had an animal manger (v. 7), an ideal shape for cradling a newborn.

Today’s Devotional

I loved my weekend in New Orleans—happening upon a parade in the French Quarter, visiting the National World War II Museum, and trying grilled oysters. But as I fell asleep in my friend’s spare room, I missed my wife and kids. I enjoy opportunities to preach in other cities, but I most enjoy being home.

One aspect of Jesus’ life that’s sometimes overlooked is how many of His most important events happened on the road. The Son of God entered our world in Bethlehem, an incalculable distance from His heavenly home and far from His family’s hometown of Nazareth. Bethlehem was overflowing with extended family in town for the census, so Luke says there wasn’t even a spare katalyma, or “guest room,” available (Luke 2:7).

What was missing at Jesus’ birth did show up at His death. As Jesus led His disciples into Jerusalem, He told Peter and John to prepare for their Passover meal. They should follow a pitcher-carrying man to his home and ask the owner for the katalyma—the guest room where Christ and His disciples could eat the Last Supper (22:10-12). There, in borrowed space, Jesus instituted what is now called Communion, which foreshadowed His looming crucifixion (vv. 17-20).

We love home, but if we travel with the Spirit of Jesus, even a guest room can be a place of communion with Him.

Reflect & Pray

Where have your most meaningful moments occurred and what made them memorable? When you’re on the road, how might you make the most of your temporary stay for Christ?

Dear Jesus, friend of the traveler far from home, please help me to remember You’re always with me.

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Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. Acts 3:6

Acts 3:1-10

Today’s Insights

The book of Acts begins just before Jesus’ ascension and then proceeds to chronicle the acts of the apostles and the early church. After Christ ascended on the Mount of Olives (1:9-12), the disciples returned to Jerusalem and appointed Matthias to replace Judas (vv. 12-26). In chapter 2, we learn it was on the day of Pentecost, when Jews gathered from many nations to celebrate the festival. The disciples and other believers were gathered in a house when they heard a sound like roaring wind and what looked like “tongues of fire” (v. 3) separated and settled on each of them, filling them with the Holy Spirit (vv. 1-4). The believers immediately began speaking in other languages. The racket brought the crowds running. At once, Peter shouted to address the crowd and preached the gospel. Afterward, three thousand people believed and were baptized (v. 41).

Today’s Devotional

While I was on an outreach during a short-term mission trip to Peru, a young man asked me for money. For security reasons, my team had been instructed not to give out money, so how could I help him? Then I recalled the response of the apostles Peter and John to the lame man in Acts 3. I explained to him that I couldn’t give him money, but I could share the good news of God’s love with him. When he said that he was an orphan, I told him that God wants to be his Father. That brought him to tears. I connected him with a member of our host church for follow-up.

Sometimes our words can feel so insufficient, but the Holy Spirit can empower us as we share Jesus with others.

When Peter and John came across the man by the temple courts, they knew that sharing Christ was the greatest gift ever. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’ ” (v. 6). The man received salvation and healing that day. God continues to use us to draw the lost to Him.

As we search for the perfect gifts to give this Christmas, let’s remember that the true gift is knowing Jesus and the gift of eternal salvation He offers. Let’s continue to seek to be used by God to lead people to the Savior.

Reflect & Pray

Who can you pray for this Christmas? How can you prepare to share Christ with others?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus.

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When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 43:1-5

Today’s Insights

Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah (Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah). Ancient Jewish and Christian writers say that Isaiah was “sawn asunder”—perhaps being the incident referred to in Hebrews 11:37.

The book of Isaiah is the first of the “major” prophets. The Major Prophets are distinguished from the Minor Prophets mostly based on their length, with the Major Prophets being substantially longer than their smaller counterparts. Isaiah is the sixth longest book in the Bible. One of its distinguishing characteristics is that it contains a substantial amount of messianic prophecy. Isaiah is quoted (or alluded to) in the Gospels alone more than twenty times. In John 12:40, for example, the apostle John quotes Isaiah 6:10, then says, “Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him” (John 12:41).

Today’s Devotional

It was a long day at the hospital. Still no answers to the sickness that afflicted a young, bright nineteen-year-old. Arriving home, the family felt discouraged. To their surprise, a nicely decorated box sat on the step with Isaiah 43:2 printed on the front. Inside, were assorted encouraging Bible verses that friends had written out by hand. The next hour was spent being encouraged by Scripture and the thoughtful gesture of the family’s friends.

People going through tough times or family challenges can always use a heartfelt boost. Scripture—either a large portion or just a verse—can encourage you, a friend, or family member. Isaiah 43 is filled with little bits of encouragement—received either individually or as a whole. Consider a few choice thoughts: God has “created you,” “formed you,” “redeemed you,” and called you “by name” (v. 1). God “will be with you” (v. 2), He’s “the Holy One of Israel,” and He’s our “Savior” (v. 3).

As you consider the promises of God, may they encourage you. And as He provides what you need, you can encourage someone else. The verse box didn’t cost a lot, but its impact was priceless. Even after five years, some of those verse cards are still cherished by the family.

Reflect & Pray

What other promises can you find in Isaiah 43? Who can you share a promise card, text, or email with today?

Dear God, I thank You today that the Scriptures are full of promises, and that I can be encouraged even by one verse at just the right time.

For further study, read Stay Alert and Walk with Your God.

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Matthew 25:34-40

Today’s Insights

Matthew’s gospel was written to a primarily Jewish Christian audience to present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah of Israel, a king descended from the line of David. Matthew (Levi) frequently uses messianic language (such as “Son of David”) and Old Testament references to point to Christ as the Messiah.

Matthew 25:1-46 contains three parables detailing what it means to be ready for Jesus’ second coming: the parable of the ten virgins, the parable of the bags of gold, and the parable of the sheep and goats. Some commentators believe that although the story of the sheep and goats contains elements resembling a parable, it’s better viewed as a symbolic representation of the final judgment. Its message is that one day Christ will return to judge the nations (all people). Until then, we’re to serve Him by caring for others.

Today’s Devotional

At a Christmas dinner held at our church to celebrate the cultures of the international guests, I joyfully clapped along to the sound of the darbuka (a type of drum) and the oud (a guitar-like instrument) as a band played the traditional Middle Eastern carol, “Laylat Al-Milad.” The band’s singer explained the title means “Nativity Night.” The lyrics remind hearers that the spirit of Christmas is found in serving others, in ways like offering a thirsty person water or comforting someone weeping.

This carol likely draws from a parable where Jesus commends His followers for deeds they’d done for Him: providing food when He was hungry, drink when He was thirsty, and companionship and care when He was sick and alone (Matthew 25:34-36). Instead of simply accepting Jesus’ commendation, the people in the parable are surprised—thinking they hadn’t actually done these things for Christ. He responded, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (v. 40).

During the holiday season, the encouragement to get in the Christmas spirit is often a nudge toward expressing a festive attitude. “Laylat Al-Milad” reminds us that we can put into practice the true Christmas spirit by caring for others. And amazingly, when we do, we not only serve others but Jesus too.

Reflect & Pray

How have you understood the Christmas spirit? How might you serve others this season?

Dear Jesus, please help me reflect the spirit of Christmas You modeled by coming to earth not to be served but to serve.

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Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42

Luke 22:41-44

Today’s Insights

In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve chose their own will over the will of their creator. God said, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:16-17). Their actions have affected all future generations.

The garden of Gethsemane (see Matthew 26:36-46) is the second garden to have a universal impact on the course of human experience. There, Jesus was faced with a similar choice: do what seemed beneficial to Himself or submit to the will of the Father. Christ asked for there to be another way. But in a decision that would undo the rebellion of Adam and Eve, He submitted to God’s will and went to the cross (Luke 22:39-44).

Today’s Devotional

As a young believer in Jesus, I picked up my new devotional Bible and read a familiar Scripture: “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7). The commentary explained that what we really should be asking God for is our will to line up with His. By seeking for His will to be done, we would be assured that we’d receive what we asked for. That was a new concept for me, and I prayed for God’s will to be done in my life.

Later that same day, I became surprisingly excited about a job opportunity I’d already turned down in my mind, and I was reminded about my prayer. Perhaps what I didn’t think I wanted was actually a part of God’s will for my life. I continued to pray and eventually accepted the job.

In a much more profound and eternally significant moment, Jesus modeled this for us. Before His betrayal and arrest, which led to His crucifixion, He prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Christ’s prayer was filled with anguish and agony as He faced physical and emotional pain (v. 44). Yet He was still able to “earnestly” pray for God’s will to be done.

God’s will in my life has become my ultimate prayer. This means I may desire things I don’t even know I want or need. The job I originally hadn’t wanted turned out to be the beginning of my journey in Christian publishing. Looking back, I believe God’s will was done.

Reflect & Pray

What prayer request is on your heart? What do you believe God is calling you to do?

Heavenly Father, please guide me to do Your will.

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1 John 1:1-10

Today’s Insights

The word life in John’s writings means more than physical existence; rather, it describes the vibrant, rich quality of joyful fellowship with God—“the eternal life, which was with the Father” (1 John 1:2). Divine life transforms human life from mere existence into something more, as light transforms darkness (John 1:4-5). Through our bond with Jesus, believers in Him access that rich life—so that “our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). And believers’ fellowship with God also draws them into “fellowship with one another” (v. 7).

Today’s Devotional

In 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine dominated the world’s attention. As the magnitude of the catastrophe became apparent, officials scrambled to the critically essential task of containing the radiation. Lethal gamma rays from highly radioactive debris kept destroying the robots deployed to clean up the mess.

So they had to use “bio robots”—human beings! Thousands of heroic individuals became “Chernobyl liquidators,” disposing of the hazardous material in “shifts” of ninety seconds or less. People did what technology could not, at great personal risk.

Long ago, our rebellion against God introduced a catastrophe that led to all other catastrophes (see Genesis 3). Through Adam and Eve, we chose to part ways with our Creator, and we made our world a toxic mess in the process. We could never clean it up ourselves.

That’s the whole point of Christmas. The apostle John wrote of Jesus, “The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us” (1 John 1:2). Then John declared, “The blood of Jesus, [God’s] Son, purifies us from all sin” (v. 7).

Jesus has provided what His creatures could not. As we believe in Him, He restores us to a right relationship with His Father. He’s liquidated death itself. The life has appeared.

Reflect & Pray

How might you be trying to clean up your own mess? How will you give your struggles to Jesus today?

Loving God, thank You for sending Your Son into this world to clean up my mess.

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By faith Moses’ parents hid him . . . and they were not afraid. Hebrews 11:23

Today’s Scripture

Exodus 2:1-10

Today’s Insights

Scripture offers two reasons why Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed (Numbers 26:59), protected Moses. First, Jochebed saw that “he was a fine child” (Exodus 2:2); she saw something special in him. He’s described as “no ordinary child” (Acts 7:20; Hebrews 11:23). A second reason is that his parents “were not afraid of the king’s edict” (Hebrews 11:23). Like the two Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15, 17), his parents feared God more than they feared Pharaoh. Hebrews 11:23 commends Amram and Jochebed as people of great faith.

Today’s Devotional

John was devastated when he lost his job. Closer to the end of his career than the beginning, he knew it would be hard to start over somewhere new. He started praying for the right job. Then John updated his resume, read interview tips, and made a lot of phone calls. After weeks of applying, he accepted a new position with a great schedule and an easy commute. His faithful obedience and God’s provision had met at the perfect intersection.

A more dramatic instance of this occurred with Jochebed (Exodus 6:20) and her family during the time of Israel’s enslavement in Egypt. When Pharaoh decreed that all newborn Hebrew sons must be cast into the Nile (1:22), Jochebed must have been terrified. She couldn’t change the law, but there were some steps she could take to obey God and try to save her son. In faith, she hid him from the Egyptians. She made a little, watertight papyrus basket and “put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile” (2:3). God stepped in to miraculously preserve his life (vv. 5-10) and later used him to deliver all of Israel from slavery (3:10).

John and Jochebed took very different steps, but both stories are marked by faith-filled action. Fear can paralyze us. Even if the result isn’t what we expected or hoped for, faith empowers us to keep trusting in God’s goodness regardless of the outcome.

Reflect & Pray

When do you find yourself frozen in fear or worry? How can you faithfully take the next God-honoring step?

Dear God, please help me faithfully take each step on the path You have for me.

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Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 30-32
• 1 Peter 4

God is light.

1 John 1:5

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

1 John 1:5-7

When the lights went out on the streets of Highland Park, Michigan, a passion for another light source—the sun—found a home there. The struggling town lacked funds to pay its utility company. The power company turned off the streetlights and removed the lightbulbs in 1,400 light poles. That left residents unsafe and in the dark. “Here comes a couple of children right now, on their way to school,” a resident told a news crew. “There are no lights. They just have to take a chance on walking down the street.”

That changed when a nonprofit group formed to install solar-powered streetlights in the town. Working together, the humanitarian organization saved the city money on energy bills while securing a light source that helped meet residents’ needs.

In our life in Christ, our reliable light source is Jesus Himself, the Son of God. As John the apostle wrote, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). John noted, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (v. 7).

Jesus Himself declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). With God’s Holy Spirit guiding our every step, we’ll never walk in darkness. His light always shines bright.

By:  Patricia Raybon

Reflect & Pray

How have you experienced the light of Jesus in your life? Today, who can you tell about Him?

Let Your light shine bright, dear God, in every corner of my life.

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Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 27-29
• 1 Peter 3

You give them something to eat.

Mark 6:37

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Mark 6:35-44

When my friend and her husband struggled to conceive, doctors recommended she have a medical procedure done. But my friend was hesitant. “Shouldn’t prayer be enough to fix our problem?” she asked. “Do I really need to do the procedure?” My friend was trying to work out what role human action has in seeing God work.

The story of Jesus feeding the crowd can help us here (Mark 6:35-44). We may know how the story ends—thousands of people are miraculously fed with just a little bread and some fish (v. 42). But notice who is to feed the crowd? The disciples (v. 37). And who provides the food? They do (v. 38). Who distributes the food and cleans up afterward? The disciples (vv. 39-43). “You give them something to eat,” Jesus said (v. 37). Jesus did the miracle, but it happened as the disciples acted.

A good crop is a gift from God (Psalm 65:9-10), but a farmer must still work the land. Jesus promised Peter “a catch” of fish but the fisherman still had to cast his nets (Luke 5:4-6). God can tend the earth and do miracles without us but typically chooses to work in a divine-human partnership.

My friend went through with the procedure and later successfully conceived. While this is no formula for a miracle, it was a lesson for my friend and me. God often does His miraculous work through the methods He’s placed in our hands.

By:  Sheridan Voysey

Reflect & Pray

When are you tempted to pray without acting? What’s God calling you to act on right now?

Dear God, thank You for including me in Your amazing work. Please take what’s in my hands and do wonders through it.

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Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 24-26
• 1 Peter 2

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to [God] and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Psalm 100

I’ve been following and praying for a fellow writer who’s been posting online about her cancer journey. She alternates between sharing updates about her physical pain and challenges and sharing prayer requests with Scripture and praises to God. It’s beautiful to see her courageous smile whether she’s in the hospital awaiting treatments or at home wearing a bandana because her hair is falling out. With each challenge, she never fails to encourage others to trust God during trials.

When we’re going through difficulties, it may be challenging to find reasons to be grateful and to praise God. However, Psalm 100 gives us reasons to rejoice and give God praise despite our circumstances. The psalmist says: “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture” (v. 3). He adds, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (v. 5).

Whatever our trial, we can take comfort knowing that God is near to our broken hearts (34:18). The more time we spend with God in prayer and reading the Bible, the more we’ll be able to “enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise” and “give thanks to him and praise his name” (100:4). We can “shout for joy to the Lord” (v. 1) even and perhaps especially when we’re in a difficult season because our God is faithful.

By:  Nancy Gavilanes

Reflect & Pray

What are you grateful for? What can you praise God for right now?

Dear God, please help me to praise You even in my trials.

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Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 16-17
• James 3

People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.

Hebrews 9:27

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Hebrews 9:23-28

On November 22, 1963, US president John F. Kennedy, philosopher and writer Aldous Huxley, and Christian apologist C. S. Lewis all died. Three well-known men with radically different worldviews. Huxley, an agnostic, still dabbled in Eastern mysticism. Kennedy, though a Roman Catholic, held to a humanistic philosophy. And Lewis was a former atheist who as an Anglican became an outspoken believer in Jesus. Death is no respecter of persons as all three of these well-known men faced their appointment with death on the same day.

The Bible says that death entered the human experience when Adam and Eve disobeyed in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3)—a sad reality that has marked human history. Death is the great equalizer or, as one person put it, the appointment that no one can avoid. This is the point of Hebrews 9:27, where we read, “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”

Where do we find hope about our own appointment with death and what follows? In Christ. Romans 6:23 captures this truth perfectly: “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” How did this gift of God become available? Jesus, the Son of God, died to destroy death and rose from the grave to offer us life forever (2 Timothy 1:10).

By:  Bill Crowder

Reflect & Pray

How does it make you feel to ponder your own inevitable appointment with death? How have you prepared for it?

Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son to pay the price for my sins and to die in my place. Thank You for offering me eternal life.

Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.

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Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 14-15
• James 2

Please let me speak to the people.

Acts 21:39

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Acts 21:27-22:1

Paul had gone to the temple for the Jewish purification ceremony (Acts 21:26). But some agitators who thought he’d been teaching against the Law sought to take his life (v. 31). Roman soldiers quickly got involved and arrested Paul, bound him, and carried him from the temple area—with the mob shouting, “Get rid of him!” (v. 36).

How did the apostle react to this threat? He asked the troops’ commander if he could “speak to the people” (v. 39). When the Roman leader granted permission, Paul, bleeding and bruised, turned to the angry crowd and shared his faith in Jesus (22:1-16).

That was two thousand years ago—an old Bible story that we might find hard to relate to. More recently, a man named Peter was arrested while visiting a jailed friend who believes in Jesus in a country where believers are regularly persecuted. Peter was tossed into a dark prison cell and blindfolded during interrogations. When the blindfold was removed, he saw four soldiers with guns pointed at him. Peter’s response? He saw it as “a perfect . . . opportunity to share his faith.”

Paul and this modern-day Peter point out a hard, vital truth. Even if God allows us to experience tough times—even persecution—our task remains: “Preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). He will be with us and will give us the wisdom and power to share our faith.

By:  Dave Branon

Reflect & Pray

How have you or someone you know faced persecution for faith in Christ? How will you “proclaim the gospel” today?

Dear Jesus, please give me courage to represent You with love and wisdom.

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Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 11-13
• James 1

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

A runner in the London Marathon experienced why it’s vital not to run the big race alone. After months of grueling preparation, the man wanted to finish strong. But as he stumbled toward the finish line, he found himself doubled over from exhaustion and on the verge of collapsing. Before he fell to the ground, two fellow marathoners grabbed his arms—one on his left and the other on his right—and helped the struggling runner complete the course.

Like that runner, the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us of several important advantages that come from having others run the race of life with us. Solomon set forth the principle that “two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). He shed a spotlight on the advantages of joint efforts and mutual toil. He also wrote that partnership can lead to “a good return for their labor” (v. 9). During times of difficulty, a companion is there to “help the other up” (v. 10). When nights are dark and cold, friends can huddle together to “keep warm” (v. 11). And, during danger, two “can defend themselves” against an assailant (v. 12). Those whose lives are woven together can possess great strength.

With all our weaknesses and frailties, we need the strong support and security of a community of believers in Jesus. Let’s press on together as He leads us!

By:  Marvin Williams

Reflect & Pray

Why is companionship with other believers in Jesus so important in life’s race? How can you improve the quality of your community in Him?

Dear God, please help me build a healthy community in Christ.

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Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 8-10
• Hebrews 13

Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.

John 14:23

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

John 14:15-24

Winters in the Netherlands seldom bring a lot of snow, but it can get cold enough to freeze over the canals. When my husband, Tom, was growing up there, his parents had a family rule: “Stay off the ice until it is thick enough to hold the weight of a horse.” Because horses would leave evidence of their presence behind, Tom and his buddies decided to get some manure off the road. They threw it on the thin ice and ventured out onto the surface. No harm came to them, nor were they discovered, but they knew in their hearts they’d been disobedient.

Obedience doesn’t always come naturally. The choice to obey or not to obey can spring from a sense of duty or fear of punishment. But we can also choose to obey out of love and respect for those in authority over us.

In John 14, Jesus challenged His disciples by saying, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. . . . Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching” (vv. 23-24). It’s not always an easy choice to obey, but the power of the Spirit living within us gives us the desire and ability to obey Him (vv. 15-17). With His enablement, we can continue to follow the commands of the one who loves us most—not out of fear of punishment, but out of love.

By:  Cindy Hess Kasper

Reflect & Pray

In what ways have you been willfully disobedient? Why is it important for you to obey God even when it’s difficult or inconvenient?

Loving God, please soften my stubborn heart to listen to Your instructions. Help me to set aside my own agenda and to faithfully obey You.

For further study, read The (Impossible) Task of Following Jesus.

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Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 1-2
• Hebrews 11:1-19

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.

Deuteronomy 30:19

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Nathan grew up in a Christ-believing household, but he started to stray from his childhood faith as a college student into things like drinking and partying. “God brought me back to Himself when I didn’t deserve it,” he said. In time, Nathan spent a summer sharing Jesus with strangers on the streets of major US cities, and is now completing a residency in youth ministry at his church. Nathan’s goal is to help young people avoid wasting time not living for Christ.

Like Nathan, the Israelite leader Moses had a heart for the next generation. Knowing he would soon relinquish leadership, Moses delivered God’s good regulations to the people and then lists the results of either obedience or disobedience: blessing and life for obedience, cursing and death for disobedience. “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live,” he told them, “for the Lord is your life” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). Moses urged them to love God, “listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him” (v. 20).

Choosing sin brings consequences. But when we surrender our lives to God again, He’ll surely have mercy (vv. 2-3) and restore us (v. 4). This promise was fulfilled throughout the people of Israel’s history, but also by Jesus’ final work on the cross to bring us into fellowship with God. We too have a choice today and are free to choose life.

By:  Karen Pimpo

Reflect & Pray

In what area of your life is it most difficult to follow God’s way? How can you encourage the next generation to choose life?

Dear Jesus, thank You for making a way to bring me back into fellowship with You.

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Bible in a Year :

• Lamentations 3-5
• Hebrews 10:19-39

They should always pray and not give up.

Luke 18:1

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Luke 18:1-8

Mila, a baking assistant, felt too helpless to defend herself when her supervisor accused her of pilfering some raisin bread. The unfounded assertion and corresponding salary deduction were just two of many wrongful actions from her supervisor. “God, please help,” Mila prayed each day. “It’s so hard working under her, but I need this job.”

Jesus tells of a widow who also felt helpless and “sought justice against [her] adversary” (Luke 18:3). She turned to someone with the authority to resolve her case—a judge. Despite knowing that the judge was unjust, she persisted in approaching him.

The judge’s eventual response (vv. 4-5) is infinitely different from that of our heavenly Father, who quickly responds with love and help. If persistence could cause an unjust judge to take up a widow’s case, how much more can and will God, who is the just Judge, do for us (vv. 7-8)? We can trust Him “to bring about justice for his chosen ones” (v. 7) and being persistent in praying is one way of showing our trust. We persist because we have faith that God will respond in perfect wisdom to our situation.

Eventually, Mila’s supervisor resigned after other employees complained about her behavior. As we walk in obedience to God, let’s persist in praying, knowing the power of our prayers lies in the one who hears and helps us.

By:  Karen Huang

Reflect & Pray

When have you felt like giving up on praying? How can you reflect on God’s character as you pray?

Loving God, please remind me of who You are and help me to keep praying, no matter what.

Learn how coming to God in prayer improves our spiritual life.

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Bible in a Year :

• Lamentations 1-2
• Hebrews 10:1-18

Those who are kind benefit themselves.

Proverbs 11:17

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Proverbs 11:16-25

Two friends were shopping for a laptop in an electronics store when they ran into basketball great Shaquille O’Neal. Aware that O’Neal recently suffered the loss of his sister and a former teammate, they empathetically offered their condolences. After the two men returned to their shopping, Shaq approached them and told them to pick out the nicest laptop they could find. He then bought it for them, simply because they saw him as a person going through a difficult time and was moved by their kindness.

Millennia before that encounter, Solomon wrote, “Those who are kind benefit themselves” (Proverbs 11:17). When we consider others’ needs and do what we can to help and encourage them, we’re rewarded ourselves. It may not be with a laptop or material things, but God has ways of blessing us that this world can’t measure. As Solomon explained just one verse earlier in the same chapter, “A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth” (v. 16). There are gifts from God that are worth far more than money, and He measures them generously in His perfect wisdom and way.

Kindness and generosity are part of God’s character, and He loves to see them expressed in our own hearts and lives. Solomon summed up the matter well: “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (v. 25).

By:  James Banks

Reflect & Pray

How has God shown kindness to you? In what ways can you show His love to others today?

Dear God, I love Your kindness. Please help me to become more like You so that I may share Your love in practical ways.

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Bible in a Year :

• Jeremiah 51-52
• Hebrews 9

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:2

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

The state of Mizoram in northeast India is slowly climbing out of poverty. Despite their lack of income, since the gospel first came to this area, believers in Jesus have practiced a local tradition called “handful of rice.” Those preparing meals each day set aside a handful of uncooked rice and give it to the church. Mizoram churches, poor by the world’s standard, have given millions to missions and sent missionaries around the world. Many in their home state have come to Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul describes a similarly challenged church. Believers in Macedonia were poor, but that didn’t keep them from giving joyfully and abundantly (vv. 1-2). They saw their giving as a privilege and gave “even beyond their ability” (v. 3) to partner with Paul. They understood they were merely stewards of God’s resources. Giving was a way to show their trust in Him, who provides for all our needs.

Paul used the Macedonians to encourage the Corinthians to have the same approach to giving. The Corinthians excelled “in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in . . . love.” Now they needed to “excel in this grace of giving” (v. 7).

Like the Macedonians and the believers in Mizoram, we too can reflect our Father’s generosity by giving generously out of what we have.

By:  Matt Lucas

Reflect & Pray

Where have you witnessed sacrificial giving? How can you give generously in response to God’s generous giving to you?

Father, I pray for the Mizoram church as they continue to give generously to Your work. 

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Bible in a Year :

• Jeremiah 50
• Hebrews 8

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Matthew 5:44

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Luke 22:63-65; 23:32-38

During World War II, US Navy medical corpsman Lynne Weston went ashore with the marines as they stormed enemy-held islands. Inevitably, there were gruesome casualties. He did his best to patch up wounded combatants for evacuation. On one occasion, his unit encountered an enemy soldier with a bad abdominal wound. Due to the nature of the injury, the man couldn’t be given water. To keep him alive, Petty Officer Weston administered intravenous plasma.

“Save that plasma for our fellas, Swabby!” bellowed one of the marines. Petty Officer Weston ignored him. He knew what Jesus would do: “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44).

Jesus did far more than speak those challenging words; He lived them. When a hostile mob seized Him and took Him to the high priest, “the men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him” (Luke 22:63). The abuse continued all the way through His sham trials and execution. Jesus didn’t merely endure it. When Roman soldiers crucified Him, He prayed for their forgiveness (23:34).

We may not encounter a literal enemy who’s trying to kill us. But everyone knows what it’s like to endure ridicule and scorn. Our natural reaction is to respond in anger. Jesus raised the bar: “pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Today, let’s walk in that kind of love, showing kindness as Jesus did—even to our enemies.

By:  Tim Gustafson

Reflect & Pray

How do you respond to those who despise or misunderstand you? How does God want you to respond?

Heavenly Father, please help me love others the way You love me.

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