2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Why am I here? Everyone wonders this at some point. Some theories suggest that we’re merely taking up space and will return to nothingness when we die. There are also people who say we are masters of our own destiny. Both are untrue! The Lord has placed you on earth to fulfill His purpose.

God has a unique plan for every person’s life, but Christians all share one goal: to be conformed to His image. This process begins here on earth and is finished when we reach heaven. Much of the work the Lord does in our earthly life centers on our character. He shows us how to be as loving, kind, and peaceful as Jesus.

We might think this is hard. But the truth is, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and then lives the life of Christ through him or her. We should be submissive to His guidance. That means we should respond to situations in life with this question: “How can You use this to make me more like Jesus?”

The Lord is behind everything that happens to you—either He directly instigates the situation, or He allows it to take place. Both trials and triumphs are engineered to fulfill God’s great purpose: crafting a life that reflects His love and glory to the world.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 18-20

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Ephesians 2:1-10

When Jesus walked this earth, one group of people consistently refused Him—the Pharisees. The most outwardly righteous people of that day couldn’t see themselves as sinners. These religious leaders assumed they had no need for Jesus, who said He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Many people today think the same thing—that they’re good enough to get to heaven on their own. After all, they aren’t criminals, so surely their good deeds must surely outweigh their bad ones, right? Wrong. In God’s eyes, we’re all spiritually dead, enslaved to lusts, and are “by nature children of wrath” (Eph. 2:1-3).

Pride often keeps us from understanding the extent of our guilt. Sin led to Satan’s downfall, and it has infected every human since Adam and Eve. We like to think there is something in us that’s good enough to please the Lord, but Scripture teaches we can be saved only by God’s grace.

Salvation is a gift received through faith in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:8). There’s nothing we can do to earn it, because any good thing we do is tainted by the sin that dwells within. Your only hope is to look to Christ to save you. Trust in His death as payment for your sins; then you’ll be made new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 16-17

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In the beginning, God created the world—a place for every living thing to flourish as He intended. And telling the first man and woman to be stewards of the earth, He gave them power to maintain harmony in His creation if they obeyed Him—or to bring discord if they didn’t.

As Jesus spoke, the crowd around Him surely recalled that God had charged their ancestors to take care of the earth—“to cultivate … and keep it” (Gen. 2:15). At the same time, the Lord’s first-century audience knew all too well what it meant to be oppressed, as their cities were occupied by military conquerors. In this context, imagine how they received His promise that the meek would inherit the earth. Maybe they envisioned their earthly oppressors falling to their knees before God. Or perhaps they imagined freedom and riches.

Think about it
• Consider how living in today’s world might influence how we hear Jesus’ words. Do you find your perspective affected by prevalent cultural messages? What does it mean today—in 2020—to be gentle, faithful stewards who’ll inherit the earth?

•  What comes to mind when you think about inheriting the earth? Consider what it means both for you individually and also for the church.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 13-15

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Romans 5:6-10

Many people think they should wait to accept Christ’s offer of salvation until after they have improved themselves in some way. But that is actually the exact opposite of the gospel’s message.

We’re all unworthy of salvation. There is nothing we could ever do to merit God’s forgiveness and acceptance. However, He bridged the gap of sin that separated us and Him. We didn’t deserve this act of love; God did it on His own, motivated by His unfailing grace.

It would be a tragic error to think we had to make ourselves more presentable without first depending on Christ to enter our life. Jesus didn’t say, “Go clean yourselves up, get some rest, and then come to Me,” did He? Rather, He opened His arms and said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

Jesus didn’t wait until we deserved Him—He knew that we never could. Instead, He gave Himself freely for all mankind and extended an invitation for every sinner, just as he or she is, to come to Him and find rest.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 10-12

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Psalm 27:1-14

Where do you go for help when storms come into your life? Trouble has a way of drawing our focus downward to the immediate situation rather than upward to the Lord, who reigns over every event in our life. Therefore, our first response to trials should be to open the Bible and find out what God has said.

When we focus our attention on the Lord and His promises, it’s like throwing wood on the fire of our spiritual life, which helps us face whatever challenges come our way. However, because we have a tendency to let worry and fear slip back in, we must continue to add fuel to the fire by repeatedly filling our minds with truths from God’s Word.

Although storms have many origins, there is only one answer for all of them. When everything around us comes unglued and falls apart, we must go to our knees, trusting the Lord to give us a sense of assurance and boldness to stand firm in obedience. A yielded life that’s settled in God’s Word, open to His work within us, and made adequate in the Holy Spirit’s love and power is immovable in the tempests of life.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 7-9

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2 Corinthians 1:8-11

It’s easy to think of Paul as a spiritual giant who never became discouraged by the many afflictions he suffered. After all, he tells us to exult not only in the hope of the glory of God but also in our tribulations, since they are a tool the Lord uses to produce perseverance, proven character, and hope in us (Rom. 5:1-4).

Yet in today’s passage, Paul writes with great transparency, saying he was burdened beyond his strength and despaired of life. However, He knew the Lord was not absent in all those afflictions and realized he had to trust God rather than himself. That is a lesson we can learn from as well.

If we give in to self-reliance and fear, we’ll find ourselves going down wrong paths: We may vacillate and become weaker instead of growing stronger in the storm. Oftentimes, in desperation, we’ll ask other people for guidance instead of going to our Father. Our first response should be to seek understanding from Him about what’s happening in our life. This is why time with the Lord in His Word and prayer is top priority. That’s where we discover His purposes and come away emotionally settled.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 4-6

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2 Timothy 1:1-9

Job described the human condition with these words: “Man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). This was certainly the situation for Timothy, a young pastor trying to protect the church from persecution and false doctrine. And as a result, he was becoming discouraged and found his passion waning.

Things are no different today, right? Overwhelming troubles can cause us to grow weak and lose our zeal for God, His Word, and prayer. The solution for us today is the same one Paul gave Timothy all those years ago. The apostle reminded his protégé that “God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The path to spiritual revival is found in the very things we are sometimes reluctant to do—praying and reading the Word. When we read Scripture, our mind is renewed with God’s truth, and we draw comfort, strength, and courage from His promises and unfailing love. Through prayer and submission, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to endure afflictions with hope and joy in Christ. So instead of yielding to despair, let God use your troubles to rekindle your spiritual life.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 1-3

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Romans 8:26-30

We learned yesterday that God doesn’t show favoritism. However, He does enjoy closeness with His own—throughout the Bible, God had an intimate relationship with His people. And today, all who have received Jesus Christ as Savior have become part of God’s family.

The heavenly Father desires to have an intimate relationship with each one of His children. We get to enjoy this closeness by engaging with Him in His Word and in prayer. Intimacy comes from a deepening fellowship that leads to our greater understanding of God, His Word, and His will for our life. As we spend time with Him and obey Him, He begins to conform us to His image. Then He works through us, and we reflect Him to those around us, like a light set on a lampstand (Matt. 5:14-16).

Don’t allow yourself to be satisfied just with being saved from wrath. The Lord desires that we know Him intimately, and He calls each of us to step out in faith and commitment. He wants us to be characterized like Abraham, who is tenderly described as a friend of God (2 Chron. 20:7).

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 20-22

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James 2:18-23

God doesn’t play favorites. He makes choices and decrees, but Scripture repeatedly testifies to His impartiality (Deut. 10:17; Rom. 2:11; Col. 3:25). Sometimes, though, it doesn’t seem that way. Look at the nation of Israel—God even says that He chose them to be His people (Deut. 7:6).

So, what does this mean? Did God change His mind? No, actually it’s simply a way of saying that God selected Israel for a purpose within His divine plan. Look at Israel’s history. Consider her sorrows and setbacks. It certainly doesn’t appear that God is playing favorites with Israel. Rather, He has a specific plan for this chosen nation, just as He has a specific will and plan for each of us. 1 Peter 1:17 states: “If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.”

Remember that “from everyone who has been given much, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). God’s judgment is righteous and perfect, and He knows exactly what should be given to each person. Take heart in knowing that God loves everybody in His creation equally. He doesn’t want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9), and He has gone to the greatest lengths imaginable to prove it.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 18-19

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Sunday Reflection: The Blessing of Discernment

It feels good to have the final word in an argument, but that sense of satisfaction doesn’t last very long. Usually, everyone involved ends up feeling bad. In such situations, meekness is possible only with self-control and discernment.

Yet living with meekness doesn’t mean that we set aside boldness or action. Instead, it requires us to evaluate when to assert ourselves and when to trust. Jesus doesn’t call us to be silent in the face of injustice. But perhaps He is calling us to understand when we should hold back on our opinions in order to genuinely hear someone. If we want healthy relationships, it’s important to display meekness. This requires that we refrain from reacting too quickly and discern how to respond wisely.

Think about it
• When you’re arguing, it takes a lot of energy to remain humble instead of saying something hurtful or aggressive. This week, ask God to reveal ways you might display meekness in such moments.

•  James 1:19-21 offers practical wisdom about listening, taking action, and avoiding anger. How might this advice help you remain meek in difficult situations?

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 15-17

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Jeremiah 9:23-24

Today’s verses reveal that God wants us to know and understand Him (John 17:3). It doesn’t happen overnight, though—it’s a lifelong pursuit. My relationship with Him is becoming more exciting and satisfying as the years go by, but I still have more to discover about my Savior.

The Lord reveals Himself in His Word, so that’s where we should start. Our understanding of who God is should match what the Bible says about Him. Descriptions of His characteristics and methods are scattered throughout the Bible. As you read, look for His attributes, desires, and ways.

Try interacting with the Lord through prayer and meditation. Discuss with Him what you’ve learned, asking about anything you don’t understand. Also ask how to apply what He’s taught you. When you do these things, you’ll learn just how faithful He is—and that He’s your dearest friend.

Amazingly, the Creator and Ruler of the universe wants to spend time with you so that you can know Him better. It’s as if He is saying, “I want you all to Myself for a little while.” Take Him up on the invitation to get away to a quiet place and learn about Him.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 13-14

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Hebrews 10:10-14

Have you ever wondered what Jesus is doing, now that He’s in heaven? Today’s passage tells us that He is sitting at God’s right hand. It might make us wonder what He’s doing up there. Is He simply waiting for the time when He comes back to earth? No! He’s actually quite active on our behalf.

First, the Lord Jesus is within every believer, in the person of the Holy Spirit (John 15:26; Rom. 8:9-10). This means that from heaven, Christ is working to shape your character and empower your obedience.

Second, the Lord intercedes for us (Heb. 7:25). He makes requests on our behalf and brings our prayers to the Father.

Third, we see in 1 John 2:1-2 that Jesus is our Advocate when we sin. Positioned between us and the Father, He declares our righteous standing because of His sacrifice and our faith in Him.

Finally, Christ is preparing a place for us in heaven (John 14:1-3) and arranging all events necessary for His return.

Jesus is in heaven carrying out the Father’s will. And we should be doing the same thing here on earth. The Lord can save others through us when we reflect His life in our work, attitudes, words, and behavior. Let us, Christ’s body—His eyes, ears, voice, feet, and hands—point others to Him.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 10-12

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2 Timothy 3:1-17

When we watch the news, whether domestic or international, we can sometimes detect initiatives to bring down the Christian faith. The church is constantly under attack by the enemy, who influences the world to fight against our beliefs. Therefore, we must be willing to stand for our biblical convictions.

Ideological threats are a very real part of the arsenal used against Christians. As believers, we are under the guidance of Jesus Christ, and the way we fight is not with physical weapons but with the Word of God. We are His representatives, and there isn’t room for compromise with a self-indulgent culture. Instead, we should live in obedience to God and His Word. Therefore, we must be careful not to get caught up in the widely accepted values of our culture and those around us.

We need to remain strong regarding God’s truth. Then we’ll know what’s true and what’s not and be willing to take a stand for Him, regardless of the consequences. Genuine convictions are unaffected by the times, the values of the culture, or the popularity of current ideas. Christian beliefs aren’t always popular, and defending them can be uncomfortable. But remember that the Lord promises to be with us.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 8-9

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Psalm 95:1-11

Most of us struggle with a hardened or apathetic heart from time to time, but there is an antidote: recognizing God at work and giving Him thanks.

This recipe for a tender heart was ignored in Exodus when Israel came to Rephidim and complained about the lack of water. They had just experienced the miracle of the manna and its comforting reminder that God was with them. A few days later, however, they were asking, “Is the Lord among us, or not?” (Ex. 17:7). Had they remembered God’s provision with the manna and expressed gratitude, they could have trusted in Him once more and held out hope for a water supply.

Another time, when God told Moses to speak before Pharaoh and display miraculous signs, the Egyptian ruler chose to ignore the obvious. Even his own magicians could see what was happening. They finally came to their senses, acknowledged God’s work and said, “This is the finger of God” (Ex. 8:19).

God speaks to us, but we won’t know that if we have a hardened heart. Are we listening? Are we giving thanks? Take a moment to reflect on the state of your heart, and trust where the Holy Spirit directs you.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 6-7

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Psalm 139:17-24

We all have things we treasure, whether they are prize objects, activities, or experiences. And what we most value is what is closest to our heart.

Proverbs 4:23 admonishes us to keep watch over our heart because it holds our treasures, and in it is potential for good or evil. Originally, the heart is full of wickedness (Jer. 17:9), but when it is purified, we are able to see the very face of God (Matt. 5:8). With such possibilities within us, is it any wonder that we are exhorted to employ all diligence in guarding our heart?

So how do we remove the impurities and uncover those secrets of the heart spoken of in Psalm 44:21? The answer is through our omniscient Father. He knows what litters the landscape of our hearts. He tells us in Revelation 2:23 that “I am He who searches the minds and hearts” and again in Hebrews 4:13 that “all things are open and laid bare” to His eyes.

Our role in all of this is to ask the Lord for help. We may not know what sin lies within, but He does. Like David in today’s psalm, we too can say, “Search me, O God, and know my heart … and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 3-5

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2 Corinthians 2:1-11

Satan’s primary goal is to alienate you from the love of God. If our enemy can manipulate you into focusing on your own desires, you will no longer see the Lord’s perspective.

We have seen this happen to people throughout the Bible. In Genesis, Eve wasn’t able to see all that God gave her, because she focused on one fruit (Gen. 3:1-6). In the book of Joshua, Achan was trapped by his desire for wealth, and he sinned against God (Josh. 7:20-25).

Even a man abundantly blessed by the Lord can lose sight of what’s important. King David went up to the palace roof, and he spotted a beautiful woman bathing (2 Samuel 11:2). This single action led to several tragic events in his life. By taking his eyes off God and all that He had provided, David ended up experiencing great heartache.

The same can happen to us, but there is good news: If you’ve committed yourself to the Lord, then you have died and been raised with Christ. He is now your life (Col. 3:1-4). When facing temptation, ask yourself, How will Christ regard the choice I make, and Will my decision have unwanted repercussions? Listen for the Holy Spirit, and He will send you in the right direction.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 1-2

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In a world dominated by the powerful and strong, no one wants to be seen as weak or easily taken advantage of. Our culture is quick to use the label “meek” for people who seem submissive or unassuming, but God paints a different picture of meekness—one that’s strong yet gentle, unselfish, and kind.

As He was being led to the cross, Jesus didn’t argue or demand to be understood. Nor did He take advantage of His power as the Son of God (Phil. 2:6-7). Instead, our Savior humbled Himself, giving His life so we could become like Him (Phil. 2:8; Rom. 8:29). And He prayed for the forgiveness of the very people who nailed His body to the cross (Luke 23:34). Imagine if we truly embraced this as our model for meekness—displaying grace and humility at all times, even when the world around us says we shouldn’t. How would life be different?

Think about it
• What does it mean that Jesus was “gentle and humble in heart” (Matt. 11:29). How is this kind of gentleness and humility manifested in your relationships with other people?

•  Think about the difference between our culture’s definition of meekness (weak, powerless) and the Son of God’s sacrifice for us. Does meditating on His example help you to understand meekness in a new way?

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 23-24

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John 5:19-29

Death is certain for everyone (except believers who are alive when Christ returns). The end of our earthly life may seem far away or, for some, right around the corner, but it’s always lurking, and we never know when it will come. This may seem like a morbid thought, but the truth is, death doesn’t end our existence. Contrary to the false belief that life ceases when we die, Jesus said there will be a resurrection of all people—some to judgment and others to eternal life.

Here’s the important question: Which resurrection will you experience? Since everyone is sinful, we all deserve to face the resurrection to judgment. However, Jesus promised that those who believe in Him have eternal life and will not be judged for sin (John 5:24). On the cross, Christ bore our judgment for us and rose again to give us new life. But those who reject the sacrifice He made on their behalf will be judged for their own sins.

Although physical death is still a reality for believers and our bodies will be laid in the grave, our spirits will never die. When Christ returns, our souls will be reunited with glorious resurrection bodies, to live forever with Him.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 20-22

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Romans 10:5-11

If you were to briefly explain the gospel to someone, what would you include? It would be necessary to explain: the reason we all need salvation—our sin; the identity of the Savior—God’s Son, who chose to become a man; and the price He paid for our forgiveness—His death on the cross. Another important thing to include would be how one can be saved—by repenting of sin, believing in Christ, and calling on Him for salvation.

However, there is one more essential aspect: belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9). If people deny this, they have rejected the gospel and cannot be saved. The resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God, who overcame death. It also affirms that God was satisfied with His Son’s death as the sacrifice for mankind’s sins.

The disciples considered Christ’s resurrection an essential part of the gospel they proclaimed. As eyewitnesses, they were so convinced of this that nothing could dissuade them. The resurrection was also the primary message Paul delivered as he traveled around the Roman world, preaching the gospel. And it should be our message as well. Because Christ rose from the dead, we have assurance of both God’s forgiveness and our own future resurrection.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 18-19

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1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Have you ever considered what your life would be like if Jesus had not been raised from the dead? Paul explained the dire consequences of such a scenario and the effect it would have on every believer.

The Christian faith would be worthless. There would be no gospel to preach and no reason to go to church. And if anyone did preach the resurrection, he’d be a false witness.

Jesus would be proved a liar, since He predicted His resurrection. He’d be just like any other sinful man who was crucified. Moreover, this lie would make it difficult to believe anything the Bible said.

There would be no pardon for sin. Without the resurrection, which was the proof that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice, there would be no basis for the forgiveness of our transgressions.

We would have no hope after death. Instead of being raised to eternal life in heaven, we’d all be doomed to eternal punishment and separation from God.

Seeing the horrible alternative often leads to greater appreciation of the truth. We can rejoice that Christ has been raised, our faith is valid, the Bible is true, our sins are forgiven, and our hope of resurrection is secure.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 15-17

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