1 Timothy 1:18-19

The Lord gives every person a conscience, which is like a radar system meant to send warnings when a behavior or decision might be harmful. This makes it possible for people to distinguish between what is morally right and morally wrong, especially as it applies to their own life. We ignore the conscience at our own peril.

In a believer, the conscience is a tool of the Holy Spirit; He programs it with principles from God’s Word and sharpens it to respond quickly. Even so, our radar’s sole purpose is to send a signal. What happens next is up to us. Either we ignore the warning, or we stop to hear what the Spirit has to say about the situation. The Holy Spirit reveals God’s will or reminds us of His principles so we can make a wise decision about the warning bell ringing in our conscience.

Paul’s letter to Timothy mentions people who’d rejected God’s leadership and guidance in their lives—they had paid no attention to the alarm of their conscience (1 Tim. 1:19), and the result was shipwrecked faith. When something appears on the radar that speaks of disobedience to God, we have to reject that action. Otherwise, the detection device becomes impaired and won’t work right. If we keep ignoring the alarm, it will eventually go silent.

We all know people who have “run aground” in life. A shipwrecked faith is inevitable when believers ignore their conscience and rationalize or defend disobedience. It’s far better to turn yourself over to the great captain of your soul, Jesus Christ. His Holy Spirit will guide you correctly.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 132-138

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Romans 6:11-18

In New York harbor stands the Statue of Liberty. This world-renowned icon symbolizes the freedom that Americans cherish. Though we have been blessed to live in the “land of the free,” many of our citizens are still held captive by sinful habits and mindsets.

A country’s liberty usually depends upon military might and governmental decrees. However, personal freedom has to do with a decision to protect the heart, mind, and body from evil influences. In a nation built upon independence, we call ourselves “free” as long as we aren’t incarcerated or somehow prevented from pursuing our interests. But is the man bent upon revenge “liberated”? Is the woman addicted to painkillers “free”?

The enemy’s arsenal contains all kinds of temptations that shackle one’s time and attention. The need to attend to these habits, substances, and attitudes consumes a person and draws his or her focus away from God. Then, as the devil distracts, he also employs one of his greatest deceptions: convincing people that their chains don’t really exist. He teaches them how to rationalize (“Just a little won’t hurt”) and outright deny (“I can stop anytime I want”).

According to the Bible, men and women are either slaves of God or slaves to sin (Rom. 6:16). There is no middle ground. The latter serve Satan by feeding their own selfish impulses. Meanwhile, the “slaves of God” enjoy true freedom. They honor the Lord by keeping away from those things that imprison the body, emotions, or thoughts.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 120-131

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John 14:16-18

One of the greatest hindrances to our prayer life is a lack of perseverance. Oftentimes we quit praying too soon. It’s easy to feel that since we’ve asked, the answer to our prayers should immediately be forthcoming or our need should quickly be met. However, God is not a bellhop, just waiting to give us exactly what we want the moment that we want it. We often have to exercise patience and continue praying.

All Christians are given the Holy Spirit to seal their relationship with God, and it is He who counsels believers on how to pray (Rom. 8:26). We sometimes believe that we need to come to God only when we have a need. However, prayer is about intimacy with the Father. If the Lord gave us whatever we wanted as soon as we asked Him, we would not be able to understand the dynamic of our relationship—and might never learn important skills like patience or dependence.

Think of the apostle Paul, who tells us that he implored three times for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed before God gave him a firm answer of no (2 Cor. 12:7-8). This probably refers to three protracted periods of time that Paul begged for relief. When we have been praying for a long time about something and don’t feel as if our words are going anywhere, that is not the time to quit. We have to pray through those situations. God is listening attentively to our cries, and His Spirit is our constant companion—even when we cannot “feel” His presence or involvement in our lives. Instead of ceasing to pray, will you call on the Holy Spirit to aid you in persevering?

Bible in a Year: Psalms 119

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Psalm 121:3-8

We learned yesterday that God is our protector. David’s song in Psalm 121 also portrays the Lord as our keeper.

• “He who keeps you will not slumber” (Ps. 121:3). Many young children are fearful in the dark. If they awaken when everyone else is sleeping, little ones often feel alone and scared. Adults also experience fear, but thankfully, our Caretaker needs no sleep. He is always alert and attentive to our cries, even when our feelings may tell us otherwise.
• “The Lord is your keeper … He will keep your soul” (Ps. 121:5, Ps. 121:7). When parents have to leave their children, they put a trusted person in charge. We often say that this individual is “keeping” the kids. The babysitter is expected to protect and provide for the children. How much more invested and capable is our heavenly Father! Besides preserving us physically and spiritually, He restrains us from any wrong thoughts, harmful words, and inappropriate actions. His Holy Spirit gives warnings to keep us from evil, and He also provides guidance so we’ll grow in a godly direction.
• “The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever” (Ps. 121:8). God is sovereign. He is with us always—protecting, pointing the way, and teaching. He accompanies and leads, even in the small tasks that seem insignificant.

When we grow up, many of us feel sadness and a little fear as we leave the safety of our parents’ home. But we never leave the precious love and watchful eye of our heavenly Father. God is our keeper, and He cares for us better than any earthly mom or dad ever could.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 103-106

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Psalm 121:1-3

In Psalm 121, David describes the safety that he found in the Lord. Over the next two days, let’s look closely at several verses to better understand our security.

• “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1-2). When this was written, robbers dwelled in the mountains, waiting for innocent travelers to become their unsuspecting victims. Needless to say, journeying through these hilly roads must have caused anxiety. David’s work as a shepherd took him into dangerous areas, where not only thieves but also wild animals posed a threat.

Our lives can be like mountainous territory. Do you look into the future and wonder what dangers lurk? The Lord is our helper; He is the only one able to protect us. Friends and relatives can offer limited assistance, but God knows everything and has all the power necessary to rescue us.

• “He will not allow your foot to slip” (Ps. 121:3). God has provided everything we need in order to avoid sin. The Holy Spirit directs and empowers us; the Word lights our path so we do not slip. Yet at times, we choose to sin. Almighty God could stop us from disobeying, but He doesn’t interfere with our free will. Instead, He upholds us, enabling us to walk in His way.

These opening verses of the psalm focus on the Lord’s ability to protect us in treacherous times. Whether trouble originates with others, external circumstances, or our own sin, we can find ourselves in danger and afraid. Thankfully, we have a loving God who leads us to safety.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 95-102

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Acts 24:24-27

We like to think that our delay tactics are no big deal. After all, we tell ourselves, no one is really getting hurt by the things we put off. Over time, however, our choices to postpone action can develop into a lifelong pattern of procrastination. In today’s reading, the ruler Felix delayed making a decision about Christ and eventually turned away completely.

To get on track, we must change our attitude about procrastination, admitting it is a serious problem and noticing where we consistently put off action. It’s important to identify any feelings of doubt and discomfort that we may have, confess that procrastination has a hold in our life, and then decide in our heart to turn away from it. Tell God, “I want to live by Your schedule and please You by my obedience.”

Repentance should be joined by a commitment to actively embrace new ways of decisive living. Use God’s Word to fight against feelings of doubt and discomfort whenever they arise. Who we are in Christ and who He is to us are the truths needed to overcome bad habits. The Bible says that we are new creations, indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit, and we are no longer slaves to sin (Gal. 5:1). Jesus, our Savior, is also our Lord. He provides all we need through His resurrection power (2 Pet. 1:3), and His grace turns our weakness into strength (2 Cor. 12:9). Victory is ours through Him (Rom. 8:37).

When we order our life on the basis of Scripture, we will live by faith rather than feelings. Jesus offers to set us free from the bondage of procrastination. Don’t put off accepting His invitation!

Bible in a Year: Psalms 90-94

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1 Peter 1:22

If we responded simply out of natural impulses, we would probably be nice when people were kind to us. At other times, though, we’d likely be vengeful, angry, or hurtful.

Yet Jesus clearly teaches us to love even when those around us seem unlovable. And He lived out what He taught: Jesus Christ loved us enough to die on the cross for us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Surely, out of gratitude for what He did and in reliance on the Lord’s strength, we—His followers—can love others (1 John 3:14).

While it’s hard to respond to unkindness with love, such godly behavior can lead to great blessing. First, God is pleased with us; this realization should bring His children joy, peace, and a sense of accomplishment. Next, believers ought to feel anticipation to see how the Lord will move in the relationship. Finally, there will be an awareness that the Holy Spirit is working from within, enabling divine love to flow through human lives yielded to Him.

John 13:35 tells of another important benefit: Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Since unconditional godly love is not the norm in our world, people will take notice when they see it demonstrated.

Treating others as we want to be treated is what builds the deep, satisfying connections all people desire. Without significant relationships, life lacks purpose and meaning no matter how many possessions or acquaintances we have. So think about the people you come in contact with throughout the week. Are you treating them the way Jesus modeled—with love?

Bible in a Year: Psalms 79-84

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Colossians 4:2

Have you ever considered the fact that each one of us pays a price when we allow our prayer life to fall by the wayside? When there is such a lapse, we usually don’t stop to think about what a toll it will take.

When we fail to make prayer a priority in our life—essentially forfeiting our time alone with the Father—we will begin to feel an emptiness in our heart, accompanied by a strange sense of unrest and uneasiness. In contrast, when our prayer life is active, the weight of these burdens will be lifted from our shoulders by the mighty hand of God.

With this in mind, why would anyone choose to cease praying? The sad truth is that many of us have become so accustomed to weariness and hardship that we feel lost or uncomfortable without it. Yet if we continue to nurture this style of living, we will begin to rely upon ourselves instead of upon the Lord, thereby becoming vulnerable and at risk of disaster.

To avoid these difficulties, then, the clear solution is to place high priority upon our fellowship and communication with the Lord. After all, we must be in contact with our heavenly Father in order to hear His voice and to understand and follow His will for our life.

If you have allowed distance to come between you and your heavenly Father, confess this to Him today. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us.” When you renew your prayer life—the most important part of your Christian walk—you will once again be able to experience God’s best.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 71-75

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Psalms 33:20-22

Scripture makes it clear that our heavenly Father hears and answers prayer. Yet, though we pray for the Lord to act right away, we’ve all known times when we’ve had to wait. What are some reasons for the delay?

The Father sees when our attention is misdirected. Our relationship with Him should have priority over any earthly matter (Mark 12:30), yet minds and prayers can become so fixed upon a need that our gaze shifts away from God. Then He may delay answering until we refocus on Him. In other situations, He waits because the timing isn’t right for granting our request. Perhaps certain events must happen first, or people’s thinking needs to be changed.

There are also seasons when the Lord wants to stretch and grow our faith. One of the ways He accomplishes that is by having us watch for His response. In these times of waiting, the Holy Spirit will work to mature us and bring forth righteous fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).

Other reasons are a wrong motive for our request (James 4:3) and the practice of habitual sin. We all fall short when it comes to God’s standard of holiness, but some of us persist in a lifestyle of disobedience. The Lord may delay His answer so He can prompt us to confess our sin and turn back to Him.

Waiting on the Lord isn’t easy—faith and trust are needed (Heb. 11:1). If His answer is delayed, check that your focus is on Him, your motive for asking is God-honoring, and you aren’t practicing habitual sin. Then believe that His response will be for your good and His glory.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 60-66

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Isaiah 14:27

It may sound strange, but I actually get excited about certain times of frustration. When I sense a restlessness followed by dissatisfaction but cannot identify the cause, then I know to ask the Lord what He’s doing. Past experience tells me that once I make the move He desires, my frustration will end and I’ll be in sync with His plan for my life.

Frustration is usually considered a negative feeling. However, when God agitates us, His purpose is always good. He sometimes uses our sense of dissatisfaction as well as spiritual and physical barriers to guide us toward new insights. For example, I woke up one Saturday morning during my seminary years feeling as if I were in an emotional butter churn—I could not settle to any task or relax, and I did not know why. So I started praying about these feelings and asking the Lord to reveal His will. I spent most of the day on my knees. Soon I discovered that the good plans I had made to temporarily pastor a California church were not His plans. Had I ignored the frustrated feeling, I would have missed a vacation to North Carolina, which resulted in a call to the church God intended for me.

In a culture of busyness, we can easily and foolishly overlook or ignore restlessness. But divinely sent frustration is meant to get our attention. God wants us to ask, “What are You saying?” and “Do You want me to be doing or thinking something different?” As soon as we are willing to deal with whatever the Lord brings to mind, He starts revealing what we need to change in order to receive His insight.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 55-59

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Philippians 4:10-13

During seasons of frustration, a natural reaction is to blame circumstances or individuals. When we find ourselves hindered from achieving our goals, discontent may be triggered by external forces, even though the root cause often is internal. Then we sometimes make changes—such as quitting a job, ending a friendship, or moving away—in an attempt to spare ourselves further dissatisfaction. But that’s not how to find genuine peace. When frustrated, we must determine the cause. Discontent has three internal roots:

One is the inability to accept ourselves as God created us. The talents, personality, and physical attributes we’ve been given may not be what we desire, but they are exactly what we need to follow God’s will for our life. Dwelling on what we lack or what we’d change distracts us from serving Him.

A second root is a reluctance to deal with our past. We may have painful memories or recall mistakes that brought us heartache. Only when we admit their impact and confront any resulting emotional or psychological issues can we move on in peace.

The final source of frustration is a refusal to deal with behaviors or attitudes that are outside the Lord’s will. Holding on to an ungodly spirit or a bad habit will often lead to the useless practice of repeatedly trying to justify ourselves to our heavenly Father and those around us.

The human solution for frustration—changing our external situations—will fail every single time. The only way to truly uproot our frustration is by relying on God for the strength to grapple with its source.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 50-54

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Psalms 78:1-8

Leaving a monetary inheritance for our children isn’t nearly as important as preparing a spiritual legacy that is invested over the course of their lives. But how much we choose to devote to the formation of our heirs’ faith is up to us.

In truth, everything a parent does and says—along with everything left undone and unsaid—contributes to the legacy. A child’s understanding of the world and of God develops as he or she takes note of Mom and Dad’s pattern of life, the principles that govern their actions, and the power of their words. Kids observe whether parents value obedience to God and notice what happens when they do (or don’t) follow His Word. Their first lessons in forgiveness, generosity, and service to others are learned at home, whether taught intentionally or not. What’s more, your child will notice if your principles and words fail to line up.

Investing in a spiritual legacy does not end when a child reaches adulthood. As our sons and daughters head out into the world, we continue to have responsibility to pass on the lessons we’ve learned as God’s children. Every day of her life, my own mother taught me about unwavering faith and absolute obedience to the Lord. Her lessons have continued beyond her lifetime, as they have been passed down to new generations.

If asked about a legacy, my mother would have said, “I don’t have anything to leave to Charles.” But that isn’t true. She poured her life into mine, ensuring that I knew what it was to be loved, to know God, and to live wisely in His will. That is my treasured spiritual inheritance.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 44-49

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Romans 1:16-17

If you are too proud to bend your spirit before God, you’ll never get to heaven. You may be a kind, gentle person; you may even be naturally benevolent and charitable. But if your pride keeps you from admitting your need for Christ, then you will not accept His gift of salvation. Many people have missed out on eternal life because their heart was too hard and they believed they knew better than the God who created them.

There is only one way to reach heaven. Holy God cannot tolerate sin in His presence, and He decreed that the penalty for it is death (Rom. 6:23). And the truth is, all people are sinners (Rom. 3:23). So, to provide a bridge between mankind and Himself, merciful God sent Jesus to die in man’s place. Christ’s sacrifice is all that is necessary for a person to enter into a relationship with God the Father.

The believer does not work or reason his way into heaven. The bridge spanning the gap between each individual and God is crossed only through an act of faith: acknowledging the need for a Savior and accepting Christ’s death on the cross as payment for one’s sins.

Perhaps you’re thinking, I want only what I deserve. But no one deserves grace (Rom. 3:23-24). Maybe you tell yourself, I want only what I have worked for. But nobody can earn salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). And yet the heavenly Father wants to give grace and salvation to you and to me, undeserving though we are. The truly wise people of this world are those who have accepted the truth and bent their spirit—and their knees—before the Lord.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 39-43

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John 1:12-13

Yesterday we saw that belief in Jesus is the core of Christianity. Now let’s look at some implications of that saving faith.

Knowledge of who Jesus is and what He did must be accompanied by confidence that the facts are true and apply to us. First, it’s important to realize, I have broken God’s law—that makes me a sinner. All of us are born with a nature that rebels against the Lord. Second, we acknowledge that none of our efforts can earn His favor. Third, we agree that Jesus died for each of us. He paid for all our sins, no matter how terrible they are in the world’s eyes.

Next, we believe that Jesus’ death is sufficient payment for our wrongdoing; nothing else is needed. We must accept that He paid our penalty and endured the Father’s wrath in our place. Finally, we accept by faith that we’ve been adopted into God’s family on the basis of Christ’s atoning death. The invitation is for all humanity, but not everyone has true conviction. Too many people see these facts as “information” rather than life-altering truths.

Once we are convinced that Jesus is our Savior, trust is demonstrated through action. As a “new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17), we each are no longer who we once were, and there are different values and priorities for us to embrace. Jesus, our Lord, has authority over our life, and He alone deserves to be our top priority. He knows what pleases the Father and has sent His Spirit to live in us and teach us.

Take time to examine yourself for evidence of knowledge, conviction, and trust. If one area is lacking, ask God to help you come to true saving faith.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 29-34

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2 Chronicles 20:14-30

When trouble loomed, the first thing Jehoshaphat did was to turn his attention to God and proclaim a fast throughout the nation of Judah (2 Chron. 20:3). People came from all around to support their king in prayer (2 Chron. 20:13).

Sometimes we’re too proud to ask others to join us in praying. Jehoshaphat was a king, yet he wasn’t so self-sufficient that he wouldn’t admit his army paled in comparison to the three forces united against him. He recognized his limitations and sought divine intervention. Though Jehoshaphat reigned over his subjects, he nevertheless called on them for prayerful support.

One of the wisest things we can do in the midst of difficulty is to engage the assistance of someone who knows how to talk to God. The body of Christ depends upon cooperation. When the people of Judah began to pray, God provided a solution through a trusted prophet. Jehoshaphat was humble enough to listen and wise enough to follow His directives (2 Chron. 20:14-17). As a result, the people were saved. The advancing armies turned against each other and destroyed themselves completely. Without shooting a single arrow or drawing a sword, Judah’s forces triumphed without suffering a single casualty. Because their humble king listened, they were able to witness the Lord’s remarkable victory (2 Chron. 20:22-30).

We have to attune our ears to God’s voice in order to hear Him. Sometimes He speaks through people we would not choose to follow, and He often says things that we’re not expecting to hear. But He will provide us with solutions to our problems if we are willing to listen to Him.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 19-22

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