Read James 1:19–27

Have you ever wanted advice on how to do something, whether it was to fix an electrical outlet or lose a few pounds? It is easy to find instructional videos on the internet. But if we spend hours watching someone tell us what to do, and then fail to follow their instructions, we won’t accomplish anything.

James’s readers were people who loved the revelation of God as it was preserved in the Old Testament. These believers were inheritors of the Law of Moses and children of Israel. They understood that God revealed Himself in His Word, and they valued that revelation. But God’s revelation also included instruction for people to obey. God wants those who love Him to behave like Him. In his letter, James addresses those who read God’s Word but fail to do what it says.

If you listened to the Word (which at that time was often read publicly), but didn’t do what it says, James explained that you are deceived (v. 22)! The Word of God was not meant to be merely listened to but obeyed. To illustrate the point, James considers a person who looks in a mirror, but after noticing that they need to change their appearance, just walks away and ignores the sight. Of note are those who “do not keep a tight rein on their tongues” (v. 26). Again, James uses the same word “deceived.”

A mirror reveals what needs to be changed. But what it shows is only valuable if a change is made. So it is, explains James, with the Word of God. He describes God’s Word as the “perfect law” (v. 25). Blessing comes when we do not just listen and then forget what it says but actually do it!

Go Deeper

Are you a good listener, but a not-so- good doer? What is something you have learned from God’s Word that you need to act on? Extended Reading:

James

Pray with Us

Father, may we heed James’s exhortation to do what Your Word says and not just hear it. May we change and grow in You every time we look into the mirror of Your Word and obey You.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.James 1:22

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Read Hebrews 3:1–6

I recently watched a documentary about the laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable. It was a heroic enterprise. At the time, communication between Europe and North America was limited by the speed at which a ship could cross the ocean. The first cable allowed for near instant communication. It was described as the conquering of space and time. Today such means of communication seem quaint at best. Anyone with a cell phone knows what they have is just better.

The writer of Hebrews wrote to Christians who were tempted to return to keeping the Law of Moses. They were facing persecution and believed it would be better to abandon faith in Christ and return to faith in their own ability to keep the Law. The writer of Hebrews warns them against this decision. Central to his argument is the idea that Jesus and the new covenant are better than what they had before (vv. 3, 6).

It’s not that the old covenant was bad, it is just that the work Jesus does for those who trust in Him surpasses anything that came before. Jesus inaugurated a new covenant, which freed people from the obligation to keep the Mosaic Law as a means of relationship with God (Luke 22:20).

This was a hard thing for some early Christians to accept. They came from a Jewish background, committed to keeping the Law of Moses as a way of earning favor with God. But the writer notes that Jesus is a better high priest. While the Israelite high priests served in a physical Temple, offering physical gifts according to the Mosaic covenant, Jesus serves in heaven, the true sanctuary of God, according to a better covenant (vv. 1, 6). This new covenant is built on better promises (v. 6). Why would anyone return to the old covenant?

Go Deeper

Why did people want to return to their old ways of worship? What did Jesus provide that the old way never could give? Extended Reading:

Hebrews 1-3

Pray with Us

God, we are grateful for the deep truths of faith in the book of Hebrews. Thank You that in Your Son we received a better law, a better covenant, and a better high priest. Jesus, Your love is better than life!

Fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.Hebrews 3:1

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Read Philemon 1

A marriage changes relationships. When a man and woman join in marriage, they form a new family. Relationships may change, as their loyalty shifts from their birth family to their new family. But an even deeper family change happens when we are born again. Salvation puts us into a new family, the family of God, and that means relationships change deeply.

Onesimus was a young man who ran away from slavery. As a fugitive, his prospects were limited. But he encountered Paul who led him to Christ. As a result, Onesimus was placed into a new family by the Holy Spirit. What did this change of family mean? It meant new relationships with everyone, including his legal owner.

Notice that Paul does not ignore the reality that there were customary obligations to be acknowledged. He could not just take Onesimus for his own purposes; he needed Philemon’s consent (v. 14). However, notice also that Philemon must be reminded that a fundamental change in relationship has taken place (v. 16). Onesimus simply could not be considered a slave anymore, he was a brother!

United in Christ, Philemon and Onesimus were brothers. They would spend eternity together. They would share the joys of heaven together. While he was being diplomatic, Paul also acknowledged that this new reality had consequences. Philemon would suffer a loss in some way; he would lose a slave. On the other hand, he would gain a dear brother because of Christ.

Surely some must have heard about this and reminded Philemon of his rights or of the law. They might have been quick to emphasize the cost he would suffer and ask about his plan to recoup this loss. Paul focused on none of that. He reminded his readers about this change in family status that changed everything. Onesimus is your brother!

Go Deeper

How did becoming a Christian change your relationships? Have you considered that every true Christian is your brother or sister in Christ? Extended Reading:

Philemon

Pray with Us

Holy Spirit, we pray for unity and love in our churches and Christian organizations. May we see true believers as our brothers and sisters in Christ and love our neighbors with genuine humility.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.Philemon 1:7

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Read Titus 2:11–13

Walk into any hospital waiting room and you’ll notice that administrators have tried to address a challenging problem: how to assist people who are waiting under duress. Someone in a waiting room may be preparing to receive bad news. To distract them, magazines are laid out, calming music is played, and televisions are tuned to programs that entertain. It is never easy to wait.

When Paul wrote to Titus, he understood that Christians were waiting. Jesus had ascended to heaven and promised to return, but it would not happen right away. Some Christians had already died without seeing Christ return. It was slowly becoming clear that this might take a while. Christians would have to wait.

Paul doesn’t attempt to distract Christians in God’s waiting room, rather he reminds them that they have been transformed by the grace of God (v. 11). That transformation continues as they “say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions” (v. 12). Living the way Christ commanded is one of the central ways Christians-who-wait sustain their hope in Christ’s return (v. 13). Paul reminds them that Jesus Christ gave Himself to redeem us from wickedness. He died to purify us, so that we could be His own people, ready to do good (v. 14). He gives additional guidance for waiting behavior in chapter 3: “to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone” (vv. 1–2).

Distraction may work in a hospital waiting room, but it is not fitting for Christians who wait for Christ to return. We are called to live lives that sustain our hope and enable us to do good, while we look forward to the glorious return of Christ.

Go Deeper

Are you distracting yourself while you wait for Jesus to return? Sometimes distractions can be harmful to those who hope in Christ. Take a moment to consider how you can wait differently. Extended Reading:

Titus

Pray with Us

Merciful Lord, as we wait for Your coming, we confess we are often distracted by the troubles and worries of this world. Thank You for Your guidance on how to wait well in Paul’s letter to Titus.

Live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope.Titus 2:12–13

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Read 2 Timothy 1

Shame is a powerful emotion. In most cultures, people work very hard to avoid shaming others or bringing shame upon themselves or their families. But shame can be a motivator. Feelings of shame might prevent us from doing bad things. On the other hand, feeling ashamed might cause us to stop doing something we should be doing!

Paul, once again imprisoned for preaching the gospel, took time to write a second letter to his spiritual son Timothy. He knew that his time on earth was coming to an end, so he wanted to impart wisdom to someone he loved dearly. Using the metaphor of fanning a fire, he challenged Timothy not to let what God was doing in his life die out, but rather to grow in strength (v. 6). God’s gift was not a fearful spirit but a powerful one, full of love and self-control (v. 7).

We can be sure that Timothy needed this reminder because living a gospel-centered life comes with risk of rejection, suffering, and shame. But because the spirit of God gives power, Timothy did not need to be ashamed or fearful. Even his association with Paul, a prisoner, wasn’t a cause for embarrassment because God is the one who empowers!

Paul understood that there were times when people should be ashamed of their sinful behavior (2 Thess. 3:14). There are also times, however, when people should not be ashamed. For example, Paul understood that his work for the gospel brought about suffering, but this was not a cause for shame because he was following Christ’s instructions. Paul had no need to be ashamed because he was obeying the One who defeated death and gave him eternal life (v. 10)! With confidence he would tell Timothy: Do not be ashamed of the gospel (v. 8).

Go Deeper

As one who follows Christ, you have no need to be ashamed of the gospel or about obeying the One who has given you eternal life. Have courage! Extended Reading:

2 Timothy

Pray with Us

Jesus, we need Your reminder to cherish the work You are doing in our lives and to be courageous warriors for the gospel. Thank You for giving us a Spirit of “power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.2 Timothy 1:7

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Read 1 Timothy 4

We live in a fitness-obsessed world. Everyone seems to be working out, thinking about working out, or dressing as if they just worked out. Those who aren’t are worried that they should be concerned. And while it is not bad to be concerned about our health, there is something that is worth a much greater investment.

In 1 Timothy, Paul was writing to his younger disciple, Timothy, reminding him that the spiritual life is hard work. He uses physical training as an analogy, exhorting him to train to be godly (v. 7). We don’t often associate godliness with training. Someone once revealed to me that he thought if he just spent time around Christians, it would rub off on him. Paul’s counsel is the opposite. Avoid things that draw you away from God and expend effort to become more like Him. Pushing the analogy further, while the results of physical exercise have some value, the results of godliness are valuable for everything (v. 8).

Godliness, or the lack thereof, touches every area of our lives. It affects our relationships. It affects our work. It affects the choices we make. With so much at stake, it should be no surprise that Paul uses words like “labor” and “strive” to describe the Christian life (v. 10). We prefer to focus on themes of rest and calm in the Christian life as we confront a frenetic world, and that is appropriate. But it is also important for us to remember that leaning in, pushing hard, and working out are also part of the Christian life.

We do not train in godliness to impress others. We do it because we represent those who have placed their hope in God. Living a life of godliness shows the world that Christ is more valuable to us than anything else.

Go Deeper

Do useless conversations and debates dominate your spiritual diet? How can you lean into training in godliness? What will be your area of focus this week? Extended Reading:

1 Timothy

Pray with Us

Lord God, guide us on the road to godliness and give us strength to persevere in faith! What a blessing it is to receive advice and help from Your precious Word.

Train yourself to be godly.1 Timothy 4:7

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Read 2 Thessalonians 2

For years I led trips to Israel for students. Often, we traveled in buses on tight schedules. It was important for the students to be in the bus on time, not to miss opportunities to see important sites by the end of the day. Each morning began with a gentle reminder that if they were too late, they might get left behind.

In his first letter to the Thessalonians Paul addressed the issue of Christians who had perished. In his second letter Paul addressed a different problem. It seems the word went around that Jesus had already returned, and they had missed Him (v. 2)! As you might imagine this was disconcerting. To make matters worse, Paul was aware that this rumor might have been backed up by people claiming to have spoken with him and maybe bearing false letters forged in his name (v. 2).

He answers by giving them prophetic insight into the future. After his conversion, Paul received direct revelation from Jesus (Gal. 1:12). Jesus revealed to Paul that certain things must come to pass before He would come back. The details were not so specific that someone could pinpoint the day when Jesus would return. However, they are specific enough to assure his readers that God had a plan. He expected his readers to be encouraged by this. They had no reason to be unsettled, because God was in control.

The events of the future would not roll out haphazardly. God’s sovereign hand was on the future! First, the “man of lawlessness” must appear (v. 3). He must set himself up in the Temple as God (v. 4). But until the time was right, he was being held in check (v. 6). The Thessalonians could stand firm in the knowledge that they would not miss Christ’s return.

Go Deeper

Do you look at the world around you and wonder how bad things will get before the Lord returns? Stand firm! Lawlessness will never ruin God’s plan. Extended Reading:

2 Thessalonians

Pray with Us

Jesus, like the Thessalonians, we eagerly await Your return! It gives us great joy to know that You hold our future in Your hands, and we are secure in You. Teach us to always walk worthy of Your kingdom.

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled.2 Thessalonians 2:1–2

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Read Colossians 2:1–15

Home ownership is attractive. Why pay rent when you can invest your hard-earned money into an asset that may appreciate over time? However, owning a home takes effort. The lawn must be mowed, the siding must be painted, and the roof must be repaired. But even while a rental might be easier, homeownership is considered a worthy investment.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul encourages his readers to do the hard work of maintaining the faith they have attained. They need to continue to live their lives in submission to the authority of Jesus (v. 6). He uses two images to describe the hard work they need to do. First, they need to remain rooted in Christ (v. 7). Like a plant extending roots for nutrients in the soil, they need to sink their roots deep in the knowledge of their Savior.

Second, their faith needs to be built up like a firm foundation that supports a building. They are to strengthen their faith and cultivate a heart “overflowing with thankfulness” (v. 7). Paul’s advice was important because the Colossians lived in a dangerous place, awash in “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (v. 8). These teachings were not based on Christ but on cultural practices and even the demonic world. Proponents of these ideas were always on the lookout for converts to ensnare. The Colossians needed to avoid being taken captive, and Paul’s warnings also ring true for us today!

Like home ownership, living out our faith takes work. The Colossians could not assume that just because they came to faith in Christ in the past, they would not need to expend energy on a regular basis to maintain that faith against opposition. In the same way, we need to realize that the work we do now for Christ is of eternal value.

Go Deeper

Do you consider your faith a rental unit or a home you’ve purchased? How will sinking deep roots in Christ help you defend against the world’s philosophies? Or how has it? Extended Reading:

Colossians 1-4

Pray with Us

Lord, how do we discern and avoid “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (Col. 2:8) of the world? The book of Colossians teaches us how: by being “rooted and built up” in Christ (v. 7). May we grow in faith and love!

Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him.Colossians 2:6–7

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Read Philippians 1

You might not know that The Pilgrim’s Progress was written in prison. The author, John Bunyan, was imprisoned for preaching in public without a license. At the time the local authorities banned such preachers, so they put Bunyan in jail for 12 years. But if their goal was to silence him, they failed. Bunyan used the time to write The Pilgrim’s Progress, which has become one of the most printed books in the English-speaking world.

Paul wrote Philippians under similar circumstances. He was falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the Jewish Temple and this precipitated a series of events which led to his incarceration. One would expect this difficult situation to result in frustration and anger for the apostle, but he had a different perspective. He accepted this trial as from the hand of God and focused on opportunities it presented him.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul noted that during his imprisonment the gospel was being preached to people who would not normally hear it (v. 13). Paul would not have had access to the palace guard if he had not been placed in prison! In addition, as other believers watched him endure this trial with grace and a sense of mission, they became bolder (v. 14). Finally, Paul used his time in prison to write letters to Christian communities. These letters made an impact on early Christians and continue to do so today.

Paul’s example reminds us that we have options when enduring a trial. We can languish under the pain and a sense of injustice, or we can lean in and look for the opportunities it creates. Your accusers may intend to silence you, but they may be giving you a platform for the gospel.

Go Deeper

Are you facing an unjust trial? How might God be giving you an opportunity to reach people you otherwise would have not met? Take advantage of every opportunity to share the faith you have in Jesus. Extended Reading:

Philippians 1-2

Pray with Us

As we continue our journey through the book of Philippians, we ask You, Lord, to help us follow Paul’s example to see purpose in life’s trials and to turn to You with our worries and anxieties.

What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.Philippians 1:12

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Read Ephesians 1:3–10

Have you ever received something in a package you didn’t expect? Occasionally a vendor will include a gift with my purchase, maybe a sticker, coupon, or a product sample. Most of the time these free gifts aren’t something I want or need, so they land in the trash.

In the opening of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul details a list of good gifts that come along with the salvation Christ won for us. The best gift we receive when we believe the gospel is a relationship with the God of the universe. That would be enough. But because God is so gracious, so generous, he bestows a wealth of incredibly valuable extras.

We are not just saved, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (v. 3). We are not just saved, we have been made holy and blameless (v. 4). We are not just saved, we have been adopted into a new family (v. 5). God has not left us in the dark, He has shown us what His plan is for this world (v. 10). All this, and so much more, comes to those who trust in Christ!

Christians should be aware of their inheritance in Christ because the world offers its own alternate list of “bonus gifts.” From the world, we are offered a sense of belonging, endless enjoyment, and a self-focused way of life. But none of these comes from God who lavished His love on us by sacrificing His Son for our sins. When we fully appreciate the blessings given to us by God, the gifts of the world begin to look like those stickers you didn’t ask for, thrown into the bottom of a box and sent by someone you don’t know.

Go Deeper

Do you appreciate all you have received from God in Christ? When you see this list of blessings, does your heart react with joy? Take a minute to list the benefits of salvation and rejoice in them! Extended Reading:

Ephesians 1-2

Pray with Us

It’s a joy to reflect on all Your gifts, Jesus, mentioned in Ephesians, and to realize that we also are the beneficiaries of these gifts. Thank You for new life and for the wonder of Your salvation!

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.Ephesians 1:7

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Read Galatians 3:1–6

The sound of a siren is meant to evoke a strong and immediate response. The powerful wail means one thing: There is an emergency, so be ready to act. You may need to stop, you may need to pull over—pay attention!

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul sounds a warning siren for a theological emergency. He had received a report that the Galatians had begun to change their minds about the gospel. He taught them that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient to secure their salvation (v. 1) but now they had begun to believe that this was insufficient. They wanted to earn their salvation. “Are you so foolish?” asks Paul (v. 3).

The Galatians had a stunning change of mind. Paul points out that they received the Holy Spirit at salvation by believing (v. 2). The Spirit was the sign of their salvation, and they received that as a gift. He sounds the alarm even louder by pointing out that God had been working among them, and this was not because they earned it by doing good works (v. 5). No, they had believed, and God saved them, so why would they try to earn those gifts now? Abraham serves as the perfect example. When confronted by God, he believed, and God made him righteous (v. 6).

The Galatians needed to pay attention and act. They needed to think differently about their situation. They needed to accept the grace of God’s gift and stop trying to work for it. Their very salvation was at risk. If they tried to earn it, they would surely fail. No one can be righteous enough to overcome their sin problem! Thankfully, there is One who has taken care of it for us.

Go Deeper

Do you wrestle with earning your favor with God? Remember, Christ’s sacrifice paid the full debt of your sins. Rejoice! Salvation has come to you as a free gift. If you do not know Jesus as your Savior, accept Him today! Learn More Extended Reading:

Galatians 3-6

Pray with Us

Lord God, the false theology Paul addresses in his letter to “foolish” Galatians still plagues our churches today. We pray for Your wisdom to lead us in exposing false teachings and to follow the truth of Your Word.

Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.Galatians 3:1

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Read 2 Corinthians 1:1–11

Wisdom tells us that before we judge someone we should “walk a mile in their shoes.” It is difficult to make an accurate judgment without comprehending another’s situation in some detail. Less often welcomed is the need to walk a mile in someone’s shoes before we can comfort them. Since we often avoid difficulty and suffering at all costs, the comfort we offer can seem thin or shallow. We haven’t suffered, so we can’t comfort.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul offers a different perspective on the suffering he endured. He suggested that suffering has a purpose. As an apostle and messenger of the gospel, Paul, as well his coworkers, suffered greatly. But he had learned that his sufferings enabled him to comfort others who suffer (v. 4). Amid his difficulties, Paul had enjoyed the comfort of God, and this positioned him to comfort others.

Paul’s sufferings were indeed like Christ’s. He suffered on our behalf. He endured so that we could learn how to endure. He received the comfort of God (Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:43) so he could comfort those who suffer (Matt. 11:28). The writer of Hebrews called Jesus a sympathetic High Priest, able to understand because of what He endured (Heb. 4:15). Paul understood the comfort he received came from Christ who commissioned him and had suffered like him (v. 5).

The final step in this new perspective about suffering was to recognize that his sufferings were purposeful. Paul reasoned that he had endured distress so that his readers could be comforted (v. 6). If he received comfort, it was to comfort them. Rather than suggesting that suffering was a random experience, Paul reasoned there was a purpose for difficult experiences. They gave him a new ability!

Go Deeper

How have your own times of suffering prepared you to comfort others? Can you think of a few specific examples of how God has used those experiences to teach you more about Him? Extended Reading:

2 Corinthians 1-2

Pray with Us

Jesus, at times it seems we go through the valley of tears in this world, but we can rejoice that You gave us the promised Comforter. Thank You that amid our hardships we can come to You and find comfort.

Just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.2 Corinthians 1:5

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Read Romans 1:1–17

Epic adventures often involve multiple story lines. While the main characters are consumed with the central conflict, along the way we see seemingly lesser characters face challenges and trials. Keeping track of multiple storylines can be difficult, but a master storyteller can keep a reader’s interest until the time is right, finally revealing how all these threads weave together into a dramatic conclusion.

As the Apostle Paul opens the book of Romans, he takes a moment to explain how God has woven the overarching story of salvation into a conclusion beyond comprehension.

The Apostle Paul begins by acknowledging the part he plays—as one “set apart for the gospel” (v. 1). But the message of the gospel did not originate with Paul. This gospel was promised long ago by God through the prophets (v. 2). The Scriptures were written “through his prophets” for later generations (including us) to read, pointing to Jesus, a descendant of David (vv. 2–3). Jesus was born a human but revealed to be the Son of God at the resurrection (v. 4). The story of salvation is an epic one that stretches from before God made the world to the moment we find ourselves in His presence forever. God has woven the thread of your life and countless others into something wonderful and powerful.

Paul explains how he was made an apostle for a specific purpose, to call Gentiles to obedience to the Lordship of Christ (v. 6). He is “eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome” (v. 15). There is a sense of community in this calling; our stories are intertwined. Paul desires “that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (v. 12). We are to declare the gospel, “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (v. 16).

Go Deeper

What is your salvation story? Who was instrumental in leading you to Jesus? What role have you played in pointing others to salvation? Extended Reading:

Romans 1–2

Pray with Us

Lord, we are thankful for the example Paul gives us of how to preach the gospel with courage and conviction. May we with the same boldness point people to Jesus, to receive grace and freedom.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.Romans 1:16

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Read Acts 9:1–19

When composers create music, they do more than just write notes on a page. They compose with specific instruments in mind. While we may hum the melody of a piano concerto, it was not written to be hummed. It was written to be played by an orchestra. Each instrument is chosen with intention and follows its own score while the hand of the composer controls.

In the years after Christ ascended, the church grew. They also faced harsh persecution (Acts 8:1). New believers were imprisoned and even killed. It would have been easy to assume the risen Christ had abandoned His flock. But He was at work in ways they could never have comprehended.

Saul, a leader among the Jewish community, obtained orders to arrest Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1–2). He was “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (v. 1). But God had other plans. While Saul was en route to that city, he was confronted by the risen Christ: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4).

Blinded by this encounter, Saul was sent to meet a Christian named Ananias. But Ananias was reluctant to welcome him (v. 13). So, Jesus revealed his plan for Saul: “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel” (v. 15). Notice how Ananias’s attitude changes as he addresses this man, once a feared enemy, as “Brother Saul” (v. 17).

God had selected Saul, who was later called Paul (see Acts 13:9), for a specific purpose. Until now the gospel had spread among Jewish people, and Jesus would use Paul to take it to Gentiles. Like an instrument chosen by a composer for its unique sound, Paul would serve the design of the Master Composer.

Go Deeper

Are you an unlikely convert? Consider your role in God’s grand symphony. What role does He want you to play? Extended Reading:

Acts 2

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Acts 7

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Acts 9

Pray with Us

You had a wonderful plan for Saul of Tarsus, turning him into a fiery apostle Paul. We praise You, God, that You have plans for our lives as well, to give us “hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11). We can trust You with our lives!

This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles.Acts 9:15

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Read John 19

Renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci was known for procrastinating! His most famous incomplete work was the “Adoration of the Magi,” which he was commissioned to complete in 30 months. But progress on his 7-foot-tall masterpiece stopped when Leonardo moved to Milan to pursue another offer. It remains unfinished to this day.

From our study of Scripture, we know that God always finishes His plans (Phil. 1:6). And as we come to the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth, we need to appreciate these final movements in the grand plan God set in motion before the foundation of the world. God decided He would redeem this fallen world through the death of Christ. What we witness at the crucifixion is the moment where this plan comes together.

After being betrayed and enduring hash treatment at the hands of the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers, Jesus was crucified. This too was a part of God’s plan. The prophet Isaiah and others foretold that Israel would know a servant who would suffer on their behalf. He would bear their transgressions and iniquities (Isa. 53:5). Jesus did the will of the Father throughout His ministry, obedient to the point of death. “I have bought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4).

While on the cross Jesus was aware that the end was near. He gave up His life according to the will of God. His final words, “It is finished” (19:30), were a statement not of defeat but of victory. His work was complete. Sin was defeated. All that remained was victory. Three days later, the Father would raise Him from the dead, the first fruits of those who would believe in Him.

Go Deeper

Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus who willingly went to the cross, taking the penalty for our sins. If you don’t know Him as Savior, let this be the start of your story! Learn More. Extended Reading:

John 18–20

Pray with Us

Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son, the eternal Word, who gave us freedom from sin and showed us a new way to live. Teach us to live according to Your perfect law of love.

Jesus said, “It is finished.”John 19:30

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Read Luke 6

Social media influencers are a big deal in today’s culture. These individuals have huge followings on their social media, and brands pay to have them promote their products on their channels. While this new method of advertising has been very successful, the influencers can’t force their followers to do what they say. They can only suggest; they have no authority to require obedience.

As Jesus traveled the land of Israel, Luke records that He began to draw significant crowds (v. 17). People came for various reasons: some to see miracles (v. 18), others for healing, and still others hoping Jesus would start a revolution to drive out the Romans. But Jesus wasn’t interested in status or numbers. He was interested in changing hearts, so He challenged His audience to obey Him!

In Luke 6, Jesus rebuked those who made a pretense of calling Him Lord but didn’t do what He said (v. 46). This hypocrisy is foolish. The Light of the world stood before people and taught them, but instead of obeying, they disputed Him. To press His point, He used an illustration of a builder who built his house on the solid foundation of rock (v. 48). This person is like one who does what Jesus says to do. The one who does not obey, is like a foolish person who built a house on sand. They lost everything—“it collapsed and its destruction was complete” (v. 49).

Jesus’ point is clear. He did not come to earth as an influencer. The Son of God came to earth with a message to be obeyed. It is common today to suggest that Jesus was a nice Jewish Rabbi. But we must not forget that He was also an authoritative Teacher. His words required obedience. His most important teaching? The “good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 8:1).

Go Deeper

What message did Jesus bring to the people? What did they misunderstand? How does it compare to what people misunderstand about Jesus today? Extended Reading:

Luke 5–6

Pray with Us

Jesus, it’s easy to pay You lip service, but it’s not always easy to obey You in everything. Give us courage and determination to do what You say and to build our lives on the solid rock of Your Word.

Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?Luke 6:46

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Read Mark 10

Jesus was not whom most people expected. Mark’s Gospel paints a portrait of Jesus that looks more like a servant than the redeemer God’s people had anticipated for hundreds of years.

But we know that God’s ways are often not our ways. The Gospels record that, according to God’s plan, the second Person of the Trinity became a man, Jesus, and lived among people. They were able to observe His actions and hear His teaching. While many regarded Jesus as the long-anticipated Savior of Israel, they also hoped He would be the one who would drive the Romans from their land and restore their kingdom. This would be a glorious future, and they hoped their lives would change for the better as their leader ascended to power. But Jesus had a different mission, one that embodied service and, finally, the ultimate sacrifice.

In the Gospels, Jesus taught these values to His disciples and followers. When it became clear that two of His disciples, James and John, were thinking of themselves and not of Jesus’ mission, He corrected them. While they may have been used to powerful leaders who held their authority over others, they were to live differently (v. 42). Jesus was modeling a different way, using His power to serve others. Greatness in God’s kingdom would be achieved by serving those in need (v. 43).

By invoking the title Son of Man for Himself, Jesus drew a connection to the book of Daniel where the second Person of the Trinity appeared as a man and received power, authority, and a kingdom (Dan. 7:13–14). Jesus was saying that even the God-Man did not come to use power for Himself, but for those He came to serve. His ultimate service would be to give His life, so that many would be saved from their sins.

Go Deeper

Go Deeper How did Jesus flip the script regarding power and service? Can you think of a few specific examples in the Bible of how He challenged those values? Extended Reading:

Mark 10–12

Pray with Us

We are amazed at the beautiful picture of Christ as a servant in Mark’s Gospel. We pray, Father, that You will raise a new generation of true servant-leaders in our churches and communities who will imitate Jesus.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.Mark 10:45

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Read Matthew 1

Watching buildings under construction is an exercise in waiting. At times it seems like nothing is happening. Construction vehicles come and go but no structure rises above the ground. Finally, the building pokes out. Then things slow down again as work progresses out of sight. Suddenly, one day, people are living there!

Today, we begin our journey through the New Testament. After 400 years without direct revelation, God’s plan to redeem our broken world seemed not to be going anywhere. The Jewish people had returned from exile and found themselves in their homeland, but without a king and without significant blessing. They struggled with faith. The idolatry was gone, replaced by religiosity that needed a heart change. Then suddenly, God’s plan entered its next phase.

We begin the Gospel of Matthew, where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and informed her that she would participate with God in a miraculous way. She had been chosen to give birth to a child who would “save his people from their sins” (v. 21). This is the first of many moments in the New Testament that directly answer events of the Old Testament. In Genesis, Adam and Eve sinned, plunging the world into darkness, but Jesus (His name means Yahweh Saves) will undo the consequences of that early disobedience. Sin was humanity’s greatest challenge! Prior to this moment Israel relied on sacrifices that couldn’t completely atone for their sins. Now God would offer a sacrifice that would put sin away forever.

To remind his readers that this was always the plan of God, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah who predicted that the miraculous birth of a Son would signal God’s presence with Israel to deliver them. Like the grand opening of a building, the next step was finally here!

Go Deeper

How surprising was Jesus’ arrival to those alive at that time? Why is it significant that Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah? Extended Reading:

Matthew 1–3

Pray with Us

Lord Jesus, we rejoice that You came to earth to live with us, to walk with us, and to save us. Thank You, Almighty God, that You speak to Your people through Your Son.

You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.Matthew 1:21

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Read Haggai 1:1–15

Have you ever heard the phrase, “The Cobbler’s children have no shoes”? If you saw the children of a cobbler, a shoemaker, walking around with worn out shoes, or no shoes at all, you would wonder why! Wouldn’t caring for your children’s needs be a priority? In a similar way, the prophet Haggai warned God’s people that their priorities were out of alignment. They were neglecting what was most important.

Israel was back in the land after 70 years spent in exile. While they returned in excitement, the rebuilding process had been discouraging. The Temple in Jerusalem was still not completed, and the people had turned instead to building their own homes. Through Haggai, God confronted them about the situation: “Is it time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” (v. 4). His question needs no answer. Of course, it was not time for them to be focusing on their own homes while the house of the Lord was in shambles. This was an embarrassment, an affront to all sensibility.

God’s displeasure is evident as the prophet points out that they have been suffering economic distress (v. 5). Their crops have failed. What they do have, they find satisfying. When they save money, it disappears like money in a bag with holes (v. 6)! They were failing to prioritize the most important things and this affected everything else they did.

The solution was to put God first. They needed to expend energy, making God’s work a priority in their lives. They needed to be less busy with themselves and more busy with the things of the Lord. Specifically, that meant redoubling their efforts to gather the building material to finish the Temple and working hard to get the work done.

Go Deeper

Are your priorities rightly ordered? How do you put God first in your life? What changes do you need to make to realign your priorities? Extended Reading: 

Haggai

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Zechariah 1

Pray with Us

Dear Jesus, help us to look honestly at our lives to determine our priorities. Do we put You first? Help us to “give careful thought to [our] ways” (Haggai 1:5).

Give careful thought to your ways.Haggai 1:5

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