MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 5:33-48
Acts 8:1-25
Psalm 13
Genesis 31

Psalm 13
We struggle to notice the good when we’re surrounded by bad. David began Psalm 13 in defeat. He didn’t stay there, though. Instead, he looked for the good. I’ve heard many say after a tragedy that the best thing to do is to look for helpers. Look for the good in the midst of the heartache. That’s what David did. “I will sing the Lord’s praise,” he said in verse 6, “for he has been good to me.” This week, no matter what you face, look for the good. There is always something for which to be thankful.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 6:1-15
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 14
Genesis 32–33

Matthew 6:1-15
The religious leaders wanted to be seen as holy. They wanted people to notice them when they gave, prayed, and fasted. Their actions weren’t the problem; their motivation was. They were motivated not by love for God, but by love for human praise. We fall into the same trap when we do things for God but hope to be recognized by others. If we want those around us to notice our “sacrifice” or “devotion,” we’re not motivated by love for God but by love for self. If no one ever knew about the good things you did for God, would you do them anyway?

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 6:16-24
Acts 9:1-19
Psalm 15
Genesis 34–35

Acts 9:1-19
No one is too far gone for God to transform. Saul was a religious leader who was avidly against Christianity. He wasn’t just apathetic to Jesus. He was strongly opposed to him, so much so that he murdered those who followed Jesus. Nonetheless, when Saul came face-to-face with the risen Lord, he was a new man. Once a religious leader against Jesus, now a minister for Jesus. Once a murderer, now a life giver. If you’ve ever thought you or someone you knew couldn’t be saved, you thought wrong. No one is so bad God can’t clean him up.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 6:25-34
Acts 9:20-43
Psalm 16
Genesis 36

Matthew 6:25-34
What keeps you up at night? Maybe it’s a prodigal child you fear will never turn his life around. Maybe it’s a bill you know is coming that you won’t be able to pay. Worry has become an acceptable sin among Christians. We don’t even try to stop worrying anymore, because we think it’s a normal part of living in this scary world. That, however, is not what the Word of God says. “Do not worry. . . for tomorrow will worry about itself” (v. 34). When we worry about tomorrow, we miss out on what God has given us today.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 7:1-14
Acts 10:1-23
Psalm 17
Genesis 37–38

Psalm 17
It’s nice to get a reward, isn’t it? Children love getting trophies at the end of a sports season. Adults love getting raises at work or bonuses at Christmas time. Rewards in this life are nice, but rewards in the next life are better. We shouldn’t spend all of our time and energy working for rewards here. Instead, we should devote our time and energy into storing up treasures in Heaven. Rewards stored in Heaven aren’t going to fade away with time or be spent on one big purchase. Don’t let your only rewards be ones you receive in this life.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 7:15-29
Acts 10:24-48
Psalm 18:1-24
Genesis 39–40

Genesis 39, 40
Sometimes we assume that if God is with us, he’ll make our lives comfortable. Unfortunately, this isn’t the picture the Word of God paints for us. Genesis 39:2, 21 tells us that the Lord was with Joseph. It doesn’t say, however, that God immediately freed Joseph from slavery or from jail. God’s presence with us does not guarantee our lives will be comfortable. It doesn’t mean our lives will look neat and tidy. What it does mean is that no matter what comes our way, we have a Comforter who will never leave our side.