MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 14:22-36
Acts 20:13-38
Psalm 34
Exodus 30–31

Matthew 14:22-36
Peter was the only disciple who got out of the boat and walked on water. Sure, he also began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the wind and waves. Sure, it wasn’t a flawless “performance.” But that doesn’t change the fact that he took the first step. He got out of the boat. When we want to do something for God that feels impossible, we can learn from Peter. Take a step. Climb off the boat. Keep your eyes on Jesus. You never know what might happen next; you might end up walking on water.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 15:1-20
Acts 21:1-26
Psalm 35
Exodus 32–33

Exodus 32–33
We are an impatient society. We want our food quickly, our internet fast, and our shows to download immediately. We have no patience for buffering. We’re not that different from the Israelites after all. They didn’t like to wait either. In Exodus 32, the Israelites made a golden calf because they thought Moses stayed too long on the mountain. In their opinion, God wasn’t moving fast enough. Have you ever thought something similar? Have you ever wondered why God didn’t answer your prayer more quickly? If so, remember that God might not act as quickly as we wish, but he’s always worth the wait.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 15:21-39
Acts 21:27-40
Psalm 36
Exodus 34

Psalm 36
Have we forgotten how to blush? Better yet, has the church forgotten how to blush? Do the movies we watch, the books we read, the conversations we have, and the things we think about honor the Lord? And if not, do we feel convicted about them? Many church-going, Bible-believing Christians have become so callous to sin they don’t notice it when it’s in their homes or hearts. Like the people described in Psalm 36:1, 2, they can’t detect their own sin. May this never be said of us. Instead, let’s remember how to blush.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 16:1-12
Acts 22
Psalm 37:1-22
Exodus 35–37

Exodus 35–37
We can’t outgive God. When we give, he always gives more. It is possible, however, to give so much that all the needs of the church are met. Exodus 36 proves this. In this text, Moses asked the Israelite people to give offerings to the Lord for the Tent of Meeting and for the garments of the priests. The people gave so much Moses told them to stop. Can you imagine? What would it be like today if we gave so much to our local churches that our leaders had to ask us to stop? That offering appeal would make headlines!

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 16:13-28
Acts 23:1-11
Psalm 37:23-40
Exodus 38–40

Matthew 16:13-28
Why did Peter try to discourage Jesus from going to the cross? It might have been because he believed Jesus was the promised Messiah and couldn’t see how Jesus’ death could be part of that plan. Or it might have been because he loved Jesus and didn’t want to lose him. Regardless of his reasoning, Peter was not thinking correctly. He was focused on this life rather than on the next. His thoughts were wrapped around the here-and-now, instead of eternity. What do you think about most: the things of this life, or the things of God?

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 17:1-13
Acts 23:12-35
Psalm 38
Leviticus 1–4

Acts 23:12-35
There are many unsung heroes in the Bible. In Acts 23, we meet one of them: Paul’s nephew. This young man learned of a plot to kill Paul and warned Paul about it. He took the information to the commander of the prison, even though doing so put his own life in danger. This is the only time he is mentioned in Scripture, but his actions probably saved Paul’s life and changed history. If you ever think you can’t make a difference for the Lord, look at this young man. One small good deed can change the course of history.