MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 20:17-34
Acts 27:27-44
Psalm 45
Leviticus 21–23

Matthew 20:17-34
When the mother of James and John came to Jesus with her request, she was behaving like any good parent would. She wanted her sons to succeed. What parent doesn’t want that for his or her children? What parent doesn’t want their child to do well in school, excel in sports, and grow into a successful adult? What this mother failed to realize, and what we sometimes forget as well, is that there are things more important than earthly praise and honor. Praise from others doesn’t last. Earthly rewards might make us feel good temporarily, but heavenly rewards last forever.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 21:1-11
Acts 28:1-16
Psalm 46
Leviticus 24–25

Psalm 46
What is your typical reaction when tragedy strikes? The psalmist in Psalm 46 wrote about the earth giving way, the mountains falling into the sea, the waters roaring, and wars raging. Nonetheless, in verse 10, he wrote, “Be still.” How is this possible? How can we be still when the world is crumbling around us? By looking to God. “Be still, and know that I am God.” That is how. When we know he is in control, we can be still before him, trusting him to keep us in the palm of his hand.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 21:12-22
Acts 28:17-31
Psalm 47
Leviticus 26–27

Acts 28:17-31
What hinders you from sharing the good news with your friends and family? Maybe you’re unsure what to say or you feel disqualified by your past. Perhaps you’re afraid of rejection. Maybe you’re surrounded by people who believe the same thing as you. This text tells us Paul “proclaimed the kingdom of God . . . without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). Regardless of what has stopped you in the past, make a decision today to follow the example of Paul. Share the good news of Jesus without hindrance, because no hindrance is too big for Jesus to overcome.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 21:23-32
Romans 1:1-17
Psalm 48
Numbers 1–2

Numbers 1–2
The book of Numbers got its name because of the census, or numbering, of the people of Israel. Though reading the numbers can feel tedious, it’s an important reminder that God cares about numbers. He doesn’t care about the size of a church building or the number of people in a given congregation. He cares about numbers because each one represents a person. Numbers matter to God because numbers represent lives. Similarly, numbers should matter to us because the more people we reach today on earth, the more people we will see again in Heaven.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 21:33-46
Romans 1:18-32
Psalm 49
Numbers 3–4

Psalm 49
Many of us, when we receive a promotion at work or buy a new house or car, say something like, “God has sure blessed us.” Maybe we should rethink the context of this statement. The truth is, God’s greatest blessings are not material things: big houses, nice cars, and thick wallets. Though we often consider ourselves blessed when we prosper (verse 18), we should not be overawed by the beauty of a home or by earthly success (verse 16). Instead, we should remember that the greatest blessings are not what we have been given but whom we have been given.