MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 22:1-14
Romans 2
Psalm 50
Number 5–6

Romans 2
In Romans 2:24, Paul rebuked the Jews: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” The Jews were bragging about their relationship with God and were proud they had the Law. They taught others what the Law said, but didn’t follow it themselves. I wonder if a similar rebuke could be said to some of us today. Is God’s name held high because of our representation of him? Or, like the Jews in this text, is God’s name blasphemed because of our behavior? If we are the only Jesus someone sees, do we represent him well?

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 22:15-33
Romans 3
Psalm 51
Numbers 7–8

Psalm 51
Sometimes we think God needs our service. We worry that if we don’t serve in this area or that area, the church will crumble. The reality is, God doesn’t need us to make his kingdom function. He is the creator of the universe. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). Anything he could ever need, he has. He doesn’t necessarily need our tithes, gifts, and sacrifices. What he does want, though, is our hearts (Psalm 51:17). Instead of animals broken for sacrifice, he wants hearts broken over sin. God doesn’t need sacrifices, but he does want hearts.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 22:34-46
Romans 4
Psalm 52
Numbers 9–11

Numbers 9–11
“If only I had _________ , then I would be happy.” If only I had a spouse . . . if only I had a child . . . if only I had a job . . . if only I had a better-paying job . . . What is your if only? What is that one thing you think would make you happy? In Numbers 11, the Israelites longed for meat. “If only we had meat to eat!” they cried out in verse 4. They lost sight of the blessings before them because they were too busy looking back and longing for things they used to eat. Today, don’t let an “if only” steal your joy.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 23:1-12
Romans 5:1-11
Psalm 53
Numbers 12–14

Matthew 23:1-12
It’s easy to harshly judge the Pharisees and teachers of the law, but many of us can relate to the temptation they faced. They weren’t all terrible people. They simply fell into the trap of doing things to be seen by others. Many of us have been tempted to do the same. We have sought recognition for our service or gifts. We have wished for a pat on the back or a “thank you.” We too have wanted to be noticed for our acts of service. We have forgotten why we do what we do and who our true audience is.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 23:13-24
Romans 5:12-21
Psalm 54
Numbers 15–17

Numbers 15–17
What do you want to be known for someday? Most of us want to be known for our faith, love, generosity, or kindness. None of us wants to be known for our discontentment or rebellion against the Lord. Unfortunately, that is exactly what Korah is known for. He was a leader among the Israelites from the tribe of Levi. He worked daily in the tabernacle. But apparently this leadership role wasn’t enough for him. He wanted more. Is what the Lord has given you enough? Are you satisfied in the role he has given you? Or do you want more too?

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 23:25-39
Romans 6:1-14
Psalm 55
Numbers 18–20

Romans 6:1-14
What does it look like to be an instrument of righteousness? Maybe it looks like slowing down enough to notice someone who seems discouraged. Maybe it looks like a kind word to a stranger. Maybe it looks like getting down on one knee and listening to a child tell you about his or her day. Maybe it looks like paying for a stranger’s coffee at the coffee shop. Maybe it looks like saying no to something your sinful nature tempts you to do. Maybe it looks like serving your family. One thing is certain: it looks like Jesus.