MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:1-11
Philippians 1:12-20
Psalm 119:113-120
2 Kings 4–5

2 Kings 4–5
Before Elijah left this world in a fiery chariot, Elisha requested a double portion of his mentor’s spirit. Whether he was simply asking to be Elijah’s successor or was seeking the power to accomplish more is not clear. Scripture indicates, however, that both happened. In this chapter Elisha performed four miracles: he multiplied oil, resurrected a boy, saved a potluck meal with a handful of flour, and multiplied bread. All four in some way replicated four of Elijah’s miracles. God confirmed that he would accomplish great things through Elisha, his next servant. You, too, may be God’s next servant if you are ready to be used.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:12-16
Philippians 1:21-30
Psalm 119:121-128
2 Kings 6–7

Philippians 1:21-30
Yogi Berra supposedly said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Paul faced a dilemma. Having endured the dark, dank Mamertine Prison in Rome, he was ready to go home to his reward. But he also realized that serving Jesus by helping the fledgling church brought him great joy. Living was serving Christ; dying was being with Christ. He was a winner either way! Do you live daily with a similar attitude? If so, every day will be worth living. Spiritually speaking Yogi was right. When you come to this fork in the road, take it. Either way you’ll win.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:17-26
Philippians 2:1-11
Pslam 119:129-136
2 Kings 8–9

Pslam 119:129-136
United States President James Madison, best remembered as “the father of the Constitution,” wrote, “The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.” For 229 years this document has guided our country and protected our liberties. Madison recognized what many have forgotten; God’s laws, upon which our constitution is based, are good and beneficial. Long before Madison, the psalmist wrote about the power of God’s decrees. “Your statutes are wonderful,” he declared. God’s words not only gave light to our liberties, they light our spiritual journey every day.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:27-32
Philippians 2:12-18
Psalm 119:137-144
2 Kings 10–11

Luke 5:27-32
On a tour of Washington, D.C. our guide pointed out the bland looking Internal Revenue Service building. It was the only time on the tour that the bus erupted with hisses and boos. Imagine, then, Judea’s response to Jesus’ choice of Matthew as a part of his inner circle. The Lord, however, always sees what the rest of us cannot. Matthew’s heart was transformed. He threw a party for Jesus and invited his colleagues. As the Pharisees began to hiss and boo, Jesus reminded them that the sick are the ones who need a doctor. When it comes to repentance, shouldn’t we all be like Matthew?

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:33-39
Philippians 2:19-30
Psalm 119:145-152
2 Kings 12–13

Philippians 2:19-30
While participating in a seminar for preachers in India, I was asked if I had any scars on my body from serving the Lord. It was one of the most humbling moments in my life when I had to answer that I did not. I knew many men in that room bore multiple scars. When we think of Bible people who suffered much, the name Epaphroditus seldom makes the list. But he nearly died while assisting Paul in prison. Paul described him honorably: brother, coworker, and fellow soldier in the Lord’s work. Regardless of our scars, let us all serve as faithfully.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 6:1-16
Philippians 3:1-9
Psalm 119:153-160
2 Kings 14–15

Luke 6:1-16
I must confess. I’ve prayed in the night on occasion but I have never prayed through the night. It astounds me that the Incarnate Lord did exactly that—prayed through the night. If anyone could get by with a flash prayer, it would be Jesus, right? And yet, the decision before him was so profound that he sacrificed sleep for the privilege of prayer. He was about to choose the 12 men who would help turn this world inside out with the gospel. I am humbled by the Lord’s example. Whatever the decision to be made, prayer must be the priority, not the last resort.