MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 8:40-56
Colossians 3:15-25
Psalm 130–131
1 Chronicles 15–16

1 Chronicles 15–16
Jerusalem celebrated as the ark of the covenant was brought home to the city—this time in accordance with God’s Word. On the first attempt, the ark was carried on an oxcart but when the oxen stumbled and the ark teetered, Uzzah reached out to steady it. Uzzah had the best intentions but God had warned his people that death was the penalty for touching the ark. David did not throw Uzzah under the oxcart; the entire leadership of Israel took responsibility for failing to heed God’s instructions. It was a painful reminder that obedience to God always trumps good intentions.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:1-17
Colossians 4:1-9
Psalm 132
1 Chronicles 17–19

Colossians 4:1-9
Most Christians want to help seekers discover life in Jesus. But most do not know how to approach the challenge. “Be wise in the way you act,” Paul wrote. The message is good but is the messenger acting wisely? 

• Develop a friendship first. 
• Listen more than talk.
• Encourage the unbeliever to share his story.
• Don’t overreact when you hear something with which you disagree.
• When you do speak, do so with grace.
• Accept the unbeliever where he is and lead him where he needs to be. 

Be like salt that seasons the lives of all we contact with the gospel.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:18-27
Colossians 4:10-18
Psalm 133–134
1 Chronicles 20–22

1 Chronicles 20–22
Do you trust God when he promises to be our protector? Perhaps that was David’s struggle when he chose to take a census of the soldiers in Israel. He trusted in his own might, not the Lord’s. When God punished him and the nation for their faithlessness, David owned up to his sin. Out of such tragedy, however, grows a picture of true humility. David built an altar. The ground, oxen, wood, and wheat were offered to him at no charge, but David wisely refused, saying, “I will not give to God that which costs me nothing” (21:24). A genuine sacrifice honors God and demonstrates our trust in him.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:28-36
1 Thessalonians 1
Psalm 135
1 Chronicles 23–25

1 Thessalonians 1
Charles Colton wrote, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Every child grows up wanting to be like someone else, often imitating that person in word, style, or dress. Paul certainly wasn’t concerned about flattery, but noted that the Thessalonian congregation bravely imitated his example of sacrificial suffering and more importantly were imitators of Jesus. They “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (v. 9). The conversions were genuine. And the church became an inspirational model throughout the region. When we genuinely imitate the Lord’s example, then and only then will we be a suitable model for someone else.

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FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:37-50
1 Thessalonians 2:1-9
Psalm 136
1 Chronicles 26–28

Psalm 136
Jewish tradition calls this psalm the Great Hallal—the great praise. It opens and ends with a call to thanksgiving. Designed as an antiphonal song for worship, the leader or perhaps the choir would sing the verses and the congregation would echo with the refrain, “His love endures forever.” But this Hebrew word hesed cannot be translated by our simple English word love. This is God’s covenant love, an expression of his mercy and grace, a love that is extended by God because lovingkindness is the very fabric of his character. God is love! When you are feeling discouraged, read Psalm 136. It will lift your soul.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:51-62
1 Thessalonians 2:10-20
Psalm 137
1 Chronicles 29

Luke 9:51-62
Priorities come with a price tag; the important matters in life are costly. Confronted by three would-be disciples, Jesus’ response was rather cold. Some suggest that the second man’s father hadn’t yet died or that the third man would be indecisive in his commitment (it’s always “eyes forward” when plowing). Then again, Jesus may have been using exaggerated answers to teach this truth: nothing is more important than following him. Desire for comfortable shelter, or the weight of significant obligations, or even the love for family must never eclipse our love and devotion to the Lord. He must come first!