MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 16:19-31
2 Timothy 1:1-7
Proverbs 10:17-32
Nehemiah 4–5

Nehemiah 4–5
When the three stooges of the Bible—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—learned that Nehemiah had started rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, they did their best to discourage him. Critics are never in short supply. Just like when 17-year-old Bob Heft submitted a 50-star American flag design for a class project but received a very discouraging grade. Bob’s congressman, however, liked it and so did President Eisenhower who approved the design. It has served as our nation’s flag for 58 years. Don’t let your dream die from discouragement; rise above the critic. And yes, once our newly designed standard ascended the flagpole, Bob’s teacher also raised his grade!

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 17:1-10
2 Timothy 1:8-18
Proverbs 11:1-15
Nehemiah 6

2 Timothy 1:8-18
My life was profoundly impacted by church camp during my teen years. Following a particularly powerful week, many of us from various congregations bonded together in a group we called “The Fellowship of the Unashamed.” Paul encouraged Timothy not to be ashamed to preach Jesus boldly. After all, the Lord had unashamedly sacrificed his life for us. After more than 40 years of preaching, I often reflect upon the unashamed who instilled courage in me to preach. Paul said it best, “Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him” (v. 12).

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 17:11-19
2 Timothy 2:1-13
Proverbs 11:16-31
Nehemiah 7

Luke 17:11-19
How quickly we forget. When 10 men on leprosy’s death row saw Jesus, they stood at a distance but didn’t offer the obligatory cry of “Unclean!” Instead, they pleaded for the Lord’s pity. Following his instructions, they set off to be examined by a priest and were healed on the way. Overjoyed, only one—a Samaritan—returned in grateful worship. All had been cleansed, but only 10 percent felt compelled to express thanks. A simple gift demands a note of thanks; how could the 90 percent be so callous? We, too, have been cleansed of our sin. Which of these lepers best describes how we show gratitude?

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 17:20-37
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Proverbs 12:1-14
Nehemiah 8

Proverbs 12:1-14
Proverbs is often a study in contrasts. These 14 verses highlight 14 contrasts in character. Each is a pearl of wisdom that when strung together provides wisdom on how to get along in life. In the end it is a person’s speech that truly reveals what’s deep inside. Consequently, our true character is revealed in the words we choose to share. Some wise sage put it this way, “Every word is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don’t count on harvesting Golden Delicious.” Choose your words wisely; make them sweet just in case you have to eat them.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:

Nehemiah 9
Some walls need rebuilding; others need tearing down. Following a God blessed 52-day rebuilding of Jerusalem’s city walls, it was time to remove the walls in the hearts of the people. Nehemiah and Ezra led a time of spiritual revival. The Law of God was read, the Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated, and the people fasted. On the appointed day, 50 percent of their time was divided between reading God’s Word, confessing their sins, and worshiping the Lord. At day’s end, they renewed their commitment to humbly follow God. We are quick to judge the Israelites’ disobedience, but do we also have inner walls that need to be torn down?

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 18:9-17
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Proverbs 13:1-12
Nehemiah 10

2 Timothy 3:10-17
I own a Shopsmith; a high quality, combination tool that enables me to saw, drill, sand, and shape with a lathe. All of these implements are contained on one compact frame that is easily stored. I like practical tools, especially spiritual ones. Paul’s declaration about Scripture being “God breathed” not only points to the divine origin of biblical truth, but also reminds us of the Word’s practical value. It is a spiritual tool that “is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” When we embrace its life-changing message, we will be thoroughly equipped for every good work. God’s Word enables us to practically live life to the fullest.