MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 18:18-30
2 Timothy 4
Proverbs 13:13-25
Nehemiah 11

Luke 18:18-30
What’s your bottom line? What could Jesus ask you to do that would cause you to turn away from him in sorrow? Sometimes in reading this story we mistakenly conclude that riches were the problem. They were not. The young man’s attitude was the point of contention. Being able to see into the priorities of his heart, Jesus knew there was only one solution. For the young man to discover eternal life in Jesus, his wealth had to go. Unfortunately, he couldn’t let go. How tragic! What is it that you can’t let go to be fully devoted to the Lord?

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 18:31-43
Titus 1:1-9
Proverbs 14:1-18
Nehemiah 12

Proverbs 14:1-18
Even in our wisest moments, our judgement is still lacking. There is a way that seems right to a man. With the passing of years, we learn that things are not always as they seem to be. Have you ever said, “Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time”? Each year the Darwin Awards are bestowed on people whose seemingly good idea at the time ended in disaster. When we become overconfident in our plans, the end result is seldom good. Follow God’s precepts and wise counsel and you’ll never even be a runner-up for a Darwin Award.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 19:1-10
Titus 1:10-16
Proverbs 14:19-35
Nehemiah 13

Nehemiah 13
Compromise can be a good tool. Government comes to a screeching halt when legislators cannot find a good compromise. If you’re married, you had better learn how to compromise or happiness will remain elusive. For all its value, however, compromise is the enemy of spiritual faithfulness. Nehemiah once again returned to Jerusalem to tackle the problems created by compromise: unbelievers were afforded the same blessings reserved for God’s people; the Sabbath day was desecrated by those who spent the day working; the sanctity of marriage was weakened with brides and grooms from pagan nations. Be careful what you compromise. Remain faithful to God’s commands.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 19:11-27
Titus 2:1-10
Proverbs 15:1-17
Esther 1

Titus 2:1-10
Waiting for something special isn’t easy; on Christmas morning, just look into the eyes of a child waiting for the rest of the family to get out of bed. But when we busy ourselves in a worthwhile endeavor, the waiting is much easier. Paul reminded Christians how to wait for the promised return of the Savior. Say “no” to those choices that merit the world’s approval and “yes” to ethical behavior which stands head and shoulders above the crowd—self-controlled, upright, and God honoring actions. When we live like that we will be mentally and spiritually ready for that final journey home.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 19:28-38
Titus 2:11-15
Proverbs 15:18-33
Esther 2

Luke 19:28-38
Earlier this year thousands lined the streets of Windsor as Prince Harry and his bride took their first ride as husband and wife in an ornate royal carriage. When the Son of David rode into Jerusalem it was on the back of a donkey’s colt which had never been ridden—fitting for a king. Within the week, he was buried in Joseph’s unused tomb—fitting for a king. Just as the meek and humble Lord triumphantly entered the city, so he would later triumphantly ascend into Heaven—fitting for a king. Someday he will return for his Bride, the church—fitting for the King of Kings.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 19:39-48
Titus 3:1-8
Proverbs 16:1-16
Esther 3–4

Esther 3–4
For such a time as this . . . Those words must have lingered in Queen Esther’s mind throughout the three days of her self-imposed fast. Haman, the Hitler of the Old Testament, was hell-bent on Jewish genocide within the Persian kingdom. The fate of Esther’s people rested with her willingness to breach the law and royal protocol by approaching the king uninvited. Nevertheless, she accepted the challenge and whatever fate awaited her. God’s name never appears in this book and yet his fingerprints are on every page. The Jews were saved! What is your “for such a time as this” opportunity?