MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 20:1-8
Titus 3:9-15
Proverbs 16:17-33
Esther 5–6

Proverbs 16:17-33
“If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed” (Kate Halverson). During the election of 1864, Abraham Lincoln’s first choice for vice president was Civil War General Benjamin F. Butler, but when asked to serve Butler surprisingly refused. He believed Lincoln would not be reelected and even if he was, the vice presidency was a “do nothing” position. Lincoln did win, of course, and six weeks later was assassinated. Butler might well have become the 17th U.S. president had he not been so wrapped up in his own importance. Pride goes before destruction . . . Don’t let pride rob you of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 20:9-19
Philemon 1-11
Proverbs 17:1-14
Esther 7–8

Esther 7–8
Queen Esther’s ingenious plan of hosting a two-day feast for the king and Haman exposed the wicked Haman for the treasonous villain he was. Each of his efforts to seek revenge against the godly Mordecai backfired. In one last stroke of irony, the gallows Haman had built for Mordecai became the instrument of his own death. Haman seemed to be a rising star, but God knew differently. When one opposes God, there can be no good outcome. The account in Esther is a great illustration of this New Testament truth, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). 

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 20:20-26
Philemon 12-25
Proverbs 17:15-28
Esther 9–10

Philemon 12-25
The apostle Paul was a master at motivation. Sensing that Philemon might be resistant to the idea of accepting and forgiving Onesimus, Paul spoke of the runaway’s value: he is my very heart; I would have liked to keep him . . . He returns better than a slave; he’s a brother . . . Welcome him as you would me . . . And here’s the real zinger, If he owes you anything, charge it to me. I will pay you back, not to mention you owe me your very life . . . Who, with two brain cells knocking together, could have refused Paul’s appeal? When dealing with difficult people, carefully choose logical arguments to motivate right actions.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 20:27-40
Hebrews 1:1-9
Proverbs 18
Isaiah 1–2

Luke 20:27-40
The Sadducees were the most powerful ruling sect in Jerusalem. They didn’t believe in the resurrection or angels nor did they accept any Scripture other than the Pentateuch. They sought to confound Jesus with a tough question. In his answer, Jesus pulled back the curtain of eternity and gave us a glimpse into our future lives. In Heaven we will be like the angels, existing eternally. Marriages, enjoyed in this life, will not continue. There we will be children of the resurrection for the Lord is God of the living, not the dead. It’s just a glimpse, but imagine all God is waiting to reveal once we’re home!

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 20:41-47
Hebrews 1:10-14
Proverbs 19:1-14
Isaiah 3–5

Isaiah 3–5
Isaiah 3 recounts how God was about to remove his supply and support from Judah; he highlighted the nation’s unfaithfulness. Chapter 5 relates the parable of a vineyard that, while given every chance to succeed, never produced a crop. The vineyard was Judah and God was about to remove the hedge and wall; the vineyard would be overrun. But in chapter 4, the Branch, a messianic title, would restore beauty and glory. The new fruit would be the pride of the restored land. The Lord would “wash away and cleanse” the filth and “create a shelter and refuge.” God always provides hope in the midst of our suffering!