MONDAY

Reading for Today:
John 2:12-25
James 3:13-18
Ecclesiastes 5
Jeremiah 14–15

Ecclesiastes 5
We all want to feel heard. We want to have someone in our lives who will listen—really listen—when we speak. Unfortunately, there are not enough good listeners in this world. Most of us are better talkers than listeners. This is even true in our relationship with God. Many of us tend to tell God what we want rather than waiting for him to speak in his still, small whisper. Ecclesiastes 5:1 reminds us to “go near to listen” to God. This week, don’t just tell God what you want from him. Rather, listen for what he wants from you.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
John 3:1-15
James 4:1-10
Ecclesiastes 6
Jeremiah 16–18

Jeremiah 16–18
Most of us have probably been told by a well-meaning friend to follow our hearts. Are you unsure which career path to take? Follow your heart. Are you torn about a decision that needs to be made? Follow your heart. Unfortunately, this is misleading advice. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things.” Why would you want to follow a heart that is “beyond cure” as the text tells us? Instead, choose to follow God, his Word, and his Spirit within you. Though our hearts might lead us astray, we can trust these things to keep us on the correct path.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
John 3:16-21
James 4:11-17
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
Jeremiah 19–22

James 4:11-17
Most of us typically think of sin as doing something bad. For instance, when we lie, gossip, or lust, we sin. In our minds, sin equates to doing something wrong. It’s an action or, at the very least, a thought or a desire. What we don’t often equate with sin is inaction. James 4:17 tells us, “If anyone . . . knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Apparently, we can sin even when we do nothing. This week, don’t let sin rear its ugly head, either by your actions or by your lack thereof.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
John 3:22-36
James 5:1-6
Ecclesiastes 7:15-29
Jeremiah 23–25

John 3:22-36
John the Baptist said about Jesus, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). He recognized that his job was to point people to Christ. This is an admirable goal for any Christ follower. This week, how can you make Jesus greater? How can you make him greater at home when you’re with your family? How can you make him greater when you’re at work? How can you make him greater at the coffee shop or fast food restaurant? Making Jesus greater wasn’t a job only for John the Baptist; it’s a job for each of us too.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
John 4:1-14
James 5:7-12
Ecclesiastes 8
Jeremiah 26–29

Jeremiah 26–29
Many of us cling to Jeremiah 29:11 in difficult times: “For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” These are powerful promises. Unfortunately, many who read this verse miss the one preceding it. In verse 10, Jeremiah told the Israelites they would experience 70 years of captivity. God had plans to prosper them, but that didn’t mean it was all smooth sailing. God has good plans for us too, but they might include some difficult things. Don’t let the challenging things cause you to forget the beautiful promises.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
John 4:15-26
James 5:13-20
Ecclesiastes 9
Jeremiah 30–31

James 5:13-20
Do you feel like your prayers are effective? Many of us have felt at times that our prayers didn’t reach much further than the ceiling. Regardless of how we may feel, James 5:16 is clear: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James goes on to remind his readers about Elijah, a man who was just like us but who prayed that it wouldn’t rain. God heard Elijah and answered his prayer, holding back the rain for over three years. It doesn’t take a superpower to move mountains; all it takes is a bold prayer.