MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 4:1-11
Acts 4:23-37
Psalm 7
Genesis 18–20

Genesis 18–20
Lot and his family lived in the wicked city of Sodom. Unfortunately, instead of influencing his neighbors for God, it appears Lot’s neighbors influenced him. In fact, Lot became so calloused to sin that he offered his daughters to the evil men standing at his doorstep. Then, when the angels urged him to leave, he hesitated (Genesis 19). Jesus was with sinners just like Lot was, but he never allowed his environment to make him callous to sin. If you’re wondering whether or not you’re growing callous to sin, ask yourself this: am I transforming my environment, or is my environment transforming me?

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 4:12-17
Acts 5:1-16
Psalm 8
Genesis 21–23

Psalm 8
I wonder if people can tell that we are followers of Jesus by the way we take care of our world.  We don’t often think that caring for the planet has anything to do with discipleship, but it does. God made us rulers of this earth (Psalm 8:6). He put us in charge of the animals, birds, and fish. He asked us to care for the world he created. It’s not about politics or “going green.” It’s about stewardship. Are we caring for the world God gave us, or are we leaving the task for someone to do once we’re gone?

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 4:18-25
Acts 5:17-42
Psalm 9
Genesis 24

Matthew 4:18-25
When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to be his disciples, they dropped what they were doing and followed him immediately. They didn’t hesitate or wait until a more convenient time. When Jesus asks us to tell our friends about him or do something that doesn’t make a lot of sense, do we follow immediately like the disciples did? Or, do we hesitate? Following Jesus isn’t always easy or convenient. It wasn’t for Jesus’ disciples, and it isn’t for us now. One thing, however, is certain; even though it’s not always convenient, it’s always worth it.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 5:1-12
Acts 6
Psalm 10
Genesis 25–26

Acts 6 
When we come into contact with Jesus, we look different. It was true for Stephen and it’s true for us. In Acts 6, the text says those looking at Stephen “saw that his face was like the face of an angel” (v. 15). It also says he was full of the Holy Spirit (v. 5). Stephen was a different man—from the inside out—because of his interactions with the risen Lord. Can people tell we have been with Jesus too? They should notice a difference because those who have been with Jesus cannot help but be changed.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 5:13-20
Acts 7:1-38
Psalm 11
Genesis 27–28

Matthew 5:13-20
Getting the Bible into our heads isn’t enough. We have to get it into our hearts too. The religious leaders, after all, were great about getting the Scriptures into their heads. They knew what the Word of God said. They likely had much of it memorized. They knew the laws inside and out. Unfortunately, many did not allow this head knowledge to reach their hearts and change their behavior. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that “knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” Knowing God’s Word is a great first step, but doing God’s Word is even better.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 5:21-32
Acts 7:39-60
Psalm 12
Genesis 29–30

Acts 7:39-60
When is it hard to forgive? Do you struggle to forgive when someone gossips about you or hurts your child or deceives you? Forgiveness is difficult, but it’s always possible. Just ask Stephen. Right before he died, as men were heaving stones upon his broken body, Stephen asked God to forgive his murderers (Acts 7:60). Stephen’s words sound a lot like what Jesus said on the cross, don’t they? He too asked God to forgive his killers (Luke 23:34). Stephen and Jesus forgave their murderers. Sadly, we sometimes struggle to forgive offenses that are much less significant in comparison.