MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 12:22-37
Acts 17:16-34
Psalm 28
Exodus 13–15

Acts 17:16-34
Paul was distressed with the vast number of idols dotting the Athenian landscape, but I admire how he responded. He graciously accepted the people where they were and sought to lead them where they needed to be. There was no shame-on-you sermon. To the contrary, Paul began by complementing his audience and acknowledging their religious fervor. He expressed interest in their story and then launched his presentation around the Athenian’s altar TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Appealing to their curiosity, he promised to solve their dilemma and then taught them about the resurrected Jesus. Paul demonstrated a positive method for communicating with unbelievers.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 12:38-50
Acts 18:1-17
Psalm 29
Exodus 16–18

Exodus 16–18
I learned much about fixing things from my father-in-law, a farmer nicknamed Tinker. Moses also learned a terrific business model of delegation from his father-in-law, Jethro, who observed his son-in-law stressed to the max by trying to solve all the Israelite’s problems during their journey across the Sinai Peninsula. He wisely pointed out that by dividing up the many judicial concerns among other qualified, godly men, Moses would spare himself overwhelming anxiety while maintaining insight for the more difficult cases that demanded his wise judgement. Moses learned to work smarter, not harder. Delegating divides the labor and multiplies the results.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 13:1-23
Acts 18:18-28
Psalm 30
Exodus 19–20

Psalm 30
The doctor stares at the floor. The tests reveal your cancer is inoperable; you have only months to live. You weep . . . but joy comes in the morning. Your son returns from the university and announces he no longer believes in God. Your heart breaks . . . but joy comes in the morning. You stand at the airport in tears as your daughter dressed in military fatigues prepares to board her flight to the Middle East. You hold her close because you have no idea how she will come home to you . . . but joy comes in the morning. Aren’t you grateful God has promised joy?

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 13:24-43
Acts 19:1-22
Psalm 31
Exodus 21–23

Matthew 13:24-43
The aroma of fresh baked yeast bread is so very welcoming. Yeast (leaven) is mentioned 39 times in Scripture, but only this parable uses it in a positive symbolic manner. How is the kingdom of Heaven like yeast? Just as a small measure of yeast can reach into every part of the dough, so the gospel message can permeate even the darkest corners of the world. Just as the aroma of fresh baked yeast bread makes us hungry, so the gospel message (when presented properly) draws us in and makes us hungry to know more. No wonder Jesus said, “I am the Bread of life.”

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 13:44-58
Acts 19:23-41
Psalm 32
Exodus 24–26

Acts 19:23-41
With lower wages at stake, rioters took to the streets in angry protest. The decibel level was so high no one could hear. Those who rose to speak were shouted down. Others, when interviewed later, admitted they didn’t even know why they were there. A well-respected citizen tried to restore order, but the mob shouted all the louder for two straight hours. Sound familiar? This, however, is not the lead story in today’s Washington Post, but the reaction to the gospel in ancient Ephesus. The truth will always be met with opposition. The gospel survived in the first century, and it will survive now and forever.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 14:1-21
Acts 20:1-12
Psalm 33
Exodus 27–29

Psalm 33
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord . . . In a speech at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in December 1820, Daniel Webster noted, “Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.” President James Madison, known as “the father of the Constitution,” made this observation, “The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.” If the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, then let us approach him with deepest reverence and genuine respect. Perhaps in his grace, he will bless our land for the sake of his kingdom.