MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 14:22-36
Acts 20:13-38
Psalm 34
Exodus 30–31

Matthew 14:22-36
We face two kinds of fear: fear of the known and fear of the unknown. That night on the Sea of Galilee the disciples faced both. They knew well the dangers of being caught in a violent storm. When they saw what could not be explained, they were absolutely terrified. I think fear of the unknown is far more paralyzing. Then Jesus’ words pierced the darkness, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Jesus changed everything! When the storms of life overwhelm you and your mind goes wild contemplating the unknown, take courage. Stick close to Jesus. Only he can calm your fears.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 15:1-20
Acts 21:1-26
Psalm 35
Exodus 32–33

Exodus 32–33
God was angry and rightly so. His people, to whom he had revealed himself in so many miraculous ways and for whom he had provided food and freedom, had turned their backs on him. They traded the Creator for an image of his creation, a sacred cow. God’s patience had reached a tipping point. In his righteous anger, Moses shattered the stone tablets just as the people had shattered the commandments carved on them. And yet, he pleaded with God for their forgiveness, offering to forfeit his own salvation to save the nation. For whom have you pleaded with God for their salvation?

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 15:21-39
Acts 21:27-40
Psalm 36
Exodus 34

Acts 21:27-40
Making assumptions without the facts can be embarrassing or worse, dangerous. Paul nearly lost his life back in Jerusalem and it all started with assumptions. The angry crowd assumed Paul was anti-Jewish and that he had defiled the temple by taking a Gentile inside. They assumed he was guilty and worthy of death without a trial. The Roman commander assumed that Paul was an infamous Egyptian who had instigated a revolt. The Romans assumed he couldn’t speak Greek and the mob assumed he couldn’t speak Aramaic. Be on your guard. Don’t assume! At best, you’ll be embarrassed. Wait for the facts before drawing conclusions.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 16:1-12
Acts 22
Psalm 37:1-22
Exodus 35–37

Matthew 16:1-12
What is the sign of Jonah? Have you ever wondered what Jonah looked like after swimming around in stomach acid for three days? By the time he reached Nineveh, news of the violent storm, the great fish, and Jonah’s disobedience had surely preceded his arrival at the Assyrian capital. The city must have been stunned as he stepped through the gate—dead man walking. Is it any wonder the Ninevites repented? God validated his message of grace by Jonah’s “resurrection.” If pagans repented at Jonah’s appearance and preaching, how much greater should be our repentance at God’s eternal message of grace validated by Jesus’ resurrection?

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 16:13-28
Acts 23:1-11
Psalm 37:23-40
Exodus 38–40

Psalm 37:23-40
The psalmist looked back on the truths he learned throughout life. In his golden years, he reflected on the fact that God is faithful to his own. God never abandons those who strive to live for him and according to his statutes. God loves those who are just, righteous, and faithful. However, the psalmist warned that the wicked lie in wait. That’s true today. As of mid-November last year, there were 314 mass shootings in the US. In the midst of such evil, wait on the Lord. In his time and by his means he will take care of his own. The wicked never last; the righteous last forever!

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 17:1-13
Acts 23:12-35
Psalm 38
Leviticus 1–4

Acts 23:12-35
Paul’s life would make for a captivating movie—40 men bound by an oath to see Paul killed, a riveting cloak-and-dagger plot to make it happen, and a covert conversation overheard by Paul’s nephew and shared with a Roman commander who risked his command to rescue Paul. God is the master of intrigue. Just when you think you have God figured out, he’ll surprise you with an unanticipated move. Accordingly, Paul eventually presented the gospel to governors Felix and Festus as well as Caesar’s household. Who knows what intriguing moment in your life will be used to proclaim the good news!