MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:1-11
Philippians 1:12-20
Psalm 119:113-120
2 Kings 4–5

2 Kings 4–5
I’ve seen the Jordan River—it’s muddy. It’s easy to understand Naaman’s objection to dipping in it, but he totally missed God’s point. The point had nothing to do with the Jordan River’s superiority to the rivers of Damascus. The point wasn’t that dipping in the Jordan seven times was a magical formula for healing. The point was obedience. The prophet’s humbling instructions lacked logic. When did muddy river water ever cure leprosy? Elisha’s words called for a step of faith. Naaman’s servants understood Elisha, and finally Naaman did too. Genuine faith always steps out in obedience.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:12-16
Philippians 1:21-30
Psalm 119:121-128
2 Kings 6–7

Luke 5:12-16
Leprosy was a killer. It ate away at the body’s extremities until the sufferer was disfigured beyond recognition. Worse still, leprosy was a relationship killer. A leper became a social outcast due to the disease’s contagious nature. Family and friends remained at a distance. I wonder how many lepers died of broken hearts long before their bodies gave out. And yet, this leper prayed in earnest, “If you are willing . . .” (v. 12). He humbly submitted to the Lord’s answer whatever that answer might be. In our crisis moments, we need to approach Jesus with that same humble submission. “Lord, if you are willing . . . .”

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:17-26
Philippians 2:1-11
Psalm 119:129-136
2 Kings 8–9

Philippians 2:1-11
My grandparents had a cellar. You entered through a hinged door in the floor and made your way down a narrow set of handmade wooden stairs. The floor was dirt and it had an earthy smell. Grandma stored all her wonderful home canned goods there, but I was always a bit apprehensive about entering what seemed like another world. In a far more profound sense, Jesus must have felt that way when he descended to earth—like stepping down a narrow stairway into the cellar of the universe. How incredible that Jesus lowered himself in every way that we might be lifted up.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:27-32
Philippians 2:12-18
Psalm 119:137-144
2 Kings 10–11

Psalm 119:137-144
Righteousness is the quality of being right or morally correct. The psalmist began this segment of Psalm 119 with these declarations: the Lord is righteous, his laws are right, and his statutes are righteous. The wicked tend to forget these truths even though the Lord’s promises have been thoroughly tested. To ensure that the reader does not forget, the psalmist declared a second time that God’s statues are forever right. And just so we don’t miss the point, a more literal translation of verse 142 adds, “Your righteousness is righteous forever” (ESV). Our moral integrity matters; how else can we be a reflection of his righteousness?

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 5:33-39
Philippians 2:19-30
Psalm 119:145-152
2 Kings 12–13

2 Kings 12–13
“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (v. 2).What a wonderful commendation. If only the chronicler had stopped with that phrase. Unfortunately, the sentence continues “all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”This biblical account underscores the importance of spiritual mentoring. After Jehoiada died, Joash lost his way spiritually. He abandoned the Lord, killed Jehoiada’s son, and was eventually assassinated by his own servants. As long as Joash was being counseled, he remained faithful. Who are you mentoring? Use the wisdom and knowledge of your years to help the younger generation stay the course of their faith.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 6:1-16
Philippians 3:1-9
Psalm 119:153-160
2 Kings 14–15

Philippians 3:1-9
Bragging rights—the prerogative to boast. In this text, Paul spelled out his unparalleled Jewish heritage as if to say, “You want to boast about who you are, then move to the end of the line, fella. I’m way ahead of you.” And from a purely human perspective, Paul had a right to brag. However, Paul’s intent was to point out the futility of such reasoning. The apostle viewed all his accomplishments as trash compared to the surpassing knowledge of Jesus. In Christ we surrender our bragging rights and humbly point others to him and his grace through his eternal accomplishment at the cross.