MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 6:17-26
Philippians 3:10-14
Psalm 119:161-168
2 Kings 16–17

2 Kings 16–17
God’s patience is amazing. The northern kingdom of Israel lasted for just over 200 years and the entire time God’s preeminence was sorely compromised. The noise of idolatry, child sacrifice, and witchcraft drowned out God’s clarion call to repentance. For two centuries God patiently warned his people through his prophets, but the people turned a deaf ear to his counsel. Consequently, Israel fell captive to the Assyrians and never returned. Had they listened to God instead of the godless culture around them, they would have flourished. We would do well to remember that truth. God’s patience is amazing but not everlasting.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 6:27-36
Philippians 3:15-21
Psalm 119:169-176
2 Kings 18–19

Luke 6:27-36
Of all Jesus’ surprising words, none are more challenging than, “Love your enemies . . .” (v. 27). This command offends us because we like to hold a grudge, feed our bitterness, pamper our pride, feel sorry for ourselves, and stoke the smoldering fires of our anger into blazing rage. We love hating an enemy. But those created in the image of our Father are not our enemies; God wants them to discover his grace, too. Loving others—seeking the highest possible good for them—is not emotional but intentional. And if Jesus practiced what he preached by loving his “enemies” from the cross, can we do any less?

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 6:37-42
Philippians 4:1-7
Psalm 120
2 Kings 20–21

Psalm 120
The psalmist begins with a testimonial which is penned in the past tense, I called upon the Lord and he answered me, (the NIV translates it in the present). Do you have a similar testimony? If so, you should use it to encourage others. I tend to hear more about those prayers that remain unanswered, or at least not answered as the petitioners wanted. Their complaint is often followed with the question, “Why?” I can’t explain God’s response, but I’ve become more content with the answer “no.” Despite my disappointment, I know God’s answer is the best and someday we will discover the why.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 6:43-49
Philippians 4:8-13
Psalm 121
2 Kings 22–23

Philippians 4:8-13
Check out any list of top 10 favorite Bible verses and you will find Philippians 4:13 near the top. I marvel that such an encouraging thought could be penned while the author was confined to the rigors and deprivations of a Roman prison. But that only accentuates the power in Paul’s words. However, it is easy to take his statement out of context. This is not God’s mystical promise to handle everything that happens to us in life. Rather, this is a statement about how we find contentment in Christ, regardless of life’s circumstances. Only Jesus provides the strength and perspective to make every situation bearable.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 7:1-10
Philippians 4:14-23
Psalm 122
2 Kings 24–25

Luke 7:1-10
Seldom do we read that Jesus was amazed, but this is one such occasion. Was he amazed that a despised Roman officer had gained the admiration of the community by building their synagogue? Was it that this Gentile soldier had concluded Jesus was no mere man? Was it the Centurion’s humility in feeling unworthy to approach Jesus in person? Or was it the fact that this non-Jew understood the power of authority and the essence of faith better than those empowered to be caretakers of the faith? Perhaps it was a combination of all. May our faith be as strong and genuine!