MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 8:40-56
Colossians 3:15-25
Psalm 130–131
1 Chronicles 15–16

Colossians 3:15-25
A plastic wrist band from several years ago sported the initials WWJD (What would Jesus do?) The wearer was reminded to respond to life’s situations as Jesus would have. At least that was the intent. Long before someone cashed in on the wrist band idea, Paul gave Christians this rule of thumb: Do everything in the name of Jesus. In other words, to the casual observer, our words and actions should be consistent with all that is represented by the name of Jesus. Such a life inevitably expresses thanks to God. Anything less subtracts from the character and sacrifice of Christ.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:1-17
Colossians 4:1-9
Psalm 132
1 Chronicles 17–19

1 Chronicles 17–19
How do you handle disappointment? Do setbacks in life make you better or bitter? King David felt guilty living in a palace while the ark of the covenant remained under a tent. Being a man of vision, he conferred with the prophet Nathan about building the temple. The Lord, however, had other plans. Solomon, David’s son, would have that privilege. Instead of wallowing in his disappointment, David praised and celebrated the goodness of God. When life takes an unexpected turn, don’t wallow in your disappointment. Put your trust in the Lord who always has a better plan and praise him for his goodness!

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:18-27
Colossians 4:10-18
Psalm 133–134
1 Chronicles 20–22

Luke 9:18-27
You may have heard this before—no one picked up a cross unless he was expecting to die on it. Crucifixion was reserved for the worst of offenders and only the condemned were compelled to carry their cross. When Jesus extended this “invitation” to his disciples it probably drew a sober response. We can read it without wincing because we’ve never witnessed a brutal crucifixion. And yet, the invitation is offered to us as well. One word is often overlooked in this passage—daily. The Lord challenges us to daily die to self that we might live for him.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:28-36
1 Thessalonians 1
Psalm 135
1 Chronicles 23–25

Psalm 135
The psalmist offers this simple but profound description of idols: “They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths” (vv. 16, 17). How did intelligent human beings justify bowing down before chunks of wood or stone as if what they had carved suddenly became a god who towered over them? Then again, how do intelligent human beings today justify bowing down to the 21^st century gods of fame, power, and wealth? The psalmist’s conclusion is also profound—the folly of such idolatry leaves one blind, deaf, and breathless. 

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:37-50
1 Thessalonians 2:1-9
Psalm 136
1 Chronicles 26–28

Luke 9:37-50
I’m grateful that Scripture provides insight into the disciples’ human nature. That they argued over who was greatest is encouraging in an unexpected sort of way. In response, Jesus used a child to model his desired attitude. As I watch my young grandchildren, I am reminded of his point. Children are generally happy, fascinated with every aspect of life, and wear a smile most of the time. They love deeply, build friendships quickly, and forgive easily. Their ability to trust is amazing and their genuine hugs heal heartache like nothing else. True kingdom leaders serve with the heart of a child. 

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 9:51-62
1 Thessalonians 2:10-20
Psalm 137
1 Chronicles 29

1 Thessalonians 2:10-20
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it can also be a terrific learning tool. Paul commended the Thessalonian church for imitating the churches in Judea. By observing these Jewish congregations, the relatively new Gentile believers learned how to cope with persecution. And the basis for their imitation was their shared identity in Christ. An old adage states, “Misery loves company.” The difficulties often associated with our faith are more easily tolerated when we learn that we are not alone. As we draw strength from those who have weathered the tough times before us, let us resolve to be Christians worth imitating.