MONDAY

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

2 Thessalonians 3:14-18
Discipline is never easy and must always be administered with the goal of positive change. It is far easier for a parent to ignore a childish offense, but genuine love demands correction that produces a beneficial effect. Discipline in the Lord’s family must be administered with the purist of motives and tenderest of care. Paul’s writings are tough, but also tender. His motive for discipline was always to warn erring followers of Christ so that their behavior might change and thus preserve their relationship with Jesus. Our efforts at discipline ought to be as earnest and charitable. Truth in love. 

MONDAY

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

Proverbs 1
The fear of the Lord is the beginning . . . True, the next words are, of knowledge, but in reality, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of everything important: our faith, spiritual relationships, godly behavior, discipleship, service, commitment—the list is endless (v. 7). This biblical fear is the headwaters of our spiritual journey. Fear in this context is far more than a mere phobia. When used of God it connotes standing in awe, deep regard or respect, and reverence. The knowledge that counts most in life is what we know of the Lord. And that knowledge grows out of a healthy fear of the Almighty. 

MONDAY

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

Luke 13:10-21
Nothing smells as appetizing as the aroma of fresh baked yeast bread. I watched my grandmother work the dough and was amazed by the effect of the yeast. Some may read this as if the kingdom mysteriously grows like invisible yeast embedded in flour, but there is a better understanding. Like a tiny bit of dough, the kingdom started small, but it grew and expanded rapidly. I marvel at the church’s impact in this world through the last two millennia despite oppression and persecution. It started with a small band of disciples and continues to spread around the globe. 

MONDAY

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

Proverbs 3
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart” translates into total surrender (v. 5). During the American Civil War, General U. S. Grant gained a reputation for toughness. Many claimed his initials should stand for “Unconditional Surrender” Grant. That’s what this admonition is all about—unconditional surrender to the Lord. Unfortunately, too many people trust in their own understanding and acknowledge their own wisdom. Such folly leads to ruin. When we trust the Lord, he will “make our paths straight” (v. 6). Do not confuse straight with easy or problem free. Rather, God provides clear direction and lasting purpose for our lives no matter the circumstances. 

MONDAY

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

1 Timothy 3:1-10
Church leadership is different from business and government entities in that a spiritual leader must first be a servant leader. Among these qualifications for an elder, the first, in my mind, is most important—above reproach. The character traits that follow help to define what it means to be above reproach. And while this is directed at those who serve as elders, shouldn’t this be the behavioral goal of every Christian? What an impact the church would make in this world if all who follow the Lord lived above reproach. The non-believer might remain unconvinced, but it wouldn’t be the result of hypocritical followers.