MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 1:39-56
Ephesians 2:1-10
Psalm 119:17-24
1 Kings 4–5

Ephesians 2:1-10
Why did God save us? It was because of his love for us. He loved us so much he allowed—no, caused—his only child to be tortured and killed. He orchestrated Jesus’ death because he loved us so much he couldn’t stand the thought of eternity without us. This is God’s free gift of salvation through faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9). But this gift isn’t for our benefit alone. God made us new in Christ so we could do the good works he prepared for us to do (v. 10). Don’t let your salvation be for you alone. Let it bless others too.

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 1:57-66
Ephesians 2:11-22
Psalm 119:25-32
1 Kings 6–7

Luke 1:57-66
How well do you share in the joy of others? In Luke 1, after Elizabeth had her baby, the text says, “Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy” (Luke 1:58). Sometimes, especially if we are praying for something that someone else receives, we struggle to share in their joy. Instead of rejoicing, we are jealous. Instead of joining in joy, we wallow in envy. This week, when something good happens to someone you know, don’t allow envy to rear its ugly head. Defeat it with joy.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 1:67-80
Ephesians 3:1-13
Psalm 119:33-40
1 Kings 8

1 Kings 8
What does a good leader look like? Is he skilled at recognizing the gifts and abilities in his team members? Does she equip her team members to get their individual jobs done? Is he capable of resolving conflict? Is she the kind of person others want to follow? Good leaders have many great qualities, but the one quality that stands above the rest is this: a good leader prays. Good leaders know they need help from God to lead effectively. That’s why Solomon was such a good leader. Good leaders lead from their knees.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 2:1-20
Ephesians 3:14-21
Psalm 119:41-48
1 Kings 9–10

Psalm 119:41-48
Do you walk in freedom, as the psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:45? Maybe you used to be an addict but aren’t anymore. Maybe you used to be a worrier but have learned to cast all your cares on God. Maybe you used to be a liar or a gossip or a grudge-holder. When we accepted Christ, he took those sins and those chains with him to the cross. Who we used to be isn’t who we are now. If God has set your heart free, don’t go back to what used to enslave you. Walk in the freedom he has given you.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 2:21-40
Ephesians 4:1-16
Psalm 119:49-56
1 Kings 11

1 Kings 11
In 1 Kings 10, just one chapter before this one, the queen of Sheba visited Solomon and was amazed by his wisdom and wealth. The tone changed quickly, though, in 1 Kings 11. Instead of sharing about Solomon’s splendor, chapter 11 is all about how his heart wasn’t fully devoted to God and how troubles came upon him as a result. 1 Kings 11:1 says, “King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women.” He was a great man; however, he fell. He was wise; however, he didn’t behave wisely. This week, don’t let there be a “however” in your life.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 2:41-52
Ephesians 4:17-24
Psalm 119:57-64
1 Kings 12

Ephesians 4:17-24
In order to put on a clean shirt in the morning, we first have to take off the dirty one. It would do us little good to put a clean shirt over a soiled shirt. It’s the same way in our Christian lives. We have to take off the old ways in which we used to live so we can put on our new selves. Take off anger and unforgiveness. Put on grace. Take off gossip. Put on words that build others up. Take off addictions. Put on freedom. Don’t let yesterday’s dirt remain on you today.