MONDAY

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

Psalm 119:161-168
I have a Bible that was printed in London, England in 1630, just 10 years after the Pilgrims set foot in America. Though yellowed with age, it was obviously treasured and carefully preserved. Undoubtedly, it was the only Bible for many succeeding generations. We, on the other hand, own multiple copies of the Bible in various translations; perhaps possessing a Bible today has become routine. The 1630 copy was clearly viewed as irreplaceable to its many owners and rightly so. The psalmist felt the same. “I rejoice in your promise . . . I love your law . . . I follow your commands . . . I obey your statutes for I love them greatly.” Do we?

TUESDAY

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

2 Kings 18–19
With his first decree, the newly crowned king, Hezekiah, destroyed the idols scattered throughout the kingdom of Judah and that included Nehushtan. What? A Canaanite idol? A Moabite god? Nope, this one was all Hebrew. During their 40 years in the wilderness, God once used venomous snakes to bring the disobedient Israelites to repentance. When they cried out for help, God instructed Moses to fashion a bronze snake on a pole that when raised would heal anyone who looked on it in faith. Eventually, the people forgot about God’s grace and worshiped the hunk of brass instead. How often do we exchange the Creator for the created?

WEDNESDAY

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

Luke 6:37-42
Have you ever had this verse hurled at you, “Do not judge . . . ”? It usually comes from one who isn’t a believer but who likes to quote this Scripture to justify his actions. This certainly does not mean that we should never make judgments, nor does it prohibit pointing someone toward the truth even when that truth is painful. I don’t always enjoy the truth, but I can handle it when it is shared with grace and mercy. Richard Needham wrote, “People who are brutally honest generally enjoy the brutality more than the honesty.” Let’s work on our attitudes and try “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

THURSDAY

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

Psalm 121
I love the mountains; the Grand Teton range in northwestern Wyoming is one of my favorites. Mountains inspire a sense of serenity and awe. Every bend in the road or shifting shadow brings a fresh, new perspective. Mountains remind me of God’s majesty and his promise to watch over us even in our desperate moments. So the next time life drags you through a disheartening valley, look up. The One who created each snow-capped peak and everything in between will help you through it and will set your feet on higher ground.

FRIDAY

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

Philippians 4:14-23
Philippians is, in part, a thank you note from Paul during his imprisonment. The Christians in this joyful congregation cared deeply for what Paul had done for them and sent a welcomed gift with Epaphroditus. Paul was overwhelmed by their generosity. As he concluded the gratitude portion of his letter, he gave them a promise that would last far longer than their financial aid. We, too, are encouraged by Paul’s assurance, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Wow! It’s true; you can never out give the greatest Giver himself.