MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 12:49-59
2 Thessalonians 3:14-18
Psalm 150
2 Chronicles 34–36

Psalm 150
When I was a child, my home congregation always stood and sang the Doxology at offering time. My youthfulness caused me to miss the powerful significance of the song. Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . . When we reach the end of Psalms, it is easy to miss the power of these last six verses. God is worthy of our praise: in his mighty heavens, for his surpassing greatness, with every song, sound, and means possible. No one is exempt; no one is without excuse. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 13:1-9
1 Timothy 1:1-11
Proverbs 1
Ezra 1–2

Ezra 1–2
Remnant: a small remaining quantity of something. After 70 years in Persia, a remnant of Hebrew captives returned to the land of Judea to rebuild the temple. King Cyrus, prophetically mentioned by name twice in Isaiah, was moved by God to set the captives free. He even returned the temple treasures the Babylonians had taken as spoils. God’s providential help can come from the least likely places. A gentile king, Cyrus, became the Jews’ savior. How fitting then that a Jewish King, Jesus, became the Gentiles’ Savior! If God could use the pagan Cyrus to change history, what can he do through you?

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 13:10-21
1 Timothy 1:12-20
Proverbs 2
Ezra 3

1 Timothy 1:12-20
As Paul considered the value of the law and the fact that God had “entrusted” him with the gospel, he erupted in thanksgiving. If he, the worst of the law breakers, could find forgiveness in the Lord, then anyone could find grace through Jesus Christ. It’s as if Paul could hardly contain his joy at the thought of God’s mercy to use him in ministry. When was the last time you stopped to consider God’s overwhelming mercy extended to you? We, like Paul, should shout our praise: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (v. 17).

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 13:22-35
1 Timothy 2
Proverbs 3
Ezra 4–5

Luke 13:22-35
This question was posed to Jesus: “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” (v. 23). Jesus answered cryptically: (1) Enter through the narrow door (obviously there is more than one door to choose from); narrow implies it requires an effort to find and get through. (2) Once the door is closed, it will not be opened again so don’t neglect the opportunity. (3) And those who do find it will come from all directions. Anyone is welcome at the King’s feast! I imagine we will be surprised by who is and who isn’t in Heaven. Don’t miss the door—his name is Jesus!

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 14:1-14
1 Timothy 3:1-10
Proverbs 4
Ezra 6

Proverbs 4
This chapter contains three instructional poems and each begins with an admonition to focus. “Listen, my sons” (v. 1), Listen, my son” (v. 10), and “My son, pay attention” (v. 20) The first lesson focuses on parental wisdom and the writer quotes his father. The second is a plea to avoid godless companions whose evil intent will lead to evil behavior. The third highlights spiritual anatomy; keep your eyes focused on the right; watch what comes out of your mouth; ensure that your feet don’t stray; and “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (v. 23). Learn these lessons well!