January 1^st

 

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day.” —Genesis 1:31

The opening chapters of the Old and New Testaments bring to the forefront two couples: Adam and Eve in the Old Testament and Mary and Joseph in the New. Their stories emphasize the concepts of family and community. Adam and Eve were created to enjoy each other as husband and wife. Their family was in community with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Sin had not yet broken this beautiful fellowship between man and wife and God and humanity.  Soon, however, sin did enter the world, but Mary and Joseph’s family began the restoration of the human race back to God. In their community, God placed His Son Jesus to restore God’s fellowship to humanity (community) and humanity’s fellowship with one another (family). Nothing was wrong with God’s original plan—it was "excellent in every way" (Genesis 1:31). Let us start this year by asking the Lord to restore to us our fellowship with Him in any area that has been broken by sin. Then let us ask Him to restore family in relationships with others whom we have offended. Jesus came to bring us back to God's original plan!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:25 • Matthew 1:1-2:12 • Psalm 1:1-6 • Proverbs 1:1-6

 

January 2^nd

 

“From now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” —Genesis 3:15

From the moment God promised the devil that Eve’s offspring would crush his head, Satan sought to murder the Messiah. John 8:44 tells us that “he was a murderer from the beginning and has always hated the truth.” The spirit of murder is of the devil. Thinking that perhaps Abel was the Messiah, Satan incited Cain to murder his brother. Later, when he realized that Jesus was the true Messiah, he provoked the bloodthirsty tyrant Herod into killing “all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, because the wise men had told him the star first appeared to them about two years earlier” (Matthew 2:16). Satan’s hatred, not only for Christ but also for those who are “Christ-ians,” has driven him to murder millions of believers worldwide. Try as he will, though, to gather those who will “plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one” (Psalm 2:2), the devil is always defeated! In fact, God even laughs at Satan’s anger and murderous attempts to stop His Son from redeeming the world (v. 4). In the end, the ultimate prophecy to believers will be fulfilled: “Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your possession” (v. 8). We are on the winning side!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 3:1-4:26 • Matthew 2:13-3:6 • Psalm 2:1-12 • Proverbs 1:7-9

 

January 3^rd

 

“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high.” —Psalm 3:3

 

Even as a child, David recognized God’s divine shield of protection around him. He felt so safe when surrounded by his enemies that he could actually lie down and sleep. God has always protected His children and made a way of escape for those He loves (1 Corinthians 10:13). Genesis 6 describes another example of God’s protection, relating how He saved Noah’s family from the raging waters of destruction that He had sent to cleanse the earth. Later on, in Genesis 19, the Lord delivered Lot and his family out of the city of Sodom just moments before He destroyed it with fire and brimstone. Christ found the way of escape from temptation in the wilderness when Satan came on three separate occasions with his most subtle deceptions. Each time Jesus escaped from the snare by quoting the Word of God. In times of trouble, remember, as did Noah and his family, that the raging waters and winds outside your “ark” pose no threat. You are safe and dry inside the refuge of God. Let the winds blow, the heathen rage, and the enemy rise up. God’s angels will protect and deliver you in the midst of any storm!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 5:1-7:24 • Matthew 3:7-4:11 • Psalm 3:1-8 • Proverbs 1:10-19

 

 

 

 

 

January 4^th

 

“They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. “—Matthew 4:22

    Something about the comfort and safety of the boat makes it hard to leave! After Noah had floated in the ark for months, God caused the floodwaters to recede and directed Noah and his family to leave their haven of refuge. Surely Noah wondered what it would be like outside the ark. Peter, too, knew the safety of the boat. But one day Jesus challenged him to leave the known and enter the unknown realm of “fishing for men.” Can’t you just imagine how Peter must have felt? What would it be like to wake up every day and follow Jesus? he must have thought. The boat represents old habits, securities, and ways of doing things. Peter had been a fisherman for years; Noah had been confined to the security of the ark for months. Both had to decide if they would dare to follow the One who called them. When Noah sent the dove out the second time and it did not return to him (Genesis 8:12), he knew it was time to leave the ark. Like the dove, he had no desire to stay in his world of former security. When Peter heard the voice of the Master, he knew it was time to leave the place of family refuge and follow the will of God. Once you have tasted of a new world—a world of ministry—you will have no desire to return to the mundane routine of life. Leave the boat, my Christian friend. A new world awaits you!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 8:1-10:32 • Matthew 4:12-25 • Psalm 4:1-8 • Proverbs 1:20-23

 

January 5^th

 

“Let’s build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies—a monument to our greatness! This will bring us together and keep us from scattering all over the world. “—Genesis 11:4

 

On the plain of Shinar, the people decided to make a name for themselves by building a great tower. Their example shows the powerful forces of self-exaltation at work within the human race. God cannot share His glory, however, and will intentionally bring to naught any plan or project that overly exalts the name of humankind. The opposite of such an exalted spirit can be seen in Abraham’s life. Abraham, a lowly Aramaean, became the father of faith for all time. God promised him, “I will cause you to become the father of a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others” (Genesis 12:2). Subsequent passages show how Abraham’s simple, childlike obedience repeatedly attracted God’s favor. He rose to higher and higher planes of honor by placing his faith solely in God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:3, “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.” In verse 5 He says, “God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them.” What a contrast these attitudes are to those of the arrogant tower builders who tried to control the earth through their aggressiveness! The psalmist said, “With deepest awe I will worship at your Temple” (Psalm 5:7). A temple, not a tower, is what we are building, and all its glory belongs to God, not to us!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 11:1-13:4 • Matthew 5:1-26 • Psalm 5:1-12 • Proverbs 1:24-28

 

January 6^th

 

“Afterward the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” —Genesis 15:1

 

 

God knew that people would battle two major enemies: pride and selfishness. He dealt with humanity’s pride at Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), and in Genesis 14 He dealt with humanity’s selfishness.  Abraham was the first man recorded in the Scriptures to tithe, although Abel did offer the Lord “choice lambs from the best of his flock” (Genesis 4:4). Abraham’s worship of God with ten percent of his revenue showed that he acknowledged his financial responsibility before God and knew that God, in turn, would take care of his needs. By refusing the king of Sodom’s reward (Genesis 14:21-23), Abraham rejected the world’s system. God became his reward (his salary, wages, and compensation), and God, in turn, recompensed Abraham with something that money could not buy: a child! Tithing was a sign of Abraham’s covenant with God. God reciprocated and pledged all His assets to Abraham, even unto the fourth generation (Genesis 15:14-16). Abraham further exemplified an unselfish spirit when he gave Lot the first choice of where to live. The final result was that Abraham profited much more than Lot because he obeyed the principle of unselfish sacrifice for others (Genesis 13).  Want to be blessed? Be a tither!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 13:5-15:21 • Matthew 5:27-48 • Psalm 6:1-10 • Proverbs 1:29-33 

 

 

January 7^th

 

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly.“
—Matthew 6:6

The importance of patience in prayer and in life cannot be overemphasized! Abraham lived most of his life patiently believing that God would fulfill His promise to give him a son. In his old age, however, he succumbed to pressure from his wife to have a child by her maid, Hagar (Genesis 16:2). Abraham hearkened to the voice of his wife instead of giving her godly direction—a choice that proved to be a historic mistake. Ishmael has come to symbolize the fruit of impatience. When you do not believe that God has heard your cry in prayer, you take matters into your own hands and create situations that you cannot successfully bring to a close. If you truly believe that your Father has seen you and heard your prayer, why struggle to come up with your own solution? Boldly assert as did Hagar, “I have seen the One who sees me!” (Genesis 16:13). Isaac means “laughter,” so you may as well keep laughing until your “Isaac” shows up. Ishmaels come quickly, but they never go away.

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 16:1-18:15 • Matthew 6:1-24 • Psalm 7:1-17 • Proverbs 2:1-5

 

January 8^th

 

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it. “—Matthew 7:13-14

 

The story of Lot is a chronicle of the search for the “wide gate,” symbolizing the luxuries and pleasures of the world. Lot’s eyes were distracted from purity by viewing the pastures of the well-watered plain of Sodom. From living in the valley, to pitching his tent near Sodom, to living in the city, to city rulership in the gate of Sodom— the pitiful progression of distraction continued. How easy it is to fall deeper and deeper into the lure of the world! “Everybody’s doing it” is a statement from a person sure to be heading down the broad way that leads to destruction. Satan’s payoff for Lot’s compromise was to give him a cave instead of a castle, incestuous daughters instead of his wife, poverty instead of position. The opposite was true of Abraham, who chose the “narrow gate.” His unswerving desire to please God resulted in his gaining favor with God. He was a part of the chosen few, and his intercession with God for Lot is a classic example of his reward. Stay in the “narrow way.” Neither you nor your children will ever regret it.

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 18:16-19:38 • Matthew 6:25-7:14 • Psalm 8:1-9 • Proverbs 2:6-15

 

January 9^th

 

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.“—Matthew 7:24 

Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac represents a faith that acts, not one that just talks. Anyone can say, “I trust the Lord,” but raising a knife to one’s most precious possession is proof of real faith. <br><br>It is not enough to only hear the commandments of God—we must do them. James said, “Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?” (James 2:20). There comes a moment in our lives when we must translate talk into an action that demonstrates the reality of our faith.  As Abraham climbed the mountain of Moriah, his faith gave energy to his actions. In his mind he had reckoned that God was able to raise up Isaac, even if he died (Hebrews 11:19). Abraham’s faith risked all and lost nothing. Let’s step out in obedience. When we do, God will have the ram waiting in the thicket!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 20:1-22:24 • Matthew 7:15-29 • Psalm 9:1-12 • Proverbs 2:16-22

 

January 10^th

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. “—Proverbs 3:5-6

When Abraham was old, he grew anxious for Isaac, his son and heir, to marry a girl from his own clan from the region where he’d been raised. He certainly didn’t want Isaac to marry an ungodly Canaanite! So Abraham sent a trusted servant to find a wife for Isaac. The servant posed a legitimate question: How could he travel a thousand miles to an unknown region and find just the right bride for his master? To his everlasting credit, this servant was wise enough to commit his nearly impossible mission to God’s direction. The miraculous result was that out of all the cities, all the wells, and all the girls in the land of the East, Rebekah came out to the well. The servant’s secret to success was in committing his journey to God’s providence. If God has the hairs of your head numbered (Matthew 10:30), He can surely do a better job of running your life than you can. If you lean upon your own understanding, you face an endless, impossible task. But God, who is infinite in understanding, can quickly bring a positive solution to the assignment. The servant reported to Abraham, saying, “Before I had finished praying these words, I saw Rebekah” (Genesis 24:45). Pray, commit, and watch. Your answer may already be there.

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 23:1-24:51 • Matthew 8:1-17 • Psalm 9:13-20 • Proverbs 3:1-6

 

 

January 11^th

 

“Then Rebekah and her servants mounted the camels and left with Abraham’s servant. “

—Genesis 24:61

 

Rebekah’s journey to meet Isaac is an inspiring lesson in devotion to the unseen. Although she had never seen Isaac, Rebekah willingly separated from her family for life. There was no courtship, no “trial period,” and no way home! A thousand-mile camel ride stood between her family and her decision to marry Isaac. As though leaving her family was not enough, Rebekah embarked on one of the roughest journeys a bride could ever face, involving weeks of camelback travel over harsh desert terrain. All her endurance was based upon the servant’s description of Isaac. No wonder Isaac’s heart was filled with love for this bride when he saw the camels approaching (Genesis 24:63-67)! In the same way, Jesus is looking for His Bride. He is looking for a Church that is willing to separate forever from its family and follow after Him. His Church must be able to endure hardship on its journey through the desert of life. The Church presses on toward heaven with one motive: devotion to Jesus. Get on your camel one more time, for this may be the day you see your long-awaited Bridegroom!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 24:52-26:16 • Matthew 8:18-34 • Psalm 10:1-15 • Proverbs 3:7-8

 

January 12^th

 

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine. “—Proverbs 3:9-10

Isaac was a man whose life demonstrated the blessing of God. He was undoubtedly a tithing believer and a successful farmer, as were his father Abraham and son Jacob. Genesis 26:12 tells us, “That year Isaac’s crops were tremendous! He harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him.” While others were perishing in the famine, Isaac sowed in the land and reaped a hundredfold return. It was Isaac’s attitude, however, that brought the blessing of God. When he had dug a “gushing spring” (Genesis 26:19), the shepherds of Gerar came and stole it from him. Instead of quarreling, he moved on and “dug another well” (v. 21). When that new well was stolen, “he dug another well” (v. 22). Finally his well was not stolen, and the Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you” (v. 24).  Attitudes of bitterness, anger, resentment, and strife will keep you from financial blessing. Dig another well, keep your heart right, and God will pour out even more blessings than before!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 26:17-27:46 • Matthew 9:1-17 • Psalm 10:16-18 • Proverbs 3:9-10

January 13^th

 

“But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everything closely, examining everyone on earth. “—Psalm 11:4

Poor Jacob thought his trickery of his father had gone unnoticed. He forgot that God was watching everything and everybody—including him! Someone said, “You may get by, but you won’t get away!” Little did Jacob know that God would discipline him by preparing someone even trickier than he to enter his life. “My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves. . . .”(Proverbs 3:11-12).  For seven long years Jacob served Laban for his daughter Rachel. Then, on the wedding night, Laban tricked him into marrying Leah. It is interesting that Jacob deceived his father in a tent, and later he himself was deceived in a tent! God will discipline you with the exact process you used on someone else. God loved Jacob and knew that until he met a superior deceiver, he would be tricking, deceiving, and supplanting for the rest of his life.  Do not despise the Lord’s work in your life. He loves you, and His discipline will yield “a quiet harvest of right living” (Hebrews 12:11).

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 28:1-29:35 • Matthew 9:18-38 • Psalm 11:1-7 • Proverbs 3:11-12

 

January 14^th

 

“The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. “

—Psalm 12:6

 

One word from God can completely revolutionize your life. Jacob received one such word in Genesis 31:10-12, when God instructed him concerning the “streaked, speckled, and spotted” sheep. With that one word, Jacob developed a specific process of breeding the sheep that gradually converted the entire flock to his ownership! God sees the dilemma you are in, whether it’s with an oppressive employer, a difficult marriage partner, or some other strained relationship. He can give you one word of wisdom that will completely change your situation. We call this word revelation. Through dreams and visions, the Holy Spirit communicates to your mind something that is in the mind of God. In Jacob’s case, it made no sense to put peeled rods in front of sheep, but he did it anyway. His obedience to that word from God brought him much success and wealth (Genesis 30:43).  Such is the miracle of God’s Word. It may seem ridiculous to the natural mind, but God’s Word works. You must wait upon Him to receive that Word, and then keep it before your eyes daily, just as Jacob placed the rods before his sheep.

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 30:1-31:16 • Matthew 10:1-23 • Psalm 12:1-8 • Proverbs 3:13-15

 

January 15^th

 

“Your enemies will be right in your own household! “—Matthew 10:36

 

Jesus taught us that serving God might prove costly in family relationships. Jacob learned that painful lesson when his close family became the immediate source of his greatest problems. His father-in-law Laban cheated him, tricked him, abused him, and even chased him when he left (Genesis 31:23). In another instance, Jacob’s brother Esau appeared to be angry to the point of revenge when he came to meet Jacob with his four hundred men. The outcome in both these situations? God intervened on Jacob’s behalf! Laban was rebuked in a dream: “Be careful about what you say to Jacob!” Esau received Jacob back with tears and kisses (Genesis 33:4). Jesus told His disciples to decide whether they loved Him or their relatives more. Because the time may come when a relative departs from the Lord’s way, we, too, must choose to follow the “narrow way.” This doesn’t mean that we intentionally ostracize our relatives, only that we are fully prepared to be rejected or misunderstood by them.  God helped Jacob with both Laban and Esau. If you are having a family conflict, He will help you through it as well!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 31:17-32:12 • Matthew 10:24-11:6 • Psalm 13:1-6 • Proverbs 3:16-18

 

January 16^th

 

“But Jacob panted, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” —Genesis 32:26

 

When Jacob wrestled with the angel at Peniel, the angel tried to overpower him. He knew that unless he could break Jacob’s stubborn and deceptive will, Jacob would never attain greatness in God.  Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you,” an obvious statement of learning the “rest” of submission. You will not go very far with God until you allow Him to subdue your drive, energies, ambitions, and passions. When He wins that battle over you, the “rest” of God will follow.  Later in Jacob’s struggle, he held on to the angel of the Lord, forcefully pressing in for a blessing from the One who had subdued him. Jesus told His disciples that “the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people attack it” (Matthew 11:12).  God wants you to rest in your flesh and be forceful in your spirit! That balance changed Jacob from a trickster to a prince with God.

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 32:13-34:31 • Matthew 11:7-30 • Psalm 14:1-7 • Proverbs 3:19-20

 

January 17^th

 

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. “—Psalm 15:1-2

 

The lessons of purity and holiness are simple: tell the truth, speak no gossip, honor the righteous, keep your word, be generous with others, and accept no bribes. These simple commandments address the way we relate to our fellow man. Yet who among us has not broken these simple guidelines and does not need to repent? God is so merciful, even with the likes of us. Despite all Jacob’s transgressions, when he relinquished his foreign gods, the Lord met him and was merciful to him (Genesis 35:2, 9). Jesus told the Pharisees, “I want you to be merciful; I don’t want your sacrifices” (Matthew 12:7). He reminded them of the value of one human being. Because Jesus is compassionate, He “will not crush those who are weak, or quench the smallest hope, until he brings full justice with his final victory” (v. 20). Like Jacob, we all “fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23), and God patiently works with us to restore us into His presence. If sin has knocked you off God’s holy hill, get up, repent, and climb it again. You will find a merciful Lord at the top, greeting you with open arms!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 35:1-36:43 • Matthew 12:1-21 • Psalm 15:1-5 • Proverbs 3:21-26

 

January 18^th

 

“Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged. “—Matthew 7:1-2

 

How quick we are to judge something or someone with a standard we cannot live up to ourselves. When Judah discovered his daughter-in-law’s prostitution, his first reaction was “Bring her out and burn her!” (Genesis 38:24). The problem he failed to realize was that he was the one who had hired her as a prostitute! When Nathan told David a story about a poor man who had only one sheep that was stolen by a man who had many sheep, David was enraged. “As surely as the Lord lives,” he vowed, “any man who would do such a thing deserves to die!” (2 Samuel 12:5). Verse 7 says, “Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are that man!’ ” The Pharisees wrongly judged Jesus Christ when they said He cast out devils by the devil. Jesus asked them, “And if I am empowered by the prince of demons, what about your own followers? They cast out demons, too, so they will judge you for what you have said” (Matthew 12:27). Jesus taught His disciples that they would be judged by the same standard with which they judged others (Matthew 7:2). It’s hard to remove a splinter from someone else’s eye when there is a log in your own!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 37:1-38:30 • Matthew 12:22-45 • Psalm 16:1-11 • Proverbs 3:27-32

 

January 19^th

 

“You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing amiss, for I am determined not to sin in what I say. “—Psalm 17:3

 

Everyone goes through a process of proving and testing. Jesus taught that the seed falls on various types of ground, each type representing the human heart (Matthew 13). Each of us will be tested to see how well we battle the areas of unbelief, discouragement, and distraction.  The birds mentioned in Matthew 13:4 are the demonic thieves who lie to us about the promises of God, tricking us into unbelief. The rocky soil (vv. 20-21) represents the onslaught of discouraging problems and persecutions that come our way. The thorny ground (v. 22) refers to the continual distractions of riches, pleasure, and worldly things.  Joseph passed each test in his thirteen years of Egyptian captivity. Throughout those years, he never allowed himself to doubt or to become negative about God’s promise that he would one day be a ruler. He also never grew discouraged, though his way grew more difficult. Finally, he never compromised with sin, even when Potiphar’s wife offered him everything in exchange for his purity.  Decide today to reject unbelief, to fight discouragement, and to refuse the distractions of the world. As you pass God’s tests in each of these areas, He will take you from the pit to the prison to the palace!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 39:1-41:16 • Matthew 12:46-13:23 • Psalm 17:1-15 • Proverbs 3:33-35

 

January 20^th

 

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter in its branches. “—Matthew 13:31-32

From a tiny seed comes a mighty tree that provides shade and refuge for the animals of the world. In the same way, the Kingdom of God spreads from small and insignificant beginnings. Joseph is an example of such a seed. From one solitary life, the Holy Spirit provided a huge and fruitful tree that brought life to the world. Under Joseph’s direction during the seven years of plenty, “the granaries were filled to overflowing” (Genesis 41:49). During the time of famine, people came from many lands for the provision Joseph had stored (Genesis 41:56-57). God desires to bless you, like He did Joseph, with an abundance to be put into a storehouse for others. Such abundance represents your overflow finances, seed that God will place in your hands to bless the world. Be faithful, prepare a storehouse bank account for missions, and ask God for seed. He will turn your “mustard seed” into a mighty tree for the nations!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 41:17-42:17 • Matthew 13:24-46 • Psalm 18:1-15 • Proverbs 4:1-6

 

January 21^st

 

“He makes me as surefooted as a deer, leading me safely along the mountain heights. “—Psalm 18:33

The deer is an interesting animal with incredible characteristics regarding balance. When suddenly knocked from a high, rocky crag, the deer always lands on its feet and scampers right back up to the place from which it fell. David said in verse 16 of Psalm 18, “He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.” Time and time again, David’s kingdom was attacked by Saul, Goliath, and countless armies of enemies. Each time, however, he managed to land securely and to climb right back up to prominence. Why? Because instead of leading David on a treacherous, narrow path, God widened the path beneath his feet “to keep them from slipping” (v. 36). Being spiritual does not make you immune from attack, but the Lord will prepare you for any battle (Psalm 18:34). When the enemy comes against you, you can “crush an army” and “scale any wall” (v. 29). Don’t lie down and wallow in self-pity when attacked, but stand up like the deer and scamper back up to the top!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 42:18-43:34 • Matthew 13:47-14:12 • Psalm 18:16-36 • Proverbs 4:7-10

 

January 22^nd

 

“Don’t worry about your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours. “—Genesis 45:20

 

 

Joseph instructed his brothers to let their father know that he could totally disregard his own possessions and move to Egypt. It was ridiculous to worry about some old, beat-up tents and provisions when Joseph was ruler of Egypt. Huge cartloads of provision and clothing followed the brothers as they returned to Israel. There was no more need for stinginess or financial worry.  Their brother Joseph was providing for all their needs from the wealth of Egypt. So often we cling to our few, tiny resources when in reality the wealth of heaven belongs to us. One little boy was willing to give up his five pieces of bread and two fish to the Master. His obedience was not a sacrifice, for the Lord not only gave him back his lunch, but He also provided twelve baskets of leftovers to take home (Matthew 14:20)! Those small objects given in obedience were the key that unlocked the wheat fields and oceans of Israel. Provision is normal when you realize that you have a “relative” who occupies a very important position in the universe. Your brother Jesus—not Pharaoh—sits at the right hand of God! How much more should you be confident about giving up your meager belongings on earth?

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 44:1-45:28 • Matthew 14:13-36 • Psalm 18:37-50 • Proverbs 4:11-13

 

January 23^rd

 

“The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. “—Psalm 19:4-5

 

Fierce, fiery, and faithful, the sun never wavers from its course, which is set by the Word of God. Neither does it waver because of weather conditions. The only time the sun ever stopped was when Joshua commanded it to obey the Word of the Lord (Joshua 10:12-13)! The spiritual “sky” is full of spiritual “suns.” They are champions and never waver while running their courses. The woman of Tyre and Sidon was such a champion. She refused to be put off or denied the deliverance of her daughter (Matthew 15:21-28). Her face was set like a flint, like a champion runner in the race of his life. Joseph, too, was such a champion. His faithful resolution to God’s Word and promise resulted not only in his personal salvation and the feeding of the world but also in his family’s salvation and deliverance. “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:18). Shine on, brothers and sisters! You are champions, and you will finish your courses with joy!

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 46:1-47:31 • Matthew 15:1-28 • Psalm 19:1-14 • Proverbs 4:14-19

 

January 24^th

 

“Then he blessed Joseph and said, “May God, the God before whom my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac, walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life, and the angel who has kept me from all harm— may he bless these boys. May they preserve my name and the names of my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac. And may they become a mighty nation.” —Genesis 48:15-16

 

 

Israel’s blessings started with the word may. As Jacob laid his hands upon the heads of Ephraim and Manasseh, he uttered the word and invoked a blessing with it three times. The psalmist blessed Israel with equal force: “May the Lord respond to your cry. May the God of Israel keep you safe. . . . May he send you help. . . . May he remember all your gifts. . . . May he grant your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory. . . . May the Lord answer all your prayers” (Psalm 20:1-5). The word may could be translated “allow.” In other words, allow God to do what He wants to do for you. You must settle in your mind forever that God wants to bless you. Any doubt will always result in questioning His desire to answer your prayers or to increase, deliver, and help you. God’s Word has the same power to bless you, as did Jacob’s words for his grandsons. “Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. Don’t lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning” (Proverbs 4:20-22). May the Lord bless you today!

 

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 48:1-49:33 • Matthew 15:29-16:12 • Psalm 20:1-9 • Proverbs 4:20-27

 

January 25^th

 

“As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil.” —Genesis 50:20

 

How marvelously God turns everything around for His glory and purposes! Through all his years of suffering and difficulty, Joseph refused to become bitter. His brothers—the means through which his suffering had come—could have been prime targets for Joseph’s blame. But Joseph didn’t play the blame game. What a class act! Joseph’s wisdom gave him the perspective to see God’s work, not the devil’s, in and through his life. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28 that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” God even turned around Pharaoh’s terrible actions of destroying babies so that Moses could be brought to Pharaoh’s daughter! There is nothing Satan does that will not turn around on him. God will not be defeated or outwitted. Trust Him, refuse to become bitter, and watch Him turn your situation around for good!

 

 

Daily Readings: Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10 • Matthew 16:13-17:9 • Psalm 21:1-13 • Proverbs 5:1-6

 

January 26^th

 

“Go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a coin. Take the coin and pay the tax for both of us. “—Matthew 17:27

 

Would you have faith to fish for your tax money? Jesus received a word from God that somewhere down in the depths of the Sea of Galilee was a most unusual fish. This unique and special fish, different from all the others, was going to be a source of unusual blessing.  Our faith is often limited by expecting natural sources of blessing rather than believing for supernatural blessing. Faith, however, was a normal way of life for Jesus. He never flinched when telling His disciples that if they had faith “as small as a mustard seed,” [they] “could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move” (Matthew 17:20). He didn’t hesitate to rebuke His disciples when their faith failed to deliver a young boy suffering from seizures. Having faith does not mean that we will not use natural means to pay our bills or to be delivered. However, our faith must be based upon the knowledge that God is the One working behind the scenes of our lives, preparing provision before we need it. If you need a miracle, look around every corner . . . and be sure you look in every fish’s mouth!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 2:11-3:22 • Matthew 17:10-27 • Psalm 22:1-18 • Proverbs 5:7-14

 

January 27^th

 

“For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them. “—Matthew 18:20

 

Moses and Aaron formed a divine partnership before Pharaoh. By himself, Moses felt weak and incapable. That’s why the Lord sent him a prayer partner in Aaron. For the next four decades, these two men walked together doing great exploits for God. “How could one person chase a thousand of them, and two people put ten thousand to flight . . . unless the Lord had given them up?” (Deuteronomy 32:30). Two people who are partners are five times more powerful than two individuals acting alone! Moses and Aaron did not realize how much they would need each other until after their first round with Pharaoh. Not only did Pharaoh reject them, but also their own people rejected them. Solomon said, “Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). It is a scientific fact that geese flying in a flock honk to encourage each other. Moses needed a “honker” in Aaron, and you, too, need others to support you. Find your two or three “honkers,” and take on the “Pharaoh” in your life!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 4:1-5:21 • Matthew 18:1-20 • Psalm 22:19-31 • Proverbs 5:15-21

 

January 28^th

 

“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. “—Psalm 23:5

 

Moses and Aaron stood with great confidence before Pharaoh and declared the Lordship of God. Then, with only a rod, Moses systematically dismantled Egypt. He took the offensive, not the defensive, and began demonstrating to Pharaoh who “I am the Lord” (Exodus 6:2) truly was. The rod and staff of God comforted Moses as he stood and watched God transform his staff into a snake and turn the Nile into blood. Without armies and guns, diplomacy and politics, or cleverness and reason, Moses prevailed by maintaining a relaxed anointing. As your enemies rant and rave, they do not understand how you can sit so relaxed at the table of the Lord. While they are delivering their tirade in the power of the flesh, you sit in the power of the anointing. You must learn that as you “walk through the dark valley of death” (Psalm 23:4), there is truly nothing to fear. Relax and lie down in green pastures. God will fight “Pharaoh” while you feed at the table of the Lord.

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 5:22-7:25 • Matthew 18:21-19:12 • Psalm 23:1-6 • Proverbs 5:22-23

 

January 29^th

 

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. “—Psalm 24:1

 

In quick succession, the gods of Egypt were challenged and defeated. Starting with the Nile (the Egyptians’ primary deity), then following with the sun and the cattle, all Egypt’s false gods were symbolically destroyed. The point of these ten plagues was to reveal that the “earth belongs to the Lord” (Exodus 9:29). God will share His glory with neither empires nor individuals. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart caused him to provide a setting by which God could gain a name for Himself. David also came to the realization that “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). He continued the thought, saying, “Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, invincible in battle” (v. 8). The earth is a battleground where God displays His victory over Satan. Satan may be “the god of this evil world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), but the earth belongs to God. So claim nations as your inheritance, and challenge every god that lays claim to what God has created!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 8:1-9:35 • Matthew 19:13-30 • Psalm 24:1-10 • Proverbs 6:1-5

 

January 30^th

 

“For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many. “—Matthew 20:28

Without contradiction, we can say that Christ came to earth to die. From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus instructed His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him. He told them that unless they ate His flesh and drank His blood, they had no life in them. Moses’ revelation of the blood is described in Exodus 12:13: “The blood you have smeared on your doorposts will serve as a sign. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.” The blood of an innocent, meek lamb would substitute for an entire household. Although the firstborn of Israel deserved death just as much as did Pharaoh’s firstborn, the blood of the lamb ransomed (paid for, bought back) their lives.  Like that lamb, Christ was a gentle, humble servant who never sought the glory and exaltation for which the disciples were constantly striving. In humility, never forget Christianity’s focus: we deserve to die, but Christ, the spotless Lamb, died in our place—the “just for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). Rejoice today in the power of the blood of Jesus who ransomed you from death!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 10:1-12:13 • Matthew 20:1-28 • Psalm 25:1-15 • Proverbs 6:6-11

 

 

January 31^st

 

“O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles. “—Psalm 25:22

Oh, how great was the redemption that God accomplished for Israel on that night of deliverance! First, they were delivered from death. In like manner, we, too, have been delivered from eternal death—spared from hell and from being cut off from God forever. Next, they were redeemed from sickness. Psalm 105:37 says that “there were no sick or feeble people among them,” even after many years of hard labor! In the same way, Christ paid for our healing, for we “have been healed by his wounds” (1 Peter 2:24). Then the Israelites were redeemed from poverty. Overnight they went from being paupers to being prosperous when they “asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold” (Exodus 12:35). The Lord gave them favor and the Egyptians granted their request, providing them with all they needed in order to live in the wilderness and to build a glorious tabernacle for the Lord. We can claim a full inheritance of provision for any need we have to advance the glory of God. Our redemption was not paid for with the blood of bulls and goats, but with the precious blood of Christ!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 12:14-13:16 • Matthew 20:29-21:22 • Psalm 25:16-22 • Proverbs 6:12-15

 

 

February 1^st

 

“Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls. “—Matthew 21:44

Two options are available in God’s kingdom program: Get with the program, or get run over by the program! The Lord is long-suffering, patient, and kind, but the end result of a willful rebellion against Him is destruction.  The contrast between Pharaoh and Moses is an exact picture of Jesus’ parable in Matthew 21:44. Pharaoh was a powerful, proud, and self-centered leader whose iron will is well documented in biblical history, but Moses was a broken man. Moses was the meekest man on earth—one who had been tamed by his many years of humble service with sheep. He had tried to deliver Israel by himself, yet failed. Failure brought brokenness, and brokenness brought meekness.  Pharaoh, on the other hand, refused to be broken before God. He repeatedly hardened his heart and was eventually led into the waters of the Red Sea. There he was crushed by the falling stone of God’s justice. Break or be broken was the choice, and Pharaoh unwisely chose the latter. As the bodies of dead soldiers washed upon the sand, the message was clear: “The Lord will reign forever and ever!” (Exodus 15:18).

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 13:17-15:18 • Matthew 21:23-46 • Psalm 26:1-12 • Proverbs 6:16-19

 

February 2^nd

 

“When they came to Marah, they finally found water. But the people couldn’t drink it because it was bitter. (That is why the place was called Marah, which means “bitter.”)” —Exodus 15:23

We know from the biblical account of Israel’s exodus from Egypt that Moses grew weary of the Israelites’ constant grumbling. Though they experienced many miracles on their wilderness journey, distasteful experiences and feelings of being robbed or cheated had left them bitter.  Esau, too, developed a “root of bitterness” (Hebrews 12:15-17 KJV) because he felt Jacob had stolen his birthright. Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, changed her name to Mara (or bitter) because she lost her husband and two sons through death (Ruth 1:20). Bitterness can happen to anyone who has been hurt. Reflections of the past can pour back into our minds, spilling poison into the waters of our relationships. But God can turn bitterness into blessing. That’s just what He did when he showed Moses a tree that made the bitter waters sweet. The cross of Jesus can be thrown into any bitter pool and its waters made sweet. In their darkest hour, Paul and Silas chose to praise God in the Philippian prison (Acts 16:25), and God made their bitter waters sweet. Only the cross of Christ will keep you free from the root of bitterness as well as the fruit of bitterness: disease. Let the cross sweeten your waters today. Be healed, emotionally and physically, from the waters of Marah.

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 15:19-17:7 • Matthew 22:1-33 • Psalm 27:1-6 • Proverbs 6:20-26

 

February 3^rd

 

“This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. “—Exodus 18:18

The church in the wilderness modeled the biblical pattern of oversight. Leaders of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands were selected to care for the basic needs of the people and to settle their disputes. As a result, Moses had to review only the most difficult cases and policies. His primary job was to commune with God and to teach the Word.  The apostles discovered this principle in the selection of deacons, which freed them to use their time “in prayer and preaching and teaching the word” (Acts 6:4). The early church not only met daily in the temple but also gathered “in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity (Acts 2:46). Apostles, deacons, and church members all helped carry the load of the growing congregation. Burned-out pastors and leaders are a testimony to the huge toll of counseling, visiting, and arbitrating required in the church today. In actuality, the pastor is not called to do all ministry, but he is “to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church” (Ephesians 4:12). Pastors, bring them in, build them up, release their gifts, and send them out. In this way, you will be able to endure as Moses did. 

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 17:8-19:15 • Matthew 22:34-23:12 • Psalm 27:7-14 • Proverbs 6:27-35

 

 

February 4^th

 

“You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the more important things. “—Matthew 23:23

There is the law, and then there is the spirit of the law. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus addressed this issue when He gave His only New Testament statement on tithing. He rebuked the Pharisees for being meticulous in tithing a tenth of each little tiny seed they owned while neglecting the more important parts of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. He did not tell them to abandon their faithful tithing, but He encouraged them to expand their thinking to include the needs of others. Tithing is biblical. Jesus is the High Priest who receives your tithes (Hebrews 7:8), and tithing will release a supernatural blessing in your life so great that you will not be able to contain it (Malachi 3:10). Above the mere obedience to the duty of the law, however, is the spirit of the law. As New Testament Christians, we should move beyond the obligation of tithing to showing mercy through the giving of offerings above the tithe to support the needy worldwide. The tithe sustains the local church, and offerings advance world outreach. Start with the tithe, out of duty and obedience. End with the offering, out of love, compassion, and the spirit of the law.

Daily Reading: Exodus 19:16-21:21 • Matthew 23:13-39 • Psalm 28:1-9 • Proverbs 7:1-5

 

February 5^th

 

“The voice of the Lord strikes with lightning bolts. “—Psalm 29:7

As the people of Israel stood next to Mount Sinai and received the commandments of God, the thunder, loud blast of the horn, lightning, and smoke all caused the people to say, “Don’t let God speak directly to us. If he does, we will die!” (Exodus 20:19). The voice of the Lord is an awesome power, similar to lightning piercing through your entire being. The sound and power of His voice reinforced the fear of God that the Israelites were to show in their dealings with one another. They were not to steal from, oppress, or be unjust to one another in any way. God said, “If you do and they cry out to me, then I will surely help them. My anger will blaze forth against you, and I will kill you with the sword” (Exodus 22:23-24). Anyone who can steal casually from others or from God has never heard the voice of the Lord. Jesus told His disciples, “For as the lightning lights up the entire sky, so it will be when the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 24:27). Get ready for the greatest manifestation of the voice of the Lord: the return of Christ!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 21:22-23:13 • Matthew 24:1-28 • Psalm 29:1-11 • Proverbs 7:6-23

 

February 6^th

 

“The first is the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. . . .You must also celebrate the Festival of Harvest, when you bring me the first crops of your harvest. Finally, you are to celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season. “
—Exodus 23:15-16

The three feasts of Israel describe how God views human history. The annual calendar for Israel began with the shedding of a lamb’s blood in the Passover (the Feast of Unleavened Bread). Likewise, our salvation began with the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross. <br><br>Next came the Feast of Harvest (Pentecost). The Church in the New Testament also was birthed in a mighty harvest on the day of Pentecost. <br><br>The last feast was the Feast of Final Harvest (Tabernacles) held at the end of the year. What a picture that celebration presents of the end of time! A final, culminating harvest will occur, just as at the Feast of Final Harvest when the Israelites gathered in their crops from the field. <br><br>Christ told His disciples to watch and be ready for the final harvest and His return. Like a thief in the night, He will return to gather the harvest of those who have been faithful during His absence (Matthew 24). His sudden appearance to rescue His Church will leave one in the field and one at the mill while their partners suddenly disappear. Let’s be ready for the moment of His glorious return. Behold, “His return is very near, right at the door” (v. 33).

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 23:14-25:40 • Matthew 24:29-51 <br>• Psalm 30:1-12 • Proverbs 7:24-27

 

February 7^th

 

“Tell the people of Israel to bring you pure olive oil for the lampstand, so it can be kept burning continually. “—Exodus 27:20

The burning flames of the lampstand represent the “seven spirits of God” mentioned in Revelation 4:5 that burn continually and eternally before the throne of God. Because the flame of worship is never to cease, an unending supply of oil is necessary.  Jesus spoke of seven wise and seven foolish virgins. The primary difference between the two groups was that the wise took extra oil for their lamps, while the foolish did not (Matthew 25:3-4). In this parable, the wise virgins were those whose lives were prepared and ready for the heavenly Bridegroom. They were like the servants who were found using their talents wisely when the Master returned (v. 19). The point of these examples is readiness. First is the readiness of a life constantly filled with the Holy Spirit—a life burning brightly day and night in worship. Second is a life that is attentive to the Bride-groom’s call, denying the foolish lusts that drain the oil. Finally is a life that is spiritually productive, developing talents to the fullest potential.  Keep your lamps full, trimmed, and burning. The Bridegroom will come when you least expect Him, and there will be no time to find the oil you need.

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 26:1-27:21 • Matthew 25:1-30 • Psalm 31:1-8 • Proverbs 8:1-11

 

 

February 8^th

 

“During supper, a woman came in with a beautiful jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.” —Matthew 26:7

In the Old Testament, the high priest was anointed by the pouring of oil upon his head. In Aaron’s case, it was an amount so profuse that it ran down onto his beard and the collar of his robe (Psalm 133:2). In Matthew 26:7, the woman who anointed Jesus’ head was doing something more significant than she realized. Her act of love was symbolic of Jesus’ role as our great High Priest, an office beautifully understood by examining the garments worn by the priest in Exodus 28. The most conspicuous garment of the priest was the breastplate. On it were twelve precious jewels, each engraved with one of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Also significant were the two onyx stones on the high priest’s shoulders, each engraved with six names. It is interesting to note that the jewels and stones were located on the heart and shoulders of the priest, indicating the two places of intercession. Jesus, our great High Priest, bears our names and needs before the Father continually. We are always on His heart! He carries our needs on His shoulders, making it unnecessary for us to carry them. Instead of worrying about our needs, let us rejoice that He is our anointed High Priest. “He lives forever to plead with God on [our] behalf” (Hebrews 7:25).

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 28:1-43 • Matthew 25:31-26:13 • Psalm 31:9-18 • Proverbs 8:12-13

 

 

February 9^th

 

“Cut up the ram and wash off the internal organs and the legs. Set them alongside the head and the other pieces of the body, and burn them all on the altar. This is a burnt offering to the Lord, which is very pleasing to him. “—Exodus 29:17-18

There is something about a sacrifice of love that God calls a “pleasing aroma” (Exodus 29:18 NIV). The pure and spotless ram that burned in its entirety on the altar was an acceptable sacrifice that brought God pleasure. In the same way, the world was filled with the stench of sin until the sweet smell of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was offered to God. In Gethsemane, Jesus totally submitted His will to the Father (Matthew 26:39) out of devotion to God and love for the world. Christ, the perfect Lamb, climbed onto the altar of God to be sacrificed of His own free will. This perfect offering pleased God eternally. >Now we can please Him by walking in love and serving the needs of others instead of thinking only of ourselves (Ephesians 5:2). Paul called the Philippians’ financial missionary offerings “a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable to God and pleases him” (Philippians 4:18). Each financial gift given out of personal sacrifice pleases Him immensely. Furthermore, when we sacrifice our right to be bitter and unforgiving in order to choose love, our action permeates God’s throne room as a sweet aroma. Let’s fill heaven with that aroma . . . and the world with the knowledge of Jesus!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 29:1-30:10 • Matthew 26:14-46 • Psalm 31:19-24 • Proverbs 8:14-26

 

 

February 10^th

 

“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” —Psalm 32:8

Bezalel had no idea how to build a tabernacle. None had ever been built before! However, God “filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 31:3). God has so much wisdom and creativity that He made not just a tabernacle but also a universe! He “established the heavens” and “marked off the earth’s foundations” (Proverbs 8:27, 29). The person referred to by the writer of Proverbs was called the “architect at his side” (v. 30). What a joy it is to work alongside God! He is the Creator, and He is able to impart His creativity and wisdom as you work for Him. The key to attaining that creativity is the Holy Spirit. Bezalel’s ideas did not come from his brain, but from his spirit. In 1 Corinthians 2:10, we read how the “Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God’s deep secrets.” He wants to reveal those secrets to you. So claim His creativity today in your work, your finances, and your ministry. Then build according to the blueprint He shows you!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 30:11-31:18 • Matthew 26:47-68 • Psalm 32:1-11 • Proverbs 8:27-32

 

February 11^th

 

“Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!” —Proverbs 8:34

How easily our human nature shows through in times of trial! On Mount Sinai, Israel was poised for its greatest hour but failed the test when it came. As Moses was on the mountain receiving the Law, the Israelites waited for his return. That was all they had to do: wait. The waiting got the best of them, however, and before the time was up, they had made a golden calf and called it their god. Peter, also, at his most important moment in life, succumbed to the flesh. With Christ being interrogated in a building nearby, Peter denied that he had ever known the Lord. Oh, how weak is the human flesh!  How do you conduct yourself when your leaders are out of sight? Can God trust you to be true to Him even when you wonder where He is in your life? If you seem to be in a “holding pattern,” remain faithful. The time when you think the Lord has deserted you is often the very time when God is actually testing your true character. He is observing you now, so hold steady. The Lord will return when you least expect it!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 32:1-33:23 • Matthew 26:69-27:14 • Psalm 33:1-11 • Proverbs 8:33-36

 

February 12^th

 

He passed in front of Moses and said, “I am the Lord, I am the Lord, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness.” —Exodus 34:6

 

S . . . L . . . O . . . W . . . to anger is definitely a characteristic of the Lord, and quick to anger is what we humans are! We set our agendas for each day, each month, and each year and grow upset when our schedules are violated. We get frustrated with mechanical breakdowns, inefficient service, and difficult relationships.  God’s nature, however, is just the opposite. When He told Moses His name, God revealed that He is compassionate and gracious. Because He is abounding in love and faithfulness, He is more concerned with a person’s needs than with his faults. How well we need to learn that lesson! A faithful marriage partner, for example, will stick with his spouse even when that person is hard to love. He will live in the light of the scripture found in 2 Timothy 2:13: “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.”  Besides being faithful and compassionate, God is forgiving (Exodus 34:6-7). Such forgiveness is the crowning virtue of His long-suffering. Because He automatically forgives those who repent of wickedness, God is automatically slow to anger.  Make it a practice to control your anger by instant and spontaneous forgiveness when someone does something to hurt you. If Jesus could forgive the soldiers for their abuse (Matthew 27:28-31), how much more should you be able to control the petty anger and frustrations of everyday life?

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 34:1-35:9 • Matthew 27:15-31 • Psalm 33:12-22 • Proverbs 9:1-6

 

February 13^th

 

“So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: ‘Bring no more materials! You have already given more than enough.’” —Exodus 36:6

Never has there been an illustration of a people more excited and generous toward fulfilling a vision than that of the Israelites giving toward the construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The Israelites were so grateful to God for delivering them from Egypt that they delighted to give of their wealth and labor to build a magnificent sanctuary. Loaded with the silver, gold, and jewels that the Egyptians had given them the night of their departure, they willingly set their hearts to work, sew, and build.  The Israelites’ example characterizes the power of the church when united by a common vision. Why not catch the vision of your church and apply your full strength and resources toward making that vision a reality? What has God given you? A talent? Some unexpected income? Some extra time? Find the vision God is building in you and your church and then work with your whole soul toward achieving it until you have to be told, “Enough!” Jesus gave His all on the cross. He withheld nothing. The least you can do is to give bountifully of the resources His death secured for you!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 35:10-36:38 • Matthew 27:32-66 • Psalm 34:1-10 • Proverbs 9:7-8

 

February 14^th

 

“The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one.” —Psalm 34:19

Troubles come in many forms, shapes, and sizes and include anything that disturbs the peace and tranquility of your life. Two things must be expected when you follow the Lord: First, the devil will throw his fiery darts to try to discourage you through troubling circumstances. Second, no matter the affliction, the Lord will deliver you. How does He do it? The Word of God says, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help” (Psalm 34:15). Furthermore, “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles” (v. 17). The Lord is watching you and listening to you when you walk through difficulties, and He is eager to rescue you from any trouble. The disciples faced the deepest despair and trouble of their lives after the crucifixion of Christ. Little did they know, however, that God had a plan and was going to resurrect Christ! That’s the way it is for us, too. We don’t always realize that God is in control in every circumstance of life and has a plan of resurrection waiting to unfold.  When you see the “trouble” side in life, hang in there. You will surely see the “delivering” side as well!

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 37:1-38:31 • Matthew 28:1-20 • Psalm 34:11-22 • Proverbs 9:9-10

 

February 15^th

 

“Jesus called out to them, “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!”  —Mark 1:17

Throughout history God has called His people to follow Him. That divine mandate to leave all and follow Him is the very crux of the Gospels. God does not need decision-makers—He needs hearers. He is looking for those who will hear His voice and respond, following Him even to the uttermost parts of the earth.  Moses did not make his own decisions concerning the building of the tabernacle but “proceeded to do everything as the Lord had commanded him” (Exodus 40:16). In all the travels of the Israelites, they followed the cloud as instructed, never moving unless the cloud moved (v. 36-37). It was not their place to determine when to move or where to go.  They were totally dependent on God’s guidance. After He was baptized in the Jordan, “immediately the Holy Spirit compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness” (Mark 1:12). Without questioning or hesitating, Jesus followed the Spirit and went into a most unlikely place. In the same way, many times your mind cannot comprehend the directions of God, but you can be led of Him by your spirit, for you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul said, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (Romans 8:14). The cloud of God is no longer above you, but within you! Wait for the “cloud of peace” before moving in any direction. Don’t make a hasty decision, but simply purpose from this day forward to follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4).

 

Daily Readings: Exodus 39:1-40:38 • Mark 1:1-28 • Psalm 35:1-16 • Proverbs 9:11-12

 

February 16^th

 

“The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.” —Mark 1:35

Jesus was busy for God. His days were filled with divine activity in healing the sick, driving out demons, and preaching the Gospel. Throughout His hectic schedule, however, there remained one constant: fellowship with God. Such fellowship was the secret of Jesus’ power in ministry. You must not get more interested in the work of God than in the God of the work! Spending time with God provides a continual recharging of your spiritual battery. As you fellowship with Him, you are able to both listen to His direction and continually enjoy His presence. In Leviticus 3:1 Moses spoke of the peace offering. This was an offering given to the Lord simply to express worship and love for Him. After Jesus had spent time alone in worship and prayer to the Father, He knew the direction He was to take and shared it with His disciples: “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too, because that is why I came” (Mark 1:38). As you draw away to express your love for the Lord in that secret place of prayer, the Lord will show you the next move for your life. So draw aside from the world, climb the hill of God every morning, and be refreshed, redirected, and refired!

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 1:1-3:17 • Mark 1:29-2:12 • Psalm 35:17-28 • Proverbs 9:13-18

 

February 17^th

 

“Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.”
—Psalm 36:5

Guilt does not simply go away. The modern method of denying guilt just postpones it until a later day. Repressed and denied guilt will always resurface in the form of anger, bitterness, rejection, and failure. God knows how unforgiven sin will destroy you and your relationship with Him and others. In the Old Testament, He gave instructions for the guilt offering that related to any situation, whether it was the high priest, a leader, an individual, or the entire community that had sinned. The only way to be forgiven in the Old Testament system was to bring an individual sacrifice. Worshipers brought a bull, a goat, a lamb, two pigeons, or a handful of fine flour, depending upon their status and means. No sin or negligence was swept under the rug by God but was paid for by something. Sinners are Jesus’ specialty. The Bible tells us that not only is God precise with sin, but He is also merciful toward sinners. Take Levi, for example. Jesus accepted Levi’s invitation to dine with him and his friends, who were notorious sinners. When the Pharisees discovered this, they criticized the Lord. Jesus responded, “I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough” Mark 2:17). Jesus is your “guilt offering.” Release your guilt to the cross and praise Him, knowing that you were once a sinner but now have been forgiven.

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 4:1-5:19 • Mark 2:13-3:6 • Psalm 36:1-12 • Proverbs 10:1-2

 

February 18^th

 

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” —Psalm 37:3-4

 

Handling opposition is difficult, especially if the opposition is from those you love. Jesus faced opposition continually, even from those in His own family who said, “He’s out of his mind” (Mark 3:21). In addition, Jesus also faced opposition from the teachers of the Law who remarked, “He’s possessed by Satan” (v. 22). David gave the best prescription for handling opposition. First, he said to trust in the Lord. Never believe that a problem is yours. Just relax as a baby would in the arms of its mother. Second, David said to delight in the Lord. Keep your focus on the delightful relationship between you and your God. Never let the devil steal your joy and the sense that all is well. Third, he said to “commit everything you do to the Lord” (Psalm 37:5). Commit means “to roll.” Just shift the weight of opposition from your shoulders onto the shoulders of God. He is more than able to carry it. Finally, David said in verse 7 of Psalm 37 to “be still.” How quickly we want to take matters into our own hands and begin to “fight fire with fire”! We’ve got to learn, however, to discipline ourselves to wait on the Lord to fight the battle for us. Trust, delight, commit, and be still, and in the end you will see that the battle belongs to the Lord.

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 6:1-7:27 • Mark 3:7-30 • Psalm 37:1-11 • Proverbs 10:3-4

 

February 19^th

 

“A wise youth works hard all summer; a youth who sleeps away the hour of opportunity brings shame.” —Proverbs 10:5

Harvest is a time of high motivation, a time when all the efforts of an entire year come to fruition. How can someone sleep if the grain is standing ready and a storm is coming that can ruin it? If people sleep, they are wasting the blood, sweat, and tears of all the laborers before them. They are turning their backs on the financial rewards the harvest will bring at the market. They are wasting their day of opportunity. Jesus spoke of those who receive the Word but are distracted by lives of ease and pleasure. Although the harvest is ripe, they are busy pursuing the things of this world. He reminded us that others, however, would be wise sons or daughters who would gather thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold in the day of harvest (Mark 4:20). We are now in the period of the greatest spiritual harvest the world has ever seen. Hundreds of thousands of new Christians are being saved every day. Lay aside your sleep and wake up! Your summer of harvest may never happen again this side of eternity.

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 7:28-9:6 • Mark 3:31-4:25 • Psalm 37:12-29 • Proverbs 10:5

 

February 20^th

 

“When he woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the water, ‘Quiet down!’” —Mark 4:39

The command of faith in the mouth of Jesus was astounding. With two words, an entire storm broke, and the violence of death was stilled. The Word of God in your mouth is the most powerful force in the world. Paul said, “The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart” (Romans 10:8).  Jesus is the Word; therefore, when you speak the Word, you are speaking Jesus into your situation. Faith consists of first believing in your heart that God’s Word is true and then speaking that Word to your circumstances and watching them change.  When Jesus spoke the command of faith to the legion of demons, they had no choice but to obey (Mark 5:13). The centurion, too, understood this principle and told the Lord that all that was needed was a simple command from His mouth for his servant to be healed (Matthew 8:8-9). Joshua spoke to the sun, Jesus spoke to the fig tree, and you can speak to your storms. Expect the Word of God in your mouth to move mountains!

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 9:7-10:20 • Mark 4:26-5:20 • Psalm 37:30-40 • Proverbs 10:6-7

 

February 21^st

 

“Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’” —Mark 5:30

The Master made no conscious decision to heal the woman with the issue of blood mentioned in this passage. Her faith had decided that Christ was the Source of all healing and that God was no respecter of persons. She believed she could tap into that well of life by faith. Healing must be received, like a radio receives radio waves. Christ is our Healer, but we must be tenacious and unwavering in our perseverance to receive the healing we need. Someone has said that faith is like a fuse. A fuse is tiny and unassuming, having no power in itself except to complete a circuit so power can flow. The fuse only works with low resistance; otherwise, it will blow! In the same way, Christ is the mighty Generator of the power of God, and we need only keep our little “fuses of faith” in the line. When the report of his daughter’s death reached his ears, Jairus, like the woman with the issue of blood, kept his “faith fuse” from blowing. He refused to allow fear to blow his fuse and short-circuit his miracle (Mark 5:36). Tap in today with your “fuse of faith.” Christ the Healer is alive!

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 11:1-12:8 • Mark 5:21-43 • Psalm 38:1-22 • Proverbs 10:8-9

 

February 22^nd

 

“Now suppose the priest discovers after his examination that a rash has broken out all over someone’s skin, covering the body from head to foot. In such cases, the priest must examine the infected person to see if the disease covers the entire body. If it does, he will pronounce the person ceremonially clean. . .” —Leviticus 13:12-13

Sin is a spiritual disease that has strong parallels to leprosy in the natural world. In biblical days, leprosy was a progressive, incurable, contagious disease. It was extremely dangerous to the person afflicted even if only a small area was affected. Why would the Law pronounce a person who had become covered in the disease to be clean? Charles Spurgeon pointed out leprosy’s striking parallel to the consciousness of sin. When we think we have only a spot of sin, we are unclean, but when we realize that we are totally consumed by sin, we can be made clean! God wants us to understand that our own self-righteousness is as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Only as we abandon our claim to being anything good before God can He come in as our great High Priest and make us clean. Pity those who feel they only need God as a “Band-Aid” on their sin and don’t comprehend that they are totally consumed by the dreaded disease. Come to Jesus repentant, helpless, and hopeless. He will make His eternal pronouncement: You are clean!

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 13:1-59 • Mark 6:1-29 • Psalm 39:1-13 • Proverbs 10:10

 

 

February 23^rd

 

“O Lord my God, you have done many miracles for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list.”
—Psalm 40:5

No book could contain the volume of miraculous events that took place during the ministry of Jesus. “Wherever he went . . . they laid the sick in the market plazas and streets. The sick begged him to let them at least touch the fringe of his robe, and all who touched it were healed” (Mark 6:56). Masses of suffering human beings were carried, laid by the road, and pressed closely to the Master in hopes of receiving just one healing touch. Not one was refused or turned away. Every person who was willing to press in and touch Him received a miracle. Today, remarkably, more and more miracles are occurring on a worldwide scale. Every day on every continent of the world, thousands receive miraculous healings and deliverances in the name of Jesus. We must take a fresh look at suffering, sighing, dying humanity and purpose to bring this healing, delivering Jesus to their rescue. If we take His name and plunge into the sea of human need, we will find His footsteps and hands following right behind us!

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 14:1-57 • Mark 6:30-56 • Psalm 40:1-10 • Proverbs 10:11-12

 

February 24^th

 

“You are not defiled by what you eat; you are defiled by what you say and do!” —Mark 7:15

Unclean was the word the Pharisees most feared. They spent hours washing pots, spots, and dots! They followed and amplified to impossible proportions every little hygienic requirement of the Mosaic Law. Jesus answered the objections of the Pharisees by pointing out that unclean refers more to a state of the heart than to a state of the hands. Bad attitudes, anger, adulteries, and arrogance cannot be removed from the human heart by any amount of hand washing. Unlike unclean foods that are simply processed through the body and the wastes removed naturally, unclean attitudes sit like poison in the human spirit and wait to spring into actions. Aaron learned the mystery of cleansing before God: “Then he must dip his finger into the blood and sprinkle it seven times over the altar. In this way, he will cleanse it from Israel’s defilement and return it to its former holiness” (Leviticus 16:19). Water may cleanse the body, but only blood can cleanse the spirit! Reach out and apply that blood to your spirit today.

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 15:1-16:28 • Mark 7:1-23 • Psalm 40:11-17 • Proverbs 10:13-14

 

 

February 25^th

 

“And looking up to heaven, he sighed and commanded, “Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly and speak plainly!” —Mark 7:34-35

Jesus sighed. This word is used to describe a groan drawn from deep within. Before a miracle occurs, the Holy Spirit must groan, or pray from within us. Romans 8:26 tells us that we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. That groaning, or inner compassion of the Spirit, always comes right before the works of God are revealed. Jesus said, “Ephphatha!” (Mark 7:34 KJV), which is an Aramaic word describing the loosing of an entire person, not just a part. Satan had kept this man in bondage, and Christ was commanding him to “be loosed!” The string (or in the Greek, “bondage”) of his tongue was immediately loosed. The process included groaning, commanding, and then loosing!  This is the work of the Church. We are to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that we feel the needs of the poor (Psalm 41:1) and command them to “be loosed!” Ask the Holy Spirit to pray through you for the needs of those in bondage. Satan must loose them because we are of the company of “Ephphatha!”

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 16:29-18:30 • Mark 7:24-8:10 • Psalm 41:1-13 • Proverbs 10:15-16

 

February 26^th

 

“Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. ” —Leviticus 19:18

As one of the two great commandments Jesus quoted from the Old Testament, this rule consists of five simple words that embody everything else: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” For New Testament believers, the Holy Spirit automatically teaches their hearts to do all that relates to this commandment. But for those who were under the Law, God had to spell out exactly how they should behave. Leviticus 19 tells us that God instructed His people to be generous (vv. 9-10) and to leave something in the fields for the poor. He commanded them not to steal, lie, or deceive one another (vv. 11-13). He told them to respect the helpless (v. 14) and not to take advantage of them. He directed them to judge their neighbors fairly, not showing favoritism (v. 15). Finally, He told them not to slander, harbor hatred, or seek revenge (vv. 16-18). As simple as these commandments sound, they gave practical steps to the admonition to “love your neighbor.”  Love is the fulfilling of the Law and the highest of God’s commandments. In all your relationships, apply this “royal command” (James 2:8). God will bless you, and others will love you in return!

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 19:1-20:21 • Mark 8:11-38 • Psalm 42:1-11 • Proverbs 10:17

 

February 27^th

 

“They must be set apart to God as holy and must never dishonor his name. After all, they are the ones who present the offerings to the Lord by fire, providing God with his food, and they must remain holy. ” —Leviticus 21:6

The requirements for the priesthood were extremely high. Priests were separated unto God and restricted as to whom they could marry because they had “been made holy by the anointing oil of . . . God” (Leviticus 21:12). The high priest could not even touch a dead body or mourn for a dead parent. His emotions, priorities, and focus were restricted by his walk in the anointing. Walking away from sin is not a difficult choice for those of us who understand how precious is the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We cannot walk, touch, and marry as we choose. We willingly restrict our lives in order to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit of God. Others may be able to compromise their lifestyles with seemingly no penalty, but our choices all center on keeping His anointing. We are totally devoted unto God. Our lives are our ministries, and our callings are our priorities. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Christ’s anointing shone through His very garments (Mark 9:3). So strong was the anointing that demons ran when confronted with it (v. 26). Is it worthwhile to desire that kind of anointing? Absolutely! Receive it, walk in it, and minister in it. Nothing in life is as precious as the anointing.

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 20:22-22:16 • Mark 9:1-29 • Psalm 43:1-5 • Proverbs 10:18

 

February 28^th

 

“O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.” —Psalm 44:8

Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles were the three Jewish calendar feasts. Passover exemplifies our salvation, for Passover is the time when we remember how the blood of Jesus has been applied to the doorposts of our hearts. Pentecost, the day when the firstfruits were reaped, represents our baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Feast of Tabernacles, a seven-day celebration of the completion of Solomon’s temple, depicts a futuristic, eternal celebration of the completion of harvest. Heaven will be the place of celebration at the completion of the heavenly temple, at the final ingathering of the harvest. Heaven is the place where Christ’s victory over Satan will be celebrated forever. Heaven will be an eternal camp meeting where cares are left behind, total rest and refreshing are continual, and joy is unbridled. Throughout the long year of labor, let us anticipate the final feast at the end of time. In that day, our labors will be over, and God will be our entire reward.

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 22:17-23:44 • Mark 9:30-10:12 • Psalm 44:1-8 • Proverbs 10:19

18

 

March 1^st

 

“As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running up to Jesus, knelt down, and asked, ‘Good Teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?’”  —Mark 10:17

Money is a central heart issue in the Gospel. The rich young ruler mentioned in the book of Mark made a profession of faith, but his money did not follow. Promises of love and discipleship to Jesus are empty unless your possessions mean nothing compared to Him. The way a person uses money is always a reflection of what’s in his heart. If Jesus had occupied first place in the rich young ruler’s heart, it would have been evidenced in his attitude toward his money. In Leviticus 25 the principle of the Sabbath year brought up an issue similar to the story of the rich young ruler. Simply stated, the people were told to give up something they wanted for God’s sake. God then promised that He would order a blessing so bountiful that it would produce a triple harvest for three years! When will we ever learn that if we follow God’s laws of sacrifice and obedience, He is well able to speak to our circumstances with His blessing? Jesus promised, “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property. . . .” (Mark 10:29-30). Don’t resent sacrifice. See it as an opportunity to increase!

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 24:1-25:46 • Mark 10:13-31 • Psalm 44:9-26 • Proverbs 10:20-21

 

March 2^nd

 

“Put on your sword, O mighty warrior! You are so glorious, so majestic!” —Psalm 45:3

 

Can there be any doubt that the psalmist was referring to Jesus? The disciples were “filled with dread” (Mark 10:32) at the fearless, bold approach Jesus exhibited as He walked to Jerusalem, straight into the face of death. He had told them earlier exactly what would happen to Him, yet He did not flinch in leading the way to the city!  In Leviticus 26:1-39, the Lord promised peace and blessing to the Israelites for obedience, but certain destruction if they rebelled. Christ’s intense love for righteousness and hatred of wickedness gives Him a fearless boldness against sin (Psalm 45:7). The ultimate act of Jesus’ hatred of sin will be demonstrated by His return to earth. He will “ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice, [going] forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!” (Psalm 45:4). His sharp arrows will pierce the hearts of our enemies, and the nations will fall beneath His feet (v. 5). At His side will be the Church, His Bride, who loves Him and also loves righteousness. Be faithful and fearless, Bride—Your Mighty One is coming with His sword, and you will be at His side!

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 25:47-27:13 • Mark 10:32-52 • Psalm 45:1-17 • Proverbs 10:22

 

March 3^rd

 

“A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.” —Leviticus 27:30

 

 

Our understanding must change if we are to see that the tithe already belongs to the Lord. When we return it to Him, we are not giving. In fact, if it already belongs to Him, we are actually robbing God if we use the tithe or spend it! Not only does the tithe belong to Him, but also it is holy to the Lord. The tithe is holy money, set aside for His holy use. When Achan stole from Jericho something that had been set aside unto God, judgment fell upon Achan and his house (Joshua 7). Another aspect of the tithe is that it belongs to the Lord as His advance provision. In Mark 11:3, the little donkey was there by God’s prophetic command (Zechariah 9:9), marked out centuries before as provision for what the King would need in that generation. A final point regarding the tithe is that God will return your tithe to you with a blessing for your obedience. Weren’t the owners of the donkey told, “The Lord needs it and will return it soon” (Mark 11:3)? God is not robbing you of ten percent when you tithe—He is using it as an opportunity to bless you!

 

Daily Readings: Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54 • Mark 11:1-26 • Psalm 46:1-11 • Proverbs 10:23

 

March 4^th

 

“So the total of all the troops on Judah’s side of the camp is 186,400. These three tribes are to lead the way whenever the Israelites travel to a new campsite.”  —Numbers 2:9

The tribe of Judah was privileged by God to lead Israel’s march through the wilderness. God had already showed His blessing upon that tribe by causing them to increase in number to the largest of all the tribes. Judah means “praise,” and this tribe was selected to raise the voice of praise as a battle cry for God’s people. As the vast camp set out each day with the blowing of the trumpets, God was displaying to the world that His great Church sets out with a shout of praise. The psalmist said, “God has ascended with a mighty shout. The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring. Sing praise to God, sing praises; sing praise to our King, sing praises!” (Psalm 47:5-6). The Church was created to praise the King. Clapping our hands and shouting with cries of joy are the most appropriate things we can do for the One who is the great King over all the earth! Jehoshaphat taught God’s people to sing and shout as they went out into battle. He “appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor” (2 Chronicles 20:21). As a result, the Lord used their praise to defeat their enemies. What problem are you facing today?  Why not “send Judah first” and watch the Lord fight the battle for you!

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 2:1-3:51 • Mark 11:27-12:17 • Psalm 47:1-9 • Proverbs 10:24-25

 

March 5^th

 

“Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”  —Mark 12:29-31

God has given two great commandments, the first of which deals with devotion and service to God. Numbers 4:1-33 explains how the three divisions of Levites supervised such work: they were to care for the tabernacle, furniture, and courtyard with the utmost precision and dedication. Similarly, our service to God is not to be slipshod and haphazard, but precise, heartfelt, and fervent. Whatever our ministries, whether small or great, we must serve the Lord with passion. Having even the slightest responsibility for holy things is a privilege! The second commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself, is illustrated in Numbers 5:6-7 through the law of restitution. With all our effort, we must make restitution with our neighbors, reconciling any differences with them and treating them with respect and honor, for God keeps account of our dealings with others. As Christians, we are compelled to go the extra mile to ensure our relationships are secured in love. Let us build our lives on zealous love for both God and humanity. Such love is the Kingdom of God.

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 4:1-5:31 • Mark 12:18-37 • Psalm 48:1-14 • Proverbs 10:26

 

March 6^th

 

“They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave. “—Psalm 49:6-9

 

What folly it is to trust in our wealth and boast of our great riches! The psalmist described the futility of hoarding wealth, which has no power to redeem our lives from sin. Ultimately, all the wealth we amass will be left to others. The psalmist continued, saying that the rich will not be pampered forever on their estates. One day they will die, taking none of their worldly wealth with them. Like all men, their bodies will rot in their graves.  Someone once said, “You will be dead a lot longer than you will be alive!” We would be looked upon as foolish to think we could send treasures to heaven ahead of ourselves.  Everyone knows that is impossible. The only way we can take any wealth into eternity is to give it to God here on earth and reap our eternal reward. The story of the sacrificial widow clearly illustrates how God will reward us in eternity. It is not the amount given but the amount sacrificed that matters to God. The amount we give may be small, but if it represents great sacrifice, it is of more value to God than great riches. Just as each tabernacle offering was recorded in Numbers 7, so each of our offerings is recorded in God’s eternal record. We will find those treasures in heaven for all eternity!

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 6:1-7:89 • Mark 12:38-13:13 • Psalm 49:1-20 • Proverbs 10:27-28

 

March 7^th

 

“Our God approaches with the noise of thunder. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around him.  “—Psalm 50:3

These three little words—our God approaches—are the most certain fact in the universe. We may be going through terrible trials, tribulations, sufferings, and temptations, but we can be certain of one thing: our God is coming! One day Christ will return to earth. A fire will devour before Him (v. 3) as He returns to destroy the Antichrist and his armies. God Himself will be the Judge of His people (v. 6). The concept of Jesus’ return took center stage as Christ taught His disciples about the end of time. “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows” (Mark 13:32). Since we cannot know the moment of His return, we must remain diligently on our guard, for His arrival could be “at evening, midnight, early dawn, or late daybreak” (v. 35). As we battle the enemy, we should be constantly looking skyward for the imminent return of our Lord. Focusing on His coming will keep us on guard against sin, compromise, and slothfulness and will encourage us in battle. We must keep our lives equipped and our hearts ready, because there will be no time for preparation at His sudden return. To the sleeping, distracted, halfhearted Christian, Jesus gives one word that will keep him on track for life: “Watch!” (Mark 13:37).

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 8:1-9:23 • Mark 13:14-37 • Psalm 50:1-23 • Proverbs 10:29-30

 

March 8^th

 

“Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why was this expensive perfume wasted?” they asked. “She could have sold it for a small fortune and given the money to the poor!” And they scolded her harshly. But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why berate her for doing such a good thing to me?””
—Mark 14:4-6

The beautiful nature of God is one of sacrifice, the giving of something on behalf of another. The ugly nature of Satan is one of selfishness, the taking of that which belongs to another. <br><br>Never have the spirits of sacrifice and selfishness been so starkly contrasted as in the Mark 14:3-10 story of a generous woman and the self-serving Judas Iscariot. The woman was reckless in her sacrifice, pouring over Jesus’ head a perfume so expensive it was worth a whole year’s salary. However, her sacrifice seems insignificant when we consider that it was anointing His head for burial. This was the last act of love shown to Jesus before His death. Since that time, millions have read and appreciated the memory of her act, even though her money, perfume, and possessions have all long since passed from the scene. In our lives, the unselfish, beautiful sacrifices we make for Jesus and His Body will live and return to us forever. By contrast, Judas’s hideously greedy act of fattening his purse with thirty pieces of blood money has gone down in infamy. What is the final memory others will have of you? Will it be one of sacrifice or one of selfishness? Break open your “alabaster jar,” and pour it all out on the Lord and His people.

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 10:1-11:23 • Mark 14:1-21 • Psalm 51:1-19 • Proverbs 10:31-32

 

March 9^th

 

“I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!” —Numbers 11:29

The plague of small thinking strikes again! Joshua was extremely concerned that someone other than Moses might be used of God to prophesy. Joshua did not comprehend that God can use whomever He wants in order to accomplish whatever He wants. In Numbers 13 the ten spies had to make a decision regarding the grapes and the giants. Huge clusters of fruit should have captured the Israelites’ attention, faith, and excitement. Instead, their eyes were on the giants who stood guard over the abundance. The devil always tries to get our attention focused more on his resistance than on God’s provision. A small, limited vision will make us feel “like grasshoppers” in comparison to the giants (Numbers 13:33), instead of feeling that “we can certainly conquer” (v. 30)! Philip rehearsed to Jesus how impossible it was to feed five thousand men in the wilderness, but Andrew went and found five loaves and two fish. Small thinking involves meditating on negative, impossible thoughts that outweigh the truth of God’s Word. Although Moses had told the spies to go into the land with boldness and bring back a sampling of the crops (Numbers 13:20), the spies’ fearful thinking caused them to believe that they could never get to the grapes because the giants were too large. Think large: Conquest . . . good report . . . well able!

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 11:24-13:33 • Mark 14:22-52 • Psalm 52:1-9 • Proverbs 11:1-3

 

March 10^th

 

“Jesus said, ‘I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven.’” —Mark 14:62

Jesus stood before the high priest and boldly declared who He was. There stood Christ, unafraid of death, declaring before all men His identity and their judgment. His bold, resilient declaration ignited a storm like a match in a powder keg. Oh, what a difference the presence of the Holy Spirit makes as He gives us boldness to fearlessly declare our witness for God! How opposite Jesus’ assertion was from Peter’s timid, fearful denial of who He was just six verses later. Peter shrank back, cursing, swearing, and denying that he had ever known Christ. If “fearing people is a dangerous trap” as Proverbs 29:25 declares, then Peter fell headlong into that trap. What a change we can observe in Peter’s life, however, when he stood up on the day of Pentecost, demanding repentance from the men who had crucified Christ! Joshua and Caleb demonstrated the same boldness when facing a whole assembly that was about to stone them (Numbers 14:10). Never let the fear of man intimidate you in your greatest hour of destiny. Others may run, hide, and deny, but you must stand tall and be bold.

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 14:1-15:16 • Mark 14:53-72 • Psalm 53:1-6 • Proverbs 11:4

 

March 11^th

 

“May my enemies’ plans for evil be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them.”
—Psalm 54:5  

It is true that God will repay those who falsely accuse us, but how hard it is to remain silent and let God exact vengeance! Moses and Aaron knew this truth, as their attitudes remained perfect when faced with the strongest challenge to their authority in the wilderness. The “gainsaying of Core” (Jude 11 KJV) is marked as the most slanderous, dangerous illustration of rebellion in the Old Testament. Moses could have easily ordered the opposing leaders’ deaths or fought them in a fistfight. Instead, he “threw himself down with his face to the ground” (Numbers 16:4). He chose to let God execute His own justice. Christ displayed a quiet, humble spirit before Pilate. In spite of wave upon wave of slanderous accusations, “Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise” (Mark 15:5). The moment arrived when both Moses and Jesus were justified by God before all men—Moses when the ground swallowed Korah, and Jesus through the resurrection.  Be patient, humble, and quiet before your God.  Proclaim with the psalmist, “But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive!” (Psalm 54:4).

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 15:17-16:40 • Mark 15:1-47 • Psalm 54:1-7 • Proverbs 11:5-6

 

March 12^th

 

“When he went into the Tabernacle of the Covenant the next day, he found that Aaron’s staff, representing the tribe of Levi, had sprouted, blossomed, and produced almonds!”  —Numbers 17:8

One rod ended an entire insurrection. What a powerful rod this was to have amazed, confounded, and brought to repentance the powerful forces opposing Moses! The miracle of this rod was that it represented something impossible: a resurrection. How could a dead stick—separated from the tree trunk, polished and smoothed— suddenly sprout leaves, buds, and almonds? Only by the resurrection power of God! Christianity is the only religion whose leader was dead for three days and then physically resurrected. While all other religions are as mere sticks with man-made claims to authority, Christianity is distinguished by the fact that Jesus’ rod has budded. This budding rod has persuaded millions that He is truly the Son of God. People of every nation stand in awe that someone beaten, crucified, and speared in the side could stand three days later and say, “All hail.” His name has all authority over demons, disaster, and disease (Mark 16:17-18). We, as His disciples, can stand holding the rod of the resurrection in our hands. Let us preach the Gospel of the resurrected Christ to all creation and watch the Lord confirm His Word with signs following (Mark 16:20)!

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 16:41-18:32 • Mark 16:1-20 • Psalm 55:1-23 • Proverbs 11:7

 

March 13^th

 

“And now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you won’t be able to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time.” —Luke 1:20 

Unbelief is dangerous, regardless of who you are. Zechariah, a member of the priestly tribe, was standing in the Holy Place offering incense before God when an angel of the Lord brought him a message. Because he refused to believe the message and questioned the power of God, Zechariah was struck dumb. Another example of unbelief is found in Numbers 20:11-12, which tells how Moses’ and Aaron’s lack of trust in God led them to act rashly. They struck the rock twice instead of merely speaking to it as God had instructed. This simple act of unbelief disqualified them from their long-awaited entrance into the Promised Land. God does not exempt His leaders from judgment if they fail to walk before Him in the purity of faith. He “doesn’t show partiality” (Acts 10:34) and equally dispenses judgment on all who refuse to believe. His judgment can be swift and stern, as when Uzzah was struck dead for steadying the ark of the covenant after the oxen stumbled (1 Chronicles 13:9-10). In another instance, “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over it” (Leviticus 10:1) and were immediately burned alive by the fire of God. God is awesome in His holiness and will not be disregarded. Let’s serve Him with the proper respect and awe, “for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 19:1-20:29 • Luke 1:1-25 • Psalm 56:1-13 • Proverbs 11:8

 

March 14^th

 

“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”
—Proverbs: 11:11 KJV

 

No better example of this scripture can be found than in the story of the little maiden named Mary. Though she was young and from a lowly town in Galilee called Nazareth, Mary believed God. Because of her belief, all generations have called her blessed.  The examples from the Bible are many of those whom God exalted. As a nation, Israel was blessed and exalted. When Balak tried to curse God’s people, God told him, “You are not to curse these people, for I have blessed them!” (Numbers 22:12). Yet another example of the exalting of the Lord is found in the life of David, who was taken from the field while tending a few sheep and exalted to be king of Israel. Joseph, who was languishing in an Egyptian prison, also witnessed the blessing of the Lord that brought him to Pharaoh’s right hand in exaltation. We must value the blessing of the Lord upon our lives because it exalts us before the heathen and brings great glory to God. May the blessing bestowed upon a simple virgin of Nazareth remind us of one eternal truth: God’s “mighty arm does tremendous things! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has taken princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly” (Luke 1:51-52). Be blessed . . . then exalted!

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 21:1-22:20 • Luke 1:26-56 • Psalm 57:1-11 • Proverbs 11:9-11

 

 

 

 

March 15^th

 

“Then King Balak demanded of Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies. Instead, you have blessed them!”  —Numbers 23:11

The tongue is the center of sin in the body. In James 3:6 it is described as a “flame of fire,” capable of causing much wickedness. How important it is, therefore, that the tongue be used for the purposes of God!  In Numbers 22 we see an astounding miracle of speech rendered by God. Balaam’s donkey obviously could not speak, but it was given words to rebuke Balaam in his madness (v. 28). If God could open the mouth of a donkey, how much more can He open our mouths for His glory! Further along in  the story, Balaam, being unable to curse Israel with his mouth, could only speak a blessing over the nation. In the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah, God struck Zechariah dumb for nine months because he had used his tongue to voice unbelief. Then God healed him supernaturally and filled his mouth with a blessing for Israel (Luke 1:67). Zechariah absolutely overflowed with praise to the God of Israel who was showing them mercy, rescuing them from their enemies, and granting them salvation. Before we met Christ, we used our mouths to curse, defile, and destroy others. Now that Christ lives in us, we can yield our speech to the Holy Spirit so we may instruct, correct, and encourage others. Offer your tongue to God as “the pen of a skillful poet” (Psalm 45:1). He will fill your mouth with praise and prophecy that will bring glory to God and bind the powers of darkness.

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 22:21-23:30 • Luke 1:57-80 • Psalm 58:1-11 • Proverbs 11:12-13

 

March 16^th

 

“I see him, but not in the present time. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. “—Numbers 24:17

We call the leading character in a movie, a play, or an athletic event the star. God has a Star and desires that every eye be upon Him! In his final prophecies, Balaam saw a vision of a star rising out of Jacob. In the distance beyond the camp of Israel, Balaam could see Israel’s supreme Leader who would crush Moab. When the devil looks out over the Church, he is blinded by the light of our Bright and Morning Star, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus rises above all our enemies in His glory. The shepherds saw the Star of all history face-to-face the night He was born in a manger (Luke 2:16). Tradition says the star Balaam saw was the same one the wise men followed from the East to find Christ. Moved by the Spirit, Simeon entered the temple and held in his arms the “light to reveal God to the nations” (Luke 2:32). May we never move our eyes away from the Centerpiece of God’s universe: Jesus, the Star of Jacob.

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 24:1-25:18 • Luke 2:1-35 • Psalm 59:1-17 • Proverbs 11:14

 

March 17^th

 

“But you have raised a banner for those who honor you—a rallying point in the face of attack.”
—Psalm 60:4

God is a God of victory. The Church is not on the defensive, but displays a banner of victory. We see this banner as David went into battle, for he reminded himself of God’s overwhelming strength against the enemy. We see this banner in Romans 8:31, where Paul wrote, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” The nations of the world do not belong to the devil, but to God. His Church is the means by which the nations will be conquered. The first part of Psalm 60:8 declares, “Moab will become my lowly servant,” meaning that the nations will serve the Church. The second part of that verse says, “Over Edom will I cast out my shoe” (KJV), indicating ownership. (In biblical times, ownership was marked by a person’s taking off his shoe and throwing it down upon his inheritance.) How many nations are waiting to be claimed by the Body of Christ? Let’s “take our shoes off” and begin in prayer to “throw them down” upon our inheritance. Let’s lift high the banner of the cross of Christ, valiantly defying the claim of the enemy over our God-given heritage. May we never forget that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37 KJV).

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 26:1-51 • Luke 2:36-52 • Psalm 60:1-12 • Proverbs 11:15

 

March 18^th

 

“For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.” —Psalm 61:5

Your spiritual inheritance is the most important thing you possess. The daughters of Zelophehad knew that and thus demanded their inheritance (Numbers 27:4). They refused to let any factor stand in their way of possessing what their father had left to them, and consequently, God honored their faith. Your spiritual inheritance may be the transfer of someone else’s anointing to you before that person’s death. Moses transferred his anointing to Joshua by the laying on of hands (Numbers 27:23). Jesus received His inheritance when He went into the Jordan and was baptized by John (Luke 3:21-22). Elisha appropriated his inheritance when he saw Elijah go up in a whirlwind and drop his mantle from the chariot (2 Kings 2:11-13). God has given you a mantle of inheritance—some ministry, some mission, some calling—that belongs to you alone. Will you be like Esau who despised his inheritance and birthright and sold it all for a little bowl of soup? Never forfeit or throw your heritage away as though it were worthless. Instead, seize it, claim it, and believe that God will use it to glorify His name.

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 26:52-28:15 • Luke 3:1-22 • Psalm 61:1-8 • Proverbs 11:16-17

 

March 19^th

 

“O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. “—Psalm 62:8

 

 

Faith is trust, and trust is faith. When a deposit is placed in a trust account, we can be confident that it is safe. Do we trust God like that? It is easy to trust Him when we are in control, but what about when the situation moves outside our control? Can we trust Him at all times? David went through perilous times, but in each situation he would pour out his heart to God (v. 8) as his chief Confidant and Refuge. Everyone trusts someone or something, and with many, it is their money. “Don’t try to get rich by extortion or robbery. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life” (Psalm 62:10). Paul told Timothy to “tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17).  We must unplug our trust from anything in this world: our money, the promises of others, even ourselves. We must then transfer our total trust to God and relax, knowing that our deposit is safe!

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 28:16-29:40 • Luke 3:23-38 • Psalm 62:1-12 • Proverbs 11:18-19

 

March 20^th

 

“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.” —Psalm 63:1

Jesus spent His first forty days after baptism in the wilderness east of Jerusalem. Far from the distractions of life, He passed through the fires of temptation and learned total dependence upon God. Moses said to Israel, “Anything made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead—that is, metals that do not burn—must be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure” (Numbers 31:22-23). Nothing is acceptable to God unless it has been passed through the fire. Temptation proves the quality of your “metal.” Though Jesus was severely tempted three times by the devil, He came forth as purest gold. While Jesus was passing through the temptation, a second dynamic was taking place in His life: He was drawing into close communion with the Father. His soul and His body, though fasting, were satisfied with “more than the richest of foods” (Psalm 63:5) as He learned to cling to God (v. 8) in close communion. These two lessons are our greatest challenges: “Resist the Devil” and “draw close to God” (James 4:7-8). Are you ready for the lessons of the wilderness?

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 30:1-31:54 • Luke 4:1-30 • Psalm 63:1-11 • Proverbs 11:20-21

 

March 21^st

 

“The Lord had defeated the gods of Egypt that night with great acts of judgment!” —Numbers 33:4

Israel realized that the gods of Egypt that had held them captive for so long were defeated through the ten plagues. For example, the “god of the Nile” was defeated when the mighty river was turned to blood (Exodus 7:20-21), and the “sun god” was defeated by the darkness that fell upon the land (Exodus 10:21-23). After the final plague concerning the firstborn, the Israelites were free to go. Triumphantly they left the land of their captivity. They did not slither out of town or run for their lives in the night. Instead, they “left defiantly, in full view of all the Egyptians” (Numbers 33:3). As New Testament believers, we have the same privilege of boldness as did the Israelites. Jesus has conquered our enemies: “The time of judgment for the world has come, when the prince of this world will be cast out” (John 12:31). Therefore, we should exhibit the same boldness against the devil as did Jesus when He openly ordered the demon to “be silent” (Luke 4:35). Jesus saw sickness and demonic possession as an unfair encroachment of the enemy, and so should we. Rise up today and boldly break free from Satan’s chains and bondage. The price has been paid for your freedom. Purpose to serve Pharaoh no more!

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 32:1-33:39 • Luke 4:31-5:11 • Psalm 64:1-10 • Proverbs 11:22

 

March 22^nd

 

“And the Lord said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities of refuge for people to flee to if they have killed someone accidentally.’”
—Numbers 35:9-11

Forgiveness and mercy are the highest items on God’s agenda. The city of refuge was a designated place of grace where someone who had made a mistake could run for shelter and protection from revenge. When the high priest died, the person who had been spared from judgment was also restored to a normal life. The man let down through the roof into Jesus’ presence heard Jesus tell him, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Luke 5:20). That one statement encompassed both his forgiveness and his healing. When your sins are forgiven, healing is easy! Jesus, our High Priest, died in our place. Now we are free to live as forgiven, restored sinners. When we were overcome by our sins, Jesus forgave our transgressions (Psalm 65:3). Though we cannot see sin, it is an overwhelming enemy. It afflicts us, crushes the life out of us, and can take us to hell forever.  Run to the city of refuge! Run to the mercy seat! You are forgiven through the blood of Christ, and now, like the paralytic, you can “stand up, take your mat, and go on home” (Luke 5:24).

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 33:40-35:34 • Luke 5:12-28 • Psalm 65:1-13 • Proverbs 11:23

 

March 23^rd

 

“But you brought us to a place of great abundance. “—Psalm 66:12

 

Three powerful verses in Proverbs 11 remind us of the ageless principles of giving. First, you cannot outgive God. Proverbs 11:24 says, “It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything.” Giving is the secret to abundance and increase. Second, if you purpose in life to “refresh others” (Proverbs 11:25) and not just be concerned for yourself, God will be sure to supply your own needs as well. You must make it your goal in life to bring joy and happiness to others through generously giving to them. You will be personally refreshed from watching their joy, and God will make certain that someone comes along occasionally to refresh you! Finally, if you hoard what you have been given instead of sharing it, you will be cursed instead of blessed (Proverbs 11:26). Because giving is so much a part of God’s nature, your gift brings you into His heavenly economy. Even though you may have a need, invest in others, and you will gain, prosper, and be crowned with blessing!

 

Daily Readings: Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46 • Luke 5:29-6:11 • Psalm 66:1-20 • Proverbs 11:24-26

 

March 24^th

 

“Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure. . . .” —Luke 6:37-38

It is no accident that the word forgive comes from the word give. Jesus taught both principles in conjunction with each other. If you forgive, you will receive forgiveness.  If you give, others will also give to you. The spirits of forgiveness and giving are opposite from the spirits of the devil. People in the world lash out at anyone who mistreats or abuses them. Jesus said, however,“God blesses you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. . ..” (Luke 6:22-23). He also encouraged His disciples to love, do good, and pray for those who mistreated them (vv. 27-28). In the same passage He continued, saying, “Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back” (v. 30). You are called to be God’s channel of mercy. He wants to use you to pour His grace and blessing upon the world. You must not block that flow through unforgiveness or stinginess. You must let forgiveness and giving flow. When you do, God will bless you, “full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over” (Luke 6:38). Give and forgive. “Then your reward from heaven will be very great....” (v. 35).

 

Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29 • Luke 6:12-38 • Psalm 67:1-7 • Proverbs 11:27

 

March 25^th

 

“And the Lord spoke to you from the fire. You heard his words but didn’t see his form; there was only a voice. “—Deuteronomy 4:12

God is different from all other supposed gods in that He is invisible and His Word is His power. The idols of the earth are just senseless, speechless gods “that neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell” (v. 28). By contrast, our God is a “devouring fire, a jealous God” (v. 24). How important it is then for us to hear and heed His voice! The centurion in the New Testament recognized the power of Jesus’ voice: “Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed” (Luke 7:7). Our faith, too, rests in the voice of our invisible God. When God speaks, it is with the voice of absolute authority. His Word contains the power of His ability! Why do we look for tokens and trinkets of religion when we have His Word? Whether thundering and booming from Sinai or softly spoken from the pages of our Bible, His Word is the same. “The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it” (Psalm 68:11 NIV).

 

Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-49 • Luke 6:39-7:10 • Psalm 68:1-18 • Proverbs 11:28

 

March 26^th

 

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. “
—Deuteronomy 6:5

 

Loving the Lord your God with all your heart is the greatest commandment. It means you should love Him intimately—an action called worship. One who loves his beloved intimately is totally focused on that person, giving to him his heart, soul, and strength. In heaven, the angels and saints spend eternity worshiping and loving God. Should it be odd for us to spend time with Him now, worshiping and loving the One who is the total focus of our lives?  The second great commandment says, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). We call this action ministry. Jesus modeled this commandment when He met the funeral procession coming out of Nain. Luke records, “When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. ‘Don’t cry!’ he said” (Luke 7:13). This is true ministry: loving people and their problems with all your heart, soul, and strength. Learn to make your worship to God and your ministry to people the two focal points of your life. This is love and the path to eternal joy.

 

Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25 • Luke 7:11-35 • Psalm 68:19-35 • Proverbs 11:29-31

 

March 27^th

 

“Not long afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby cities and villages to announce the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil spirits. . . . “—Luke 8:1-2

The women who traveled with Jesus and His disciples were “contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples” Luke 8:3). Joanna was the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household. She obviously was a person of great means, and God used her as a channel to supply the needs of the Son of God here on earth. What a privilege it must have been to give one’s personal wealth for Jesus’ daily provision of food, clothing, and shelter! While Jesus presented the life-giving Word to the cities and villages in the area, these generous and loving women kept the supply lines open to the battlefront. Wealth is given by God to finance His purposes in redeeming humanity (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). He blessed His people in Palestine, “a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking” (v. 9). He still blesses His people with wealth today, not so they can hoard it and become proud, but as a means for world evangelism. Claim your abundance, and then pour it upon the feet of Jesus (Luke 7:37-38). You will not lose your wealth, for in eternity you will find it again.

 

Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20 • Luke 7:36-8:3 • Psalm 69:1-18 • Proverbs 12:1

 

March 28^th

 

“Therefore, cleanse your sinful hearts and stop being stubborn.” —Deuteronomy 10:16

 

A proud, resistant heart pays no attention to the Word of God. Israel was stubborn, self-willed, disobedient, and hardhearted. How often have we followed suit and lived in habits and patterns that were obviously contrary to the Word of God? However, a tender heart that receives the Word of God and submits to it is precious to the Lord. Jesus encouraged His disciples to be those of a noble and good heart, who heard the Word, retained it, and by persevering would “steadily produce a huge harvest” (Luke 8:15). The more tender our hearts and the more attentive our ears, the more revelation God will give us (v. 18). Jesus’ own mother and brothers did not qualify as much as those who heard God’s Word and put it into practice (v. 21).  When you read something in God’s Word, receive it with a tender, honest heart. Give it first place, apply it, and let it change you. As you do, you will cultivate the ground of your heart for a harvest—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold!

 

Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22 • Luke 8:4-21 • Psalm 69:19-36 • Proverbs 12:2-3

 

March 29^th

 

“One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out.” —Luke 8:22

On the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Satan was holding a choice prisoner. This man, totally bound by Satan, was naked and homeless. When Jesus arrived on the scene, the demons in the man violently protested. We need not think that we will invade darkened lands, cultures, and strongholds without experiencing resistance. Someone said, “If you never run into the devil, you must be going the same way!” Satan hates our mission. We are traveling into his territory, invading the kingdom of darkness. The storms we encounter are diversions to discourage us from reaching those whom Satan considers his trophies. When Jesus set out to confront the demoniac, Satan tried to stop him. A storm “came down” (v. 23 NIV), but Jesus “got up”

 

Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32 • Luke 8:22-39 • Psalm 70:1-5 • Proverbs 12:4

 

March 30^th

 

“Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” —Psalm 71:18

The psalmist was concerned that he not be forsaken until God declared His power to the next generation. Every generation must know firsthand the power of God. It is not enough to hear about how God visited the previous generation in great power, wonders, and miracles. Our generation must see that power manifested. Without a true manifestation of the power of God, each generation grows progressively dubious of God’s reality. “One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases” (Luke 9:1). This action was more than simple religious protocol—it was a transferal of Jesus’ power to the next generation. What would have happened to the world if Christ had departed without giving anyone the same power He had to help people? The same power that flowed from Christ’s robes to heal the woman with the issue of blood is available today. From generation to generation, God’s power has been passed on. Now it is our turn to rise up and show God’s power to the next generation.

 

Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23 • Luke 8:40-9:6 • Psalm 71:1-24 • Proverbs 12:5-7

 

March 31^st

 

“When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy these laws on a scroll for himself in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of this law.” 
—Deuteronomy 17:18-19

How important it is to have your own knowledge of the Word of God! What your parents or grandparents knew and taught you about the Word of God should not be your only source of revelation. Your own eyes must see God’s Word, and then you must hide it inside your heart. If Solomon had obeyed Moses’ command to produce a handwritten copy of the law (Deuteronomy 17:14-20), he would have known for himself some important things. For example, he would have known not to acquire horses from Egypt, take multiple wives, or accumulate large amounts of silver and gold (vv. 16-17). Obedience to these three simple commands would have kept him from all his troubles. In fact, however, these were the very sins he committed (1 Kings 10:26-11:13). What a tragedy! If only Solomon had hidden God’s Word in his heart, he might not have sinned against God (Psalm 119:11).  Your own personal, diligent, daily study of the Word will undoubtedly protect you from much deception and heartache. Moses passed down suitable guidelines for a king, instructing that he read them daily throughout his life. In the same way, if you read God’s Word every day and hide its truths in your heart, you will be equipped to live it.

 

Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20 • Luke 9:7-27 • Psalm 72:1-20 • Proverbs 12:8-9