Read – Revelation 16

What does it say?
John saw a vision of seven angels pouring out seven vials of God’s final judgment over the earth.

What does it mean?
In this passage, we see God’s judgment being poured out in the form of seven different plagues: sores, the turning of water to blood, scorching heat, darkness, the drying up of the Euphrates River, earthquakes, and hail storms. Even after each of these judgments, the people remain unrepentant and unresponsive to God’s “final call.”

How should I respond?
Horrific events and tragedy exist as an unfortunate part of our fallen world. Life holds disasters – both natural and unnatural – that sometimes turn our lives upside down. In those moments, you have the choice of turning to God or turning away from Him. You can either rely on His character and His promise that He will always be with you, or you can turn away from Him in rebellion with no hope of peace. It’s often easy to point fingers at God when tragedy strikes and blame Him for the evil that we see happening in the world. However, we must remember that it is man who is tainted by evil, not God. When disasters and times of brokenness enter your life, ask God to make His presence known to you and to use the trial to bring you into a more intimate relationship with Him.

Read – Revelation 15

What does it say?
John saw seven angels prepare to place seven more judgments on the earth. He heard songs of praise to God being sung by those who were victorious over the Antichrist.

What does it mean?
The seven bowls of wrath poured out by the angels represent God’s final judgment on the earth. John’s vision then changes to a host of people standing on a sea of fire and glass singing praises to God, not just about what He has done, but about who He is. Their song is filled with words of honor, praising God for His justice, eternality, holiness, and righteousness. The temple, beaming with the glory of God and radiating with His power, is opened and seven angels come out. Each angel is given a bowl of God’s wrath to pour out over the earth. No one was allowed into the temple until the plagues of the seven angels were completed.

How should I respond?
Have you ever experienced God in such a significant way that you were literally speechless? Our conversations about God tend to focus on what He’s done for us rather than on who He is. Take a moment to focus your thoughts on the glory of God. Read back over today’s passage and spend a moment praising Him for the characteristics that reveal Him as God. He is holy. He is just. He is unchanging. He is righteous. He is faithful. He is King. How do His qualities change your perspective today?

Read – Revelation 14

What does it say?
John saw a vision of those who will be redeemed singing praise to God. He saw a preview of the day Christ will return to the earth to bring final defeat to all of His enemies.

What does it mean?
The two groups of people in this passage are distinguished by the marks on their foreheads, displaying their allegiance to either Christ or the Antichrist. The ones standing with Jesus on Mount Zion are the 144,000 sealed saints of God that will come through the Great Tribulation and be presented to God as a righteous harvest, a special gift to God. But anyone with the mark of the beast will be ripe for harvest – under the full wrath of God for their rejection of truth and of Jesus Christ.

How should I respond?
We don’t hesitate to show our allegiance to our favorite sports teams by proudly displaying their logo on a shirt, hat, or bumper sticker. Yet we often shy away from things that would identify us to the world as Christians. As time goes on, those of us who profess faith in Jesus will pay a heavier price in this life for our allegiance to Christ. There will come a time when anyone who follows Jesus will be clearly identified from those who do not. The time of His return is drawing near. How willing are you to boldly proclaim your faith in Jesus Christ today?

Read – Psalms 142-143

What does it say?
Overwhelmed, alone, and crushed by his enemies, David prayed for victory, guidance, and a heart that pleased God.

What does it mean?
Although these psalms were written at different points in David’s life, he was facing a familiar problem. In Psalm 142 Saul was trying to kill David, while in Psalm 143 it was his own son Absalom who threatened his life. During both times his overwhelming feelings of desperation, weakness, and hopelessness made these prayers very similar – until a major difference emerges in 143:5. God’s faithfulness in the first situation gave David confidence in God’s goodness and unfailing love in his present circumstance. David’s outlook changed when he remembered how the Lord had delivered previously. He not only envisioned what God could do for him – he had experienced it before.

How should I respond?
Every challenge you face offers an opportunity to learn more about who God is and how He acts on behalf of those who trust Him. What current situation in your life has left you feeling overwhelmed or defeated? If you’re a mature believer, look back on other situations that seemed hopeless. How did the Lord strengthen you through those struggles? If you’re a relatively new Christian, ask God to open your eyes so you can see how much He loves you. Today, remember that God specializes in turning hopeless situations into amazing opportunities to showcase His goodness, wisdom, and power.

Read – Psalms 140-141

What does it say?
David talked with God about the dangers he faced at the hands of his enemies and conveyed his desire to avoid evil deeds.

What does it mean?
David made two major decisions in facing his enemies. First, he trusted God to intervene and take care of those who mistreated him. Turning to God allowed David to release the emotions he was experiencing and depend on God to act. Secondly, David took his eyes off his circumstances and focused them firmly on his God. He wanted to respond in the right way and recognized the need for God to enable him to do so. He sought God’s help to protect his heart from desiring to do wrong things or joining forces with the wrong people.

How should I respond?
It’s so easy to respond in the wrong way when faced with difficult people. But God has not changed; He can still be trusted to intervene in your life when people mistreat you. How will you respond when people treat you unfairly? Will you seek revenge or turn to God? Will you join them in rebelling against His Word, or will you commit to complete obedience to Christ? If you choose to keep your focus on God, then you will be able to respond as David did. Ask God right now to protect your thoughts and desires as you interact with the people who come across your path today.

Read – Revelation 13

What does it say?
John saw a vision of two beasts coming up from the sea and from the earth. The first beast blasphemed God, and the other beast made all people worship the first.

What does it mean?
Satan will elevate and empower two leaders to deter as many people as possible from a relationship with God. These leaders are understood to be the Antichrist and the False Prophet. The Antichrist will have a great deal of influence in the world and will be viewed as an intellectual, political, and religious leader by most people. The False Prophet will set out to ensure that the Antichrist is worshipped as God. While it is unknown who these men will be, one thing is certain – Satan will use them to persecute believers and manipulate people all over the world through political, economic and religious power.

How should I respond?
The religious climate in our society has steadily decreased over recent decades, leaving little resemblance to “one nation, under God.” The stage is being set for the world to embrace the Antichrist, although Scripture warns us that his spirit is already at work in the world (1 John 4:1-3). The spirit of antichrist rejects the truth of God’s Word and Jesus as God’s Son. How might you have been influenced by ungodly views on money, power, or religion? How much time do you spend studying the truths of God so you can detect error? Satan can’t take your salvation, but he can distract you from God’s Word, God’s work, and God’s people.

Read – Revelation 12

What does it say?
Satan has temporary reign on the earth, but God has defeated him and his influence.

What does it mean?
There are several points to notice about Satan in this passage. First, he is a vicious murderer and the deceiver of the world – a role he has taken on since his appearance as a serpent in the Garden of Eden. Even in Heaven, he deceived a certain percentage of the angels who were cast out of God’s presence with him when they decided to rebel against God. There is no question that Satan is regarded as a malicious enemy who hates both God and God’s people. However, the Lord has pronounced protection of His children and ultimate victory over the enemy.

How should I respond?
We can take great comfort in knowing that God has already defeated Satan at the Cross, freeing believers from the penalty and power of sin. But we must not be naïve to the presence and influence of sin that will remain until we reach Heaven. It takes only a quick glance at the headlines to understand the very real presence of evil in the world. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6 that we “wrestle against the spiritual forces of evil” and stresses the necessity of putting on the armor of God as protection. You don’t need to fear the schemes of the devil, but be mindful of utilizing the spiritual armor God has given you. What influence of the enemy do you need to combat in your life today?

Read – Zechariah 2

What does it say?
The Lord Himself will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem and its glory within.

What does it mean?
Zechariah’s third vision was a preview of Jerusalem’s glorious future. Think of how encouraging his words would have been at the time. 70 years of captivity and 16 years of opposition to the rebuilding could easily have caused a defeatist mindset among this small group. God gave them a view of their city without rubble or strife. When the Lord lives among His people during the millennial reign of Christ, Jerusalem will have no need to fortify her walls. His presence will be Israel’s protection and glory. The city boundaries they knew won’t be able to contain the blessings God will pour out.

How should I respond?
Scripture promises that the Christian’s eternal future is wonderful beyond description (1 Cor. 2:9). In the meantime, we live in a world full of temptation and opposition. If you shut the world out and just wait for Christ’s return, you risk being so heavenly minded that you’re of no earthly good. On the other hand, if all you see is the here and now, your days will be filled with dread. God’s promises encourage us to serve Him here, knowing that life will not always include heartache. As a believer, your eternal future starts by living daily in His presence now. Then one day, all strife will be replaced with unimaginable peace and joy.

Read – Revelation 10

What does it say?
John saw a mighty angel and heard the voices of seven thunders, but he was told not to record their words. He was given a sweet scroll to eat, but it was sour in his stomach.

What does it mean?
Recent chapters have detailed how devastating the Great Tribulation will be on the earth and its inhabitants. Yet the full extent of God’s judgment is unknown because John was prevented from writing down all of the things he heard the angel and the thundering voices speak. Similarly, the contents of the small book are unknown, but God wanted John to internalize His message regarding how end time events will play out. At the appointed time, Christ’s return will no longer be delayed, and evil on the earth will come to an end. While the message of God’s grace is sweet, the end result for many will be bitter.

How should I respond?
Nothing is sweeter than the story of God’s love for the world through the sacrifice of His Son. As believers, it’s hard to imagine how people see the Gospel of Jesus Christ in any other way. But the bittersweet nature of the Gospel is this: believers will spend eternity in God’s presence, while unbelievers will be eternally separated from Jesus and His followers. Time will eventually run out and Jesus will return. Are you daily internalizing God’s Word so you can share the sweet taste of God’s salvation with someone else before it’s too late?

Read – Revelation 9

What does it say?
The fifth and sixth trumpets are sounded, bringing more judgment in the form of two apparently demonic invasions on the earth.

What does it mean?
The sounding of the fifth trumpet is tied to three woes soon to visit the earth. The first results in the release of a horrible army, prepared to inflict pain on all who have not received the seal of the faithful. The sixth trumpet releases four angels to kill one third of the people on the earth. Despite God’s judgment, people refuse to repent and acknowledge Him. These two trumpets detail how futile it is to resist God. While these judgments should lead to repentance, they do not. Sin has such control over people that they would rather die than repent of their sins and turn to God.

How should I respond?
While the judgments mentioned in this passage are for people who reject God’s gracious offer of salvation through Jesus, God doesn’t overlook sin in the life of His followers either. God takes sin seriously, so He provided a means to deal with sin at great personal cost – the sacrifice of His only Son. How might you be taking God’s grace for granted by refusing to repent of a specific sin? Have you acknowledged His Lordship over every area of your life, including your thoughts? God disciplines His children because He loves us. What do you need to make right with Him today?

Read – Psalms 139

What does it say?
The Lord searched David and knew him completely, even from before he was born.

What does it mean?
This psalm starts and ends with the Lord searching David’s heart. God knew everything about him; every day of his life was written down by God. All of his thoughts, words, and actions were completely transparent in God’s presence. David grasped that God knew him better than he knew himself, so he invited the Lord to search him completely and to point out anything in his life that did not please Him. He wanted to see himself as God saw him so he could correct what was wrong. David was in absolute awe of God’s knowledge of and personal involvement in his life.

How should I respond?
God knows everything about your life. He was there even before you took your first breath, and He is with you today. How does it make you feel to know that God sees, hears, and cares about everything you think, say, and do? The answer depends on whether you are currently living in obedience to Christ. Will you invite God to search your heart today? Otherwise, you can become blinded to where you’ve gone wrong and attempt to minimize your sins. It takes courage to look honestly at your life, admit your faults, and seek God’s forgiveness. Your heart and mind are already transparent to the Lord, so why not see yourself the way He sees you? When you do, His all-seeing, all-knowing presence is a comfort – not a concern.

Read – Psalms 138

What does it say?
David praised God’s faithfulness and love in the midst of troubles.

What does it mean?
It is uncertain as to exactly when David wrote this psalm, but his circumstances are clear. He was surrounded by enemies and away from Jerusalem in a land filled with false gods. Yet even in the midst of trouble, David’s spiritual life went uninterrupted. God’s unwavering love in such a difficult time gave him the strength and encouragement to worship God with every ounce of his being. His circumstances had not derailed God’s purpose for his life but had given him greater cause to praise the God of Israel to pagan kings. David’s increased troubles served to amplify his understanding of God’s faithfulness, mercy, holiness, and love.

How should I respond?
The troubles of life are difficult; however, they shouldn’t impact you negatively. If anything, the hurdles you face give you greater opportunity to understand the character of God. Personally experiencing God’s hand on your life is quite different from just reading about His grace and mercy or listening to friends’ stories of His faithfulness. In what troubling circumstance do you find yourself today? Have you allowed it to interrupt your worship or your walk with the Lord? What you need is a paradigm shift. Stop looking at the negative and watch for God’s loving, faithful hand.

Read – Revelation 8

What does it say?
Seven trumpets come out of the seventh seal. The first four trumpets sound and cause hail and fire and the darkening of one third of the stars and moon.

What does it mean?
This chapter opens with silence in anticipation of the first four trumpet judgments and ends with a warning concerning the coming three trumpets. The first four of these judgments will cause extraordinary natural disasters. The description of the third trumpet could even be seen as possible atomic or nuclear warfare. The wrath of God on those who have rejected His Son is in response to the prayers of God’s people who are sealed with His protection (Revelation 5:8; 7:3).

How should I respond?
As followers of Jesus, we tend to pray more frequently for Christ’s soon return as we get older, but we should also feel an urgency to tell others about Him. Do you have friends or family members who have never committed themselves to Christ? Without a relationship with Jesus, they will go through the most horrible events our world will ever experience. Begin to pray for them daily, and then look for opportunities to tell your own story of repentance and salvation. What has stood in the way of sharing Christ with them before now? In light of today’s passage – what could possibly be more important?

Read – Revelation 7

What does it say?
John witnessed the sealing of God’s servants and heard the praise song of a vast multitude.

What does it mean?
The judgment in the sixth seal seems to continue, but the four angels given the task of withholding the four winds from the earth are instructed not to harm the earth or the sea until God puts His seal of protection on His servants. These servants are made up of 144,000 Jews and a multitude of Gentiles who will be saved during the Great Tribulation. John paints a vivid picture of God’s judgment, but he also reminds his readers that God is still merciful to save and protect those who worship Jesus, the Lamb.

How should I respond?
Followers of Jesus have a secure and protected eternity, but that does not guarantee an absence of trouble here on Earth. Just as purchasing a security system will not keep you completely safe from disaster, being faithful to Christ is no guarantee against having problems. Jesus does, however, promise His presence in the midst of trials. What problem do you need to release to Him? Even if the trial does not go away, He will continue to work in your life and give you opportunities to point others to Him through the difficulty.

Read – Revelation 6

What does it say?
The Lamb breaks the first six seals, sending God’s judgment on the earth.

What does it mean?
The first four seal judgments (a conqueror, war, famine, and death) have increasingly tragic effects on the earth. Then the breaking of the fifth seal brings a vision of those killed for being faithful to Jesus. The sixth seal contains cosmic phenomena and worldwide disturbances, signaling that God’s final judgment has come. The leaders of the world hide in fear of the wrath of the Lamb, while the martyrs are able to rest until God’s judgment is complete by finding shelter under the altar that represents the Cross where the sacrificial blood of Christ paid for their sin.

How should I respond?
The idea of judgment can be frightening or even disconcerting, but the reality is that God will judge. The question is: How will God judge you? If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, then His sacrificial blood covers the judgment for your sin. As a follower of Christ, you have no need to fear His coming because you already know the outcome. Will you be found frightened or faithful at the coming of the Lord? Are you content to be safe in Christ while people you pass every day still face God’s wrath? Allow this passage to overwhelm you with gratitude for the Cross and motivate you to tell someone about Jesus’ sacrifice today.

Read – Revelation 5

What does it say?
The Lamb is declared worthy to open the sealed scroll and is worshipped as God.

What does it mean?
John saw a scroll in the hand of God the Father. Only Jesus is worthy to break its seals and reveal the Father’s judgment on the world. As the Lamb, Jesus purchased salvation by His blood; as the Lion of Judah, He will judge the world; as the root of Jesse, He is eternal God. When Jesus came to the earth the first time, He was rejected as the Son of God, and the world at large denied His divine nature. One day, everyone and everything in Heaven, on earth, under the earth, and even in the sea will give Jesus Christ the same worship that is given to the Father. Jesus is worthy of worship.

How should I respond?
Typically, our society places value on something in light of its scarcity or worth. Often we put these things in a conspicuous place so that others can appreciate them. We sometimes even brag about our valuable items. Jesus is the only Lamb of God, and His worth surpasses everything and everyone else. In what ways do you celebrate His value? You can tell how valuable a thing is by how often you mention it. Check your priorities. How valuable is Jesus to you according to your conversations about Him? How will you show how valuable Jesus is to you today?

Read – Revelation 4

What does it say?
John recorded his vision of the worship taking place around the One sitting on the throne in Heaven.

What does it mean?
Revelation 4 gives an amazing description of the power, presence, and position of God the Father and the worship He deserves. Worship is an ongoing theme in Revelation because worship will be an ongoing activity throughout eternity. Two aspects of worship are highlighted – the character of those doing the worship and the character of the One being worshiped. God is worshiped because of His holiness and His sovereignty over all of His creation. These qualities speak to His divine nature through which all things came to be and by which He will rule forever and ever.

How should I respond?
If we could see God in all of His glory, there’s no doubt we would fall to our knees in spontaneous worship. If you want to know what God is like, then look at the life of His only Son recorded in Scripture. God has given us a revelation of Himself in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Seeing God as He is can put your life into proper perspective and help you sort out what is essential from what is incidental. God is holy, and we must be holy in our worship of Him. What needs to change in your life so that you can worship in the presence of the holy God? How will you take time to worship Jesus as your holy, sovereign Creator today?

Read – Psalms 137

What does it say?
While the psalmist wept, his Babylonian captors demanded he sing a song of Zion.

What does it mean?
The words of this psalm were written from a broken heart while Israel was in captivity. It’s important to remember that God allowed His people to be driven from their homeland because they had repeatedly refused to repent. So, did the writer long for Jerusalem because it was the holy city where God dwelt or because he missed the sinful life he led there? He hung up his harp and refused to sing at the very time that the songs of Zion would have reminded him of God’s faithfulness, turned Israel’s hearts to the Lord, and witnessed to their pagan captors of their Almighty God.

How should I respond?
It’s much easier to sing along with the praise song on the radio when God’s blessing is evident in your life than when you’re overwhelmed with sorrow or anger. Has something stolen your joy? Don’t wait until you feel better – listen to music today that will remind you of God’s love and faithfulness. If your ability to praise the Lord is based on your circumstances, then there are times when your heart will grow cold. If, however, your joy flows from knowing Christ and living to please Him, you will never be without a song in your heart (Acts 16:25). You’ll be an encouragement to other believers and a powerful witness to those outside of Christ.

Read – Psalms 135-136

What does it say?
The psalmist called on Israel to praise the name of the Lord and give thanks to the God of Heaven. His love (mercy) endures forever.

What does it mean?
The writer could not contain the exaltation he felt at the thought of the magnificence of God. The Lord created all things and is sovereign over all. Thoughts of God’s wondrous character, His mighty acts of creation, and His miraculous deliverance, protection and care for Israel caused him to break into jubilant songs of praise and thanksgiving. He saw the utter foolishness of worshipping gods made by human hands. Israel served a compassionate, loving, merciful, and eternal God. The psalmist urged those around him to praise God for who He is and to give thanks for what He had done.

How should I respond?
God is blessed by your praise and thanksgiving. He does not need it, but He loves to hear it. Take a moment to contemplate who God is and what He has done for you personally. Do you, like the writer of these psalms, see the faithfulness of God as He has walked with you? What songs create a sense of awe, moving you to worship, praise, and glorify God? Sing those aloud during the week in your own time of praise at home or in your car. Today let your attitudes, words, and actions show your recognition of God’s magnificent character and gratitude for how He has worked in your life.

Read – Revelation 3

What does it say?
John recorded Jesus’ words to the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

What does it mean?
The overarching theme in these messages has to do with the reputation of each church. Sardis has a reputation for being very alive, but the believers are weak and need to be strengthened. Philadelphia has a reputation for being weak, but the believers are faithful. Though Sardis’ weakness led to failure, Philadelphia’s weakness drove the faithful to God’s Word. Laodicea has the worst reputation of all. They claim to need nothing, but they are spiritual paupers. Only Philadelphia has a good reputation as a faithful witness to Christ, yet all three of the churches need to respond to Jesus’ message with repentance (as needed) and faithfulness, even in weakness.

How should I respond? |A good reputation can take a lifetime to build, but one wrong act can ruin it. Thomas Paine said, “Reputation is what people think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.” The only reputation that matters is what God thinks of you. He knows everything about you, even those things you like to keep hidden. In what ways are you weak and in need of renewing your strength in Christ? Do you think more highly of your spiritual status than you should? When you focus on building Christ-like character, others notice the change, and you naturally build a good reputation.

Read – Revelation 2

What does it say?
John recorded a personal message from the resurrected Christ to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira.

What does it mean?
These messages shine a spotlight on issues that are specific to each church in four ways: 1) Each church receives praise for positive traits. 2) Three churches are corrected for something wrong. 3) Each church is given instructions on how to respond. 4) Each church receives a promise for those who overcome. These churches deal with a variety of issues, but the problems mentioned most often deal with false teaching or a loss of passion for Christ. Christ calls them to repent and after that to remain faithful to Him.

How should I respond?
Do you remember life before email or texting? Most of us like receiving personal notes in the mail. In fact, when we receive a letter from a loved one, it can become a precious possession. Imagine receiving a letter from Jesus. How would the words to these four churches compare to how Jesus would respond to your life? Take an inventory of your life right now and talk to Jesus about it. Be ready to repent if necessary, and make a firm commitment to stay on the right course no matter what you may face. Remember, the entire Bible is a letter from God to you, and He wants you to know what He thinks. You cannot read this letter without a response. Will you respond with obedience?

Read – Revelation 1

What does it say?
During worship, the resurrected Christ appeared to the apostle John and told him to write down what he saw and send it to the seven churches.

What does it mean?
The Book of Revelation is John’s testimony of the vision given to him by Jesus while he was on the island of Patmos. In fact, he was in exile there because of his faithfulness to testify of Jesus Christ and of God’s works. But even in exile, John made time to worship. During that time, the resurrected and glorified Christ appeared to reveal the consummation of His redemptive plan. In the midst of tribulation and suffering, John was given the privilege of being the witness to the final glorious message of Jesus Christ.

How should I respond?
Are you experiencing some kind of difficulty because you took a stand for truth? When you choose to worship the Lord in any situation, your actions give a faithful testimony of your trust in the goodness and grace of God. Where can you be a faithful witness? Maybe a friend needs comfort or help; then reach out to that person in the name of Jesus. Maybe a neighbor simply needs to hear the truth of the Gospel. Faithfulness is never a losing proposition, regardless of what personal discomfort it may cause. Will you be faithful in your worship and in your witness today?

Read – Jude 1

What does it say?
Jude delivered a strong warning of God’s judgment and urged believers to grow in their faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep themselves in God’s love.

What does it mean?
Using powerful images, Jude depicted the divisive and fruitless nature of apostates who had slipped into the church. These godless men rejected Jesus as the Sovereign Lord and denied central truths of Christianity. Even worse, they caused others to stumble in their faith by denying God’s authority and suggesting that grace gives Christians freedom to continue in sin. Those with a right understanding of Scripture have a responsibility to correct anyone being led astray. Such responsibility requires one to pray and live in the power of the Holy Spirit.

How should I respond?
This passage highlights the importance of knowing the truth of Scripture in order to recognize distorted teaching. Living under the control of the Holy Spirit is the only way to recognize corrupt teaching, maintain personal faith, and help those who are vulnerable to being led away from truth. In which fundamentals of Christianity do you need a better understanding? How does your behavior show you believe in Scripture and consider the Bible the final authority for your life? Commit to becoming a student of the Bible. God will use you to influence others as you live out the truth you find.

Read – 3 John

What does it say?
Gaius walked in the truth, and Demetrius had a good testimony. Diotrephes, however, caused division in the church by his untruthfulness, inhospitality, and selfishness.

What does it mean?
John contrasted two types of people in the church: those who are humble and willing to serve others and those who put themselves first, desiring power and position. People who genuinely love God have a desire to do what’s right. The right perspective of God gives them the right perspective of self. By not thinking too highly of themselves, these people naturally have a good reputation with other believers. On the other hand, those causing discord in the church show that they aren’t obeying Christ and should be dealt with by church leaders before more harm is done.

How should I respond?
There is no greater example of serving with humility than Christ, so there is no better way to demonstrate that you are a follower of Christ than purposely putting the needs of others before your own. Are you willing to do the seemingly insignificant task? Working behind the scenes might not bring lots of recognition, but it does give a profound sense of satisfaction. Are you a servant, or do you have a self-seeking attitude? Your actions will either help build others up or pull them down. Your attitude can promote either harmony or discord. What kind of reputation will you build today?

Read – Psalms 132-134

What does it say?
David vowed to build a dwelling place for God, and God promised that his sons would rule forever if they followed Him. God’s people should praise Him in His sanctuary and be unified.

What does it mean?
The final three psalms in the Songs of Ascents directed Israel’s attention to the center for Israel’s worship – the temple. David’s vow to build a house for God was heavy on his mind during the early years of his reign, but it was not God’s will. It was his son Solomon who built the temple, God’s dwelling place where the tribes of Israel came together in unity to worship. Their common purpose was to sing songs of joy, seek the Lord’s blessing, and praise Him as the Maker of Heaven and Earth. The psalmist reiterates the promises God made when He chose Israel to be His people and David to be His king, both with conditions that involved their obeying and loving Him as Lord of their lives.

How should I respond?
Great things can be accomplished when the members of a family or community live for a common purpose. If any group should demonstrate that kind of peace and unity, it should be the church of Jesus Christ. What purpose do you have in mind as you head to church each week? Are you preoccupied with family matters, petty differences with church members, or opportunities to network for your business? As God’s people, we should cherish the time we spend together in worship. We may not always have the religious freedom to come together in the name of Jesus. Approach worship this week with joy and in a spirit of peace and unity with other believers. Together we can accomplish great things for the Lord.

Read – Psalms 129-131

What does it say?
Enemies continually oppressed Israel. The psalmist called on God’s mercy, urging Israel to put their hope in God’s Word and unfailing love. David, too, humbly hoped in the Lord.

What does it mean?
Psalms 129 and 130 were more than likely written by Hezekiah 300 years after David, as a young shepherd, penned Psalm 131. King Hezekiah’s prayers concerned two threats to Israel – enemies from outside her gates and sin within the nation itself. The placement of David’s short psalm directly after Hezekiah’s cry of desperation is not coincidental; his intercession even borrowed from young David’s words, ‘O Israel, put your hope in the Lord.’ Israel needed the same humility before the Lord that had been evident in her greatest king. Their righteous and merciful God was – and is – the only one who could protect and redeem them.

How should I respond?
How often do you pray on behalf of our nation? We need godly intercessors as never before. Like Israel in Hezekiah’s day, we’re reminded daily of nations whose hatred of our country drives them to seek our destruction. The arrogance and blatant rebellion of our own citizens against God and His Word are equally devastating. God’s love is unfailing, but His righteous, holy nature will not tolerate sin. His mercy and forgiveness are our only hope. Let’s unite in our desire for our nation, ‘O America, put your hope in the Lord!’

Read – 2 John

What does it say?
John commended the elect lady and her children for walking in truth and gave a warning not to entertain false teachers.

What does it mean?
It wasn’t uncommon for false teachers to infiltrate the early church. They traveled from place to place, attempting to influence new Christians by spreading new ideas that didn’t line up with the teachings of Christ. The recipient of John’s letter knew truth and recognized spiritual error. The identity of “the chosen lady” isn’t completely clear, but it’s thought that a church met in her home. She guarded truth in her home for her children and for her church family.

How should I respond?
Believers have a responsibility to live out the truth God has revealed to them and to warn others when biblical error is being taught. The truth of the Gospel is simple: Jesus, the Son of God, came to Earth as the perfect Man, died for the sins of the world, and then rose victorious from the grave. Do the television and radio preachers you listen to teach the whole gospel, or do they avoid parts of the Bible? You have a responsibility to search Scripture for yourself and make its truth a reality in your life. Whom do you need to guard from biblical error? Ask yourself if everything you believe lines up with the Word of God. Anything that robs Jesus of glory is not part of God’s truth.

Read – 1 John 5

What does it say?
Those who believe in Jesus Christ are born of God. Through Him believers have love for one another, answered prayer, victory over sin, and eternal life.

What does it mean?
The book of 1st John is about genuine Christianity. In the last chapter, John summarized the characteristics that should be evident in Christ’s followers and gave them assurances that what they believed was certain. Those who accept Jesus as Savior have a natural love for God and a desire to follow His commands. Spiritual birth as a child of God gives each believer the ability to understand spiritual truths and gain victory over habitual sin. Every temptation is a crossroad; a follower of Christ will either willfully disobey or willingly rely on the Holy Spirit for strength to resist sin.

How should I respond?
Christians have a variety of spiritual gifts, but every follower of Christ should display certain birthmarks. Love for God, His Word, His people, and a desire to joyfully do as He says are proof of a spiritual birth. Are the birthmarks of a believer evident in your life? What temptation has placed you at a crossroad? Desiring to obey still doesn’t mean it will be easy; the word “victory” indicates a battle. Jesus has already fought and won the victory over that sin at the Cross, enabling you to resist any temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Will you choose to willingly and joyfully obey Him today?

Read – 1 John 4

What does it say?
The One who is inside believers is greater than the one who is in the world. Since love comes from God, those who know God should love one another.

What does it mean?
Today’s passage focuses on two evidences of salvation: the power of God’s Spirit to illuminate truth and the power of God’s love to drive away fear. Those who receive Jesus as their Savior have the Spirit of God and the love of God inside of them. Satan’s forces try to lead believers off the right path through teaching a false message and by causing discord among Christ’s followers. John called on his friends to defeat the viewpoint of the world in their lives by relying on the Holy Spirit. Only He can empower believers to live in the reality that love has replaced fear as the driving force of life.

How should I respond?
When was the last time you stopped for a spiritual checkup? Take a moment to examine your heart for evidence that you’ve fallen for a lie from Satan. Do your attitudes and opinions agree more with the Bible or with the world’s viewpoint? Over the last week, what actions were driven by fear of some kind? As a believer you have no need to live in fear, but you must rely continually on the Spirit of God who lives within you. Understanding truth from His Word will have a chain reaction, releasing you from the fears connected to Satan’s lies and freeing you to live in God’s love. Ask Him to direct you to truth today.

Read – 1 John 3

What does it say?
Children of God should stop sinning. Their love for one another should be the sign of their new life in Christ.

What does it mean?
Today’s passage gives the test of a true Christian. Followers of Jesus will not habitually sin; in fact, they have a strong desire to resist sin. When a believer does sin, the conviction of the Holy Spirit makes him uncomfortable because he doesn’t want anything to come between him and the Father. The Spirit gives strength to live a righteous life and the ability to show genuine love to others. Obeying Christ’s command to love fellow believers is confirmation that a permanent change has taken place in the hearts and minds of those who follow Him.

How should I respond?
How does the thought of disobeying God make you feel? We all sin sometimes, but desiring to please God through obedience is validation that God’s Spirit truly lives within you. What have you said or done this week that did not show the righteousness or love of God? If you struggle with displaying genuine love to someone, pray now for God to set you free from any bitterness, anger, or pride that’s getting in the way. Ask Him to help you mend broken relationships. Whom will you please today, yourself or your Savior?

Read – 1 John 2

What does it say?
Jesus advocates for believers before the Father and is the propitiation for their sins. Living as Jesus lived is evidence of accepting Jesus’ sacrifice as one’s own.

What does it mean?
Just as an attorney goes before a judge for his clients, Jesus advocates on behalf of His followers before the Heavenly Father. He not only pleads for believers, He is their atoning sacrifice, satisfying the payment for sin – a payment He knew no one else could make. With these facts in mind, John urged his readers to live as Jesus lived: loving each other, staying away from willful sin, and obeying God’s Word. No follower of Christ wants to be ashamed when He returns. Being a child of God comes with great privilege and responsibility.

How should I respond?
No one wants to stand before a judge without someone to plead his or her case. Have you accepted Jesus as your advocate? If so, what evidence have you shown of following Him this week? Living as Jesus lived will be seen by how you treat others as well as how you spend your time and money. As Jesus’ life on the earth stood out from the rest of the world – so should yours. Throughout the day, be aware of words or actions that conflict with the attitudes Jesus modeled in Scripture. If you were accused of being a Christian today, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Read – Psalms 125-128

What does it say?
Those who trust in the Lord cannot be shaken. They will sow with tears and reap with joy. Their children are a reward from the Lord. The man who fears Him is blessed.

What does it mean?
This section of the Songs of Ascents describes the security, joy, and blessings of God’s chosen people. Psalm 125 reflects on the security God provided for those who trusted Him. The safety they felt entering the fortress of Jerusalem was symbolic of how God’s care surrounded them as a nation. Psalm 126 remembers how God turned tears of anguish into songs of joy when He delivered Israel from the Assyrians (1 Kings 18-19). Psalm 127, written by King Solomon, considers the blessings of a godly home and the joy of children. The writer of Psalm 128 contemplates the joyful work and blessed home of the person who feared and obeyed the Lord. As worshippers ascended the hills of Jerusalem, these psalms reminded them to fear, trust, and obey the Lord in every aspect of their lives – as citizens, family members, and workers.

How should I respond?
If the people you interact with every day were asked to say a few words concerning you as a parent, child, sibling, employee, boss, student, or citizen – what would they say? How you function within each role says a lot about you as a follower of Jesus Christ. Which aspect of your life isn’t fully reflecting the joy of trusting and obeying the Lord? Think through what changes you need to make at home, work, or school so that you can better glorify God.

Read – Psalms 120-124

What does it say?
The psalmist called on the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, to be Israel’s help in distress and to mercifully watch over them. Going to the house of the Lord brought joy.

What does it mean?
Psalms 120-134 are the Songs of Ascents (Degrees). These psalms of David, Solomon, and most likely Hezekiah were sung on the journey to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. As the Israelite families looked up toward the hills around Jerusalem, they literally lifted their eyes to the Lord, whose presence dwelt in the Temple of the holy city. They could walk with confidence because the One they worshipped and appealed to in any kind of distress was the Creator of everything – their Helper, Keeper, and Defender. The opportunity to publicly worship the one true, living God brought tremendous joy.

How should I respond?
Where do you turn for help? No problem is too difficult for the Lord. He is waiting for you to look to Him for everything you need. One way to keep your eyes on the Lord as your Helper, Keeper, and Defender is by regularly attending church. Corporate worship is a great source of strength for the coming week as you gather with fellow believers to praise and worship God and to encourage one another. Do you eagerly await the opportunity to publicly worship with your church family? Focusing your thoughts during the week on God’s character and past faithfulness will help you to joyfully anticipate giving Him public praise.

Read – 1 John 1

What does it say?
John proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Word of life and the light of believers. He is faithful to purify those who ask Him for the forgiveness of their sins.

What does it mean?
John’s first letter calls believers back to fundamental truths of the Christian life – sin must be acknowledged, confessed, and forgiven in order for a believer to remain in fellowship with Christ and with other believers. The ability to recognize sin comes from living each day in the light of God’s Word which reveals truth just as physical light reveals what is around it. Anyone who denies that he has sinned calls God a liar. God is able to forgive sin based on the sinless blood of Christ shed on the Cross. Even more amazing is His faithfulness to forgive each sin that is humbly and honestly confessed.

How should I respond?
Daily fellowship with the Lord isn’t something that has to wait until you’re in Heaven; it occurs as you yield to God’s Spirit moment by moment. How would you describe your Christian life – a walk in the light or a walk in and out of the dark? 1 John 1:9 is the believer’s bar of soap, so to speak. When you live in obedience to God’s Word, He’ll convict you of sin so you can confess it honestly and enjoy daily fellowship with Him as well as with other believers. What sinful thought or attitude do you need to confess to the Lord? Claim 1 John 1:9 right now. God is always faithful to forgive.

Read – 2 Peter 3

What does it say?
Peter predicted that scoffers would deny the return of Christ. Believers should live in light of God’s final judgment and His promise of a new Heaven and a new Earth.

What does it mean?
Scoffers ridicule a foundational truth of the Christian faith: Christ will return for His people. Noah also faced scoffers – people who willfully refused to believe that God would intervene in worldwide judgment of evil. The coming day of judgment will result in the destruction of the heavens and the earth by fire. Why is there a delay? God is patient, giving time for lost sinners to repent. Believers have God’s promise of a new Heaven and a new Earth to motivate them to live blameless lives and be ready for Christ’s return.

How should I respond?
Nearly every generation of Christians have believed that they were living in the last days. We definitely live in a time when people commonly ridicule anything related to believing in Jesus or living by God’s standards in the Bible. In what way do people who mock Christian beliefs influence your thoughts and attitudes? Christ’s return may not be immediate but it is imminent. What needs to change in your conduct this week so that you will be blameless when He returns? Whether Jesus comes back this year, next year, or fifty years from now, He is coming! Are you ready?

Read – 2 Peter 2

What does it say?
Peter warned his readers of false teachers, describing them as deceitful, rebellious, immoral, and greedy.

What does it mean?
In a warning to believers, Peter denounced teachers who were using false stories with false promises to exploit anyone who would listen. These false teachers knew how to twist the teachings of the Scriptures – but they did not know the Holy God of the Scriptures. God never changes His mind about sin. Judgment comes to those who reject truth – just as it came for the angels who rebelled, for the ungodly people during the flood in Noah’s day, and for the lawless residents of Sodom and Gomorrah.

How should I respond?
How well do you know the truths of Scripture? God’s truth is not based on man’s opinions, clever words, or spiritual experiences. You must compare what others are teaching with what God says in His Word. You can look at nature and humanity and know the Lord as your Creator – the incredible artist and designer of everything that exists. But to know and follow Christ more fully, you must study God’s Word that He put into the hearts and minds of men who loved Him. Taking part in a Bible study or joining a small group at church will give you more opportunities to read and discuss Scripture. How will you better prepare yourself to discern truth from error?

Read – 2 Peter 1

What does it say?
Believers are to make every effort to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to their faith.

What does it mean?
Peter reminded the Christians throughout the Roman Empire that God had supplied everything they needed to live godly lives, leaving no excuse for slackness in their spiritual growth. As the believer yields to the Holy Spirit within and renews his mind through God’s Word, godly character will become increasingly evident. To those who think the Bible is merely man’s ideas, Peter declared that the writers of Scripture were guided by the Holy Spirit as they wrote exactly what God wanted them to record.

How should I respond?
What does God’s Word mean to you? Are your ideas about character or morals based on what is socially acceptable, or do you desire to know and please God by following what He says in His Word? Reading the Bible regularly, memorizing Scripture, praying, and developing relationships with other believers will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and actions. As you develop a deeper consciousness of God and apply the Scriptures, you will increasingly possess the inward qualities that will keep you growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. What will you do to move forward in your Christian life today?

Read – 1 Peter 5

What does it say?
Church leaders were given instructions on how to shepherd God’s people. Believers must show humility to one another, resist the devil, and stand firm in their faith.

What does it mean?
Peter described the personal qualities and responsibilities of spiritual leaders. As shepherds of God’s people, pastors are to serve as overseers, not because they must, but because they are willing. Instead of lording it over those under their care, they should lead by godly example. Those pastors who are faithful will receive the crown of glory when the Chief Shepherd returns. All believers should submit to God’s care and resist the devil who “prowls around” to cause suffering and despair. But the God of all grace stands by to deliver, restore, and strengthen His people.

How should I respond?
A pastor has a high calling and the challenging responsibilities of shepherding God’s people and preaching His Word. He is called to lead those under his care by being an example while continuing to grow in his own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What can you do to encourage your pastor in his God-appointed role? Most pastors also have a wife and family to support and lead. How often do you pray for protection and guidance for your pastor and his family? As one of God’s people, you also have a shepherding role to fulfill. What are you doing daily to be an example so that you can lead others to follow Christ?

Read – Psalm 119:161-176

What does it say?
Even though the psalmist was persecuted without cause, he found peace in God’s law. He asked God to hear his plea to live so he could sing the praises of God’s righteous commands.

What does it mean?
Throughout Psalm 119 the writer’s statements and requests are basically the same. He loved, trusted, and obeyed God’s Word; he was opposed by those who ignored God’s Word; he pleaded with God for deliverance; and he praised the Lord regardless. In the midst of chaos and despite persecution, the psalmist was determined to live obediently, pray fervently, and praise continually. The peace and joy that he found by knowing and loving God’s Word above anything else is certainly beyond human understanding – it’s supernatural.

How should I respond?
Our modus operandi as church-going followers of Christ is to ask friends and small group members to pray for us when things are difficult, and then we offer a quick praise to the Lord when the issue is resolved. In the meantime, we’re often guilty of worry or manipulation instead of fervent prayer. In what situation have you identified with the psalmist’s cries for help as we’ve studied Psalm 119? Will you follow his example to live obediently, pray fervently, and praise God continually – regardless of what you’re facing and how long you have to wait for the Lord to act? Your circumstances might just drive you deeper into God’s Word than you’ve been before, giving you an intense love for Scripture and supplying you with supernatural peace and joy. Don’t stop praying to the Lord and obeying His Word, and don’t wait to praise Him.

Read – Psalm 119:129-160

What does it say?
The Lord is righteous; His words are true, trustworthy and eternal. The writer shed tears over disobedience to God’s law, entrusting his life to God’s promises and compassion.

What does it mean?
Throughout this section the writer stated what he knew to be true about God and His Word: the Lord is righteous and eternal; His promises are true; His laws are right; and His instructions can be trusted. The psalmist’s prayer and position were in direct opposition to those who ignored God’s commands. He had reason to be confident though. His prayer was within God’s will because he asked the Lord to act according to His Word and to His character. Since he had been – and continued to be – obedient to God’s laws and commands, His thoughts and positions were correct.

How should I respond?
Political opinions and conventional morality fluctuate with the prevailing thought of the day, but God and His Word never change. There will come a day when everything God says in the Bible will be accomplished and proven true. Until then, we each have to decide whether or not we’ll go against the current tide and take a stand on God’s Word. Are you grieved over our nation’s disregard for the truths revealed in Scripture? What opinion, decision, or political position do you need to submit to the authority of God’s righteous, eternal Word? God is right, regardless of what society thinks. You can confidently entrust your life to His promises when you choose to live by His commands.

Read – 1 Peter 4

What does it say?
Peter instructed believers to resist sinful behavior and live for God. He encouraged them to persevere and rejoice when they suffer for being followers of Christ.

What does it mean?
In this chapter Peter returned to his discussion of suffering and godly living. He reminded believers that Christ suffered and died for sin so that those who receive Him are able to end sinful behavior and live for righteousness. Christians should spend the rest of their time on the earth for God’s purposes, investing in the lives of others with whatever gifts God has given them. However, even as believers try to live purposeful lives, they will suffer insults and painful trials because of the name of Christ. But God will use those trials to bless them and enable them to live even more holy lives.

How should I respond?
Does it surprise you when others think you are bigoted and intolerant because of your faith? As Peter explained earlier, Christ left you an example to follow. Instead of being defensive or feeling discouraged, rejoice and continue to do what God has called you to do. God uses trials and even insults to purify and strengthen your faith. In what specific ways has He provided exactly what you need – at just the right time? Although it’s not always easy to respond gently and with grace, commit yourself to your “faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Read – 1 Peter 3

What does it say?
Peter encouraged wives and husbands to respect each other. Even in suffering, believers have an opportunity to testify of God’s grace.

What does it mean?
Peter gave God’s directives for the husband and wife relationship. For the Christian wife, submission is a deep confidence in her heart that God is in control. Her desire is to be the woman God wants her to be. As she applies God’s Word to her life as a wife and acts in faith upon His principles, her obedience to God and submission to her husband create inward beauty – a gentle and quiet spirit. The husband, in turn, sees his leadership role as one of love and respect and understanding of the needs of his wife. He communicates to his wife that she is important and that he values her opinions.

How should I respond?
As Creator, God designed the roles for the husband and wife so that they could work together with the greatest creativity and success. As a wife, God wants to develop in you a submissive attitude toward your husband. As a husband, God wants to develop in you the ability to be the spiritual leader in your family. As you both seek to have a godly home, keep in mind that He knows what is best for you. When you pray today, thank Him for the unique way He works in your lives to help you understand His will for you. Will you commit to study and apply God’s Word as it relates to your role in the home?

Read – 1 Peter 2

What does it say?
The believer’s foundation is Christ, the living Stone. Believers should submit to God-ordained authorities.

What does it mean?
In Chapters 2 and 3, Peter explained one of the greatest principles of godly living – learning how to operate under authority. Responding with the right attitude to God-ordained authority as declared in His Word is an evidence of true faith. Jesus Christ who suffered unjustly is the believer’s example – He operated under total submission to His heavenly Father, the Righteous Judge. God works supernaturally on behalf of believers who respond with respectful attitudes to those He has placed over them.

How should I respond?
Every person has to live under some type of authority. The way you respond to that authority has a profound effect on your success and happiness in life. Ask God to show you how you need to change your attitude toward the authorities in your life. Then ask for His grace to respond with the right attitude to your authority. How will God’s Word affect your response this week to your parents, your teachers, or your employer? Be encouraged as you remember that an attitude of submission is an act of faith that pleases God (Matthew 8).

Read – 1 Peter 1

What does it say?
God has given believers new life and a living hope in Christ, enabling them to live holy lives even in the midst of suffering.

What does it mean?
Peter wanted the believers scattered throughout the Roman Empire to be prepared for the persecution that was coming. He encouraged them to focus on their salvation and the inheritance waiting for them in Heaven. No matter what opposition or persecution they experienced, it was not without a purpose. God allows suffering to test, refine, and strengthen the faith of His people. The earthly pain was temporary, but their hope and future with Christ would be forever. Proven faith brings glory to God and enables His people to live godly lives in an ungodly world.

How should I respond?
God has given you the faith to believe Christ, and now He wants to develop your faith so that you will live for Christ. As you try to live for God, you realize that it’s not easy to put away the old way of life and “be holy” – to live as God intends you to live. The trials you face are designed by God to remove the slag of sins that contaminate your character. God’s enduring Word says that the testing of your faith is more precious than the refining of gold. Gold perishes. Faith remains. How are you responding to God’s refining process? Are you resisting or releasing?

Read – James 5

What does it say?
James assured his readers that the Lord hears the cries of the oppressed. He told them to be patient in suffering and to pray in faith.

What does it mean?
James closed his letter to these Jewish believers with words of encouragement about their suffering. Two thoughts rise to the surface: perseverance and prayer. God may correct a wrong immediately, but He often asks His followers to be patient, which compels believers to persist in prayer. Christians are to pray when they are troubled and when they are happy. No situation is too big or insignificant for prayer. Christ stands ready to return and judge those who oppress others. Until then, believers should stand firm and follow the examples of those in Scripture who patiently and powerfully prayed.

How should I respond?
God works through the prayers of His people. It’s not that He needs our prayers, but that He chooses to act upon them in His timing. God could reach down right now and correct whatever wrong is happening in your life. So why doesn’t He? Prayer draws us closer to the Lord, increases our awareness of Him, and gives Him greater glory when the issue is resolved. How is God calling you to persevere today? Pray. Who in your family, church, or neighborhood is sick, troubled, or wandering from God? Pray. The answer may not come immediately, but He is actively working even when you can’t see it.

Read – Psalm 119:97-128

What does it say?
The psalmist loved and obeyed God’s law – which gave him wisdom, understanding, insight, and light. It kept him from the wrong path and from those who did evil.

What does it mean?
Today’s passage describes many benefits of loving and obeying God’s Word. Having Scripture as the primary resource for his life gave the psalmist an advantage over his enemies, teachers, and elders. Their vast knowledge didn’t equal insight; neither did their age or worldly acumen equate to wisdom or the ability to understand how God was working in the world. It’s not that God revealed everything the writer would ever need to know; but regularly studying God’s laws and commands gave him just enough light for the path immediately ahead of him. It made right and wrong clearly visible and dispelled his deepest fears. He anticipated walking with the Lord to the end of his life, one illuminated step at a time.

How should I respond?
On what resources do you rely? Are you counting on your education to help you reason your way through life? Maybe you’re depending on the advice of a parent or older sibling to guide your choices. Education and practical experience are important, but they don’t guarantee insight or understanding to make wise decisions. The Bible is the only dependable, infallible resource for life. As you obey His Word in one area, God will begin to illuminate your mind with more insight and understanding to guide you (John 7:17). In what situation or relationship do you need God’s wisdom? Search His Word today – He will give you the understanding to know right from wrong and the discernment to determine what’s good from what’s best.

Read – Psalm 119:65-96

What does it say?
The psalmist was afflicted and waited for God’s comfort. He knew that God was faithful and compassionate; he put his hope, trust, and obedience in God’s eternal Word.

What does it mean?
The psalmist had somehow strayed from God and found himself severely persecuted by his enemies. His troubles drove Him to God and to God’s Word, where he was reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness and compassion. The writer came to realize that it was the goodness and faithfulness of God that had allowed his affliction. Without it, he may have remained disobedient to God and unchanged in his character. He looked to the timeless reliability of Scripture to determine his beliefs and responses rather than to his temporary circumstances. Both God and His Word can be trusted.

How should I respond?
We often define God’s faithfulness as immediate deliverance from anything that makes us uncomfortable. However, God might allow distress to come into your life to change your course, mold your character, or bring you back to dependence on Him. The value in any kind of suffering is its ability to make you look outside of yourself. Anything that drives you to God and His Word has merit – even if it’s painful. Where are you currently looking for hope and comfort? Will you allow Scripture to direct your thoughts and emotions? God’s Word is dependable, no matter what situation you’re in today.

Read – James 4

What does it say?
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. The Lord comes near to those who submit to Him and lifts up those who humble themselves.

What does it mean?
Jewish believers were being persecuted for their faith, but they faced another danger by allowing their hearts to be polluted by envy and wicked desires. James told them clearly that believers who live for things of the world align themselves against God. Trying to fulfill their own desires at any cost had opened a window for quarrels, slander, and boasting among God’s people! But God offers a solution for the polluted heart: grace. God promised to lift up those who humble themselves by repenting, submitting to Him, resisting the devil, and depending on Him for the future.

How should I respond?
The modern church has suffered far more from battles within its walls than from attacks from without. Church wars begin when believers fail to protect their hearts from ungodly influences. Christians cannot live for worldly fulfillment and claim devotion to God; they must choose one or the other. What evidence indicates that your heart has been polluted by the world’s ideas: gossip, pride, or a feud with another believer? The first step to a clean heart is humbly submitting to God and forsaking anything that gets in the way of complete allegiance to Christ. Will you rely on His grace today?

Read – James 3

What does it say?
The mature person controls his or her tongue and keeps the entire body in check.

What does it mean?
Hurtful, harsh, and judgmental words are products of uncontrolled speech. Once again, James offered practical examples to show how dangerous the tongue can be. The words people speak can determine their course in life just as a rudder or a bridle determines the destination of the one controlling it. Trying to praise God and gossip simultaneously are as unnatural as salt water and fresh water coming from the same spring. A Christian’s mind and mouth should be subject to God’s wisdom, never allowing either to be influenced by Satan. A mature believer doesn’t tear others down, but looks for ways to build others up when they speak.

How should I respond?
The old saying, “If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all,” speaks volumes. In the heat of the moment, we’ve all said things that we didn’t mean. If you don’t think before you speak, you’ll regret unkind words that can’t be retrieved. Who has been hurt by your words this week? Today can be the day that you restore that relationship. How can your words be like a spring of fresh water to someone hurting today? Ask God to help tame your tongue and use it for His glory and purpose. Determine right now to end today with no regrets about anything you say.

Read – James 2

What does it say?
Believers should not show favoritism. They should have the kind of faith that produces good deeds.

What does it mean?
After his discussion on mature faith, James offered practical examples to illustrate what that should look like. Truly following Jesus impacts every area of life and drives believers to engage in the lives of other people just as Jesus did. Shallow faith is more impressed by outward appearance and success than by what is happening in a person’s heart. There is an outward evidence of faith, but it’s what a person does, not how he looks or what he says. Healthy faith expresses itself in actions that build others up and honor Christ. Good works and faith cannot be separated; they are proof that a person is right with God.

How should I respond?
According to today’s passage, is your faith healthy, weak, or dead? Healthy faith in Christ should stretch outside the walls of your church and home. The challenge is simple – go out of your way to put what you believe into action this week. Be alert to moments when you start to show favoritism to the people who are most like you. Look for ways to share your faith and show your faith to all kinds of people through actions that honor God. How will you activate your faith through obedience this week?