2 | A Spiritual Tug-of-War Romans 7:18-19

As a child, did you ever play the game tug-of-war? All you need is two teams of people and a sturdy length of rope. Our lives can be like a tug-of-war game at times. Temptations come our way; we waver and sway like two tug-of-war teams pulling one way and then the other. We want to do the right thing, but as these verses in Romans reveal, we often end up sinning. One minute, we’re feeling spiritually strong and ready to tackle the world. The next minute temptation has overwhelmed and we’ve done the very thing we did not plan to do.

Every believer faces these defeated moments, when temptation wins in our lives. The key is in taking the right next step – confessing that sin and seeking a fresh new fellowship with God.

Pray for strength to stand strong against the temptations you face.

DAILY READINGS

1 | It’s My Fault Psalm 51:1-5

Sometimes when we get caught doing wrong, it’s tempting to play the “blame game.” Have you ever played that game – blaming somebody, anybody, everybody

for causing you to do wrong. Psalm 51:1-5 shows us King David’s reaction when he was caught doing wrong. He had committed one sin on top of another, using sin to cover up sin. His adultery with Bathsheba led to lying and eventually murder. David was the king; surely he could have found somebody else to blame. But instead, David admitted his guilt, asked for forgiveness, and called on God to make his heart clean again. Notice the personal pronouns in Psalm 51:1-5. David uses the words “I,” “me,” and “my” in talking about his sin and guilt. The next time we sin, how will we handle it – are we willing to confess it – with no more “blame game.”

Ask God to shine His spotlight on any unconfessed sin in your life.

3 | Making the Wrongs Right Psalm 51:6-12

My husband and I had an old wooden chair in the corner of the garage that looked like its next home should be the trash pile. It was grimy, dirty and very worn with use. But instead of throwing it away, we cleaned it, sanded it, and put a new finish on it. The chair was restored to its original beauty and usefulness in our home. Once David had admitted that he had sinned, he wanted a restored relationship with God. He wanted to feel the joy, that he remembered from the days when his relationship with God with fresh and new. When we sin, and all of us do, where do we find that fresh relationship with God? We approach God with a humble heart, asking for forgiveness and pardon, just like David did.

Tell God when you’ve done wrong; ask for forgiveness and a clean heart. Then commit to turn away from temptation when it comes your way.

4 | Just Not Good Enough Romans 5:6-11

Next time you’re in the bookstore, notice the “how-to” section of books. There are “how-to” books describing how to do or fix everything under the sun. But there’s one “how-to” book you won’t find, because it doesn’t exist – “how-to” fix our sin. You see, we’ve got an unfixable sin problem. And no matter how clever we are in trying to hide our sin, we can never disguise it or make it disappear. We can never be restored to a right relationship with God until we confess that sin. Because of Jesus, we can confess our sins and have that fellowship with God that we desire. Sin breaks the fellowship between God and us. Only by accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation can that fellowship be put back together.

Ask God to point out any unconfessed sin in your life; seek His forgiveness and thank Him for the marvelous gift of forgiveness.

Daily Readings

2 Forgiveness Feels Great Psalm 32:1-2Have there been times in your life when you needed a fresh start? Maybe what you needed was a new school, a new neighborhood, or a new job. In the new place, no one remembers your mistakes or shortcomings. No one is waiting for you to mess up and fail again. No one is tired of giving you a second chance. A fresh start is just what we need at times in our lives. God’s forgiveness is like that new place where we can start over. With God, we don’t have to move or change jobs to find this new place. We simply confess our sins to God, ask for His forgiveness, and enjoy the fresh-start feeling that comes with God’s forgiveness. Are you bogged down with unconfessed sin? Today can be the day you ask God for His forgiveness and experience the joy of a fresh start.

Don’t’ walk around bogged down with regrets about the past. Thank God for the joy that comes with His forgiveness.

3 Seeking God 2 Chronicles 20:1-4In 2 Chronicles 20: 1-4, we find the story of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. He was king of the land, but he found himself in a weak position with a very big problem. A messenger brought word that the armies of the Moabites, the Ammonites, and other surrounding nations had joined together and were coming to conquer Judah. There are times when we find ourselves standing in a very weak position and facing a big problem. Any number of problems, such as illness, divorce, death, financial struggles, or broken relationships can suddenly appear on our horizons. What do you do and where do you go when problems, big or small, enter your world? When Jehoshaphat saw the problem he face, he quickly turned to God. He even called for a day of fasting for the whole nation, to lead the people in focusing their attention on God. How will you tune your heart and your attention on God?

Ask God to guide your steps through troubles. Focus your eyes on Him and not on the troubles.

4 A Call for Help 2 Chronicles 20:5-9In the middle of a great trial, Jehoshaphat called upon God for help. Notice the details of Jehoshaphat’s prayer. First he recognized God for who He is – a mighty, powerful God. Then Jehoshaphat recalled the mighty ways that God had helped them in the past. He called on God to save the people of Judah from the enemies that were heading their way. Jehoshaphat expressed his confidence that God could rescue them. Sometimes we call on God as a last resort, when we feel like we’ve run out of options. We spend a lot of time trying to fix things ourselves, only to meet greater failure. Why not call on God as the first choice? Notice Jehoshaphat’s confidence in God’s provision. We can share that same kind of confidence today too.

Seek God when troubles first arise. Ask for His wisdom to help you find the way.

1 Got to Tell It Psalm 51:13-17Suppose you just heard some great news. Now you are so excited about this good news. Who are you going to tell first? Then who’s the next person you’ll call? Good news is meant to be shared, whether it’s with family, friends, or just the person who’s riding in the elevator with you today. Because of God’s forgiveness, we don’t have to live hopeless, helpless lives. We can experience abundant living because of God’s grace. God’s forgiveness is great news; so who are you going to tell? How about your neighbor? Or the person who works in the cubicle next to you? Or the person who cuts your hair? Or the person in your carpool? Jot down the name of a friend or acquaintance who needs to hear about God’s forgiveness. Commit to telling them this good news today.

What is holding you back from sharing the good news about Jesus with someone else? Ask God for courage in sharing the good news of forgiveness.

DAILY READINGS

1. Trusting God • 2 Chronicles 20:10-12Sometimes, we hear people talk about a “self-made man,” someone who has achieved great things because of his own intelligence and ingenuity. Hard work is a good thing. But we must always be careful that we don’t put our trust in our hard work, possessions or intellect. Our confidence should rest in God alone. In 2 Chronicles 20:10-12, we see how Jehoshaphat, the king of the land, put his confidence in God. Notice Jehoshaphat’s words in verse 12: “We do not know what to do, but we look to You.” What does it take for us to admit that we truly need God? Pride often stands in our way. But once we can press down the pride in our lives, then we can begin to place our confidence, our full weight, in trusting God.

Thank God that He is so trustworthy and deserving of our confidence. When you don’t “know what to do,” trust God.

2. Worry Free • Philippians 4:6-7What’s on your worry list today? Sometimes there might be tension within our families, challenges at work, financial problems, or health struggles? So much of our worry is generated because we face some situation or circumstance and we don’t know what to do. The good news is that we don’t have to carry these problems alone. Sometimes we can solve problems and the worries will go away. But other times, when we’re facing some trial or difficulty, the only solution is to walk through it. Whether the problem is quickly resolved or we have to walk through a season of troubles, we have the privilege of bringing every problem to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 are verses of promise, telling us that we can bring all our worries to God, knowing with confidence that His peace will fill our hearts.

Thank God for His peace which gives confidence in facing every situation.

3. Hurting When Others Hurt • Nehemiah 1:1-4When in your life have you shed tears because of the struggles another person was facing? In my own life, I think about times when, as a parent, I have watched my children struggle through some hardships. In Nehemiah 1, we find Nehemiah, a Jewish exile living in Persia. When Nehemiah heard the sad news about the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem, where the city walls were broken down and the gates were burned, he began to weep. Nehemiah had a job as the king’s trusted cupbearer. The weary exiles living in the broken down city of Jerusalem had no direct bearing on Nehemiah or his situation. Yet he felt their pain and suffered with them. How are we to react when we see other people who are suffering? Notice Nehemiah’s first step; He turned to God in prayer.

Ask God to open the eyes of your heart to the needs around you.

4. A Call for God’s Help • Nehemiah 1:5-11aNehemiah’s heart was touched when he heard the sad message about the people in Jerusalem and how the city was in shambles. He immediately turned to God in prayer. In his prayer for the people of Jerusalem, Nehemiah acknowledged God as being great, awesome, and loving – a God who keeps His promises. Nehemiah also recognized God’s willingness to forgive His people. God has not changed. We can still count on those characteristics today. When we pray to God, we can depend on His greatness and His love. He still keeps His promises today. And we can count on His forgiveness. When you hear about needs, like Nehemiah did, how do you pray for other people? Do your prayers reflect these powerful qualities of God?

Praise God for His love and His power. Thank Him for His forgiveness and grace. Be faithful in praying for the needs of the people around you.

Daily Readings

1 Take Action

Nehemiah 1:11bThe people in Jerusalem were facing great trials, and they needed help. Nehemiah’s first action was to stop and pray. His next step was to get involved. In his prayer, Nehemiah called on God to bless him as he made plans to take action. It’s great for us to pray for each other. Prayer is powerful and prayer can change things. But sometimes we will sense God pushing us to get involved. Then we need to take it a step farther and look for opportunities to help. Nehemiah was willing to put hands and feet to his prayers. Remember that prayer is not just talking to God; it involves listening too. When we listen for His guidance, it might just take us into action.

Ask God to help you see opportunities when you need to follow your prayers into action. Then make plans to get involved.

2 Pray Earnestly

Acts 12:1-7This story about Peter’s imprisonment shows the power of intercessory prayer. Peter was in jail because he preached the gospel. King Herod had delivered four squads of soldiers to guard Peter. But while the soldiers were keeping watch, believers were praying. God heard their prayers and acted in a miraculous way. God sent an angel to Peter’s cell and suddenly he was able to walk out to freedom with sleeping guards all around. It sounded like the ingredients for an impossible situation – a cruel king, a prison, guards, and chains. But the church was earnestly praying and suddenly an impossible situation became possible. When have you seen prayer change things? If prayer is not a priority in your life, you can change that today. Seek God in prayer; it works.

Ask God to help you see the needs around you and then respond with prayer.

3 Open the Eyes of My Heart Ephesians 1:15-19Think back to the days when you were a student in school. What was your favorite subject? Maybe you were a whiz at math. Perhaps you enjoyed history. It might have been a foreign language that was your strong subject. In Ephesians 1:15-19, Paul prays for wisdom for the believers in Ephesus, but this kind of wisdom has nothing to do with book knowledge or school. Paul’s desire for the people is that the “eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” There are things about the nature and character of God that we cannot fully understand with our limited minds. But our desire should always be to know about Him and to know Him better. Because of this, we can pray, as Paul prayed, that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened.

Pray God will open your eyes to a deeper relationship with Him. Seek to listen and learn from God as you pray.

4 Strong Inside Out

Ephesians 3:14-21Watching professional football players on Sunday afternoon we see men who have trained themselves to peak physical strength. They have obviously spent time on the training field and in the weight room developing their bodies to maximum strength. In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul prays for a different kind of strength – inner strength. This inner strength has nothing to do with our youth or physical condition. We can’t run laps or lift weights to achieve it. This inner strength is something that comes when we invite Christ to live in our hearts and then we seek to grow in our relationship with Him. This inner strength will transform our lives from the inside out, as we experience the fullness of abundant living in Christ. Are you counting on your own physical strength to carry you through life’s challenges, or are you depending on that precious inner strength that only a relationship with Jesus can bring?

Ask God to show you the way to pursue inner strength through your relationship with Him.

1 Earth-Shaking News John 1:14On the west coast of the United States, earthquakes sometimes occur. The ground literally shakes beneath the feet of the people who live there. John 1:14 is an earth-shaking verse. The simple words convey news that rocked our world – God had come to live on earth in human form. Jesus came as a baby, grew as a child, and lived as a man among the people of His day. He was a son, a brother, and a friend to the people around Him. Only God could have thought of such a marvelous plan for revealing Himself to us in this way. This earth-shaking news is still important today. Jesus wants to be important, not only to the whole wide world, but to you and I as individuals. Have you let Jesus have His place in your life?

Pray that the grace and truth that Jesus offers will be real in your life today.

2 Pointing the Way John 1:15-18I never met my husband’s father. He died in an accident when my husband was still a young boy. But I know some things about him – that he was kind, hard working, strong, and loved to fish – because other family members have told me about him. Their stories filled in the gaps of what I did not know. For me, they pointed the way to the man who was my husband’s father. When John the Baptist walked on earth, he pointed the way to Jesus. Many people followed after John, looking for the Messiah. John had it figured out – He knew that Jesus was “the One.” Because it was only by finding Jesus could the people really know who God is. John pointed the way to Jesus. Jesus the Son pointed the way to God the Father; He has made the way to show us who God is.

Thank God for sending Jesus to earth, so that we might learn more about God.

3 Standing Room Only Mark 2:1-2Sometimes we talk about there being “standing room only” at some event. All the seats are taken and there is only space for people to stand and listen or watch. Mark 2:1-2 tells the story of the day Jesus visited a home in Capernaum. Such a crowd of people came to see Him, that it was “standing room only” as people pressed in on each other hoping to see Jesus. With that many people gathered in one place, there must have been every need imaginable represented there that day. The people there might have carried physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs in that crowded room the day Jesus visited. Yet Jesus’ words spoke to every need; verse 2 tells us “He was speaking the message to them.” We can depend on Jesus’ ability to speak what we need to hear in the same way today.

Thank you God for speaking words that meet my needs.

4 X-Ray Vision Mark 2:3-5Doctors today have amazing tools that allow them to see what goes on inside the human body. X-ray machines and other more advanced imagining equipment permit doctors to see and then treat problems inside our bodies. They can detect medical problems, sometimes even before we are aware that something is physically wrong. In Mark 2:3-5, we read of four men who carried a man to Jesus who needed physical healing. It’s interesting that Jesus’ first words to the man were to tell him that his sins were forgiven. We might look at the man and see his physical needs first; but like an x-ray machine that sees beneath the surface, Jesus saw the man’s deeper heart needs. That’s the great thing about having a personal relationship with Jesus; He knows exactly what we need, even better than we do ourselves at times.

Thank God that Jesus deals with any problem you might have.

Daily Readings Unit 1 Lesson 1

1 Problem Solver Mark 2:6-12Have you ever seen an object that was labeled “one size fits all”? Wouldn’t it be great if all our needs could be fixed with a “one size fits all” solution? Our problems and challenges come in a rainbow of shapes and sizes. What kinds of problems are you facing today? For some people, it might be financial struggles. For others, it could be health worries. There could be some who are feeling the hurt of broken relationships. Others have family members who have disappointed them. The comforting news is that Jesus is “one size fits all” when it comes to dealing with all our problems, no matter what size or shape that problem might have. In Mark 2:6-12, Jesus had already met the man’s spiritual needs by forgiving his sins. Then Jesus dealt with the man’s physical problem and commanded him to walk. Jesus is all-capable and powerful in meeting our needs today.

Thank God that Jesus is powerful enough to carry the weight of all our needs.

2 There is a Doctor in the House Mark 2:15-17When company is coming, we clean the house. Maybe you do too. Some people have the mistaken notion that in order to “come to Jesus” they have to “clean the house” of their lives. It is true that once we encounter Jesus, then our lives should change. Day by day, we should be taking off the old attitudes and actions that are displeasing to God and putting on the new attitudes and actions that are Christ-like. But we don’t have to be perfect to accept Jesus. In Mark 2:15-17, Jesus said that His purpose in coming was to be like a doctor coming to care for the sick. He was not talking about physical problems, although He can and does meet physical needs. Jesus came to meet our spiritual needs. Our sin-sickness can only be healed by a Savior like Jesus.

Don’t struggle with spiritual problems; God can meet your every need. Thank Him for being our “need-meeter.”

3 Rescued Colossians 1:11-14

In the area where I live, near Washington, DC, a 66-inch water pipe recently burst during the morning rush hour on a busily traveled road. The dry road was quickly turned into a raging river, with a

number of drivers and passengers stranded in their cars. To complicate things even more, the temperature was not quite 20 degrees. Television news helicopters caught the dramatic rescues on camera, while the television audience watched. The rescuers, who braved the raging water and the cold to get to the stranded people, were lowered by helicopters to lift the people to safety. Miraculously, everyone was brought to safety. We might never need to be physically rescued in that way, but all of us need a Savior. Colossians 1:11-14 tells us that we have been “rescued” from darkness to be free and forgiven by Jesus.

Thank God for His gift of grace, whereby we can have freedom and forgiveness.

SOURCE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/12/23/ST2008122300848.html

4 Like Father Like Son Colossians 1:15-17We often gaze at adorable babies and ask, “who does he look like?” or “who does she favor?”. Truthfully, most babies look like, well, “babies,” and they don’t really “favor” other family members till they get a little older. But Colossian 1:15-17 reminds us that Jesus is the exact “image” of God. As Creator, Jesus was there with God in the beginning. As “firstborn,” Jesus enjoys full rights and privileges as the Son. Kings and rulers hold their positions because Jesus allows it. Only a Son who is just like His heavenly Father could provide the way for us to be reconciled to the Father. Our sinful attitudes and behavior separate us from God who is perfect. And only through Jesus’ death on the cross, can our separation of sinfulness be bridged.

Jesus’ death on the cross is not just another Bible story, it is our opportunity for a right relationship with God. Thank God for the gift of Jesus.

Daily Readings Unit 1 Lesson 2

1 Peace Maker Colossians 1:18-20

Our world is filled with conflict today, just as it has been for generations. Much time and energy and sometimes bloodshed is spent in trying to gain the peace and keep the peace between nations and groups of people. Armies and ambassadors work to achieve peace, but it is often beyond our reach. But Colossians

1:18-20 reminds us of another kind of peace that is missing – the peace between God and each of us. On our own, we can never do enough or be good enough to make peace between God and us. But Jesus came to achieve a peace for us that we could never achieve for ourselves. Only in God’s plan could something as dark and evil as Jesus’ death on the cross be the key to lasting peace between God and each of us. Thank God that in the middle of a troubled world, we can know true peace through Him.

2 What a Makeover Colossians 1:21-22

On the popular television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, a well-deserving family that has fallen on hard times is surprised when the show’s work team performs an “extreme makeover” on the family’s run-

down home, giving them a wonderful new place to live. It is amazing the see the change that takes place in seven days as the designers, contractors and works toil away on the house. Then the family is brought back to the house to see the amazing transformation from “before” to “after”. As sinful people, we all need an “extreme makeover” that only Jesus can perform. Through His death on the cross, we can be made holy and blameless before God. Our sinful “before” behavior can be forgiven, so that our “after” appearance is blameless and pure.

Give thanks that because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we can stand before God free from fault or blame.

SOURCE: http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn+about

3 A Trustworthy Guarantee 1 Corinthians 15:20-24

Some of the things we purchase come with a guarantee. There is a pledge that if the item doesn’t perform as promised, then we get our money back. Guarantees are good because sometimes our vacuum cleaners or telephones or watches don’t function as expected. These guarantees for our small appliances are useful,

but when we read our Bibles, we find some truly miraculous guarantees. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-24, we are promised that because Jesus was raised from the dead then believers will also be resurrected in the future. All of us will experience death, but all of those who trust Jesus as their Savior are “guaranteed” that they will rise at the time of the Second Coming when Jesus returns. It’s a guarantee we can depend on with our lives.

Thank God for the confidence you can have in the promises of the Bible.

4 A Negotiator for Us Hebrews 7:23-26

If you watch much television, you’ve probably seen a courtroom scene. The lawyers stand before the judge and eloquently

argue on behalf of their client. No matter what the client may have done, the lawyers defend the client in the best way possible before the judge. In our sinful state, we could never have full access to a holy and perfect God. Our sinful attitudes and actions separate us from a sinless God. But Jesus makes a way for us. Like a lawyer in the courtroom, Jesus intercedes on our behalf. What we can never achieve through our own efforts, Jesus can accomplish because He has no sin. His sinlessness covers our sin and makes us right before God. We must simply accept Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and put our trust in Him.

Give thanks that Jesus intercedes on our behalf before God the Father.

Daily Readings Unit 1 Lesson 3

1 We Don’t Know When Acts 1:4-8

We organize our days in lots of different ways. Some people prefer electronic devices to keep track of their schedules and appointments. For others a planner book or paper calendar works just fine. These items

help us plan our days. When the people gathered around Jesus just before He ascended to heaven, as told in Acts 1:4-8, the same question was on everyone’s lips: what is the schedule of events in God’s kingdom? The people were anxious for Jesus to set up His kingdom on earth right then. But the people did not get the answer they hoped to hear. Jesus is coming back to earth, but none of us knows when. Only the Heavenly Father knows that time schedule. Next time you look at your calendar, ask yourself if Jesus is getting priority time in each of your days.

Thank God that we do not have to worry about the “when” or “how” of Jesus’ return to earth, simply trusting that it will come to pass.

2 Coming Back – Count on It Acts 1:9-11

The drop-off lane at the airport is an interesting place. Cars pull through, knowing they can only stop for a quick moment. Some people hurry from the cars, grab a suitcase

and run, as the driver pulls away from the curb. Other people linger for a long embrace and good-bye with the driver. Acts 1:9-11 tells us the story of a very important “good-bye” scene. Jesus had completed His earthly ministry and was preparing to return to heaven. With a crowd of people watching from the ground, He was taken up into the clouds. As Jesus disappeared, two men in white clothes appeared and reassured the crowd that Jesus would some day return to earth again in the very same way. Generations have passed, but that is a promise we can count on today. We do not know the day, but we can count on the fact that Jesus is coming back. Are we ready?

Thank God for the assurance we have that Jesus is coming again.

3 It’s Your Choice Galatians 5:16-18

Think about the little choices we face every day. It starts the moment your feet hit the floor each morning. What outfit to wear? What to do with your hair? What’s for

breakfast? Pack a lunch or not? Some of these choices probably don’t make a big difference in our lives. But there are choices that are eternally important. Galatians 5:16-18 describes one of these eternally important choices – whether to walk by the Spirit or by the flesh. These two ways of living are opposed to each other. Either we submit our will to God’s leading and seek be obedient to God in every area of life or we choose to defy God and live in disobedience to Him. We can never know the eternal joy that comes from God until we decide to walk by the Spirit. In choosing to live by the Spirit, we choose God’s joy for our lives.

Ask God to guide your steps as you seek to live in the Spirit with every choice you face.

4 A Choice We Avoid Galatians 5:19-21

Remember the two choices described in Galatians 5:16-18. In verses 19-21, we find a word picture of how a person behaves when they are living in the flesh. And it is not a

pretty picture. Notice the list of outward behaviors and inner attitudes, all of which are totally disobedient to God and His plans for our lives. The warning in verse 21 is clear; the person who makes the choice to live by the flesh will not “inherit the kingdom of God.” For the person who willfully chooses the immorality, impurity, hatred, jealousy, anger, and selfishness described in these verses, can never know the joy of a right relationship with God. The person who lives by the flesh might enjoy moments of happiness, but the life of joy will always be beyond their reach.

Ask God to give you strength to stand strong against the life of the flesh.

Daily Readings Unit 1 Lesson 4

Daily ReaDings Unit 2 Lesson 1

Choose a FRuit-Full liFe | Galatians 5:22-23When I visited my grandmother’s house as a child, one of my memories was the cherry tree in her yard. I could count on picking cherries from that tree each year. Of course, I would never have expected to find oranges or bananas or apples growing on that tree. I would always find cherries. For the Christian whose life is controlled by God’s Spirit, there is specific “fruit” that will be evident. The fruit – love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control – are the qualities that should bloom in the life of every believer. Day-by-day these qualities should be more obvious as we strive to behave more like Jesus. This fruit is the key to true joy. Would your family and friends say that these “fruit” are evident in your life? If not, what changes do you need to make?

Ask God to help as your strive to live a “fruit-full” life.

WatCh out! | Luke 12:13-15Sometimes while driving we’ll see warning signs. It might be flashing lights, warning flares, or orange barricade cones. The message is clear to drivers – “watch out!” In Luke 12:13-15, Jesus had a “watch out!” warning for anyone who gets caught up in material things. A man in the crowd was dissatisfied with the way that his brother was dividing the inheritance. So he brought the dispute to Jesus. Have you ever gotten into an argument with someone over “stuff ”? Jesus warned the man to “watch out” for greed. In our culture, it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of getting and having possessions. Often a person’s value is measured by their wealth, and not by their character or morals. Guarding against greed is another part of the choice we make to live by the Spirit.

Ask God to guide your priorities so that your possessions always have their proper place in your life.

goD DeFines a Fool | Luke 12:16-20When I was young I collected pennies. My daughter has collected baseball cards (I think her Dad may have influenced this collection). My sister-in-law collects angel figurines. Maybe you have a collection of favorite things. Jesus told a story in Luke 12:16-20 about a rich man who liked to collect things – he collected more crops and bigger barns. But the story of his collections is a sad one. This man was very successful. And being successful was not bad; it was the man’s attitude about his success. As he accumulated more and more crops and built more and more barns to hold the crops, his warped priorities became evident. He told himself that with all his possessions, it was time to just eat, drink and be merry. But the man’s selfish plans quickly crumbled when God called him a “fool” and revealed that on that very night he would die.

Ask God to guide you in handling your finances and possessions with attitudes that would be pleasing to Him.

let’s Clean house | Galatians 5:24-26Is there a certain time of year when you do some extra housecleaning? Some people do a spring cleaning. While others start the new year off with some “resolutions” to get rid of the clutter. A clean house requires work, but it’s worth the effort. What if we looked at our lives as if they were “houses”? Is there some “cleaning” that needs to take place in your house? Once we make the decision to follow Jesus, then we must be actively cleaning out the old attitudes and actions that are displeasing to God. But we don’t stop with simply cleaning out the old garbage. We fill our clean houses by pursuing life in the Spirit, seeking God’s plan for our lives. Choosing to live in the Spirit will lead us on the path to true joy.

Ask God to point out the areas of your life that need attention as your pursue a life in the Spirit.

Daily ReaDings Unit 2 Lesson 2

the PRiCe is Right | Luke 12:21Suppose we walked into a department store one morning to discover that during the night, someone had come in and rearranged all the price tags. So items that had great value were priced very cheaply and items of little value carried the big price tags. Luke 12:21 reminds us that sometimes we our lives can be like that department store with the upside-down prices. We’ve placed great value on the insignificant things in life, while giving little value and priority to the most important things. Jesus said that this is how a “fools” run their lives. Their priority becomes hoarding things for themselves, while ignoring the need for God to have first place in their lives. Where are the “price tags” in your life? Does God have His rightful first place in your heart?

Ask God to help you see your priorities through His eyes and the courage to make changes where they are needed.

unloaD the WoRRy | Luke 12:22-23Sometimes we stand on the scales, look at the number and think “oh-no.” The number is crawling up as the pounds are creeping onto our bodies. Worry can be like those unwanted pounds at times. Day-by-day, we take on new worries and carry them around like unwanted weight on our bodies. Worries can come in all shapes and sizes: money struggles, family relationships, our jobs, health issues, marriage tension, or friends who disappoint us. When we carry these worries around with us, then we show that we are unwilling or unable to trust God to take care of us. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:22-23 that we do not have to carry around the worry load; He can take care of us.

Are you carrying a heavy load of worries today? Ask God to help you turn those worries over to Him.

gRoWing a MatuRe Faith | James 1:2-4Even young children understand basic math problems like 2 + 2 = 4. Suppose we took James 1:2 and turned it into a math problem. The “math problem” might be trials + trials = great joy. But that kind of problem doesn’t make sense to us. Trials and more trials don’t bring us joy; how can that be? Trials and joy would seem to be opposites, not connected events. Yet James 1:2-4 tells us that when tough situations come our way, then we can choose to respond with joy. This doesn’t mean that we have to feel happy because of our trials. But these verses remind us that our circumstances are temporary and we can look at events through an eternal perspective, trying to see how God is working in our lives.

Ask God to grow your into maturity through the trials that come your way.

untaPPeD WisDoM | James 1:5-8Suppose you had a large amount of money in your bank account. But you never went to the bank and drew out any of your money. You just walked around asking other people if you could borrow a nickel or a dime. Yet all the while, that large sum of money was sitting in your bank account untouched. God’s wisdom is something like that money in our bank accounts. The wisdom is just there waiting for us to make withdrawals. In James 1:5-8, we discover that God’s Word says if we are lacking wisdom, all we have to do is ask for it. Equipped with God’s wisdom, we are better prepared to face the challenges of life that come our way.

In what area of your life could you use a dose of God’s wisdom today? Ask God to provide you with His wisdom.

Daily ReaDings Unit 2 Lesson 3

gRoW thRough the tRials | James 1:9-12We’ve got some labels in our society, such as lower-class, middle-class, and upper-class. These labels usually refer to a person’s wealth or possessions; that’s how we find ourselves assigned to a certain class. In James 1:9-12, we find a warning about the importance we place on these “labels.” In God’s eyes the status of rich and poor can be quickly turned topsy-turvey. In the blink of an eye, or the dip of the stock market, we can find out status quickly changed. And hard times will come, no matter what our income level or neighborhood address might be. Whether rich or poor, lower-class or upper-class, our main goal is to be the person who “endures trials.” It’s in the tough times that we will find the greatest opportunities for spiritual growth.

Ask God to show you areas where you can grow, even as you pass through the trials of life.

a DePenDable natuRe | James 1:13-17In the 1970s, the comedian Flip Wilson was known for his famous excuse “the devil made me do it.” Sometimes when we are tempted, we are quick to point the finger at others and blame them for our failings. For those who might think that God is trying to tempt us, then scripture is clear; James 1:13-17 reminds us that God does not try to trap or trip us into tempting situations We should not blame God for tests or temptations when we fail. Within ourselves, each of us has a tendency toward evil. What we can count on is knowing that “every generous act” and “every perfect gift” does come from God. God’s nature is unchanging; we can depend on all good gifts coming from Him.

Thank God that He is unchanging and dependable. We can depend on His goodness and mercy shown toward us.

a too-heavy Weight | Psalm 32:3-4Sometimes we talk about having a “guilty conscience.” It’s that terrible feeling we have when we have done something wrong. A guilty conscience is a heavy weight when we carry it around. Psalm 32:3-4 reminds of us that heavy feeling of unconfessed sin. It saps our strength like a day spent in the hot summer strength robs us of our energy. Under the summer sun, we grow weary, faint, and weak. The weight of sin wears us down physically and mentally in the same ways. Why do we remain silent, refusing to confess the sin in our lives? Maybe it is guilt or fear or pride. We will never be perfect, but we can be free of the weight of sin.

Don’t struggle with the weight of unconfessed sin in your life. Ask God to forgive you and take away the load of guilt.

no MoRe hiDe-anD-seek | Psalm 32:5As a child, I remember loving to play the game hide-and-seek. Depending on the time of year, the game might take place indoors or outdoors. Somebody is “it.” All the rest of the children hide and do their best to keep from being found. Sometimes it seems like we are trying to play “hide-and-seek” with God by covering up our sin. But of course we know the truth, that there is no hiding with God. He sees our sins and knows our wrongs despite our best efforts to hide what we’ve done from our family, friends, and even ourselves at times. In Psalm 32:5, we see the relief that comes from stepping out of the game of “hide-and-seek” and confessing our sin before God. God’s forgiveness follows our confession like night follows day. Are you carrying unconfessed sin in your heart? If so, you can feel the sweet relief of confession before God right this moment.

Thank God that He is willing to forgive and forget when we bring our sins before Him.

FResh Joy | Psalm 32:1-2Not long ago, my husband and I took on a project to restore two old wooden chairs that had been stored away in our garage. They were neglected and worn, looking quite shabby. We cleaned them, sanded off the old finish, and then applied a new stain. We were so pleased to see how our “restored” chairs looked. They now shine like new and are back in use in our home. Psalm 32:1-2 reminds us of the “restored” feeling that occurs in our hearts once our sins are forgiven. When we confess our sins and God forgives us, then our joy is restored. Have you spent time carrying the heavy burden of unconfessed sin? Why not let today be the day you confess that sin and feel the joy of a restored relationship with God?

Ask God to point out any unconfessed sin in your life. Confess that sin to Him, so that your joy can be restored.

Joy-FilleD | Psalm 32:10-11Our family doesn’t have a lot of land for gardening, but we usually plant some tomatoes and peppers each spring. But once the tomatoes and peppers are planted, we can’t just leave them alone or weeds will quickly spring up and choke out our plants. On a regular basis, we have to weed the garden so the tomatoes and peppers can grow. We can look at our lives as gardens filled with plants. If we don’t get rid of the sin, or weeds, then it quickly overtakes our lives. Unconfessed sin steals our joy and breaks our relationship with God. But as we “weed” the sin away, the joy is restored. Does the garden of your heart need tending today? Is unconfessed sin choking out your joy? Take the steps today to get rid of the sin and confess it before God.

Thank God for the joy-filled heart that comes with confession of sin

FiRst PlaCe | Genesis 35:1-3Who is pictured in your family photo album? There could be moms, dads, children, step-parents, step-children, grandparents, and even some people who aren’t related to us, but we treat them like family. Families come in all shapes and sizes. Jacob’s family was a blended family and had its share of complicated problems. Yet when God gave Jacob instructions to gather his large family and move, Jacob obeyed. He recalled that God’s presence had been a constant source of strength for Him. Jacob not only followed God’s map for moving, he gave God priority in his life. Jacob instructed his family to get rid of their foreign gods and purify themselves in preparation to worship God. In our families, God desires the same; that we give Him first place in our hearts and lives.

Ask God to have His rightful first place in your family.

give goD PRioRity | Genesis 35:4-7We called my grandfather Pap-Pap. He was a farmer and a godly man. He led his family by example, he treated other people fairly and he served God through his church. Of course, he was not perfect, but he set the example for following God that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have followed. In Genesis 35:4-7, we read about Jacob, a man who followed God. Jacob was not perfect, but he held his family together in troubled times and he trusted in God. Does God have first place in your family? If not, what could you do to give God more priority? Maybe there needs to be time set aside for Bible reading and prayer. Maybe Sunday worship needs to be treated as a habit and not an afterthought. Maybe kindness and respect need to flow through the rooms of your house once again. What part can you have in giving God first place?

Ask God to show you what you can do to help your family put Him first.

Daily ReaDings Unit 2 Lesson 4

Daily Readings Unit 3 Lesson 1

1Family Blessing Genesis 35:9-12If you watch some of the television talk shows, it’s easy to see that there are some families where major problems abound. These families have some complicated, mixed up problems and family members seem to be comfortable with going on television and talking about it. Every family has its share of problems and Jacob’s family was no exception. There had been trickery, deception, jealousy, anger and even murder. Yet in spite of all the problems, God desired to bless Jacob’s family. Maybe your family has faced problems and complications that cause you concern and sadness. You might even be walking through some of these family problems right at this moment. But in the same way that God blessed Jacob’s family, He will bless our families today too.

Place your concerns or worries for your family into God’s strong hands. Thank God for blessing your family.

2What’s in a Name? Genesis 35:16-18Expectant parents often spend time thinking about names for the boy or girl who is soon to be part of their family. They might even spend time with a “baby name” book, reading the meanings of the names. Genesis 35:16-18 tells the story of parents choosing a baby’s name. In the middle of her difficult labor, Rachel gave her son the name Ben-oni, which means “son of sorrow.” But Jacob changed the name and called him Benjamin, which means “son of my right hand.” Their family situation was terribly sad; Rachel would die following childbirth. But Jacob did not let the sorrow define him or the son he would name Benjamin. Jacob moved forward through the sorrow to find new meaning in life. We may pass through struggles and sadness in our families. But with God’s help, we can find meaning in the sorrow.

Ask God to strengthen and mature your family in times of sorrow.

3Favorite Son Genesis 37:1-3When we get an infection somewhere in our bodies, it causes trouble. Left untreated, it can fester and spread, sometimes resulting in serious illness and perhaps even death. Favoritism in a family is like infection in a body. Left untreated it festers and spreads to cause harm. Genesis 37:1-3 sets the stage for a story of favoritism in Jacob’s family. Jacob had more than one wife. Rachel was the wife he loved most and Joseph was the oldest son of Rachel and Jacob. So Jacob loved Joseph best of all his sons. And Jacob did not try to hide his special love for Joseph; he gave Joseph a colorful coat because he was the favorite son. We cannot allow favoritism to creep into our families. It breaks down relationships and eventually destroys, just like an infection running unchecked in our bodies.

Ask God to help you value all family members and to treat them with love and respect.

4The Stain of Hate Genesis 37:4Have you ever washed an item of dark clothing in with a load of light clothes. When the cycle is complete, you open the tank to discover that the light clothes have been stained by the darker color. Suddenly your white t-shirts have turned pink because of that red shirt that accidentally washed with them. That’s what rivalry does in a family. It stains everything it touches. Joseph’s brother saw that their father loved Joseph best and they hated Joseph because of it. The rivalry between the brothers was a destructive force. Is rivalry present in your family? If so, can you see the destruction it causes? Consider the steps you might take to prevent rivalry from starting or diffuse it if it has already started. Treat family members fairly and with love, so that rivalry can never gain a foothold.

Ask God to guard your family against the destruction of rivalry.

Daily Readings Unit 3 Lesson 2

1 Stamp Out Rivalry Genesis 37:5-8Even very young children like to head for the same toy in the playroom, pick it up and fight over whose turn it is to play with the toy. Over time, parents and other loving adults teach them to share their toys and get along with each other. But in some families rivalry increases and children grow to adulthood. Joseph and his brother were like a dictionary definition of sibling rivalry. Joseph was a favorite son and he was not shy about telling his brothers. He especially loved to talk about his dreams, where he was greater and his brothers were lesser. Their rivalry eventually led to years of hurt and heartache. What can we do when we see rivalry boiling in our own families? Be bold in ensuring that every family member feels loved and respected. Speak kindness and respect in our conversations.

Ask God to protect your home against any destructive rivalry.

2 Storm Damage Genesis 37:9-11Joseph shared a dream with his family that involved all of them bowing down to worship him. Of course, this dream was very unpopular with everyone involved. The dream only fueled his brothers’ jealousy, tearing down the relationship between Joseph and his brothers. Several years ago a powerful tornado passed through the area where I live on a Sunday afternoon. Our home was not directly affected by the tornado winds. But the hail that accompanied the storm did affect us. The tiny balls of hail struck the roof with such fury, that we eventually had to replace the entire roof. In families, jealousy can be like those ball of hails. Over time, it hammers away and destroys perfectly good structures. Jealousy has a negative impact on all our relationships, just like that hail striking our roof.

Ask God to guard your heart against the destructive power of jealousy.

3 Just Do It Genesis 42:1-3I recently read a news story about a family that was struggling financially. The husband had been laid-off from his well-paying job and they had unexpected medical bills piling up. Unwilling to let his family be overwhelmed by debt, the husband took a job delivering pizzas making $10 an hour. For five months he delivered pizzas and covered his family’s expenses. Finally, he found a new job making more money again, and it offers opportunities for him to move up into management positions. Sometimes, especially when our families are struggling, a call to action is needed. When Jacob’s family faced famine, he sent his sons down to Egypt to find and purchase food for the family. Jacob told the sons that there was no more time for “looking at each other.” Is your family facing a situation where the time is past for “looking at each other”? What action could you take today to help strengthen your family?

Ask God to show you where and how to be active in strengthening and supporting your family today.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/01/22/family.economic.survival/index.html?iref=newssearch

4 Blame Game Genesis 42:21-22When professional sports teams compete, sometimes the dialogue can get heated, especially among fierce rivals. At times, we will read in the media about comments that players have made to each other and about each other in the days leading up to a big competition. In Jacob’s family, the past was painful, but the brothers made things worse by blaming each other for the problems. Their dialogue was quite heated as they flung blaming arrows at each other. Many families might have painful issues in the past. The key to navigating those issues with God’s help is to face the past without playing the blame game. If we can avoid the blame game, we can help move our families forward past the hurt.

Ask God to guide your words, especially when old hurts surface.

1 Which Way to Go? Genesis 43:1-2In Genesis 43:1-2, we read about the famine that burdened Jacob and his family. As the famine grew worse, Jacob had no choice but to send his sons back to Egypt to buy more food. The brothers did not want to make the trip because they had been told to bring the youngest brother Benjamin if they ever returned to Egypt. Jacob did not want his beloved Benjamin to go; he had already “lost” Joseph. Maybe you’ve played the board game called The Game of Life. Players move around the colorful board making choices while “life events” happen. Along the way, you hope to accumulate children and material possessions. In the end you might end up in the Millionaire’s Mansion or the Retirement Home. Real life is rarely like a board game. We have to examine the pros and cons in a situation, and then make the best decision. Sometimes the best decisions are the hard decisions.

Ask God to guide you in the decisions you face with your family.

2 Struggles and Choices Genesis 43:6-14Jacob’s sons had no choice but to take Benjamin with them as they returned to Egypt. Without Benjamin, there would be no more food sold to them. Their father Jacob, now called Israel, was distraught, fearful that Benjamin would not return to him. The older brothers promised to guard Benjamin’s safety. Despite the danger involved, taking Benjamin was their only hope for getting the much-needed food. When have you faced tough choices in your family? Families can face overwhelming struggles at times: health issues, divorce, alcohol or drug abuse by a family member, job loss, financial hardships, family member living destructive lifestyles. When we face these struggles, we might have to examine the situation and make hard choices in order to preserve the family. Ask God for His wisdom; He gives it freely. Then move forward with the best decision you can make.

Pray that God will give you the strength you need when the hard decisions must be made.

3 God’s Hand Working Genesis 45:4-8When our children were young, there were a few Christmas Eves where some assembly work was required. Our “favorite” was the bicycles. The bikes arrived in pieces, from the large frame down to the tiny nuts and bolts. We would spread these pieces on the floor and began the pain-staking job of assembling the bicycle. The end result was a shiny bike under the Christmas tree. Sometimes our lives are like those tiny pieces spread across the floor, waiting to be assembled. From our viewpoint, we can’t see the end result yet. But with God working in our lives, good things can come from all those pieces. Joseph was able to look back on the years of hardship and see God’s hand at work through his life. God had taken the bad and brought good out of the situation. Are we willing to trust God with our lives like Joseph did?

Thank God that He is always working in our lives, even when He might seem to be silent or distant.

4 Talk It Over Genesis 45:14-15“Silence is golden,” the saying goes. Except there are times when we need to be talking to each other. In Genesis 45, Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers. He assured them that God had been at work in his life through the years to bring them together again. At that point Joseph was in a powerful position and able to save his family during the famine. There had been years of hurt, anger, and rivalry between the brothers. This situation could have ended with no one speaking to each other. Have you ever known of a family situation where hurts led to years of silence when family members stopped talking? But Joseph hugged Benjamin and his other brothers. Then they began to talk to each other. Do you have family members who have stopped talking because of past hurts? Can you help to get the dialogue going again?

Ask God to help you set the example for open communication within your family.

Daily Readings Unit 3 Lesson 3

Daily Readings Unit 3 Lesson 4

1 Forgiving Actions Genesis 50:15-21Joseph’s brothers were right to be worried that Joseph might hold a grudge for the years of hurt they had caused him. Now their father was dead, so the brothers could not turn to him to intercede on their behalf. But Joseph chose to forgive. And he forgave not only with words, but with actions too. Life hands us lots of opportunities to practice forgiveness. When was the last time someone did something to hurt or offend you? At that time, you had a choice to either hold the grudge or forgive the person. Holding the grudge is usually the “easier” choice because we know we’ve been wronged and we feel like we deserve to hold on to our feelings of anger and revenge. But God desires His children to make the “harder” choice by practicing forgiveness. And true forgiveness comes not only through our words, but will shine through our actions as well.

Ask God to give you a forgiving heart, even in the deepest hurts.

2 Show Me 1 Peter 3:1-2You’ve probably heard the expression “Actions speak louder than words.” This saying has special meaning when we apply it in our families. If you have family members who are not yet believers, then one of the most powerful ways to witness is through your consistent Christian behavior. In 1 Peter 3:1-2, we are reminded that family members might be “won over without a message” just by observing the way that we live. For those of us who are Christians, this means choosing the fruits of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. We sprinkle these qualities through our attitudes, words, and actions on a daily basis. Theses qualities might speak to a non-believer’s heart, even more powerfully than a sermon. Are you doing your best to “show” Jesus to the world every day?

Ask God to make your life a “walking sermon” for Him.

3 Share Boldly John 1:35-42How big is your family? I’ve got a collection that includes parents, siblings (and their spouses), children, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and just one husband. If I had good news to share, these would be some of the first people I’d want to tell. After Andrew met Jesus, the first thing he did was to go home and find his brother Simon Peter. He had heard some good news and he wanted Peter to meet Jesus too. Who in your family needs to hear the good news message of salvation? What could you do to bring this person closer to Jesus? Andrew didn’t just talk about Jesus; he found Peter and brought him to see Jesus. Sometimes, we need to act, so that all our family can come to know Jesus too.

Ask God to give you the courage to share your faith boldly with any family members who need to hear.

4 “Please Come” Acts 10:22-24When we married, my husband and I, like many couples, chose beautifully crafted wedding invitations and mailed them out to our family and friends. A large crowd showed up at the church on the appointed date to celebrate our wedding ceremony. In Acts 10:22-24, Cornelius had a special event and he invited his friends to come be a part of it – the special event was a sermon by Peter. Perhaps you have family and friends who are not believers yet. You might say, “I can’t preach a sermon.” But you can invite a family member friend to attend a worship service with you. Sometimes sharing your faith means simply inviting someone you care about to come with you. Are you willing to say, “please come”?

Ask God to make your heart sensitive to opportunities for inviting family and friends to hear the good news of salvation.

1 Living Like Jesus Colossians 3:12-17You might have family members who have made it clear that they do not want hear you talk about Jesus. Debating doesn’t often win people; in fact it can drive people further away from a relationship with Jesus. But no one can argue with Christ-like attitudes and actions lived out in front of them. So, what if you simply chose loving attitudes to be your “witnessing tool” for family members who don’t know Jesus? Colossians 3:12-17 reminds us that we are to “put on” compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Our family members who don’t know Jesus will take note when we return anger with kind words or rudeness with loving actions. Let your actions reflect Jesus to your family members who need to hear the message of hope.

Ask God to help your patience and love to shine through, especially to family members who need to see Jesus in you.

2 A Life-Changing Invitation Luke 5:27-29 When Jesus invited the tax collector Levi, also know as Matthew, to come, Matthew followed. The next thing Matthew did was to plan a banquet for Jesus at his house. He invited tax collectors to come and meet Jesus. At that time, tax collectors were despised and would have been considered “sinners” in the eyes of many. But for Matthew, this banquet was the perfect opportunity for the people he knew to meet Jesus. Sometimes we need to be “creative” like Matthew to introduce our family members to Jesus. We might not plan a “tax collector banquet,” but we might invite family members to a Christian concert or a lunch date where there could be time for a relaxed conversation about our faith. Spend a few minutes thinking about your family members who don’t have a relationship with Jesus – what do they enjoy doing and how could you find opportunities to share your faith with them?

Ask God for opportunities to share your faith.

3 Not Alone Exodus 4:10-12In Exodus 4, God had a big job for Moses to do – go tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go free. Moses said no, with excuses; he said he was “slow and hesitant in speech.” But God’s promise to Moses is our promise today – God said, “I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.” Sometimes sharing our faith with family members or close friends who are not yet Christians is the most difficult form of witnessing. Like Moses, we may feel “slow and hesitant in speech” in talking to family members about our faith. But we can have confidence, knowing that God will prepare the way and guide our words, if we make ourselves available to Him. List the names of any of your family members who need to hear the good news about Jesus.

Thank God that we can count on His presence when we take the first steps in sharing our faith with others.

4 Be Ready 1 Peter 3:15-16

Sharing our faith might happen because family members take note of the way we conduct our lives. Our attitudes and actions may speak for themselves and draw people closer to Jesus. Sharing our faith might happen because we take action in talking about our faith with family members. Sharing our faith might happen because we look for creative opportunities to expose our family members to the gospel. In 1 Peter 3:15-16, we are reminded that we should always be “ready” to explain the hope that we have in Jesus. Jot down at least one way – a conversation, an invitation, a unexpected kind action – where you might share your faith with a family member who needs to hear in the coming week.

Ask God for wisdom to see the best ways to point your family members toward Jesus.

Daily Readings Unit 3 Lesson 5