Daily Reading Week 26
Sunday
Acts 3
DISCOVER
How long had the lame man been unable to walk? (v 2)
What was the process for this lame man getting to the gate of the temple? How often did this occur? (v 2)
When the lame man asked Peter and John for a gift, what was Peter’s response? (v 6)
Immediately after he was healed, where did the beggar go? (v 8)
How did this miracle impact the others who were watching? (v 9-10)
Put yourself in the shoes of the beggar and re-read the story. What range of emotions do you think he felt? What did he learn about God that day?
RESPOND
Acts 3 opens with Peter and John going to the temple where they encounter a man lame from birth who is begging for some help. Based on the authority of Jesus Christ, Peter commanded the man to rise up and walk. He then took the lame man by the hand and the man was healed instantly and completely. As the man is walking and leaping, others begin to notice the change that had taken place in his life and they were amazed and in wonder.
Think about the man born lame for a few moments. Think of the adversities he must have faced daily. Think of all the things that he perhaps witnessed others do, but he could not do. Now, think about how excited he must have been when someone would come along daily, pick him up, and take him to the temple gate. Getting to the gate at the temple was a means for him to receive some charitable gifts. By no means should the miracle of his healing be overlooked, but I don’t want to omit the consistent care of those willing and caring enough to get him in the right position.
Perhaps there are some people in your life that need the same consistent care like this lame man did. Don’t overlook the opportunities that the Lord places in your path on a daily basis to help get someone in the right place so they too can get what God has in store for them.
Monday
Acts 4
DISCOVER
What was the chief concern and complaint from the religious leaders and the Sadducees towards Peter and John? (v 1-2)
Peter and John were bold in their proclamation about Jesus. Based on verse 4, what was the outcome of their teaching and preaching?
After a night in jail, who did Peter and John face the next day? (v 5-7)
Under what power/authority did Peter respond to the accusations brought against him and John? (v 8)
After being released from prison and sternly warned not to teach or even speak in the name of Jesus, what was Peter’s response in verse 20?
RESPOND
Because of the miracle that had taken place in Acts 3, and due to Peter and John’s passion and obedience to keep teaching God’s Word, they found themselves in prison. When the two men stood trial before the Sanhedrin (the religious court of the day), they quickly pointed out that it was no crime to do a good deed for a crippled man. The members of the court were amazed at Peter and John’s confidence and when the council saw the man who had been healed standing there, they really had nothing to say. In all they experienced, Peter and John possessed such boldness. This boldness did not come from their own making. These two men were no flash, super educated, or highly skilled. Howere, these guys had spent time with Jesus and that made all the difference (Acts 4:13).
How do you want people to recognize you? Wouldn’t it be super awesome and life changing if those around us identified us as someone who had been with Jesus. There’s a cool story in Exodus 34:33-35 when Moses met with God. He came out of God’s presence and into the company of the other Israelites and his face had a glow to it. After spending time with God there was a glow to Moses’ face. Here in Acts 4 after spending some time with the Lord, Peter and John had a boldness to their mission and their life. May this be said of us. There is something about us and the only explanation is our time with the Lord had rendered this great change.
Tuesday
1 Kings 19
DISCOVER
Why did Elijah go into the wilderness and find a place to hide? (v 1-3)
While sitting under a tree Elijah fell asleep. During his time of rest, what happened to him? (v 5-8)
Elijah finally reached a cave (v 9) and spent the night in it. Notice who shows up and what He asked Eliah in verses 9.
Looking back over verses 11-13, what’s the significance of the Lord not being in the all the natural event, but just offering a sweet small whisper?
After hearing God’s sweet whisper, what’s the Lord command Elijah to do in verse 15?
What great promise does God give Elijah in verse 18?
RESPOND
The story found here in 1 Kings 19 follows one of Elijah’s greatest spiritual victories. Back in 1 Kings 18 God really showed out and 450 prophets of Baal were defeated. Without a doubt this was a monumental moment in the history and ministry of Elijah. Unfortunately, not everyone was as excited as Elijah. The news traveled to the palace and Jezebel (wife of Ahab) was extremely upset and frustrated. She sent a message to Elijah that she was pretty much going to kill him. As one can only imagine this was some pretty disturbing news to receive. Elijah then ran into the wilderness looking for a place to hide. During this season of his life, the Lord showed up and gave him so much needed strength and encouragement. God gives this prophet renewed strength and encouragement in a couple of different ways. He provides nourishment for him when he’s weak. He speaks to him in a small whisper. He gives him a great promise that he’s not fighting alone.
It can be so easy to get discouraged and bogged down in this life. We’d all agree that this world can be tough at times. Truthfully, at times it seems the more you try and do what’s right, the more hardship and adversity you face. What do we do? How do we respond? Elijah is a great example of how to respond. God is going to do His part. He has proven Himself to be faithful over and over. The challenge for so many of us is doing our part. Even if your greatest fear or “what if” occurs in life, God will be there to help you rise above it. God will always be enough for you.
Wednesday
Matthew 4
DISCOVER
Who led Jesus out into the wilderness? What was the purpose? How long? (v 1-2)
How long did Jesus fast? (v 2) How do you think fasting impacts temptation?
Jesus was tempted by the devil 3 times. What did Jesus use in response to the temptations? (v 4, 7, and 10)
In each temptation, Satan challenged Jesus to use his abilities, will, and resources for his own benefit, instead of trusting in God’s plan and timing. Where are you currently being tempted to use your abilities and resources?
What happened after Jesus resisted Satan three times ?(v 11)
RESPOND
Temptation is no stranger to humanity. From the youngest to the eldest, we all know what it’s like to battle and overcome temptation. Sometimes it’s something small and other times it’s something big. Lies and temptation have been coming our way since Satan convinced Adam and Eve that God was holding out on them, and tragically they fell for it.
God fully knows that we all experience temptation in some way. While temptations can look scary and even impossible to overcome, the Bible teaches us we can have victory (1 Corinthians 10:13). Matthew 4:1-11 teaches us the story of Jesus and his own experience of temptation. In addition, this account of Jesus and temptation teaches us how to defeat temptation just like Jesus. Jesus did not give into Satan’s temptations for multiple reasons. He did not follow the devil’s temptation because he knew that God had a specific mission for him that didn’t have a shortcut. Jesus was called to live a life of humble obedience and sacrifice. God has called us to the same mission; obedience and sacrifice. We can certainly count on temptation, but God’s path is always better and without a doubt right.
Here are 3 helpful steps to take a look at when dealing with temptation.
Temptation comes when we seem weak and defenseless, so be alert.
The Bible is our weapon against temptation, so know it.
God is faithful to protect you and provide for you so that you may endure it
Thursday
1 Corinthians 9
DISCOVER
To what athletic event does Paul compare our lives? ( v24)
When reading verse 25, what great quality is needed for athletes during their training?
What is the end result of the one who disciplines themselves while training? (v 25)
What does it look like to run with purpose and not just shadowbox?
For Paul he challenged himself to run with purpose and to train well. What reason does he give for this in verse 27?
RESPOND
Sporting events were big during the time this letter was written. This was especially meaningful to the Corinthians because their city was the center for the Isthmian Games, second in prestige to the ancient Olympics. Paul writes to these believers using language, words, and ideas that were common to them.
An athlete that wants to win the race they have entered must refuse certain things that might be fine to some people, but these things will hinder the runner from accomplishing the pursuit of the goal. The runner must be disciplined. Paul’s emphasis is self-control and self-discipline. The idea is the denial of things that our body or our emotions may naturally desire for the sake of something greater. It’s the concept of exercising restraint and creating a routine that allows us to pursue greater things.
Discipline often gets a bad wrap because it’s not easy and we live in a culture that doesn’t like self-denial. Yet, Paul would say who you truly are and what is truly joyful is found through living out a life that is built on grace based self-control and discipline.
What race are you running to win? Are you running the race Paul is describing and pursuing Christian unity, gospel witness, and joy in Christ just like an athlete would pursue the reward at the games? We all run a race, do not run aimlessly in your Christian faith, but discipline your body and rightly order your life so that you can run to receive the prize.
Friday
1 Timothy 4
DISCOVER
Based on verse 8, what is the value of godliness?
What should Timothy remember when faced with discouragements and opposition? (v 10)
In verse 11, what does Paul tell Timothy to do with the many things that he has learned?
According to verse 14, what is Timothy not to neglect? Why?
What is Paul’s reasoning for telling Timothy to live in the right manner? (v 16)
RESPOND
This passage teaches us that physical exercise benefits us in certain ways, but serving God benefits us in every way. It’s interesting that at the beginning of every year many people make a resolution to take better care of their bodies in the next year. A lot of people will join a gym, start a new eating plan, and vow to exercise more. The majority of this group does well for the first several weeks but many eventually just give up. The intention is good….better health, but maintaining the plan becomes too intense.
According to Paul, godliness is beneficial in every aspect of our lives. Godliness training should be a priority. Physical exercise may increase our level of fitness, but it cannot truly alter our heart. Running in a marathon will not make us more compassionate towards others. Lifting weights in the gym daily will not create a more generous spirit. It’s super vital for us to understand that just because we engage in a certain exercise it won’t transform our character. In order for us to be godly we must possess Christ-like qualities. The idea of godliness goes beyond simply quoting the Bible. It involves placing Jesus at the center of our thoughts, actions, and words. In this book The Pursuit of Holiness Jerry Bridges said, “No higher compliment can be paid to a Christian than to call him a godly person. He might be a conscientious parent, a zealous church worker, a dynamic spokesman for Christ, or a talented Christian leader; but none of these things matter if, at the same time, he is not a godly person.”
Saturday
Psalm 144
DISCOVER
How does the psalmist describe God in verses 1 and 2?
In verses 3-4, what does David say about humans? What perspective does about his enemies and about himself does this give David before going to battle?
Describe how David would like the Lord to battle in verses 5-7.
What vow does David make in verses 9-10?
According to verses 12-15, what will be the result of God’s deliverance?
RESPOND
Psalm 144 is a rather bold reflection by David as he examines his relationship with the Lord. He reflects on God’s faithfulness and ends the song with a plea for blessing by God upon His people. In reality the entire psalm is pretty much a time of David looking back on his own life. As is consistent with much of David’s life, all of the honor goes to God who continually delivered David from danger.
We are all prone to charge God when he doesn”t or does do certain things. Rather than us becoming frustrated and even questioning God, we should respond with the understanding that God doesn’t really “owe” us anything. In verse 3 David asked a real interesting and thought provoking question. This is a question that everyone of us should ask in our daily lives. Who are we that the God of this universe would even bother with us! Yet, God didn’t forsake us and abandon us. Rather, He sent His Son to redeem us.
David concludes this psalm with a 4 verse blessing upon all people. The majority of the world looks at things, bank accounts, toys, houses, etc. for signs as being blessed. Getting the newest and latest gadget on the market is exciting to most people. When these things are received, people feel blessed. Often these “blessings” can appear to make life easier for the person and remove some struggles. David says, real blessings are found in knowing and having a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s the salvation and forgiveness of sins that Jesus provides. It’s the peace, comfort, and direction that God is providing through the Holy Spirit that will last and be a forever blessing!