Daily Reading Week 2
Sunday
Matthew 5 (focus v.3–12)
Discover:
The last two beatitudes in Matthew 5 tie everything together. They focus on the same group of people—those persecuted for following Jesus and living righteously—and echo the very first beatitude by promising them the kingdom of heaven.
In short, genuine faith in Christ often goes hand in hand with opposition or suffering. Humble repentance and standing firm for Jesus both lead to the same amazing reward. True faith will naturally face pushback from the world.
This shouldn’t surprise us—it’s been the church’s story from the beginning. Jesus Himself warned that we’d have trouble in this world, but He also promised that He’s overcome it and has an eternal reward waiting for us. Martin Luther noted that clear gospel preaching always stirs opposition, and history proves him right.
One key thing to remember: God blesses suffering that comes from faithfulness to Him, not the consequences of our own poor choices. So let’s be honest about why we’re facing hardship. At the same time, when persecution does come, let’s not soften the gospel to avoid conflict. Staying true to Jesus—even when it’s costly—is how we hold on to His blessing and honor Him (Luke 12:8–9).
Respond:
• Which Beatitude speaks most to your life right now?
• How has God used broken or difficult moments to bring His blessing?
Monday
Psalm 34 (focus v.18)
Discover:
Before we even start praying, it's helpful to pause and remember who's involved in this conversation. God is our sovereign King—the mighty Ruler of heaven and earth who holds everything together. And us? We're His dependent creatures, needing Him for every breath and every blessing, and we're sinners who desperately need His forgiveness.
Many Christians admit that prayer can feel tricky—they're not always sure how to structure it or what to focus on. That's why so many have found the simple ACTS pattern super helpful: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
Today, let's focus on the first one: Adoration. This is all about telling God how much we love Him and how amazing He truly is. When we think about His mercy, holiness, justice, goodness, love, and righteousness, our hearts naturally overflow with praise. Starting prayer with adoration puts us in the right posture—humble and worshipful—recognizing we're speaking to the majestic Creator.
God has even given us a whole book of inspired prayers to learn from: the Psalms! The psalmists constantly lift up God's name in praise. They celebrate His holiness, His strength, His steadfast love, and so much more. They know exactly who God is, and they can't help but adore Him for it.
When we begin prayer by reflecting on God's character and praising Him for who He is, our hearts are drawn closer to Him, and everything else in prayer flows from that place of wonder and worship.
Respond:
• When have you felt God’s closeness in a time of heartbreak?
• How might your compassion toward others grow from your own brokenness?
tuesday
Psalm 51 (focus v.16–17)
Discover:
Psalm 51 is a heartfelt prayer penned by David under the Holy Spirit's inspiration. It shows us what genuine repentance really looks like, and one big takeaway is how thorough we should be when turning back to God.
Take verse 14, for example: David pleads, "Deliver me from bloodguiltiness." He's not glossing over anything—he's openly confessing his role in Uriah's death (2 Samuel 11:14–15), not just the adultery with Bathsheba. David knows true forgiveness and restored joy come when we confess every part of our sin, holding nothing back.
We also see this thoroughness in how David asks God to cleanse specific areas: his mouth, lips, and tongue. Why focus there? The Bible often highlights how our words reveal our hearts—think of Isaiah calling himself "a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5) or Paul describing throats like open graves (Romans 3:13–14). But when God forgives and cleanses us, even our speech is transformed! Those same lips can then burst into joyful, holy praise (Psalms 5:11; 13:6).
Finally, in verses 16–17, David reminds us that God isn't ultimately after animal sacrifices (or any external ritual). What He truly desires is a broken, contrite heart—real sorrow for offending Him, not just regret for getting caught. Sacrifices without repentance meant nothing under the old covenant, and today, Jesus' blood covers only those who come with true repentance. God never turns away a humble heart that trusts in Jesus for forgiveness.
Respond:
• What does a “broken and contrite” heart look like in your life today?
• How can repentance lead you to deeper peace and joy?
Wednesday
James 2 (focus v.12–13)
Discover:
Two thousand years ago, the Christians James wrote to were going through tough trials, including persecution from some wealthy people who opposed their faith. They needed clear guidance on how real faith handles hardship.
Many in his audience weren't responding with genuine faith. Instead of treating all believers equally, they were showing favoritism to the rich. We can't know for sure why, but it's possible they hoped currying favor with wealthy visitors might ease the persecution.
They probably thought of themselves as faithful to God's "royal law"—the command to love your neighbor as yourself. But by playing favorites, they were actually breaking the Law. James is blunt: showing partiality makes us lawbreakers. And since the Law is a unified whole, breaking one part means breaking it all.
James isn't teaching that salvation comes from perfect law-keeping. None of us can do that. We rely completely on Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Law and gives us His righteousness by faith alone. But true saving faith naturally cares about obedience. Our actions show whether our faith is real.
One day we'll all stand before God and be judged according to His Law. Those in Christ will be welcomed because Jesus perfectly met the Law's demands—His record becomes ours through faith. Yet James calls this the "law of liberty" (v. 12)—the same royal law, now fulfilled by Christ and freeing us to live rightly. God's moral commands still guide us, and pursuing wholehearted obedience is evidence of authentic faith.
Respond:
• Who in your life needs to experience mercy from you right now?
• How can practicing mercy bring healing and blessing to others?
THursday
Psalm 24 (focus v.3–4)
Discover:
The Aaronic blessing promises that the Lord will "lift up His countenance" upon His people—turning His face toward us in loving approval (Numbers 6:22–27). We know we could never earn this on our own. Dead in sin, we desperately need the grace shown to us in Christ Jesus. Nothing we do can make God love us or secure eternal life—it's all His undeserved favor.
Paul tells us in that same passage however, that we're saved for good works, not to sit idly by (v. 10). Our obedience doesn't earn salvation, but it flows naturally from genuine faith and shows the world we're truly His. Walking faithfully before the face of God—opens the door to many wonderful blessings here and now, even as our ultimate hope remains the eternal gaze of His approval.
That's the heartbeat of Psalm 24. David starts by celebrating God as Creator and rightful owner of everything. He continues by asking who gets to stand in God's holy presence, where His favor was most vividly experienced under the old covenant? The answer: those with clean hands and pure hearts—people whose lives reflect covenant faithfulness.
David wasn't naive—he knew no sinner could be perfect and that only God's grace justifies us. But he also understood that those who trust in grace alone will want to live it out, repenting when they stumble. That's the path to assurance and real, tangible blessings.
Such people receive "righteousness" from the Lord—vindication, blessing, and the joy of His favor. When we walk in integrity before God's face, we can expect to experience His goodness in everyday ways.
Respond:
• What competes for your devotion to God?
• How can you pursue purity of heart this week in thoughts and motives?
Friday
Romans 12 (focus v.17–18)
Discover:
To truly love others as Paul urges in Romans 12:9, we need a new heart—one that only God can give through the Holy Spirit's regenerating power as we hear His Word. That's why God's commands to love people—both in the church and in the world—aren't meant for us to obey in our own strength. Since Scripture is God's Spirit-breathed Word, it comes with the divine power we need to actually do what it says.
Scripture is always honest about real life, and Romans 12:18 is a perfect example: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Paul knows that getting along with everyone isn't always possible.
Relationships take two people—there's only so much we can control. We can't change someone's heart, force them to like us, or make them give us the benefit of the doubt. Some will still oppose us no matter how kind or patient we are.
But that doesn't let us off the hook from trying! We're called to be peacemakers and pursue harmony with others—without ever compromising God's truth. Our part is simple: apologize when we've wronged someone, seek the good even of our enemies, and remove any unnecessary obstacles to peace on our side.
If we've done that, we can rest knowing we've obeyed God. We aren't responsible for softening other people's hearts—that's His job. Our goal is to give no one a valid reason to be at odds with us. If conflict comes only because we're faithfully standing for the gospel, we've honored this command. But if people push back because we're being rude, stubborn, or unkind, then we've fallen short.
Respond:
• Where do you need to pursue peace or reconciliation this week?
• How can peacemaking reflect the light of Christ in your relationships?
Saturday
1 Peter 4 (focus v.12–14)
Discover:
A study of the General Epistles would show how God uses life's trials to refine and strengthen our faith. James 1:2–4 urges us to count trials as joy because they build perseverance and maturity in us. Similarly, 1 Peter 1:6–7 invites us to rejoice in our living hope amid hardships, since they test and prove our faith's genuineness—like fire refining gold.
Peter returns to this theme in today's passage, encouraging us to stand firm in trials. He says not to be surprised by "fiery trials"—a phrase that points to how suffering purifies our faith, much like fire refines precious metal. These challenges for Christ's sake strip away self-reliance and deepen our trust in Jesus.
Instead of shock or confusion when trials hit, we're called to rejoice! Suffering isn't "strange" for followers of Jesus—He warned us to take up our cross. Since we're united with Christ, it's natural that we become more like Him by sharing—in a small way—some of what He endured.
This rejoicing isn't about seeking pain or enjoying it for its own sake. It's about gratitude: being counted worthy to suffer for His name shows we're truly His. Sharing in Christ's sufferings now means we'll fully share in His glory later. What a hopeful promise to hold onto!
Respond:
• How can you rejoice, even when following Jesus brings opposition?
• In what ways might your faith shine brighter through difficulty?