Sunday, May 31, 2020

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Friday, May 29, 2020

Thursday, May 28, 2020

THUSRDAY 28 MAY, 2020-BENEVOLENCE AND ITS REWARDS

May 28

Good Measure

Bible in a Year:

Give, and it will be given to you.

Luke 6:38

Today's Scripture & Insight:

At a gas station one day, Staci encountered a woman who had left home without her bank card. Stranded with her baby, she was asking passersby for help. Although unemployed at the time, Staci spent $15 to put gas in the stranger’s tank. Days later, Staci came home to find a gift basket of children’s toys and other presents waiting on her porch. Friends of the stranger had reciprocated Staci’s kindness and converted her $15 blessing into a memorable Christmas for her family.

This heartwarming story illustrates the point Jesus made when he said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).

It can be tempting to hear this and focus on what we get out of giving, but doing so would miss the point. Jesus preceded that statement with this one: “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (v. 35).

We don’t give to get things; we give because God delights in our generosity. Our love for others reflects His loving heart toward us.

By: Remi Oyedele

Today's Scripture

Luke 6:32–38 (NIV)

Insight

Of all the difficult sayings of Jesus, this is one of the hardest: “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back” (Luke 6:35). How can Christ expect this? Actually, He’s asking us to emulate the love of our Father in heaven, who loved us despite our animosity toward Him. The apostle Paul explains, “While we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10). God loved us despite the ugly reality of our rejection of Him and His loving directives. Now, having been forgiven, we have every incentive to give to others at every opportunity, especially to those who hate us. Jesus’ concluding words here can frighten or encourage us, depending on how we live our lives: “For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”—by God Himself (Luke 6:38).

Reflect & Pray

In what ways have you experienced God’s generosity in your life? How can you extend generosity to others?

Gracious Father, help me to give generously to others because You’ve been so generous to me.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY 2020

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

TUESDAY 26TH MAY 2020

May 26

Sweeter Than Honey

Bible in a Year:

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

Today's Scripture & Insight:

His topic was racial tension. Yet the speaker remained calm and collected. Standing on stage before a large audience, he spoke boldly—but with grace, humility, kindness, and even humor. Soon the tense audience visibly relaxed, laughing along with the speaker about the dilemma they all faced: how to resolve their hot issue, but cool down their feelings and words. Yes, how to tackle a sour topic with sweet grace.

King Solomon advised this same approach for all of us: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). In this way, “The hearts of the wise make . . . their lips promote instruction” (v. 23).

Why would a powerful king like Solomon devote time to addressing how we speak? Because words can destroy. During Solomon’s time, kings relied on messengers for information about their nations, and calm and reliable messengers were highly valued. They used prudent words and reasoned tongues, not overreacting or speaking harshly, no matter the issue.

We all can benefit by gracing our opinions and thoughts with godly and prudent sweetness. In Solomon’s words, “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue” (v. 1).

By: Patricia Raybon

Reflect & Pray

What is your way of speaking when talking about a hot and divisive topic? When you allow God’s Spirit to sweeten your tongue, what changes in your words?

Our holy God, when we speak on hard topics, soften our hearts and words with Your sweet Spirit.

Monday, May 25, 2020

MONDAY 25 MAY 2020-REMEMBERING OUR ANCESTORS AND THOSE WHO SACRIFICED FOR US

May 25

Remembering

Bible in a Year:

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13

Today's Scripture & Insight:

On Memorial Day, I think of many military veterans but especially my dad and uncles, who served in the military during World War II. They made it home, but in that war hundreds of thousands of families tragically lost loved ones in service to their country. Yet, when asked, my dad and most soldiers from that era would say they were willing to give up their lives to protect their loved ones and stand for what they believed to be right.

When someone dies in defense of their country, John 15:13—“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”—is often recited during the funeral service to honor their sacrifice. But what were the circumstances behind this verse?

When Jesus spoke those words to His disciples during the Last Supper, He was about to die. And, in fact, one of His small group of disciples, Judas, had already left to betray Him (13:18–30). Yet Christ knew all of this and still chose to sacrifice His life for His friends and enemies.

Jesus was willing and ready to die for those who’d one day believe in Him, even for those who were still His enemies (Romans 5:10). In return, He asks His disciples (then and now) to “love each other” as He has loved them (John 15:12). His great love compels us to sacrificially love others—friend and foe alike.

By: Alyson Kieda

Today's Scripture

John 15:9–17(NIV)

Insight

John’s gospel has a discernible outline. Between the prologue (1:1–18) and the epilogue (ch. 21), John focuses on Jesus’ ministry in word and deed to the masses (1:19–12:50). In the five chapters known as the Upper Room Discourse (chs. 13–17), Jesus specifically addresses His disciples. These chapters comprise roughly 20 percent of the book and cover a very short amount of time. In this section, we discover core truths for believers in Jesus: lessons regarding servanthood and humility (ch. 13); Jesus as the way to the Father (14:6); the promise, ministry, and work of the Holy Spirit (14:15–31; 16:4–15); the command to love (13:31–35); and the need to abide in the Father’s love (15:9–17). In chapters 18–20 John focuses on Jesus’ death and resurrection.

For a visual overview to the book of John, visit bit.ly/2MqOeOR.

Reflect & Pray

Before we believed in Jesus, we were His enemies. Yet Jesus died for us. How can you honor and remember Jesus for His death on the cross for you? How can you sacrificially love others?

Jesus, we’re so thankful that You were willing to die for us!

Sunday, May 24, 2020

SUNDAY 24 MAY 2020-LONELINESS AND HUMAN CONNECTION

May 24

Talking Tables

Bible in a Year:

Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts.

Acts 2:46

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Loneliness is one of the greatest threats to our sense of well-being, affecting our health through our behaviors on social media, food consumption, and the like. One study suggests that nearly two-thirds of all people—regardless of age or gender—feel lonely at least some of the time. One British supermarket has created “talking tables” in their store cafés as a way to foster connection between people. Those looking for human interaction simply seat themselves at a table designated for that purpose, joining others or indicating a desire to be joined. Conversation ensues, providing a sense of connection and community.

The people of the early church were committed to shared connection too. Without each other, they would likely have felt very alone in the practice of their faith, which was still new to the world. Not only did they “[devote] themselves to the apostles’ teaching” to learn what following Jesus meant, they also “[met] together in the temple courts” and “broke bread in their homes” for mutual encouragement and fellowship (Acts 2:42, 46).

We need human connection; God designed us that way! Painful seasons of loneliness point to that need. Like the people of the early church, it’s important for us to engage in the human companionship our well-being requires and to offer it to those around us who also need it.

By: Kirsten Holmberg

Today's Scripture

Acts 2:42–47(NIV)

Insight

Acts 2 describes the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost when God, in fulfillment of prophecies and promises (Isaiah 32:15; Ezekiel 36:26–27; 39:29; Joel 2:28–32; John 16:7), sent the Holy Spirit to indwell those who believed in Jesus (Acts 2:1–4). Three thousand people (2:41) were added to the one hundred twenty-member congregation (1:15). This first church was a growing, gracious, and generous church. The Greek word for “fellowship” (2:42) is koinōnia and carries the meaning of “participation, sharing.” Believers participated in a shared identity and spirituality—learning spiritual truths, devoting themselves to fellowship, remembering Jesus’ death, depending on God, experiencing His power, and showing extravagant acts of generosity toward the needy (vv. 42–47).

Reflect & Pray

How can you intentionally connect with someone today? How might you be overlooking opportunities for friendship?

Help us, God, to seek connection for our sake and that of others!

Saturday, May 23, 2020

SATURDAY 23 MAY 2020-NEW POWER AND PURPOSE - LIGHT OF THE WORLD

May 23

Keepers of the Light

Bible in a Year:

For God . . . made his light shine in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 4:6

Today's Scripture & Insight:

They call them “Keepers of the Light.”

At the lighthouse on the cape of Hatteras Island just off the North Carolina coast of the United States, there’s a memorial to those who’ve tended the light stations there since 1803. Shortly after the existing structure was moved inland because of shoreline erosion, the names of the keepers were etched on the old foundation stones and arranged into an amphitheater shape facing the new site. That way—as a placard explains—today’s visitors can follow in the historical keepers’ footsteps and “watch over” the lighthouse as well.

Jesus is the ultimate light-giver. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). That’s a radical thing for anyone to claim. But Jesus said it to affirm His relationship with His heavenly Father, the Creator of light and life who sent Him.

When we look to Jesus for salvation and follow His teaching, we’re restored in relationship with God, and He gives us new power and purpose. His transforming life and love—“the light of all mankind” (1:4)—shines in us and through us and out to a dark and sometimes dangerous world.

As believers in Jesus, we become “keepers of the light.” May others see His light shine from us and discover the life and hope He alone can give!

By: James Banks

Today's Scripture

John 8:12–16(NIV)

Insight

The gospel records fall into two categories: the Synoptic Gospels and the gospel of John. The “Synoptics,” which means “with a common view,” are Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Although they offer varying details to help them tell the story of Jesus in a unique way, they still have a common perspective because they often tell the same stories. John’s gospel is very distinct from the Synoptics, containing 92 percent unique material. One distinctive of John’s gospel is the emphasis on themes of light and truth. John expresses the reality that Jesus is the embodiment of truth and light.

Reflect & Pray

In what practical ways can you shine Jesus’ light? Where is God calling you to be obedient to Him today?

Jesus, I praise You for Your light and love. Help me to shine for You.

Friday, May 22, 2020

FRIDAY 22 MAY 2020-LAMENT, GOD IS LISTENING TO GIVE YOU HOPE ( EYIE INSPIRATION)

May 22

Take Your Tears to God

Bible in a Year:

My eyes will
flow unceasingly, without relief, until the Lord looks down from heaven and sees.

Lamentations 3:49–50

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Last summer, an orca named Talequah gave birth. Talequah’s pod of killer whales was endangered, and her newborn was their hope for the future. But the calf lived for less than an hour. In a show of grief that was watched by people around the world, Talequah pushed her dead calf through the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean for seventeen days before letting her go.

Sometimes believers in Jesus have a hard time knowing what to do with grief. Perhaps we fear that our sorrow might look like a lack of hope. But the Bible gives us many examples of humans crying out to God in grief. Lament and hope can both be part of a faithful response.

Lamentations is a book of five poems that express the sorrow of people who have lost their home. They’ve been hunted by enemies and were near death (3:52–54), and they weep and call on God to bring justice (v. 64). They cry out to God not because they have lost hope, but because they believe God is listening. And when they call, God does come near (v. 57).

It’s not wrong to lament the broken things in our world or in your life. God is always listening, and you can be sure that God will look down from heaven and see you.

By: Amy Peterson

Today's Scripture

Lamentations 3:49–66(NIV)

Insight

The book of Lamentations gives us a poet’s picture of the aftermath of war. Jerusalem had been invaded by Babylonian warlords in 586 bc (Jeremiah 52). The God of gods had turned His chosen people over to their enemies, as He had threatened to do from the beginning if they persistently turned their backs on Him and forgot their mission to be a light to other nations (Deuteronomy 28).

The fluid emotions of the poet reflect a nation that now had nowhere to turn but to memories of their past and to hope in the everlasting God who, for this seemingly endless moment, seemed so far away (Lamentations 5:19–22).

Reflect & Pray

How can you practice bringing all your emotions to God? When have you felt God draw near to you in your sadness?

Loving God, help us to remember that it’s right to lament wrongness before we can begin to change it.

To learn more about what Lamentations says about pain, visit christianuniversity.org/OT221.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

THURSDAY 21 MAY 2020-WHEN WEAPONS BECOME ARTWORK- ART FOR PEACE ( ASOMDWEE INSPIRATION)

May 21

The Knife Angel

Bible in a Year:

Nation will not
take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Isaiah 2:4

Today's Scripture & Insight:

When knife crime rose across the United Kingdom, the British Ironwork Centre came up with an idea. Working with local police forces, the Centre built and placed two hundred deposit boxes around the country and ran an amnesty campaign. One hundred thousand knives were anonymously surrendered, some still with blood on their blades. These were then shipped to artist Alfie Bradley, who blunted them, inscribed some with the names of young knife-crime victims, plus messages of regret from ex-offenders. All 100,000 weapons were then welded together to create the Knife Angel—a twenty-seven-foot-high angelic sculpture with shimmering steel wings.

When I stood before the Knife Angel, I wondered how many thousands of wounds had been prevented by its existence. I thought too of Isaiah’s vision of the new heavens and earth (Isaiah 65:17), a place where children won’t die young (v. 20) or grow up in crime-breeding poverty (vv. 22–23), a place where knife crime is no more because all swords have been reshaped and given more creative purposes (2:4).

That new world isn’t yet here, but we are to pray and serve until its arrival (Matthew 6:10). In its own way, the Knife Angel gives us a glimpse of God’s promised future. Swords become plow shares. Weapons become artworks. What other redemptive projects can we conjure up to glimpse that future a little more?

By: Sheridan Voysey

Today's Scripture

Isaiah 2:1–4(NIV)

Insight

Against the backdrop of gross injustice, moral failure, and spiritual unfaithfulness, Isaiah warned a guilty Judah of God’s judgment (Isaiah 1–12) through the Babylonian exile (39:6–7). Isaiah also prophesied of God’s grace (chs. 40–55) and a future restoration for Judah (chs. 11, 56–66). In Isaiah 12, we’re given a glimpse of Judah’s glorious future. Jerusalem will become the world’s most important city and in the midst of the city will be a magnificent temple. World peace will become a reality. Instead of fighting the Jews, the gentile nations will stream to Jerusalem to seek God. God’s people will be “a light for the Gentiles, that [His] salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (49:6). Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah (735–725 BC), prophesied a similar vision in Micah 4:1–3.

Reflect & Pray

What inspires you to combat evil? How can you work for peace in your community?

Jesus, we can’t wait until the world is at peace under Your reign. Move us by Your Spirit to help see Your kingdom come in our communities.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

WEDNESDAY 20 MAY 2020

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020

Monday, May 18, 2020

MONDAY 18 MAY 2020

Sunday, May 17, 2020

SUNDAY 17TH MAY 2020-WHAT'S IN A NAME?

May 17

What’s in a Name?

Bible in a Year:

[Jesus] was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph.

Luke 3:23

Today's Scripture & Insight:

In God’s timing, our son Kofi was born on a Friday, which is exactly what his name means—boy born on Friday. We named him after a Ghanaian friend of ours, a pastor whose only son died. He prays for our Kofi constantly. We’re deeply honored.

It’s easy to miss the significance in a name if you don’t know the story behind it. In Luke 3, we find a fascinating detail about a name in the ancestry of Joseph. The genealogy traces Joseph’s line backward all the way to Adam and even to God (v. 38). In verse 31 we read: “the son of Nathan, the son of David.” Nathan? That’s interesting. In 1 Chronicles 3:5 we learn that Nathan was born to Bathsheba.

Is it coincidence that David named Bathsheba’s child Nathan? Recall the backstory. Bathsheba was never supposed to be David’s wife. Another Nathan—the prophet—bravely confronted the king for abusing his authority to exploit Bathsheba and murder her husband (see 2 Samuel 12).

David accepted the prophet’s point-blank rebuke and repented of his horrific offenses. With the healing passage of time, he would name his son Nathan. How appropriate that this was Bathsheba’s son, and that he would be one of the ancestors of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly dad (Luke 3:23).

In the Bible, we keep finding God’s grace woven into everything—even into an obscure name in a seldom-read genealogy. God’s grace is everywhere.

By: Tim Gustafson

Today's Scripture

Luke 3:31;1 Chronicles 3:4–9(NIV)

Insight

Gospel writers Matthew (1:1–16) and Luke (3:23–38) both include genealogies of Jesus. Several interesting genealogical gems are worth noting. Luke lists seventy-six generations; Matthew includes just forty-one. Each writer’s list is consistent with the purpose and emphases of their gospel. Matthew’s account begins with Abraham (v. 1) and ends with Jesus. Luke’s record begins with Jesus and is traced all the way back to Adam (v. 38). Matthew’s list highlights Jesus’ Abrahamic and Davidic roots. Luke, emphasizing Jesus as the Son of Man, takes his readers back to Adam, the father of mankind. It’s interesting that in Matthew’s account five women are listed among the names: Tamar (v. 3); gentiles Rahab and Ruth (v. 5); the wife of Uriah (v. 6), and Mary (v. 16).

Reflect & Pray

What unlikely places have you seen God’s grace showing up in your life? How can focusing on God’s big story help you find the grace in your part of that story?

Dear God, help us to find Your grace everywhere we look.