SATURDAY 30TH APRIL, 2022

FRIDAY 29TH APRIL 2022-SPIRITUAL DIAGNOSIS

 

April 29

Spiritual Diagnosis

Bible in a Year:

• 1 Kings 6–7
• Luke 20:27–47

We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord.

Jeremiah 44:16

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Chemotherapy reduced the tumor in my father-in-law’s pancreas, until it didn’t. As the tumor began to grow again, he was left with a life-and-death decision. He asked his doctor, “Should I take more of this chemo or try something else, perhaps a different drug or radiation?”

The people of Judah had a similar life-and-death question. Weary from war and famine, God’s people wondered whether their problem was too much idolatry or not enough. They concluded they should offer more sacrifices to a false god and see if she would protect and prosper them (Jeremiah 44:17).

Jeremiah said they had wildly misdiagnosed their situation. Their problem wasn’t a lack of commitment to idols; their problem was that they had them. They told the prophet, “We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord!” (v. 16). Jeremiah replied, “Because you have burned incense and have sinned against the Lord and have not obeyed him or followed his law or his decrees or his stipulations, this disaster has come upon you” (v. 23).

Like Judah, we may be tempted to double down on sinful choices that have landed us in trouble. Relationship problems? We can be more aloof. Financial issues? We’ll spend our way to happiness. Pushed aside? We’ll be equally ruthless. But the idols that contributed to our problems can’t save us. Only Jesus can carry us through our troubles as we turn to Him.

By:  Mike Wittmer

Today's Scripture

Jeremiah 44:16–18,20–23(NIV)

Insight

In Jeremiah 44:1–14, God sent a direct message through the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish refugees who’d gone to Egypt against His express direction (see 42:7–22). While there, they were “burning incense to other gods in Egypt” (44:8), which brought God’s clear warning (vv. 8–14). But the people saw only what they wanted to see and defiantly rejected God in favor of the false “Queen of Heaven” (vv. 17–19, possibly Ishtar) and other pagan gods. On the face of it, Jeremiah’s mission was a failure. Opposition to his message was extensive. Yet the prophet remained faithful to God despite his unpopularity.

By: Tim Gustafson

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Reflect & Pray

What personal problem has you stumped and how are you tempted to respond in a sinful way? What do you think Jesus might want you to do?

Jesus, I’d rather fail with You than succeed without You.

THURSDAY 28TH APRIL,2022-GROWING IN FAITH

 

April 28

Growing in Faith

Bible in a Year:

• 1 Kings 3–5
• Luke 20:1–26

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James‬ ‭1:4

Today's Scripture & Insight:

At the beginning of my gardening journey, I’d wake up early and run to my vegetable garden to see if anything had sprouted. Nothing. After an internet search for “fast garden growth,” I learned that the seedling stage is the most important phase of a plant’s lifespan. Knowing now that this process couldn’t be rushed, I came to appreciate the strength of small sprouts fighting their way through the soil toward the sun and their resilience to temperamental weather. After waiting patiently for a few weeks, I was finally greeted by bursts of green sprouts creeping through the soil.

Sometimes it’s easy to praise the victories and triumphs in our lives without similarly acknowledging that growth in our character often comes through time and struggle. James instructs us to “consider it pure joy” when we “face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). But what could possibly be delightful about trials?

God will sometimes allow us to go through challenges and hardships so that we can be molded into who He’s called us to be. He waits in anticipation for us to come out of the trials of life “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (v. 4). By staying grounded in Jesus, we can persevere through any challenge, growing stronger and ultimately allowing the fruit of the Spirit to blossom in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23). His wisdom gives us the nourishment we need to truly flourish each and every day (John 15:5).

By:  Kimya Loder

Today's Scripture

James 1:2–4(NIV)

Insight

The letter of James emphasizes the calling of believers in Jesus to grow in wisdom, uniting Jesus’ teachings and other wisdom teachings in Scripture to paint a picture of living wisely and faithfully. The Greek word teleios, translated “mature” in verse 4, is a key word in the book of James (also vv. 17, 25; 3:2). It’s a word that in the original language emphasizes wholeness and integrity. To be “mature” is to live a life in which our daily actions flow harmoniously from our beliefs. Conversely, to live foolishly, in ways that are inconsistent with what we say we believe, is to live a fractured and divided life. Throughout his letter, James draws attention to any behavior that stands in stark contrast to what true faith in Christ demands, urging believers to reject any such inconsistencies for the wholeness found in Jesus.

By: Monica La Rose

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Reflect & Pray

What trials have you been working through recently? What lessons are these circumstances revealing to you?

Dear heavenly Father, sometimes the trials I face seem unbearable. Please give me the strength to persevere, and help me as I grow in faith and develop into the fruit-bearing believer that You’ve called me to be.

WEDNESDAY 27TH APRIL, 2022-SING AGAIN

 April 27

Sing Again

Bible in a Year:

• 1 Kings 1–2
• Luke 19:28–48

Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel!

Zephaniah 3:14

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Australia’s regent honeyeater bird is in trouble—it’s losing its song. Though once an abundant species, just three hundred birds now remain; and with so few others to learn from, the males are forgetting their unique song and failing to attract mates.

Thankfully, conservationists plan to rescue the honeyeaters by singing to them. Or, more precisely, play them recordings of other honeyeaters singing so they can relearn their heart song. As the males pick up the tune and attract females again, it’s hoped the species will flourish once more.

The prophet Zephaniah addressed a people in trouble. With so much corruption among them, he announced that God’s judgment was coming (Zephaniah 3:1–8). When this later came to pass through capture and exile, the people too lost their song (Psalm 137:4). But Zephaniah foresaw a time beyond judgment when God would come to this decimated people, forgive their sins, and sing to them: “He will take great delight in you, in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). As a result, the heart song of the people would be restored (v. 14).

Whether through our own disobedience or the trials of life, we too can lose our heart song of joy. But a Voice is singing over us songs of forgiveness and love. Let’s listen to His melody and sing along.

By:  Sheridan Voysey

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Reflect & Pray

When do you find it hardest to retain your joy in God? What song, poem, or prayer can you give to God in response to His rejoicing over You?

Loving God, it’s amazing to imagine that You would sing songs of joy over me. I praise You and sing my own song of praise to You.

TUESDAY 26TH APRIL, 2022

MONDAY 25TH APRIL, 2022

SUNDAY 24TH APRIL, 2022-FEELING DUSTY

 

April 24

Feeling Dusty

Bible in a Year:

• 2 Samuel 19–20
• Luke 18:1–23

He remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103:14

Today's Scripture & Insight:

When Warren mentioned during our weekly ministry team call that he was “feeling dusty,” I sensed that this was his way of referencing the physical challenges associated with aging and ill-health. For Warren and his wife, both in their late sixties, 2020 included doctors’ visits, surgical procedures, and the rearranging of their home to accommodate in-home care. They were on the other side of the prime of life and they were feeling it.

One doesn’t have to live long before sensing our inadequacies, imperfections, and weaknesses—physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. God, in the person of His Son, Jesus, stepped into our fallen world and cares for those who experience the liabilities of human existence (Psalm 103:13). Furthermore, David wrote, “He knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (v. 14). The term dust takes us back to Genesis: “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (2:7).

Are you feeling dusty these days? Welcome to the realities of earthly living. Remember, however, that when we feel most vulnerable, we’re not left alone. Our compassionate God “knows” and “remembers.” He demonstrated His love to us by sending His Son to provide forgiveness for earthly people like you and me. Whatever life may bring, may we trust in Him.

By:  Arthur Jackson

Today's Scripture

Psalm 103:13–19(NIV)

Insight

A key word in Psalm 103:13–19 is compassion (Hebrew racham). God is described as having the compassion of a father toward His children (v. 13). This description echoes God’s description of Himself in Exodus 34, where He reveals His glory to Moses and says, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished” (vv. 6–7). Compassion is the first adjective God uses to describe Himself when He allowed Moses to see Him in a way that no one else had. It’s one of His defining characteristics of His relationship with us.

By: J.R. Hudberg

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Reflect & Pray

What situations make you aware of your human limitations? How have you seen the hand of God in the midst of your weaknesses?

Father, though in various ways I feel my limitations—my dustiness—help me to be strong in faith and trust You.

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL, 2022-WHAT COUNTS IS OUR FOCUS ON CHRIST

 

April 23

What Counts

Bible in a Year:

• 2 Samuel 16–18
• Luke 17:20–37

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Romans 14:19

Today's Scripture & Insight:

My friend recounted how she’d pointedly been asked by a fellow believer and colleague which political party she belonged to. His aim in asking the question seemed to be to predict whether he agreed with her on any number of issues currently dividing their community. In an effort to find common ground between them, she simply replied, “Since we’re both believers, I’d rather focus on our unity in Christ.”

People were also divided in Paul’s day, though over different issues. Topics such as what foods were permissible to eat and what days were considered holy brought disagreement among the Christians in Rome. Despite being “fully convinced in their own mind” on whichever position they held, Paul reminds them of their common ground: living for Jesus (Romans 14:5–9). Instead of passing judgment on one another, he encouraged them to “do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (v. 19).

In an era when many countries, churches, and communities are divided over issues large and small, we can point one another to the unifying truth of Christ’s work on the cross to secure our life with Him eternally. Paul’s reminder that we ought not “destroy the work of God” (v. 20) with our individual positions is as timely today as it was 2,000 years ago. Instead of passing judgment on one another, we can act in love and live in a way that honors our brothers and sisters.

By:  Kirsten Holmberg

Today's Scripture

Romans 14:13–23(NIV)

Insight

Two of the most difficult responsibilities for believers in Christ are seen in Paul’s challenge in Romans 14:19—we’re to pursue the things that make for peace and the things that edify one another. The first is difficult because there are many divisive elements in the life of the church. A heart of peace, which is the fruit of wisdom (as seen in James 3:13–18), is necessary if we’re to display relationships that honor God. The goal of edification is difficult because it’s easy to look out only for our own interests. Keeping our responsibilities to one another is essential if we’re to display Jesus in our world.

By: Bill Crowder

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Reflect & Pray

When did a difference of opinion cause division between you and another believer? If you resolved your differences, how did you do so?

Jesus, thank You for saving me. Forgive me for the times I get distracted by lesser issues and allow division to occur between myself and other believers. Help me to bring unity through focusing on You.

FRIDAY 22ND APRIL, 2022

THURSDAY 21ST APRIL 2022

WEDNESDAY 20TH APRIL, 2022

TUESDAY 19TH APRIL, 2022

EASTER MONDAY 18TH APRIL, 2022

RESURRECTED SUNDAY 17TH APRIL, 2022

HOLY SATURDAY 16TH APRIL, 2022

GOOD FRIDAY 15TH APRIL 2022

THURSDAY 14TH APRIL, 2022

WEDNESDAY 13RD APRIL 2022

TUESDAY 12TH APRIL, 2022-LIKE US FOR US

April 12

Like Us, for Us

Bible in a Year:

• 1 Samuel 19–21
• Luke 11:29–54

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way.

Hebrews 2:17 

Today's Scripture & Insight:

Derek noticed his son didn’t want to take off his shirt to swim and realized it was because he was self-conscious about a birthmark that covers parts of his chest, belly, and left arm. Determined to help his son, Derek underwent a lengthy and painful tattooing process to create an identical mark on his own body.

Derek’s love for his son reflects God’s love for His sons and daughters. Because we, His children, “have flesh and blood” (Hebrews 2:14), Jesus became like us and took on a human form and “shared in [our] humanity” to free us from the power of death (v. 14). “He had to be made like [us], fully human in every way” (v. 17) to make things right with God for us.

Derek wanted to help his son overcome his self-consciousness and so made himself “like” him. Jesus helped us overcome our far greater problem—slavery to death. He overcame it for us by making Himself like us, bearing the consequence of our sin by dying in our place.

Jesus’ willingness to share in our humanity not only secured our right relationship with God but enables us to trust Him in our moments of struggle. When we face temptation and hardship, we can lean on Him for strength and support because “he is able to help” (v. 18). Like a loving father, He understands and cares.

By:  Kirsten Holmberg

Today's Scripture

Hebrews 2:10–18(NIV)

Insight

In Hebrews 2, the writer points to the “pioneer” of salvation—Jesus Himself (v. 10). Hebrews 12:2 uses the same word (archēgos) to speak of Him as the pioneer of our faith. Other translations render the term as “author,” “originator,” “founder,” or “captain.” The term connotes one who initiates. In Romans 8:29, the apostle Paul calls Jesus “the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Integral to His pioneering work is the fact that “both the one who makes people holy [Christ] and those who are made holy [those who believe in Him] are of the same family. So, Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11). Not only are we brothers and sisters with each other, but also with Christ Himself.

By: Tim Gustafson

Reflect & Pray

How might Jesus relate to the struggle you’re facing right now? What keeps you from leaning on Him in this moment?

Thank You, Jesus, for taking on a human form to relate to me in my struggles and pay for my wrongdoings. I want to trust You more.

MONDAY 11TH APRIL 2022

SUNDAY 10TH APRIL 2022

SATURDAY 9TH APRIL, 2022

FRIDAY 8TH APRIL 2022

THURSDAY 07TH APRIL 2022

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL,2022

TUESDAY 5TH APRIL 2022

MONDAY 4TH APRIL 2022

SUNDAY 3RD APRIL 2022

SATURDAY 2ND APRIL, 2022

FRIDAY 1ST APRIL 2022-WITNESS MARKS

 April 1

Witness Marks

Bible in a Year:

• Judges 13–15
• Luke 6:27–49

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

Romans 15:2

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Today's Scripture & Insight:

“See that?” The clock repairman pointed his flashlight beam on a small, fine mark roughly engraved inside the old grandfather clock he was working on in our home. “Another repairman could have put that there almost a century ago,” he said. “It’s called a ‘witness mark,’ and it helps me know how to set the mechanism.”

Before the age of technical bulletins and repair manuals, “witness marks” were used to help the person making a future repair align moving parts with precision. They were more than just time-saving reminders; they were often left as a simple kindness to the next person doing the work.

The Bible encourages us to leave our own “witness marks” as we work for God by serving others in our broken world. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome: “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” (Romans 15:2). This is the example of our God, “who gives endurance and encouragement” (v. 5). It’s about being a good citizen of both earth and heaven.

Our “witness marks” may seem like small things, but they can make a vital difference in someone’s life. An uplifting word, a financial gift to someone in need, and a listening ear—all are kindnesses that can have a lasting impact. May God help you make a mark for Him in someone’s life today!

By:  James Banks

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Reflect & Pray

What “witness marks” have others left in your life to encourage you? What simple kindness can you do for another believer today?

Almighty Father, thank You for the loving-kindness You’ve shown me through Your Son, Jesus. Please help me to reflect Your love in even the smallest things I do today.