Daily Reading Week 52

Sunday

Philippians 1:9-11

Focus Verse: Philippians 1:9-10

Commentary: Paul's prayer for the Philippians is that their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. This love is not just an emotional feeling but a love that is informed and wise. It is a love that leads to discernment, helping us to approve what is excellent and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. This passage encourages us to grow in love and understanding, which will lead to us finding what really matters and living a fruitful life that glorifies God.

Questions:

  1. In what ways can you grow in love and knowledge this year?

  2. How can you discern what is excellent in your daily decisions?

  3. What steps can you take to live a life that is pure and blameless?

Monday

Romans 12:1-8

Focus Verse: Romans 12:2

Commentary: Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is true worship. He warns against conforming to the patterns of this world and instead calls for transformation through the renewal of the mind. This transformation allows us to test and approve God’s will—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Questions:

  1. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice?  How can you present yourself as a living sacrifice in your daily life?

  2. What practical steps can you take to renew your mind?

  3. What are some patterns of the world that you need to resist?

  4. How can you discern God’s will for your life?

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Commentary: As we approach the end of the year, this passage reminds us that in Christ, we are a new creation. The old has gone, and the new is here. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continual process of becoming more like Christ. We are also called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with others.

Questions:

  1. What old habits or mindsets do you need to leave behind as you enter the new year?

  2. How can you embrace your identity as a new creation?

  3. How can you share the message of reconciliation with others?

Tuesday

Wednesday

Isaiah 43:18-19

Commentary: As we begin a new year, God’s promise in Isaiah is a powerful reminder that He is doing a new thing. He calls us to forget the former things and not dwell on the past. God is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. This is a call to trust in God’s provision and guidance as we step into the unknown.

Discussion:

  • What new thing is God doing in your life?

  • How can you let go of the past and embrace the future?

  • In what ways can you trust God’s provision in the new year?

Questions:

  1. What are some past experiences you need to let go of?

  2. How can you be open to the new things God wants to do in your life?

  3. How can you trust God to make a way in the wilderness of your life?

Thursday

Ephesians 4:1-6

Commentary: Paul urges believers to live a life worthy of the calling they have received. This involves humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love. Unity in the Spirit is emphasized, as we are called to maintain the bond of peace. This passage challenges us to reflect on our relationships and how we can contribute to unity within the body of Christ.

Questions:

  1. How can you live out your calling in your daily life?

  2. What steps can you take to promote unity in your community?

  3. How can you bear with others in love?

Friday

Colossians 3:12-17

Commentary: Paul instructs believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Above all, we are to put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The peace of Christ should rule in our hearts, and we are called to be thankful. This passage encourages us to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly and to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Questions:

  1. How can you practice these virtues in your interactions with others?

  2. What role does thankfulness play in your life?

  3. How can you let the word of Christ dwell in you richly?

Saturday

Matthew 5:13-16

Commentary: Jesus calls His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves and flavors, while light illuminates and guides. We are called to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. This passage challenges us to consider how we can influence the world around us for Christ.

Questions:

  1. What does it mean to be the salt of the earth?

  2. What are some practical ways you can let your light shine?

  3. How can your actions point others to God?