Daily Reading Week 46
Monday Nov. 14
Mark 14
Discover:
Where did Jesus and His disciples go after He instituted the Lord’s Supper – 14:26?
What prediction did He make – 14:27?
What Old Testament Scripture would this fulfill? Where is it found?
Respond:
Although all of the disciples except Judas had no active role in Jesus’ execution, their cowardice and denials surely caused the Good Shepherd significant pain. Along with the physical and spiritual suffering our Savior endured, his closest friends abandoned him. Even Peter, who had exclaimed his willingness to die for Jesus, fled from his side. Despite this, Jesus did not reject them. Like Peter, all who come to Jesus and mourn in repentance over their sin will be restored to Christ through grace.
Tuesday nov 15
psalm 88
Discover:
What is your initial impression as you read today’s passage?
Do you feel hopeful? Or discouraged?
Read Romans 8:26 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 for guidance on how believers can respond during times of struggle.
Respond:
There are volumes of best selling Christian books that offer believers the key to “your best life now”. Contemporary Christian music often has no place for grief. If our spiritual appetite indulges only these things we will be ill prepared for the kinds of suffering that scripture says we will surely endure. Psalms and Lamentations in particular are full of prayers of lament. Today’s passage, however, stands alone among the Psalms in that it ends in darkness. Typically we see a psalmist move from complaint to confidence that God will deliver him. Is this a confession that God has abandoned the writer? I don’t believe we can draw this conclusion. John Calvin writes: “This kind of complaint justly deserves to be reckoned among the unutterable groanings of which Paul makes mention in Romans 8:26. Had the prophet thought himself rejected and abhorred by God, he certainly would not have persevered in prayer.” God is fully aware of the dark times in our life. During these times we persevere in prayer even if all we can do is cry before God.
Wednesday nov 16
2 Corinthians 4
Discover:
In 4:7, what is the treasure, and what are the earthen vessels?
Is the power of the gospel in the message or in the messenger?
Where else has Paul taught this?
In what sense did Paul bear or manifest the dying and the life of Jesus?
Respond:
Having previously covered how Christinas are moving from glory to greater glory, In Chapter 4 Paul now says that the opposite is happening. He tells us that the believer’s glory is most often displayed when they suffer, and not during prosperity. We have to understand this in light of the life and work of Jesus. Although he suffered greatly on our behalf, he was exalted to glory. In similar fashion believers can expect suffering to ultimately be followed by glory. It is part of our glory as followers of Christ to join in his suffering and to take up our cross daily.
Thursday nov. 17
Hebrews 2
Discover:
What did Jesus’ suffering accomplish – 2:10?
Why was this necessary?
How is Jesus compared to men in 2:17?
Where else has this been stated?
Where else is it stated that Jesus needed to experience human conditions in order to accomplish His purpose effectively?
Respond:
Have you ever been rejected, betrayed, or hated? What was that like?
What can you do to show love in action to a person who has rejected you?
Are there any specific strategies that Jesus used at his trial that you could offer as counsel to a friend who has been fired, divorced, sued, or cheated in business?
How can the pain we endure increase in faith, hope, and love of others?
friday nov. 18
James 1
Discover:
What is meant by praying “in faith,” and what happens when we pray doubting?
In what should the lowly brother and the rich brother glory – 1:9,10?
If God is not the source of temptation, what is He the source of – 1:17?
What is the connection between God’s word and the new birth?
Respond:
At first glance it can be difficult to discern an overarching theme in James’ epistle as he moves from issue to issue seemingly at random. On further investigation however, we see that James’ overriding concern is to demonstrate how believers can deal with suffering from the viewpoint of genuine faith displayed in words and actions. He also shows us how our faith can be purified through the trials of life. If you are experiencing trials today, remember that God uses these experiences to strengthen your faith and to lead you to depend on him alone for your deliverance.
saturday nov. 19
James 2
Discover:
What new subject is introduced in 2:14-26, and how is the issue stated in 2:14?
What example in 2:15,16 illustrates the issue?
What does the illustration prove – 2:17?
According to 2:18, how are works and faith related?
What Bible character is introduced in 2:21, and what did he do?
Respond:
Real faith means that we are doers of the word, not just hearers. Obedience is the result of authentic faith and is displayed in the taming of the tongue and the respect of all believers regardless of their status. Believers who do these things act according to the “royal law” of Jesus. Because of this living faith they can anticipate their ultimate reward. James deals rather harshly with those that claim Christ and yet do not follow this “royal law”. According to James, a faith that does not produce good works is no faith at all. Examine your heart today and ask yourself how your faith has influenced your behavior.
sunday nov. 20
Numbers 22
Discover:
What do you learn about Balaam from Numbers 22:5-14?
What answer does Balaam give to the first group of messengers who came to him from Moab?
But what does he do when a second group is sent to him?
When Balaam seeks further counsel from the Lord, what does the Lord tell him to do?
How does the Lord react when Balaam accompanies the messengers to Moab?
Respond:
When Balaam had initially consulted with the Lord he received a very clear answer from God: “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse these people, for they are blessed.” But now when Balaam seeks further revelation about this matter (hoping to gain divine permission so that he will not forfeit a lucrative soothsaying contract), the Lord “allows” Balaam to accompany the princes back to Moab. Knowing the desire and intent of Balaam’s heart, the Lord is beginning to release Balaam from their relationship and allow him to pursue his own way. This is how Paul tells us in Romans 1 that God judges the wicked. Although the Lord “allowed” Balaam to go, we are told that God’s anger was aroused because he went, and the angel of Jehovah took his stand in the road as an adversary against him. Three times blocking Balaam’s way. In effect, God is saying to Balaam, “I told you not to go, yet you insist on going; now I’m letting you have your way, but I want you to see what is going to be the result: I will be your Adversary”. If we continue to resist God he will eventually give us our way, to our ultimate detriment.