Daily Reading Week 49
monday dec. 5
John 20
Discover:
Why does it matter that Jesus resurrected from the dead?
Would have believed that Jesus rose from the dead? What do you think your reaction would be?
Thomas is known as the doubter because of this moment. What are things in your life that have caused you to doubt God?
How is God showing you that he is there despite your doubts?
Respond:
As we will read later this week: Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 15:20, “20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the deadcomes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
Because Christ rose from the dead, we have opportunity as well. This is the power that conquers death.
tuesday Dec. 6
Psalm 16
Discover:
What is something good in your life that comes from God. Take a moment to thank him for that.
V.3 talks about Godly people in the land. Who are the Godly people in your life?
God has not left us for dead. He is with us. When was a time where God was with you?
What is the way of life? V.11
Respond:
Matthew Henry wrote about this section of scripture in a beautiful way, “Verses 8-11, are quoted by St. Peter in his first sermon, after the pouring out of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Ac 2:25-31; he declared that David in them speaks concerning Christ, and particularly of his resurrection. And Christ being the Head of the body, the church, these verses may be applied to all Christians, guided and animated by the Spirit of Christ; and we may hence learn, that it is our wisdom and duty to set the Lord always before us. And if our eyes are ever toward God, our hearts and tongues may ever rejoice in him. Death destroys the hope of man, but not the hope of a real Christian. Christ's resurrection is an earnest of the believer's resurrection. In this world sorrow is our lot, but in heaven there is joy, a fulness of joy; our pleasures here are for a moment, but those at God's right hand are pleasures for evermore.”
wednesday Dec. 7
1 chorithians 15
Discover:
What is the good news? V.3-7
Why do you think that the preaching is useless if Christ has not been raised from the dead as it says in v. 14
Will we be exactly the same when we are resurrected like Christ? V. 51
What do you think about verse 54-55. How does the resurrection change your thoughts on death?
How do we have victory over sin and death?
Respond:
Verse 58 is a powerful verse. Many times in our lives, we are weak and movable. We don’t have to live that way though, we are able to be strong and immovable because of the power of the resurrection. We no longer have this weight pulling us back, sin doesn’t control us anymore, we get to experience freedom because of what JEsus did. That means we can do everything with great purpose. We know what that freedom feels like and we also know that other people need to experience that. So take everything you do and do it for the glory of God this week!
thursday Dec. 8
1 Thessalonians 4
Discover:
What does it look like to live in a way that pleases God?
Why does Paul put such a heavy emphasis on sexual sin? What guardrails do you have in your life to help you avoid falling into that trap?
What goal does Paul tell us to have? V.11-12…. How are you doing with that?
Christ is going to return one day. He will be taking the believers with him. Have you considered what you believe recently? If you have never made that decision before, today is as good as time as any to make that decision.
Respond:
Make a short list of why you believe in the resurrection of Jesus.
What evidence for the resurrection is most compelling to you?
friday Dec. 9
1 John 1
Discover:
John opens the scripture by telling of evidence of Jesus in his own life. What evidence do you have of Jesus in your personal life?
How does that bring you joy?
Have you shared that joy with someone?
God is light. Sin is darkness. Why do you think that metaphor is true?
How do we get brought to the light? V.8-10
Respond:
Fausset said this about verse 10, “we have not sinned—referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in 1Jo 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us.”
Are you still holding onto guilt from the past? Give it to Jesus today!
saturday Dec. 10
Mark 7
Discover:
What verse did you connect with today?
What traditions do you need to get rid of?
What traditions do you want to adopt in your life?
Respond:
How do you make sure you are focused on the right things?
sunday Dec. 11
Luke 1
Discover:
What verse did you connect with today?
What emotions do you have in this Christmas season?
Have you ever had God tell you something and you doubted Him like Zechariah? What did you do to fix your response?
Respond:
Mary broke into a song of praise during an emotional moment in her life. What is your favorite worship song? Take a minute, listen to the song, and reflect on why that song means so much to you.
Then take a moment to write down what you know about God that is revealed in that song.