Week of May 22 through May 28
Something to think about this week: At least three things you would say are lovable and not lovable about yourself.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 19 – The Heavens Tell God’s Glory.
Tues. – Galatians 1:10-24 – Responding to the Gospel.
Wed. – Philippians 3:1-14 – Only Christ Matters.
Thurs. – Philippians 3:15-21 – Our Citizenship Is in Heaven.
Fri. – Acts 9:1-9 – Blinded by the Light.
Sat. – Acts 9:10-22 – Saul Preaches Jesus.
Sun. – Acts 9:23-31 – Saul Escapes to Jerusalem.
In seminary I took an intensive class—a whole semester’s worth of classroom lectures in a marathon one-week session. After the first day most of us were exhausted but “Jim” was still enthused, answering every question and “humble-bragging” on his own accomplishments. By midweek I wanted to drop the class but realized that the devil was trying to distract me from learning valuable ministry skills. So, I tried a different approach. Every time Jim started talking, I mentally prayed for him as if I were praying for myself. I asked God to bless his studies, his family, his ministry, to give him health and peace and joy, and every material thing he needed, to make him a blessing to others, to bless him more than He blessed me. By the end of the week, I learned a lesson about one of the most valuable ministry skills—it’s hard to hate someone you pray for!
Lesson 13 – May 26 – Saul of Tarsus
Bless Them, Even When It’s Hard
What do we do with people in our lives who seem to see things very differently than we do? Even worse, what if they start talking about us, ridiculing us, or lying about us?
In today’s lesson, the Holy Spirit led a man named Ananias to speak to Saul, the biggest, baddest, Christian-hater of the time. Can you imagine how Ananias must have reacted when he learned he was the one chosen? “Who, me?”
Perhaps we would react that way as well, if the Holy Spirit asked us to approach an “enemy.” Yet God’s ways are not our ways—He had a purpose in sending Ananias to Saul. God clued Ananias in on why he was being sent to Saul. Then, seemingly without hesitation, Ananias obeyed God. He went straight to his enemy and did as he was told.
Today’s question is, would we do the same? If the Holy Spirit leads us to go to someone who we might consider an enemy, would we be willing to follow God’s prompting and obey, even if we’re confused as to why God is nudging us? Jesus said, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28).
It would be hard. But are we willing, when God calls?
The Rest of the Story
Acts chapter 9
Verses 18-19 describe the results of Ananias’s obedience: “Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized” (vs. 18). Saul was healed and made a public profession of Christ. At this time, he also finally began to eat again: “and after taking some food, he regained his strength” (vs. 19a).
Almost immediately, “he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God” (vs. 20). Saul’s actions soon angered the Jewish community in Damascus, who tried to kill him. Therefore, “his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall” (vs. 25), enabling Saul to escape the city unharmed. These events marked the beginning of Saul’s (Paul’s) successful ministry throughout the Roman world—and the beginning of his sufferings for Christ.
Week of May 15 through May 21
Something to think about this week: How would you describe the Holy Spirit and what does He mean to you?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Acts 6:8-15 – The Witness of Stephen.
Tues. – Acts 7:48-8:2 – The First Martyr.
Wed. – Isaiah 60:9-14 – The Far Countries Wait for God.
Thurs. – Zechariah 8:1-8, 20-23 – Many People Will Come.
Fri. – Psalm 139:1-10 – God Is Present Everywhere.
Sat. – Acts 8:4-17 – Samaritans Embrace the Gospel.
Sun. – Acts 8:26-40 – The Spirit Guides Us.
The Holy Spirit makes Jesus real to us. He comes to live within us when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. He empowers and guides us, and He leads us to the truth. He always points to Jesus, not to somewhere or someone else. The Spirit is the truth of God in us.
Lesson 12 – May 21 – An Ethiopian Is Baptized
In the scripture for this lesson the Spirit had opened the door for Philip because the Ethiopian had already expressed interest in understanding a portion of Scripture that pertained directly to Jesus. We may not always have such an obvious opportunity opened to us, but if we are sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, He will help us see when someone is open to hearing the way of salvation.
The Holy Spirit of God gives us the wisdom—wisdom to help us show others the way to Christ. Narrow is the road to God, and everyone is not going to find it, but for those who are willing, we must be ready to help.
Click/touch here for more about the topic of salvation.
Week of May 8 through May 14
Something to think about this week: What would you say if someone who is not a Christian asked you what Jesus has to offer them?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon – Luke 10:1-9 – Sent to Preach and Heal.
Tues – Luke 10:10-24 – Rejoice in Salvation, Not Power.
Wed – Psalm 41 – God Protects and Preserves.
Thurs – Psalm 42 – My Soul Longs for God.
Fri – Isaiah 35:1-10 – Sorrow Will Flee.
Sat – Acts 3:1-11 – Walking, Leaping, and Praising.
Sun – Acts 3:12-26 – Prophets Foretold, God Fulfilled.
Lesson 11 – May 14 – Jumping for Joy
Christian Assurance (from Confession of Faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches)
4.27 Believers who seek to know and to do the will of God, and who live in him as he lives in them, may in this life be assured of salvation and thus rejoice in the hope of fully sharing the glory God.
4.28 This comforting assurance is founded upon the promises, the consciousness of peace with God through Christ, the witness of the Holy Spirit with the believers’ spirits that they truly are God’s children. Assurance is the promise of the believers’ full inheritance.
4.29 This assurance may not immediately accompany initial trust in Christ. It will increase, however, as the believer faithfully participates in the worship, sacraments, ministry, witness, and life of the covenant community, through which God confirms to believers the promise never to leave or forsake them.
Almsgiving
Making provision for the poor is a matter of importance to the Lord, but it had to be done in a manner that glorified Him rather than self. In what we call the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonished His listeners not to give alms before others in a way that drew attention to themselves, for in so doing, there would be no reward for them from their heavenly Father. Therefore, they were not to hypocritically trumpet what they were doing, for if they did, their only reward would be the praise of the onlookers. Instead, almsgiving was to be done so secretly that the left hand would not even know what the right hand was doing, in a manner of speaking. When the heart of the giver is to glorify God rather than self, then there is great reward from the Father (see Matt. 6:1-4).
Such was the heart of Peter and John. They understood that they had nothing of their own to offer the man asking for alms. So rather than initially drawing attention from the passersby, they told only the lame man to look at them. When he did, they first admitted that they had no money to give, but the Lord did have something for him. And, as we see in the lesson’s passage, what the man received brought glory to the Lord, which in turn moved the hearts of many to seek Jesus for themselves.
Week of May 1 through May 7
Something to think about this week: Ways in which people try to reach up to God and gain His acceptance (other than through Christ).
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 68:17-19, 24-35 – God’s Strength Revealed.
Tues. – John 14:15-27 – The Spirit of Truth.
Wed. – John 16:1-15 – The Spirit Testifies of Jesus.
Thurs. – Psalm 16 – The Lord My Chosen Portion.
Fri. – Acts 2:1-13 – Amazement at the Spirit’s Power.
Sat. – Acts 2:14-28 – The Promise Fulfilled.
Sun. – Acts 2:29-42 – Receive the Gift of the Spirit.
Some examples could include good works, prayer and/or fasting, etc. None of these things can reconcile us to God because of our sins. Jesus is the only One that can reconcile us to God because of His life, death, and resurrection. This week’s lesson teaches us what happened on the Day of Pentecost and its importance to our salvation through Jesus Christ.
Lesson 10 – May 7 – The Day of Pentecost
Peter’s first sermon was an act of evangelism, meant to usher those who had been unreconciled with God into His kingdom—saved and redeemed. The moment of salvation is called justification. Jesus described this moment in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. In this story, the Jewish man, considered a traitor by his countrymen, says “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.” Jesus said that this man walked away justified. The tax collector simply repented of (acknowledged) his disobedience, and asked God to be merciful to him. While there are as many types of conversion experiences as there are personalities, they all have this two-sided coin in common: repentance and belief.
The Most Important Decision in Your Life
Decisions, decisions, and more decisions are required of us daily—from deciding what we will eat, to what clothes we will wear, to where we will live, to who we will marry.
Yet, the most important decision any human being will make is, “Where will I spend eternity?” Jesus said in John 5:24, “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” The decision to call on the name of the Lord and be saved is not a casual decision or one to be put off till tomorrow. And it is a decision that everyone must make.
Have you made this decision to be saved through calling on the name of the Lord? If not, why not? If yes, how can you share this truth with others?
Week of April 24 through April 30
Something to think about this week: A time you felt hopeless about something.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Matthew 28:1-10,16-20 – Go and Make Disciples.
Tues. – Joel 2:1-15 – The Day of the Lord Approaches.
Wed. – Hebrews 1:1-14 – The Son Sits at God’s Right Hand.
Thurs. – Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus, Our Great High Priest.
Fri. – Hebrews 9:8-22 – An Eternal Inheritance.
Sat. – Psalm 24 – Lift Up Your Heads, 0 Gates!
Sun. – Acts 1:1-11 – You Shall Receive Power.
Lesson 09 – April 30 – Jesus Makes a Promise
A relationship with Jesus could turn hopelessness into hope. We all have hope in Jesus we need to share-everywhere.
Witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Ends of the Earth
The first Christians quickly started the fulfillment of Jesus’ command in Acts 1:8. Peter proclaimed the Gospel to the crowds of Jews who had come to Jerusalem for Pentecost, and 3,000 committed their lives to Jesus (2:14-41). The number of believers in Jerusalem increased to the point that the religious leaders began persecuting the new converts so that they were then “scattered throughout Judea and Samaria” (8:1) When Philip proclaimed Jesus Christ in Samaria, Peter and John came there to investigate, prayed for the converts to receive the Holy Spirit, then “preached the gospel in many Samaritan villages” (8:25) on their way back to Jerusalem. Philip then witnessed to an Ethiopian eunuch, who consequently took the Gospel message with him back to witness in his country. At that time, Ethiopia was considered to be at the “ends of the earth.” Further, many Jews who were in Jerusalem for Pentecost from all over the Roman Empire also heard the Gospel message in their own language (Acts 2:1-12) and committed to Jesus as their Savior, thus becoming witnesses to the Gospel in other “ends of the earth” when they returned home.
Lifestyle Witnessing
We need to pray for God’s leading and actively seek opportunities to witness for Jesus.
Ask God to help you be a witness for Jesus in your life. Daily pray and obey the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Week of April 17 through April 23
Something to think about this week: Something you broke recently and what you did to repair it.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Matthew 10:28-42 – Jesus Brings Danger and Conflict.
Tues. – John 18:13-27 – Peter Denies Jesus.
Wed. – Ezekiel 18:13-27 – Repent, Turn, and Live.
Thurs. – 2 Corinthians 7:1-11 – Godly Sorrow Produces Repentance.
Fri. – Psalm 51:1-9 – Blot Out My Transgressions.
Sat. – Psalm 51:10-19 – Create in Me a Clean Heart.
Sun. – John 21:15-25 – If You Love Me, Follow Me.
Lesson 08 – April 23 – Jesus Reinstates Peter
Jesus Loves You Still
I don’t know how many times I’ve let Jesus down. And every time my faith or character falters, I end up feeling unworthy of the One who saved me. I know that I’m supposed to be salt and light to the world; I know I’m supposed to exhibit what Christ is like. Yet I blunder more often than not in doing this, I’m less like Jesus than I ought to be, and when it comes to sin, no matter how hard I try, I seem to keep on doing many of the things Jesus is urging me not to do.
Sometimes I lay on my bed at night weeping over my inability to live the Christian life in ways that are pleasing in God’s eyes. But ironically, sometimes it’s in times of grief over my failures that I feel closest to Jesus. It is sometimes in those moments of despair that I end up recognizing that Jesus doesn’t hold anything against me and that He’s always ready to accept me back into His arms no matter what I’ve done.
As I think about this and what Jesus did to show He was ready to reinstate Peter, I’m reminded that being restored to a close and fruitful relationship with Jesus can be a one-time event. There can be that dramatic moment when we realize how far we’ve drifted away from Jesus, understand what is required to be restored to Him, and accept once-and-for-all Jesus’ willingness to bring us back into His arms. But it can also be something that happens more often if we’ve drifted away from Him for a time, experience guilt or shame for doing so, and recognize once again that no matter what we’ve done that we are never beyond the reach of His love.
You Are Not Beyond His Love
The apostle Paul wrote that “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39). These verses as well as today’s passage should be a source of encouragement as we consider the ways we’ve failed Jesus or haven’t done what He says is right or good. We are never beyond God’s love.
Week of April 10 through April 16
Something to think about this week: Thoughts, words, or pictures that come to mind when you hear the word “fellowship.”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Luke 7:36-50 – Hospitality and Redemption.
Tues. – 1 Corinthians 15:27-31, 35-44 – Raised with Christ in Glory.
Wed. – 1 Corinthians 15:45-58 – Death Is Swallowed Up in Victory.
Thurs. – Psalm 5 – God, Hear My Morning Prayer.
Fri. – Lamentations 3:21-36 – Great Is God’s Faithfulness.
Sat. – Psalm 30 – Joy Comes with the Morning.
Sun. – John 21:1-14 – Jesus Appears by the Sea of Galilee.
Lesson 07 – April 16 – Jesus Cooks Breakfast
Fellowship. It’s what was missing in many churches over the past couple of years because of the Covid pandemic. And we missed it! We are family; we love each other and want to be together. There’s something about gathering in person and sharing hugs, laughs, and sorrows. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” We love connecting with one another for sharing encouragement, joy, and prayer together.
News flash: Jesus feels the same. He wants to fellowship with us, too. He asks us to come to Him in prayer, to bring all of our concerns to Him, and to praise Him for His amazing attributes. He wants us to meditate on Him and speak the secrets of our soul in the quietness of that meditation time. He wants to be the vine, with us being the branches. He wants to be connected all day, every day, and not just when we send up an emergency prayer, sing worship choruses, or sit in a pew. He wants to abide with us. First John 1:3 states, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
Gather in with your Lord and Savior. He’s waiting.
The seven disciples John wrote about in today’s passage may have been surprised when Jesus called to them from the shore and invited them to breakfast. But we should not be surprised when He extends a similar invitation to us.
Why Are We So Surprised?
After reading today’s passage, I’m tempted to say that I would never be surprised by Jesus’ invitation to me to fellowship with Him. Yet I find myself responding more often than not as if I believed that Jesus does not want to spend time with me.
One of those times is when I am down in the dumps as the result of life throwing curves at me that I don’t understand or when experiencing troubles that I can’t cope with or fix. Rather than turning my attention upward and seeking time with the One who wants to guide me, I often turn inward, wallowing in a pit of uncertainty, wondering where Jesus is in the midst of my problems, feeling that He has abandoned me.
Then there are those times when I’m caught in a cycle of sin. When I know I’m not doing what’s right in God’s eyes, it’s easy to feel that He is disappointed with me and wants nothing to do with me. Guilt may cause me to turn away from Jesus in shame, pushing away the hand He is extending toward me, forgetting what He did so that I could be forgiven.
But ironically, I also may feel out of fellowship with Jesus when things are going well. I may take for granted the blessings I’ve received from Him or am slow to acknowledge their source; sometimes I’m so busy with my daily pursuits that I fail to hear or respond to the hailing of Jesus from the shore; sometimes I spend so much time in my boat looking for a fish that I forget how much Jesus wants to be in the boat with me.
Jesus wants to spend time with me no matter what the circumstances and is continually inviting me to fellowship with Him. It’s critical that I remember this, whether I’m in my boat or on the shore, and whether I think I deserve it or not.
Jesus’ Invitation to You
Jesus wants to spend time with us. But sometimes we let our daily pursuits or our personal troubles get in the way of recognizing or accepting this. What can help us to overcome this is setting aside some time each day to remind ourselves of Jesus’ desire to fellowship with us no matter what we are doing or how we are feeling.
Week of April 3 through April 9
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Something to think about this week: How to recognize Jesus in artwork you have seen.
Mon. – John 20:11-18 – I Have Seen the Lord!
Tues. – John 20:19-31 – Blessed Are Those Who Believe.
Wed. – Psalm 118:1-14 – The Lord Is My Strength.
Thurs. – Psalm 118:15-29 – I Shall Not Die, But Live.
Fri. – Luke 24:13-24 – Jesus Meets Two Disciples.
Sat. – Luke 24:25-35 – Jesus Opens the Disciples’ Eyes.
Sun. – Luke 24:36-49 – You Are Witnesses of These Things.
Lesson 06 – April 4 – Disciples Believe the Resurrection
The story of two men on the road to Emmaus invites us to change our perception of who Jesus is to align more closely with Scripture and who He says He is. In this story, we observe the men “were kept from recognizing him” (Luke 24:16) and later “their eyes were opened” (vs. 31).
Open Our Eyes, Lord
In this lesson, we read the story of Jesus appearing to two men as they walked on the road to Emmaus. As they traveled, the men discussed recent events that had taken place in Jerusalem—Jesus’ ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Jesus came alongside them and asked them what they were discussing. They expressed surprise that Jesus didn’t know what had happened, and they told Him the whole story, including the women’s account of the empty tomb.
At this time, the men didn’t believe the truth of the Resurrection; their response revealed their hope along with their current lack of faith. Even though they had the facts straight, they did not yet see Jesus for who He really is. In spiritual matters, how much more important is it for us to look deeper than what’s evident on the surface?
Jesus listened to their story and then rebuked them. He corrected their misguided expectation of a conquering hero and reminded them the Messiah would suffer. He went on to explain the fulfillment of prophecy concerning Himself, which was all the evidence they needed to believe that the Messiah had truly come. Something about His words resonated with the men, and they begged Jesus to stay with them for a meal. As Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them they recognized Him. Jesus opened their eyes to see who He is.
Encountering Jesus
At first, they didn’t recognize Jesus and expressed their frustration and lack of understanding regarding recent events in Jerusalem that led to Jesus’ death, crucifixion, and resurrection. Our observations of their encounter with Jesus provide insights into how Jesus wants to open our eyes to see more fully who He is.
We should go deeper in our faith—beyond what we see and hear on the surface—to respond to who Jesus is and what He wants to do in our lives. Jesus interacts with each of us on an individual basis.
Week of March 27 through April 2
Something to think about this week: What questions you have about the resurrection of Jesus.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Luke 19:28-40 – The Stones Would Shout.
Tues. – Luke 19:41-48 – Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem.
Wed. – Job 14:1-15 – As Fleeting as Shadows.
Thurs. – 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 – This Is My Body.
Fri. – Psalm 22:1-2, 7-19 – Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Sat. – Psalm 22:20-31 – Deliver Me, O Lord.
Sun. – Luke 24:1-12 – A Surprising Encounter.
Lesson 05 – April 2 – The Empty Tomb
If you’ve had the blessing of hanging around a four year old, you probably will soon learn his or her favorite word is, “Why?” “Why do I have to take a nap? Why do I have to brush my teeth? Why can’t I have another cookie? Why do I have to pick up my toys?”
On and on and on it goes. Preschoolers have a lot of questions. They are, after all, learning about the big world around them.
Sometimes adults have a lot of questions, too. It’s Easter time, and the resurrection of Jesus is the most celebrated event in a believer’s life; in fact, it’s the event that we build our faith upon. Without Christ’s resurrection, our faith is dead. Some believers have questions about the Resurrection, while most unbelievers don’t believe it happened at all, or don’t care. It’s not bad to explore questions about the Resurrection. In fact, your lesson will be focusing on those questions today. Welcome them!
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, summarizes the truth of the Resurrection of Christ: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.”
He died. He rose again. He lives today!
We often have questions about something, but that doesn’t change our belief about its truth. Some of the disciples didn’t know what to think about Jesus’ resurrection. People have always had questions about God, His purpose, and His power. In the story of Jesus’ birth, Mary asked the angel, “How can this be?” But she was quick to affirm her belief that it would happen, saying, “May it be to me as the Lord has said.” In the same way, the women believed the angels’ message and ran to tell the others that Jesus has risen.
The Wonder of the Resurrection
At first the women took their observations of the empty tomb at face value. Only when the angels appeared with news of much greater significance were they frightened. In their fear, perhaps they wondered if they could truly believe what they had seen. Not only was the tomb empty—which perhaps could be explained away—but the angels gave them a message straight from God. Jesus had risen, just as He said. The God they knew was faithful to keep His promises, and they believed the angels’ news of Jesus’ resurrection.
Once they accepted this wonderful news, the women ran to tell the other disciples. They had witnessed the reality of Jesus’ crucifixion, and now the truth of His resurrection. But the disciples had their own questions. Peter and John went to check out the story for themselves and saw the same tangible evidence: an empty tomb and “the [burial] strips of linen lying by themselves” (Luke 24:12). John believed (John 20:8), but Peter still wondered.
Often we see evidence of God’s hand at work, but still we wonder. How can this be? Are we deceiving ourselves? Is this a coincidence? How is it that Jesus lives again, here and now? We believe God with our whole hearts and trust Him with our lives, but we want detailed answers. We want to know the how and why in the great disappointments and uncertainty of life here on earth. Even without having all our questions answered now, through Jesus’ resurrection we have hope in our inheritance of eternal life in heaven (1 Pet. 1:3-4).
Week of March 20 through March 26
Something to think about this week: How God has shown you His compassion.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – James 4:1-10 – Resist the Devil.
Tues. – 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 – The Weapons of Our Warfare.
Wed. – Psalm 106:1-7, 36-41, 47-48 – Lord, Remember Your People.
Thurs. – Psalm 34:1-15 – The Lord Delivers the Fearful.
Fri. – Numbers 10:29-36 – Let God’s Enemies Be Scattered.
Sat. – Mark 5:1-13 – Jesus Sets a Demoniac Free.
Sun. – Mark 5:14-20 – Sent to Bear Witness.
Lesson 04 – March 26 – Jesus Overpowers Legion
When Jesus delivers us from evil, it is an act of mercy because we neither deserve His act of compassion nor do we have the power in ourselves to break the evil chains that bind us. This is not only true for us but it is also true for every human being, and that’s why God bids us to tell our story to others both transparently and humbly.
Jesus’ power over demons was evident when He cast the evil spirits out of a man who dwelled among the tombs in the region of the Gerasenes. Such power indicates that Jesus can release us from any bondage if we surrender our lives to His Lordship. Moreover, this act of liberation is so joyous that we can’t help but tell others what Jesus has accomplished within us, especially those who are enslaved to the evil within and outside them.
‘If the Son Sets You Free’
“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin,” Jesus noted, but then He assured His followers: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34, 36). Of course, “the Son” is Jesus, and so He was referring to Himself. Therefore, we can only know true freedom when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
In terrible distress because the prison cells had opened, the Philippian jailer was about to kill himself with his sword, but the apostle Paul intervened. Subsequently, when he realized that Paul had not escaped and that a miracle had occurred, the jailer asked how he could be saved. “Believe in the Lord Jesus,” Paul replied, “and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Because the jailer and his household believed in God, they “rejoiced” (verse 34). Amazingly, though he was a jailer of people, evil had spiritually imprisoned him, but the Son liberated him, and he was full of exaltation.
Similarly, everyone is in their own self-created and self-imposed prison unless Christ Jesus has freed them. But we have been redeemed in the sight of God. Our former prison, whose bricks comprised our fears, anxieties, addictions, depression, and arrogance, is vacant, and each of us has our own unique story of how the Lord liberated us, a story that can provide hope and encouragement and guidance to others who still dwell in their own dark dungeon.
Just like the Philippian jailer and the healed demoniac, we rejoice whenever we comprehend how wondrously Jesus has poured His compassion upon us and released us from the chains that had once enslaved us. When others hear our joy they are drawn to Jesus because of it.
Week of March 13 through March 19
Something to think about this week: Obstacles that could hinder you from sharing the good news about Jesus.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – John 7:37-43 – Rivers of Living Water.
Tues. – 2 Kings 17:24-34 – Worship God Alone.
Wed. – Ezra 4:1-8, 11 b-16 – Handling Opposition to God’s Plans.
Thurs. – Isaiah 44:1-8 – Water on a Thirsty Land.
Fri. – John 4:1-15 – Jesus Offers Living Water.
Sat. – John 4:16-26 – Worship in Spirit and Truth.
Sun. – John 4:27-29, 31-42 – Jesus the Savior of the World.
Lesson 03 – March 19 – Jesus Talks with a Samaritan
There are numerous barriers in the world in which we live: borders between countries, fences among neighbors, even walls within homes. The psychological barriers between people, however, can be even more difficult to scale, and one of the most formidable is that barrier between Jews and Gentiles.
From the day God marked the Hebrews as His own, a barrier stood between Jews and Gentiles until Jesus came to tear down that barrier. For Jesus “is our peace,” wrote the apostle Paul, “who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph. 2:14). What that also means is that within the fellowship of believers no barrier should exist among followers of the Lord Jesus.
Probably the most daunting barrier is the one between God and humans. Jesus, however, bridged the gap: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” (1 Tim. 2:5-6). And, since Jesus has extinguished the barrier between God and us, He can remove the barrier between God and those who still dwell in darkness, even our enemies.
Jesus Talks with a Samaritan
How cleverly the apostle John put together his Gospel! In chapter 3 we read about Jesus encountering a high-and-mighty religious leader by night—one of the most respected Jews in all the land. In the next chapter, we read about Jesus encountering a social outsider—one of the least respected people in her village. And yet Jesus treated them the same. Sure, He talked to them about various issues specific to their lives, but the way He talked to them—with genuine love and respect—was the same. One was no better than the other.
Sometimes when we find it difficult to share the Gospel it may be because of the hostility of a person toward Christianity the enmity that exists within the relationship, or outside factors that discourage such dialogue. Prayer may help us consider the thoughts and feelings of the person we’re wanting to talk to, while Scripture may provide us with how and what to say to a person. Sharing the Gospel strengthens one’s faith in Christ and furthers one’s sensitivity to others.
With all the many messages we send on our phones and computers, it’s easy to forget that the most important message we can convey is the Gospel. Truly, the Gospel message is a matter of life and death—that is, eternal life and death! If we were more mindful of this reality, then we would cross whatever barrier that may impede our ability to share the Gospel. Barriers are often difficult to cross, but they are not insurmountable.
Week of March 6 through March 12
Something to think about this week: The last time you stumbled on something and fell or nearly fell.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Matthew 15:21-28 – Jesus Heals a Gentile Girl.
Tues. – Matthew 19:13-22 – Let the Little Children Come.
Wed. – Proverbs 1:7-16 – Learn Wisdom, My Child.
Thurs. – Deuteronomy 4:7-14 – Teach Your Children God’s Laws.
Fri. – Jeremiah 1:1-10 – Consecrated from the Womb.
Sat. – Matthew 21:12-17 – The Praises of Children.
Sun. – Matthew 18:1-9; Mark 10:15 – The Greatest in the Kingdom.
Lesson 02 – March 12 – The Greatest in the Kingdom
Fall down in front of people – if they laugh, you’re young. If they panic, you’re old.
Watch Where You’re Going
My husband has neuropathy in his feet, so he has to be very careful when he walks, because he can’t feel his feet. He has to look at them to know where they are in space. He has already fallen several times, and he’s going to get seriously hurt one of these times.
What makes people stumble spiritually? Trials and Tribulations? Unanswered prayer? Anger toward another person, even in the Church Body? The list could go on—there are many things that can cause us to lose our firm spiritual foundation.
Today’s lesson warns us to reject everything that causes stumbling, especially as it relates to a child or a person who is immature in faith. Younger Christians look up to “senior believers” and watch our actions and reactions, even when we’re unaware. We must humbly walk the Jesus walk and talk the Jesus talk 24/7. People are watching and learning from us, both good and bad.
In Ephesians 5:15-16, the apostle Paul tells us, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Watch where you’re going. You can be sure others are watching you.
In this week’s Scripture lesson, Jesus tells the disciples that He wants His followers to be as innocent as the little child He called before them and to protect their fellow believers from stumbling. Such teaching is still applicable today.
In Jesus’ world, people measured greatness in terms of authority, status, and entitlements. Indeed, the mightiest and greatest were thought to exercise the most control over others. Everyone else existed as second-class members of society. The greater the person, the more prestige and rank this individual could confer on those closest to him or her.
When Jesus’ followers understood that He was the Messiah, they saw Him like one of Israel’s illustrious kings, especially David, who would save the country from the oppressive rule of Rome and bring freedom. It was natural, then, that they wanted to be able to share in His greatness. They likely imagined the benefits they would enjoy at His side. Perhaps they reasoned that, since they had been His earliest supporters, they deserved to be rewarded more than any other member of His entourage.
This week’s lesson describes how Jesus patiently told those closest to Him that they had it all wrong. Rather than define greatness according to the world’s pagan standards, they were to consider greatness in terms of humility.
Week of February 27 through March 5
Something to think about this week: Our “rebellious” stage against authority when we were young.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 28 – Lord, Hear My Prayer.
Tues. – Matthew 11:25-30 – Come to Me, You Weary.
Wed. – Matthew 14:13-21 – Jesus Shows Compassion.
Thurs. – Psalm 71:1-12 – I Take Refuge in the Lord.
Fri. – Psalm 71:13-24 – I Will Proclaim God’s Work.
Sat. – Luke 15:1-10 – Heavenly Rejoicing!
Sun. – Luke 15:11-24 – A Rebellious Son Restored.
Lesson 01 – March 5 – The Prodigal Son
No one knew where Mark was for almost a year until his father received a call from a sheriff’s office several counties away. Mark had stolen and wrecked a car. Would his father post bail and take custody of him until the hearing?
Mark expected no one would come for him. That’s why he wept when both his father and his brother came, posted bail, and hugged him in their loving arms.
Jesus told a story of two brothers. One leaves, one stays home; one’s a wanderer, one’s a homeboy; one’s lustful, one’s resentful. They’re both prodigals; they’re both wasteful. Neither is worthy. But one welcomes redemption while the other holds jealous indignation. The father is the only one who is good! And it’s him who wants both sons to sit at his table.
What Do You Call It?
Most people know this parable as “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” Prodigal means someone who spends money recklessly and extravagantly, as the younger brother did. However, it could also be called “The Parable of the Forgiving Father” since it illustrates how far the father in the story is willing to go to forgive his son. A third title could be “The Parable of the Two Sons” because the story does not end with the return of the younger son. The older son resents the party given for his brother and complains to his father, just as the religious leaders complained about Jesus welcoming and eating with the “tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 15:1-2) who came to hear His message of forgiveness.
Hitting Rock Bottom
Those enslaved to sin seem to suffer a sort of spiritual insanity; they can’t even see what they’re doing to themselves. Before they can find the road back from sin and rebellion, they often must hit rock bottom. It seems that only the full impact of sin’s consequences can cause them to come to their senses and see what they’ve done.
In love and compassion God reaches to the lowest levels of human despair to touch people with grace. But ultimately, repentance is a personal issue. A sinner must turn away from sin and turn to God.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 