Lesson 13 – February 13 – Called to Serve
Galatians 3:28 breaks down every roadblock of division we can think of in just a few words: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Paul mentions in this verse huge divisions that were common in his time. What’s sad is that worldly divisions still exist today and keep us separated. Paul also told the Ephesians that because of what Jesus did on the Cross, “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Eph..2:19-20).
Week of February 22 through February 28
Something to think about this week: What things can divide us?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 1 Peter 4:7-11 – Don’t Complain; Serve One Another.
Tues. – Romans 12:9-19 – Everyday Expressions of Hospitality.
Wed. – Acts 16:35-40 – Hospitality Practiced in Jail and Home.
Thurs. – 1 Timothy 5:9-10; 3:2 – Hospitality Practiced by Widow and Overseer
Fri. – 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 – Christ, God’s Power and Wisdom.
Sat. – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – Know Jesus Christ Crucified.
Sun. – Acts 16:11-15, 40; 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 – Lydia, Model of Hospitality Practice.
Lesson 12 – February 21 – Called to Explain
Working together does not mean conforming to each other, but keeping your uniqueness while yet being unified. God gave different gifts to help spread the Gospel—different gifts to serve different purposes. Five, of those gifts according to Ephesians 4:11-13 are apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. The gifts were given to the church from God to build and equip people with wisdom and knowledge. This is done so that everyone can increase in their knowledge of the Lord and perform works of service.
Week of February 15 through February 21
Something to think about this week: Things that need to have people work together to do best such as running a relay race.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 2 Timothy 4:9-18 – Paul Reflects on His Ministry.
Tues. – Colossians 4:7-15 – Greetings to Saints in Jesus Christ.
Wed. – 2 Cor. 13:11-13; 1 Thess. 5:23-28 – Encourage One Another.
Thurs. – Acts 18:4-11 – Corinthian Ministry Shifts from Jews to Gentiles.
Fri. – Acts 18:12-17 – Roman Official Refuses to Settle Dispute.
Sat. – Romans 16:1-2, 6-7, 12-13, 16 – Greetings to All Sisters in Ministry.
Sun. – Acts 18:14, 18-21, 24-26; Romans 16:3-4; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19 – Priscilla, Key Outreach Minister.
Lesson 11 – February 14 – Called to Support
In terms of conveying the true character and teachings of Christ, some commendable qualities might include being a good parent/grandparent, a good host, or a good teacher. Every Christian should regard being an ambassador for Christ very seriously, since what we say and how we behave reflect not only on ourselves and our faith in Jesus but also on Him. We have the aroma of Christ by knowing what the Bible teaches about Christ and being able to convey that Christian message, by being obedient to Jesus’ teaching to be merciful and kind and forgiving, and by empathizing with those who have struggled with hardships and being able to describe to them how Jesus can help them.
Week of February 8 through February 14
Something to think about this week: When is testimony vital?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 – Jesus Appears to Paul.
Tues. – John 19:25-30 – Present with Jesus at the Cross.
Wed. – Mark 16:1-8 – Spices Prepared to Anoint Jesus’ Body.
Thurs. – John 20:1-9 – Mary Magdalene Finds the Tomb Empty.
Fri. – Matthew 28:1-10 – Angel Confirms Jesus’ Resurrection to Women.
Sat. – John 20:19-23 – Jesus Appears, Sends His Disciples into Ministry.
Sun. – Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40; John 20:10-18-1 – Mary Magdalene, Faithful Female Disciple.
Lesson 10 – February 7 – Called to Testify
In this week’s lesson, there was a woman by a well who met Jesus. She was surprised that He spoke to her, since men at that time usually didn’t speak to women, especially a Samaritan woman. She was even more shocked to realize He was the Messiah, after He was able to tell her all about her life. She then went home and simply told people what she had experienced. She didn’t need a college education to do it. She didn’t need an evangelistic course. She didn’t need to practice her testimony. She simply shared what had happened to her. God used her, and many townspeople saw and believed in Jesus because of her.
How can we be used to share Jesus in our own communities? Ask Jesus to use you in your home with your family, in your workplace, with your neighbors and friends, and in your church.
Week of February 1 through February 7
Something to think about this week: How can we share Jesus with others?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Revelation 21:1-8 – Receive the Water of Life.
Tues. – John 8:21-30 – Jesus Declares, “I Am from Above.”
Wed. – Romans 8:12-17 – God’s Children Led by the Spirit.
Thurs. – John 1:37-42 – Simon and Andrew First Disciples.
Fri. – John 1:43-51 – Galileans Philip and Nathanael Become Disciples.
Sat. – John 4:43-54 – Jesus Heals Son of Galilean Official.
Sun. – John 4:25-42 – Samaritans Come to Jesus.
Lesson 09 – January 31 – Called to Prophesy
God honors righteous women and gives them profound voices, as He did with Anna, the four daughters of Philip, and all who obey His will and call.
The validation of women’s contributions to the community of believers in service to the Lord God is certainly present throughout Scripture. Their voices continue to instruct, edify, and heal to this day. Whether we’re a Christian woman or a Christian man, we all can praise the Lord for manifesting His wisdom and His grace among faithful Christian women.
Week of January25 through January 31
Something to think about this week: Think of women in the Old Testament who spoke for God in some way.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Luke 10:38-42 – Jesus Supports Mary’s Choice.
Tues. – John 11:1-11 – Jesus Responds to Sisters’ Call.
Wed. – John 11:38-45 – Jesus Raises Lazarus; Mary Believes.
Thurs. – Luke 24:5-10 – Women Carry Resurrection Message to Apostles.
Fri. – Luke 24:44-53 – Jesus’ Final Words and Ascension.
Sat. – Luke 2:28-35 – Simeon Sees Impact of Jesus’ Ministry.
Sun. – Luke 2:36-38; Acts 2:16-21; 21:8-9 – The Spirit Empowers Daughters to Prophesy.
Lesson 08 – January 24 – Called for the World’s Belief
God wants us and our churches to accurately reflect what Jesus is like and to clearly articulate the Gospel message. This can be accomplished only if we are unified in spirit, purpose, and message, however, and if we are demonstrating Jesus’ love in visible and practical ways.
Week of January 18 through January 24
Something to think about this week: How does our church show what Jesus is like through unity and love?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Acts 12:5-11 – Prayer for Peter in Prison.
Tues. – Romans 15:22-33 – Pray for of Successful Ministry.
Wed. – Ephesians 3:14-21 – Pray for Inner Strength and Power.
Thurs. – Matthew 6:7-13 – Pray the Prayer of Our Lord.
Fri. – Luke 6:22-33 – Pray for Your Abusers.
Sat. – Luke 22:39-46 – Pray to Avoid Trials.
Sun. – John 17:13-24 – Jesus Prays for His Disciples.
Lesson 07 – January 17 – Called in Authority
There are many ways that Jesus makes us whole. First and perhaps foremost, Jesus makes us whole by forgiving our sins. In the process, He takes away the justification for us to carry a load of guilt about our past sins or beating ourselves up emotionally for what we’ve done wrong.
He makes us whole by giving guidance on what is good, right, and true, by calling us to act in faith that this is so, and by promising that the outcome will be far better than what would occur if we followed our own concept of right and wrong.
Jesus makes us whole by promising a future that is far better than anything we can experience in this life. Jesus says that there are better days ahead, even though the best will not happen until we enter eternity with Him.
Jesus makes us whole by giving our lives purpose and meaning. He emphasizes that we’ve been placed where we’re at for a reason and that He wants to use us in ways that are fruitful for us, others, and Him.
Jesus makes us whole by encouraging us when we are down, by comforting us when we are grieving, and by giving us strength when we are weak or weary. He is there when we feel lonely and promises to always be with us, no matter what.
Jesus makes us whole by changing us into His likeness, something that doesn’t result from us working hard to be good, but happens when we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us.
All of these things take time; they don’t happen instantaneously. And they can and will result when we fully trust that Jesus has the desire and authority to make us whole.
Week of January 11 through January 17
Something to think about this week: How do you know if something is “whole?”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 57:14-21 – Peace and Healing Will Come.
Tues. – 1 Peter 2:18-25 – Healed by Christ’s Wounds.
Wed. – Matthew 15:21-28 – Canaanite Daughter Healed by Mother’s Faith
Thurs. – James 5:13-16 – Anoint Sick with Oil and Prayer.
Fri. – Mark 5:21-34 – Woman Healed by Her Faith.
Sat. – Mark 2:13-17 – The Sick Need a Physician.
Sun. – Mark 2:1-12 – Jesus Heals and Forgives the Paralytic.
Lesson 06 – Jan 10 – Called to Follow
Jesus is calling us immediately to follow Him and participate in His mission of drawing people to God through salvation in Jesus. This doesn’t mean going around with a Bible and preaching to everyone we meet, although God may call us specifically to share His Word with others. However, one way we can participate in Jesus’ mission is by being a light for Jesus wherever we go. A light draws people away from darkness and into the right direction.
Week of January 4 through January 10
Something to think about this week: Think of a time when you were on a “mission” of some kind such as “mission” to finally finish a project that you started some time before or to get something done in a specific amount of time.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Exodus 3:1-12 – Called to Lead Israelites from Egypt.
Tues. – Judges 6:11-16 – Called to Deliver Israelites from Midianites.
Wed. – Isaiah 6:1-8 – Called and Cleansed for Ministry.
Thurs. – Luke 9:57-62 – Single Mindedness Required to Follow Jesus.
Fri. – Romans 2:1-11 – Repentance, Goal of God’s Kindness.
Sat. – John 21:15-19 – Jesus Calls Peter to Ministry.
Sun. – Luke 5:1-11 – Don’t Be Afraid to Catch People.
Lesson 05 – Jan 3 – Called to Proclaim
Hurting people are all around us, but we often hide our hurts from one another, especially in church where we prefer everyone thinks we have a good, happy life. We can look for non-verbal signs people give of their hurts such as sad faces, silence, and sighs, and pray for those people. How observant we are depends on how well we listen to the Holy Spirit nudging us to help those around us who need the Lord.
Week of December 28 through January 3
Something to think about this week: Think of and pray for the most hurting person you know at the present time.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Deuteronomy 8:1-11 – Live by God’s Word.
Tues. – Leviticus 25:8-17 – Jubilee, the Year of I God’s Favor.
Wed. – 1 Kings 17:7-16 – The Miracle of the Meal and Oil.
Thurs. – 2 Kings 5:1-14 – Naaman’s Leprosy Healed in Jordan River.
Fri. – Luke 4:1-13 – Jesus Overcomes the Devil’s Temptations.
Sat. – Luke 4:23-30 – Jesus Is Driven out of Nazareth.
Sun. – Luke 4:14-22 – Jesus’ Mandate for Ministry Announced.
Lesson 04 – Dec 27 – Called to Prepare
True Repentance Leads to Change
What is true repentance? It is more than just merely saying, “I’m sorry.” It’s more than just empty promises of “I won’t do that again.” These fruitless actions barely even scrape the surface and are not true repentance.
Changing our mind and heart involves changing the direction of our spiritual walk. It is as if we are walking one direction and we turn completely in the opposite direction. We turn away from our sin, and we turn completely toward Christ in obedience to His commands and purposes.
Week of December 21 through December 27
Something to think about this week: Metamorphosis
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 40:1-5 – A Voice Cries, “Comfort My People.”
Tues. – Matthew 11:2-15 – Is John the Baptist the Greatest
Wed. – John 1:19-34 – The Baptist’s Testimony of Faith.
Thurs. – Matthew 17:1-8 – Jesus, the Father’s Beloved Son.
Fri. – Matthew 17:9-13; Malachi 4:4-5 – In John, Elijah Has Come.
Sat. – Matthew 3:13-17 – John Baptizes Jesus in the Jordan.
Sun. – Matthew 3:1-12 – John Prepares the Way for Jesus.
Lesson 03 – December 20 – Called To Worship
There are a number of opinions today on who, what, where, how, and why we worship. It seems that we are looking for worship in all the wrong places, people, and reasons. True worship is more than just merely a church service, music, nature or beauty. It has nothing to do with style or preference. True worship is a matter of the heart.
True worship strikes at the very core of our being, revealing what we value the most.
John Piper said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
Good movie about this week’s lesson: The Nativity Story (2006)
Week of December 14 through December, 20
Something to think about this week: How are worship and Christmas connected?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Exodus 1:15-22—Midwives Frustrate Pharaoh’s Decree.
Tues. – 1 Kings 3:5-14—God Answers Solomon’s Dream.
Wed. – Daniel 1:8-17—insight into the Meaning of Dreams.
Thurs. – Galatians 3:25-29—In Christ, No Divisions Are Allowed.
Fri. – Micah 5:1-6—A Great Ruler to Come from Bethlehem.
Sat. – Matthew 2:19-23—A Successful Return from Egypt.
Sun. – Matthew 2:7-15—Safe in the Midst of Danger.
Lesson 02 – December 13 – Called to Be Emmanuel
Some people live their entire lives blaming others for everything. Sometimes things are done to us but some things we did to ourselves. I can’t control the behavior of others, but I am responsible for my behavior. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). However, grace must not be abused and it is not a license to continue in sin. Obedience brings joy while disobedience can forfeit your purpose and lead to regret and sorrow.
Week of December 7 through December 13
Something to think about this week: Think about the meaning of the word “Emmanuel” and how the word applies to us.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 7:10-15 – Sign of God’s Presence.
Tues. – Isaiah 42:1-9 – Called as a Light to the Nations.
Wed. – Isaiah 49:1-7 – Called to Mission Before Birth.
Thurs. – Luke 1:26-38 – Birth of Jesus Foretold to Mary.
Fri. – Luke 2:34-38 – Simeon Foretells Jesus’ Ministry.
Sat. – Ruth 4:9-17 – In the Lineage of Ruth.
Sun. – Matthew 1:18-25 – Miracle of the Holy Spirit Conception.
Lesson 01 – December 6 – Called to Be Heir
In the lesson this week the author talks about following Christ in the “C” part of the ABC’s of Salvation.
Everyone knows how spoiled and unruly children act and sadly, that is how we sometimes act as adults when it comes to our walk with Christ. He leads us in the direction we should go, but we rebel and whine. That is not acting “royally.” When we realize we are heirs to the greatest Kingdom in the universe, it should not puff us up but humble us. We thank Him for all He has done for us and desire to follow, His every command, for we know He knows the good way.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 