Year of Peace: A Daily Devotional

Contents

Preface

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

About the Author

To my precious children: I pray that you will always have the peace of God that comes through faith in Christ and allows you to say in every season, It is well with my soul.

Preface

The goal of this book is to encourage people to read the Bible. I pray that this book will help you on your spiritual journey whether you have never read the Bible before or if you have been studying it for years. God’s Word is a trusty guide. It has blessed the lives of billions of saints throughout the centuries, but many followers of Jesus today find it difficult to spend time studying and meditating on the Bible. This book will help. The great news is that God speaks to us through the Bible no matter where we may be in our spiritual journey. Those who know the Word of God are better able to discern the will of God and to walk in the way of Jesus. This is the great need of our day.

The reading plan for each day listed at the top corner of each page is from the M’Cheyne Reading Plan developed by Robert Murry M’Cheyne (1813-1843). He was only twenty-nine years old when he went to be with the Lord, but he left behind a great legacy of faith and a wonderful tool for reading the Bible. This plan allows for a person to read the Psalms and New Testament twice a year and the Old Testament once a year.

While reading all four chapters is preferred, those reading this devotion can limit themselves to reading one chapter a day. The underlined chapter is the one being written about for that day. If a choice must be made between reading the devotion or reading the chapter of the Bible, please read the Bible.

The intent of the book is to help readers gain an overall understanding of the Bible by guiding the reading using the central theme of peace. Peace is the personal experience of knowing that all is well with your soul no matter the circumstance. That is the simple definition that is used throughout this volume.

January 1

Genesis 1; Matthew 1; Ezra 1; Acts 1

There was silence for four hundred years between the Old and New Testaments. God’s perfect plan to bring salvation to the world through the line of Abraham and David seemed impossible, but it began to be realized in Matthew 1. God promised Abraham that the world would be blessed through his family (Genesis 12:1-3). God promised that He would build an eternal kingdom through David (2 Samuel 7:16). God promised Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah who would fulfill God’s ultimate plan of salvation.

At first glance, the genealogies in Matthew 1 do not seem very exciting, but they remind us that God is at work in the lives of real people like you and me (vv. 2-17). This list has the names of several women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth (v. 5), Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah (v. 6), and Mary (v. 16). Listing women like this was unusual in Jesus’ day. Each has a story that reveals God’s grace and mercy. God’s plan has always been and will always be to work through those who are willing to humble themselves and trust Him.

God’s gift of salvation is miraculous. The birth of Jesus occurred through the womb of a virgin (v. 18). Mary and Joseph were humble people with faith in God (v. 19). The divine involvement through angels points to the uniqueness of their calling (vv. 20-25). The coming of God in flesh was a miracle. It happened in real time and space with real people.

Myths and stories in ancient times did not have heroes who were as marred and meek as those who fill the pages of Scripture. The truth of the Bible reveals how God chooses ordinary, sinful people to accomplish His extraordinary plans. The Bible is unique. It reveals the author, God Himself, who stepped into space and time to save His people.

The Bible is filled with promises God has yet to keep. Although Jesus has come, the Bible promises that He will come again. Until then, we have the opportunity to serve Him and join in on the adventure of seeing salvation come to every nation.

Is your life a part of God’s eternal story and purpose? Have you turned to Jesus in faith and been saved by grace? Are you willing to do what God says no matter what?

Those who believe God and act in faith live with peace.

January 2

Genesis 2; Matthew 2; Ezra 2; Acts 2

Lists of names don’t make for fun reading, but they matter. There is a great list of names in heaven in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). Each name listed reminds us that God pursues His people because of His unending desire to be with them. Even though it was their sin that caused Judah to be sent into Babylonian captivity, God never stopped loving them. The list in Ezra 2 reveals the providence, the purpose, and the plan of God.

The Babylonian exile is a picture of the fall of humanity. God’s people disobeyed and were expelled from His presence and protection. In the brokenness of their own sin, God’s people suffered. By His grace, God provided salvation. The people were called home to Israel. Today, God’s children are called to new life in Christ. Salvation is found by grace in Christ alone. God used an unbelieving king named Cyrus as part of His plan to release and provide for His people. More than one hundred years before Cyrus was born, God said that Cyrus would do this (Isaiah 44:28)!

The Lord rescued His people first and foremost for the glory of His great name. Those listed in Ezra 2 and those listed in the Book of Life can only boast in the grace of God. None of us deserve new life, but God gives it for the praise of His name and to reveal His eternal love and kindness. The beneficiaries of grace are compelled to praise God. The God of grace is the reason and the object of praise. God’s glory is the purpose.

Those whom God calls, He equips to accomplish His plan. He has chosen to work in the world through His adopted children. Every child of God has a particular purpose. Just as God had a plan for every person who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon to rebuild the temple, so He has a plan for each and every one of His children today. It is a plan designed by our loving Father (Ephesians 2:4-10). The Lord gifts each person and providentially provides so that His children know and do His will. By faith, we work with God and fulfill His loving purpose for us.

Have you entered into a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus? Is your name written in the Book of Life? Are you pursuing God’s purpose for your life?

Those who pursue their destiny in Christ live with peace.

January 3

Genesis 3; Matthew 3; Ezra 3; Acts 3

It is amazing how God chooses to work through His people! God ushered His kingdom into the world with power. Not only did Jesus perform great miracles, but the apostles did as well. This was to fulfill the promises of God and to help people see that the Lord was at work doing a new thing. Along with the miracles, there was a simple message: peace with God is possible.

Having established a local church by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), Peter and the other apostles began to establish a new way of life within the old order of Judaism (Acts 3). God works through His people in the culture where He sends them. The New Testament is filled with many different methods for making disciples because the cultures that were infiltrated with the gospel were different. Within the framework of Jerusalem’s culture, Peter performed a miracle and pointed to Jesus’ power (vv. 1-10). Disciples are made as God’s people meet needs with love and point people to the gospel of Jesus.

Peter did not just heal this man, but Peter gave glory to God and preached the gospel (vv. 11-16). The right response to the gospel is faith revealed in repentance (vv. 17-21). God always meets us where we are in our sin, but He loves us too much to leave us there. God changes His people’s lives with the truth. The truth sets them free and inspires their obedience. Through faith in Christ, a person gains peace with God, which changes their heart and mind. God’s grace makes it possible to live in peace.

This peace was promised long ago, when God told Adam and Eve that a Savior would come and crush Satan’s head (Genesis 3:15). Throughout the Old Testament, God consistently spoke of a coming time of peace. He raised up Moses and the prophets to tell of Christ’s coming and that Jesus would suffer for sin (Acts 3:18, 22-24). This Savior would bless all the families of the world. He would come through the line of Abraham, as promised (Genesis 12:1-3). Jesus has come (Acts 3:25-26). He saves sinners.

Do you have peace with God? Is Jesus transforming your life each day by making you more like Him? Are you a peacemaker who cares for people and shares the gospel with a hurting world?

Those who in faith look to Jesus Christ have eternal peace.

January 4

Genesis 4; Matthew 4; Ezra 4; Acts 4

Life on earth is hard, but God is good. He will see us through. He has a plan we can count on and trust. As a part of the original plan in the garden of Eden, God had already promised Eve that she would give birth to children (Genesis 1:28), but now, because of sin, doing so would be painful (Genesis 3:16). Eve also heard God curse the serpent, promising that through her line a Savior would be born (Genesis 3:15). Genesis 4 tells us that Eve had two sons: Cain and Abel. They were born with a sin nature and were incapable of saving themselves, much less the world. They needed peace with God, like we all do.

When the two boys grew up, they became aware of their need for peace with God. To have peace with God, there must be a sacrifice made for sin (Hebrews 9:22). God prescribed what was needed for the sacrifice (Genesis 4:1-4). Cain was angered that God had no regard for his offering (v. 5). Cain wanted peace with God on his terms rather than on God’s terms. The Lord warned Cain that he must repent and pursue Him according to His word (vv. 6-7). Cain did not respond in faith, and he lived without peace with God.

Without peace with God, peace within is impossible, which also makes peace with others impossible. Once jealousy and frustration set in on a heart, conflict always comes. Cain killed his brother Abel (v. 8). God called him out for his actions, which was an opportunity for Cain to repent, but Cain refused (vv. 9-10). Sin is devastating. By the second generation of humanity, murder was committed. Like all sin, it had serious consequences. Cain was cursed and was forced to wander the world without God’s blessing (vv. 11-14). He kept the dignity that all human beings have and received a protective mark (v. 15). Cain continued in his sin, and his children followed in his footsteps (vv. 16-24).

God blessed Adam and raised up another child to replace what was lost in Abel (v. 25). Seth grew up and enjoyed peace with God, and he passed it on to his son, Enosh (v. 26). God’s peace comes through grace and is to be passed on to others.

Do you have peace with God through faith in Jesus, the Savior who sacrificed His life for your sin? Are you passing on God’s peace to others? Are you living in peace with God and others?

Those who seek God in accordance with His way live with peace.

January 5

Genesis 5; Matthew 5; Ezra 5; Acts 5

Oh, to have been among the crowds that day Jesus preached! The sermon that Jesus preached that begins in Matthew 5 is likely the most famous in the world. Beginning with descriptions of what leads to blessedness and calling people to be attentive to their hearts’ desires, Jesus reveals the way the redeemed of God are to live. Even though we may not realize it, the blessings of God are desired by all people. We all want to be heirs of God’s kingdom, to be comforted and satisfied, to have mercy, to see God and be called a child of God, and to stand with the righteous people of God’s heavenly realm (vv. 1-12). Those blessings are found only by faith. The way of God seems strange to the world, but those who know Jesus understand the power of humility and kindness.

Those who know God’s way are a light to the world. It is critical that those who have peace with God reveal the means to that peace so that others can shine (vv. 13-16). The will of God is to have His church shine within every city in the world.

The church shines brightest when God’s people obey His law from their hearts and not just through mechanical willpower. Jesus fulfilled the law (vv. 17-20). Those who repent and believe in Jesus are not only forgiven of their sin, but they are also given a righteous standing with God that allows them to keep His law with the love of God that lives in them. Those who know Jesus love Jesus. Those who love Jesus obey Jesus. Love for Jesus overcomes anger, lust, marital strife, lying, and vengeance (vv. 21-42). God’s love allows God’s people to have and make peace.

Peace begins with love. Even though we are born in sin, Jesus’ love and sacrifice heal our relationship with God. Because Jesus loved His enemies, His children can love their enemies too (vv. 43-48). Those who love as Jesus loves are being sanctified in love. This is a transformational process that glorifies God and blesses His people.

Are you a child of God by grace through faith in Jesus? Are you living a life that loves Jesus and obeys Him gladly from the heart? Are the blessings of God evident in you to a watching and hurting world?

God wants what is best for people, and those who choose to trust and obey Him live with peace.

January 6

Genesis 6; Matthew 6; Ezra 6; Acts 6

God has always been and always will be in control of all things, including the workings of all governmental systems. Although government officials at all levels make millions of decisions for which they are completely responsible, God is at work accomplishing His will through each and every one. In Ezra 6, we see that God provides for His people through a government system.

Having had to halt the construction of the temple, the people of God were cared for. The governor of the province sent an inquiry to Darius, king of Babylon, to determine if the people of God were acting rightly in building the temple of God. In Ezra 6, we see God provide and the people grow. In both the letter that was sent in Ezra 5 and the response in Ezra 6, there is a favor shown to the people of God. That was God’s kind provision.

The first thing the king did was to search the legal records of Babylon (v. 1). A scroll was found with the historical background concerning the house of God in Jerusalem, explaining the legality of rebuilding the temple (vv. 2-5). Given the facts, Darius commanded that God’s people would be allowed to continue with their work (vv. 6-7), which was nice, but God inspired more. Darius commanded the governor to do something for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God (v. 8). Provisions were also made for sacrifices so that prayers could be offered for the king and his family (vv. 9-10). The king also threatened harm to any who interfered with the work being done (vv. 11-12). God provides for His purpose. God’s people never need to be anxious.

The temple was built, and the people celebrated (vv. 13-17). They also began to worship according to the Bible’s directives (vv. 18-22). The people did more than accomplish their task. They grew in their faith. God’s people can often get so caught up in doing God’s work that they forget the importance of their relationship to God. The returned exiles served and sought the Lord.

Are you engaged in serving God in such a substantial way that the intervention of God is needed? Are you praying for miracles? Are you growing in your faith through your service?

Those who trust in God’s provision and pursue His purpose live with peace.

January 7

Genesis 7; Matthew 7; Ezra 7; Acts 7

Sometimes the sacrifice for being a Christian is huge. Stephen was the first Christian we know of to be martyred for his belief in Jesus. Much like we do now, he lived in a world hostile to the gospel of peace. As recorded in Acts 7, he preached the gospel of peace, and the response was anger by people who lashed out in hate.

Stephen was not a mean-spirited man. He was an anointed leader filled with great faith and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5). He was the first person mentioned in Scripture to be able to perform signs and wonders who was not an apostle (Acts 6:8). He was also a wise, kind man (Acts 6:10), and was willing to tell the truth in love and call the religious leaders of his day to faith.

He began his discourse with a simple history lesson (vv. 1-50). The things he said were well-known by his listeners. They would have agreed with what he said. These historical facts were used to build Stephen’s case for the gospel. Stephen pointed to the promises of God and the hope of the Messiah who had come.

Having laid a solid biblical foundation that his listeners understood and agreed to, Stephen turned the message toward the sinfulness of his listeners (vv. 51-53). The gospel is given in love and established in truth. The truth is that we are all sinners. Stephen made it abundantly clear where these men stood spiritually based on how they had treated Jesus. They were lost.

The religious leaders did not appreciate what Stephen had to say about them. As long as the message is historical, interesting, and emotionally uplifting, people are happy to hear it. However, as soon as it points to the reality of their situation and the need for salvation in Christ alone, many become hostile. These religious leaders did just that (v. 54). Stephen was able to see past their hate to Jesus standing by the throne (v. 56). Jesus is usually seen seated in heaven at the right hand of God the Father, but He stood for this saint. Stephen was martyred, but his dying words were like those of Jesus. He died with peace (vv. 57-60).

Do you have the faith to share the gospel with a hostile world? Are you able to forgive and ask God to forgive those who hurt you? Will you die with eternal peace?

Those who stand for Christ live and die with eternal peace.

January 8

Genesis 8; Matthew 8; Ezra 8; Acts 8

God does not forget His people. It may feel at times that the Lord has forgotten our plight and pain, but God knows. God sees. God has a plan. In Genesis 8, the nature of God and the plan He has for His creation is revealed.

That God remembered Noah, his family, and all of the animals does not mean that the all-knowing God had allowed Noah, his family, and the beasts of the world to slip His almighty mind. It meant that God was ready to act (v. 1). The water from the deep and from the sky ceased to flow. The ark rested on Ararat, a mountain in Turkey, and other mountaintops began to be visible (vv. 2-5). Those who wait on the Lord see the Lord’s provision from a unique perspective that inspires faith and produces peace.

Noah first sent a raven, an unclean animal, to test the conditions of the earth (vv. 6-7). He then sent a dove that returned with nothing, but then seven days later it came back with a leaf from an olive branch (vv. 8-12). The olive branch has become a universal symbol of peace. It showed that God’s wrath had been abated and that there was now peace on earth. God is both loving and just. He is perfect. He is God.

When Noah and his family emerged from the ark, they entered into a new earth (vv. 13-19). This is a picture of the coming of Christ seen in Revelation 21. In that day, the wrath of God will have been satisfied. All of the earth will have been purified with fire, and heaven and earth will be one. This is the future of God’s people.

The world of Noah was not perfect like the earth will be when Christ returns. This world is filled with sinners. The first thing Noah did was to offer a blood sacrifice (v. 20). This provided him with peace with God (v. 21a). God determined to never again curse the ground because of sinners. Humans are sinful and experience brokenness because of this sin, but God still loves us (v. 21b). The world now goes on with days and nights and seasons (v. 22). Peace on earth is not yet fully here. Christ has come, but the new heaven and earth have not. We now await our conquering Savior.

Do you have peace with God? Are you living for the coming of Christ? Do you trust God to provide?

Those who believe in the God of the Bible and trust and obey His Word live with peace.

January 9

Genesis 9-10; Matthew 9; Ezra 9; Acts 9

Jesus came into the world to rescue sinners from His just wrath and punishment. In Matthew 9, Jesus performs both physical and spiritual miracles, and the chapter finishes with an overarching explanation of reality. God is at work in the world.

After Jesus returned to the city He was from, several people brought their paralytic friend to Him. Jesus first addressed his spiritual problem and healed him of his sin. Our spiritual problem is our greatest problem. Then, by healing the man of his physical brokenness, He demonstrated His power to forgive sin (vv. 1-8). This man was healed by the grace of God because of the compassionate ministry of his friends who took him to Jesus.

Matthew was most likely not a very popular man when Jesus first met him. He was among the tax collectors, whom many hated, but Jesus did a work in his heart and called Matthew to follow Him. The first thing Matthew did, having been saved by grace, was to introduce his friends to Jesus (vv. 9-13).

When Jesus was asked about fasting, He revealed the importance of that moment in history. He was the promised Messiah who had come to make a new covenant. Jesus’ new covenant could not fit into an old system. Jesus had come to bring new life (vv. 14-17). This new life comes to those who experience Him. When the woman touched His garment, she was healed (vv. 18-22). When Jesus touched the dead girl, she was made alive (vv. 23-26). When Jesus touched the eyes of the blind men, he was miraculously healed (vv. 27-31). When the demon-possessed man came into contact with Jesus, he was healed (vv. 32-34). Everyone who has an experience with Jesus is changed.

Jesus is still changing lives. The world is filled with brokenness. Those who are touched by Jesus find healing for their souls and sometimes for their bodies. The harvest is still plentiful, but the workers are still few (vv. 35-38). The need of the day is for those who know Jesus to help others come into contact with Him. Through prayer and sharing the gospel, lives are changed.

Are you helping people meet Jesus? It takes work! Are you praying for people you know to be saved and physically healed? Many people mocked Jesus. Are you willing to serve God no matter what?

Those who join God in His work in the world live with peace.

January 10

Genesis 11; Matthew 10; Ezra 10; Acts 10

Life on this broken planet is messy! Even doing the right thing can often create a mess. In Ezra 10, the newly returned exiles were called to take huge sacrificial steps that would put them in a right standing with God. These steps would require hard decisions to be made and heavy consequences to be felt.

Those who had returned from Babylon to Israel had done many good things. They had rebuilt the temple and had committed to obey the law of God. Yet there were still temptations and people living in sin. Some of the men had married women who were not of the covenant community. This was intolerable. Rather than just rail against them, Ezra taught them the Word of God, prayed, and wept in appalled grief (v. 1a). Sometimes the best thing a leader or parent can do is teach, pray, and cry.

Ezra had prayed fervently for the people with strong words of conviction (Ezra 9:6-14). The people now gathered around him and joined him in his grief (Ezra 10:1b). They repented and encouraged Ezra to lead them (vv. 2-5). A leader can take people no further than they are willing to go. God blessed the people to follow Ezra.

All the leaders of the nation were summoned to meet with Ezra to discuss the faithlessness of the people and the steps that would need to be taken to repent and remedy the situation (vv. 6-8). The people came and stood in a mess – both spiritually and physically. They were spiritually in conflict with God, and it was pouring down rain (vv. 9-13). Our circumstances can often tell us a great deal about our spiritual condition.

The leaders acknowledged the need for reform, and they determined a practical plan (vv. 14-17). A plurality of leaders is often needed to accomplish God’s purpose. These leaders identified the changes needed, and the people made them (vv. 18-43). The changes would require divorce, which would lead to more messes. Sin creates messes. It is best to trust and obey God in order to avoid the pain and suffering that sin always brings.

Are you walking faithfully with God? Do you need to make changes in your life that will enable you to live a life that honors Jesus? Are you willing to obey God no matter what?

Those who trust and obey God no matter what live with peace.

January 11

Genesis 12; Matthew 11; Nehemiah 1; Acts 11

It is easy to lose sight of what is most important and to settle for what tradition or cultural norms tell us. Peter was all too willing to remain a happy, faithful Jew who knew Jesus. Jesus had bigger plans for Peter. God is so good to cause His people to get beyond their preferences and on to what is best.

When the word got out that Peter had eaten with gentiles and evangelized them, the circumcision party was not at all happy. They criticized Peter for his departure from the Jewish customs they still held (vv. 1-3). Those who obey Jesus will often be criticized by those outside of the church for their beliefs and criticized by those inside of the church for their actions. Disciples of Jesus must be faithful to their calling regardless of what others think.

Peter could have been offended and criticized his criticizers, but he took a mature stance. He simply told the truth with love and allowed those who did not appreciate his work to make their determination as to how they would respond (vv. 4-16). There is great freedom in simply obeying Jesus. Life will not always be easy for faithful followers of Jesus. People will not always support their efforts, but those who are looking to please Jesus will enjoy peace in their own hearts.

To their credit, the people responded humbly and happily. They confessed that what they had in Christ was a gift (v. 17). It was not something they earned. They celebrated God’s grace to the gentiles and happily embraced their place in God’s family (v. 18).

Meanwhile, the church was being scattered (v. 19). The gospel was spreading and was accomplishing God’s plan that had been outlined in Acts 1:8 (vv. 20-26). These new believers were equipped, and when a famine was prophesied, they began to give toward the needs of their Judean brothers (vv. 27-30). People from different backgrounds were loving each other in the peace of Christ!

Are you driven by the mission of Jesus, or have you been neutralized by tradition and cultural expectations? Are people coming to saving faith through your witness? Do you support using different methods in order for others to hear the gospel?

Obeying Jesus can make life difficult, but those who are willing to share the truth in love will live with peace.

January 12

Genesis 13; Matthew 12; Nehemiah 2; Acts 12

Like many of God’s children, Abram had to learn to trust God the hard way. The lessons Abram learned in Egypt (Genesis 12) provided faith for the next phase of his journey.

In Genesis 13, a dispute broke out between Abram’s men and the men of his nephew, Lot (vv. 1-7). They had a big problem. They were rich with livestock, but their ability to keep the animals watered and fed was limited. These limited resources led to strife. Having wealth is not always easy. It creates challenges that only the wise are able to navigate. Few succeed at having wealth and maintaining a humble love, a grateful heart, and a godward life.

Rather than fight for his right to choose what was seemingly best, Abram trusted the Lord and invited Lot to choose the land he preferred. Instead of letting things rankle him, Abram chose the way of peace, which always demands sacrifice (vv. 8-13). Lot chose the land that was lush, but which was also filled with wicked people. Those whom we associate with impact our lives in significant ways. The wise do not choose to live as the wicked or with the wicked (Psalm 1). Godly people are called to live as light in the darkness. Lot’s decision to choose the attractive land would cost him dearly in the end.

After Lot escaped Sodom, God appeared to Abram and renewed His covenant promise (Genesis 13:14-17). Abram received this promise and acted in faith. God always directs the way of those who trust in Him rather than in their own understanding. Abram settled near the capital city of the Canaanite kingdom, Hebron, where he had allies. Unlike Lot, Abram went to his new dwelling intent on honoring God and being a light to the world. He set up an altar and worshipped God. He made no secret of his faith. His peace came from God, who had made an eternal covenant with him. His life was in God’s hands, and Abram gladly served God.

Are you defined by your wealth or lack of wealth, or do you live with a higher sense of calling? Are you willing to trust God and give up what seems to be best from a worldly perspective? Are you living as light in the darkness?

Those who trust God rather than their own personal, selfish inclinations live with peace.

January 13

Genesis 14; Matthew 13; Nehemiah 3; Acts 13

Personal responsibility is a burden shared by everyone. Regardless of what we have, we are completely accountable for it. In Matthew 13, Jesus spoke in parables and pointed to the purpose of God and the responsibility of people.

The heart of humanity is a great mystery. Only God truly understands the heart of a person. Some hearts are hard toward God, and some are tender and receive God’s Word (vv. 1-9). The Lord Jesus spoke in parables, and the Word of God speaks today, but not all people apprehend God’s meaning. God’s grace is a glorious mystery. Those enabled to believe are truly blessed (vv. 10-16). Not all who hear believe (vv. 17-23). Those who can receive the Word of God are very grateful. Gratitude is a fruit of the gospel. All who are saved produce it in abundance.

Those who do not receive the gospel of God are like weeds in the garden of God (vv. 24-30). They grow up alongside the redeemed, but will be revealed, judged, and burned. The righteous are recognizable by their beliefs and behaviors. They are changed by the truth (vv. 31-33). They value the truth above all else (vv. 34-46). They look forward to the return of Christ and His judgment (vv. 47-50). They recognize their responsibility, and they desire to be found faithful in the eyes of God (vv. 51-52).

Those who are raised to know Jesus and those who become accustomed with the reality of Jesus must be careful to avoid becoming immune to the effects of His presence and power. Those who spent years with Jesus and saw Him grow up in Nazareth were resistant to His message of hope. They heard His wisdom and were astonished, but their hearts were hard toward Him and they took offense at Him. They did not honor Him (vv. 53-57). Their lack of faith limited the work of God (v. 58). It is easy to judge them and think of them as strange for their lack of faith, but there are many raised in the church with access to the gospel who reject the Lord.

Is your heart tender toward the Word of God? Do you have a deep sense of gratitude in your soul for God’s grace? Are you cold toward Jesus and offended by His demands?

Those who are wise stewards with what they have will give to what matters for eternity and will live with peace.

January 14

Genesis 15; Matthew 14; Nehemiah 4; Acts 14

The way of God will rarely be celebrated by worldly people. God’s way is a threat to the desires of the flesh and the evil ways of the world. Those who belong to God should expect to be attacked and intimidated by those who do not walk with God. It is spiritual bullying, and its true source is evil.

In Nehemiah 4, God’s people were being intimidated by worldly people. Sanballat and Tobiah were the main voices of opposition. Sanballat was the governor of Samaria and probably had assumed authority over Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s coming and leading the people there to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall was a threat to him. When Sanballat heard that the people were organized and committed to work, he began to intimidate them (vv. 1-3). That is a typical trick that the evil darkness of this world uses.

In response to their attacks, Nehemiah prayed and asked God to curse them (v. 4). He also got busy building the wall, which is what God had called him to do (v. 5). The best way to deal with demonic and human attacks is to trust God in prayer and to get busy doing what God said to do.

Seeing that the work continued, Sanballat and Tobiah upped their game and created rumors and lies. They even convinced some of the faithful in the land to demand that their relatives stop building the wall and go home (vv. 6-12). Nehemiah wisely placed people around the wall among their family and friends and set up a defense system (vv. 13-19). When under any evil attack, the people of God must defend each other. God’s people can know that God will fight for them as they live wisely by faith (v. 20).

Nehemiah never let the people get complacent or let their defenses down (vv. 21-23). It is crucial that God’s people always remember what they are living for and keep themselves armed and ready for battle. The darkness never gives up, so the children of the light must always be ready for battle.

Are you walking in God’s way and building His kingdom? Are you defended by and defending other believers? Are you armed with God’s Word?

Those who are faithful may not always be comfortable, but they will always have peace.

January 15

Genesis 16; Matthew 15; Nehemiah 5; Acts 15

Disagreements abound. We are all either in a conflict, coming out of a conflict, or about to get into a conflict. The church is filled with people, and people will not always agree. In Acts 15, we see that the church was in conflict and had to come to an agreement. There was a great need for Jesus and His truth, grace, and wisdom. Thankfully, God gave them peace – and the world is better for it.

Having come from their first missionary journey during which many had come to saving faith and during which they had faced many painful challenges (Acts 13-14), Paul and Barnabas were bound to have been tired and in no mood for a theological controversy, but that is what they found waiting for them when they returned home. A group had come from Judea teaching that a person had to first embrace a Jewish lifestyle before they could be saved (Acts 15:1). Many people still think they must live up to a certain moral code before coming to faith in Jesus. That has never been the case. People are not saved because they behave a certain way. People behave a certain way because they are saved.

The debate must have been heated. Rather than run in circles, which many disagreements can lead to, the leaders at Antioch sent a delegation with Paul and Barnabas to have the matter settled in Jerusalem (v. 2). They were welcomed warmly, and both sides – those who said the ceremonial law of Moses must be kept and those with Paul who said it did not have to be kept – were presented (vv. 3-12). Truth with grace was shared by both sides. This is how godly people speak to one another.

After both sides were presented, James stepped forward to settle the matter (v. 13). It is significant that James, not Peter, was the apparent leader of the church in Jerusalem and of this theological council. He sided with Paul and Barnabas, and a letter was presented that was to be shared with all the churches (vv. 14-29). Paul and Barnabas left content, but then they fell into a conflict. It ended with them deciding to go their separate ways (vv. 30-41). Even in their separation, the gospel work continued.

Are you handling conflicts well? Are you honoring Jesus? Are you remaining on mission for Jesus despite the conflicts?

Where Jesus is present with His benefits, there is peace.

January 16

Genesis 17; Matthew 16; Nehemiah 6; Acts 16

God’s grace changes everything. Left to ourselves, we human beings flounder in folly and brokenness. In God’s grace, people’s lives, along with their destiny, are changed. God’s plan is worked out through those who receive His grace and honor Him.

Abram was shown God’s grace. He was saved from a pagan way of life. He became a worshipper of the one true God and was promised to be the leading part of the line through which the promise of God would be fulfilled (Genesis 12:1-3). In Genesis 17, we see that plan taking shape. God sanctified Abram and Sarai and provided for His purpose.

God does more than give His people a right standing. God transforms His people into the likeness of Christ. God made Abram and Sarai into His conduits of grace. He changed their names to correspond to His purpose (vv. 1-16). A name change corresponds to a life change. All who walk with God by faith are made holy, and their new lives are realized in the real world.

Abram became Abraham – father of a multitude. Sarai became Sarah – the one through whom the blessing of the nations would come. The promised son would be called Isaac, which means laughter (vv. 17-21). Abraham laughed when he understood he would become a father at a hundred years of age. Who wouldn’t? What was about to happen was supernatural. This was not the normal way of things. God worked in such a way that Abraham and all who would come through his family line would know that they were a part of a supernatural plan.

Abraham acted on his belief (vv. 22-27). God’s plan demanded obedience. Abraham and all the males of his household had to be circumcised, and they were. Faith without action is useless (James 2). God was establishing a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. They were to look different from the rest of the world. Their way of life was to be uniquely godly. The purpose of all that God was doing was to reveal His glory and grace to the world. He was showing His love through an unworthy man made righteous.

Have you received God’s grace? Is your lifestyle changing by God’s grace? Are you living out your faith through obedience to God’s Word?

Those who live out God’s plan live with peace.

January 17

Genesis 18; Matthew 17; Nehemiah 7; Acts 17

The life of a disciple of Jesus is lived in the real world, or it is not real at all. Christianity is not an ideal, a philosophy, a demographic group, or an institution. Christianity is a way of life that is experienced by those who have received new life by the power of the Holy Spirit through their reception of Jesus.

A few different events are recorded in Matthew 17. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured on a mountain. All the disciples saw Jesus do a miracle that required faith. The chapter ends with Jesus teaching His followers what it means that He has come into the world with His kingdom to bring freedom. This was a radical revelation.

Six days after telling His followers that some would see Him coming in His kingdom, Jesus was transfigured, and Elijah and Moses showed up (vv. 1-3). Peter misunderstood and thought this would be the new kingdom: Elijah and Moses alongside Jesus. God the Father interrupted Peter to make it clear that Jesus was uniquely His Son (vv. 4-6). When God spoke, Peter, James, and John fell to their faces, but God assured them (v. 7). When they looked up, only Jesus remained (v. 8). Jesus is not a religious leader. He is the Savior and King over all.

This person, Jesus Christ, revealed His divinity through many wonders and signs. One of these wonders was when Jesus healed a boy His disciples couldn’t heal (vv. 14-18). The disciples later asked why they couldn’t heal him, and Jesus explained the importance of faith (vv. 19-21). God’s work is not about positions of authority. It is about service by faith.

Following Jesus is not easy. Jesus died on a cross at the hands of religious leaders. He made no secret that this was His destiny, which distressed the disciples (vv. 22-23). What they could not yet see was that God had sent the Son to bring about a new kingdom of liberty. The old ways that pointed to Him were passing away. The new was coming, but they were not to be disrespectful of the old (vv. 24-27). God’s new way is the way of grace.

Are you looking to the coming of Jesus that He promised? Are you living by faith and seeing God change lives? Are you serving the kingdom of God respectfully?

Those who live the life of a true disciple of Christ will see their lives changed by faith and will experience peace.

January 18

Genesis 19; Matthew 18; Nehemiah 8; Acts 18

There is nothing like the Bible. The Bible is a single story with four parts: creation, fall, rescue, and restoration. It is the Word of God, and it will accomplish the purpose for which God has sent it (Isaiah 55:11). In Nehemiah 8, we see that the power of the Word of God was experienced by the people of God. Ezra read it. The Levites taught it. The people obeyed it.

The people had gathered at the Water Gate to be refreshed with the Word of God (vv. 1-6). Ezra stood over the people and read the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, the foundation of the Scriptures. The Word of God is to reign over the people of God and is to be the source of their understanding of reality.

Reading the Bible is not like a magical incantation. To be blessed, people must know what the Scriptures mean. The Levites explained the meaning so the people could ascertain who God is, who they were, and what grace can do (vv. 7-8). What a great picture of discipleship! Those who were trained were training those who would be able to live out the meaning and instruct others.

Hearing the Word of God is not always easy. It takes time and commitment. These people stood outside for hours listening and seeking to learn the meaning of God’s Word. When they understood the meaning, they were grieved (vv. 9-10). The Bible reveals that all have failed God and cannot restore what they have broken. The good news is that God has done all that is needed to save His people through Jesus. Although the people of Nehemiah’s day did not understand all that God intended to do in terms of rescuing people from sin, they had faith. That faith led them to trust in the mercy of God and rejoice in His visitation of truth upon them (vv. 11-12). The joy of the Lord was their strength.

Obedience always follows repentance. Having received the message, the people sought to obey God. They kept the festival, as commanded (vv. 13-18). What peace must have filled their souls as they experienced what it is to have a right standing with God!

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