Author: admin

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹ The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth,² because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

³ Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.

⁴ I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.⁵ And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. ⁶ And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. ⁷ For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. ⁸ Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. ⁹ Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, ¹¹ for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: John greeted an “elect lady” to encourage continuing to live in love and in truth warning against those who deny Christ’s deity.
2. There are two equally extreme misconceptions many people have concerning what it means to be a Christian or to live the Christian life. One view says, “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere and loving.” The other one says, “It doesn’t matter how you live as long as you believe the truth.” Both views are just as wrong because the Word of God binds both truth and love inseparably together.  Therefore we obey the truth and love God and people.
3. Pray that God will keep you “living in truth”, and not be swayed by false teachings.
4. Take time to read and be familiar with this Apostles’ Creed which summarizes the major doctrines which is important to Christian faith.

Apostles’ Creed

(1)     I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

(2)     And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

(3)     Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

(4)     Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:

(5)     The third day he rose again from the dead:

(6)     He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

(7)     From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

(8)     I believe in the Holy Ghost:

(9)     I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:

(10)  The forgiveness of sins:

(11)  The resurrection of the body:

(12)  And the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 29:25-27

²⁵ The fear of man lays a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
²⁶ Many seek the face of a ruler,
    but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
    but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹ Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. ² By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. ³ For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. ⁴ For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

⁶ This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. ⁷ For there are three that testify: ⁸ the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. ⁹ If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. ¹⁰ Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. ¹¹ And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.¹² Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: John writes of faith in Christ, loving God, and overcoming the world.  He then reviews God’s witness that gives us certainty regarding eternal life in Christ, and concludes with teaching on prayer and the sure knowledge found in the Son of God.
2. It’s easy to say “I love God,” but genuine love reflects God’s love. If we belong to God, then we will love each other regardless of how hard love is. And because our love for God, we will obey His commandments.
3. Children cannot see what their parents ask them to obey comes out of their love for them.  They need to exercise their love for and trust in their parents in order to obey.  Ideally, as children obey, they will come to see the goodness and rightness in what parents ask.  And their love for their parents and their willingness to obey will both grow. The same is true for us with God.  God’s commandments are actually the way to freedom for us rather than a restriction of freedom. Therefore obedience is not oppressive, but is the very way to victory over all that is dark and crushing in the world.
4. What spiritual battles are you facing? What evidence of victory over the world do you see in your life? Take time to thank God for his son, and for the victory and eternal life you have in Him.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 29:21-24

21 Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
    will in the end find him his heir.
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife,
    and one given to anger causes much transgression.
23 One’s pride will bring him low,
    but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24 The partner of a thief hates his own life;
    he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹³ By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. ¹⁶ So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. ¹⁷ By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. ¹⁹ We love because he first loved us. ²⁰ If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. ²¹ And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: John cautions his readers not to believe everyone who claims to be led by the Spirit, but to test them.  He then exhorts them to manifest brotherly love in keeping with the character and example of God’s love as demonstrated in the sacrifice of His Son.
2. Most of us feel a twinge of anxiety and glance at their speedometer when they see a police car while on the road. We appreciate police as guardians of the public good. But we are a little nervous around one. It’s similar for most people with God. The idea that God is over there in the next car, watching us, makes us feel a bit edgy.  However, John said that we need have no fear in our relationship with God any more than if the policeman in the next car was our dad. For his presence near us offered no threat of punishment.
3. Love does just this in our relationship with the Lord. On one hand, we know He loves us, so He will do nothing to harm us. On the other, as we respond to Him with love, there’s no room left for fear. Terror of someone and love for him/her cannot exist at the same time. Real love drives out fear.
4. In what ways do you feel burdened by fear? Tell your fears to God and listen for His assurance. How can the principle “perfect love casts out fear” (v. 18) help you overcome your fears?

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 29:17-20

¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.
¹⁸ Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
    but blessed is he who keeps the law.
¹⁹ By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
    for though he understands, he will not respond.
²⁰ Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹¹ For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. ¹² We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. ¹³ Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. ¹⁴ We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. ¹⁵ Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

¹⁶ By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.¹⁷ But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? ¹⁸ Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: John described God’s wonderful love for us, and the hope of being God’s children should motivate us to live pure lives.  Christ came to destroy sin, anyone truly born of God will not persist in sin but live righteously.  True righteousness includes loving one another, as Christ loved us.  This gives us confidence and assurance that we are abiding in Him and are of the truth.
   1. In the first and second century, the world did hate Christians.  The Christians refused to take part in public life because sacrifices offered to gods and goddesses were part of political and social gatherings.  Christians were condemned as atheists and haters of humanity, for to the pagan those who did not fulfill their civic responsibilities were regarded as attacking the social order.
   2. However, Christians were good citizens: honest, moral, responsible, but they were hated and many were killed.  John indicated that hatred came from sin, and is the mark of evil while love is the sign of good and godliness.
   3. To consciously practice Jesus-like love this week, how would you show that in your family? Church? Work? Community? Politics? And toward those you don’t like? Where does this call to love challenge you the most?

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 29:13-16

¹³ The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
    the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
¹⁴ If a king faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will be established forever.
¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
¹⁶ When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but the righteous will look upon their downfall.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹² I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
¹³ I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
¹⁴ I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.

¹⁵Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. ¹⁷The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: John wrote to encourage them not to sin. When anyone does sin they have Jesus as a go-between for them and the Father. They have known the truth from the beginning as they became Christians and the false teachers are not of the truth. Love is a motivating force for Christians. There is a common source for their temptations and it is worldly and of their flesh.
2. The “world” in this passage refers to the value system and perceptions expressed in the culture of a sinful world.  John pointed out the roots of every human society are in the selfish cravings of man, in the tendency to greedily desire the materialistic things he sees, and in man’s drive for self-importance.  Each of these is antagonistic to God.
3. It is easy to become self-centered and drawn away from God by the glamour of sensuality, status, and riches that will not last.  Those who remain faithful with God will live forever.  The author reminds us that we must choose; we can have only one master.
4. Use this hymn to express your desire for the Lord.  Look into the Lord’s eyes, sing slowly.  Pause at every sentence.  Listen to the Lord’s question: “Is this really your desire”?  Will you answer Him, “Lord, you know, this is indeed my desire, though shallow, feeble, but it’s true”.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I’d rather be His than have riches untold;

I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands, I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.

Than to be a king of a vast domain Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause; I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame, I’d rather be true to His holy name.

                                                                                                    (by Rhea F. Miller)

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 29:9-12

⁹ If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
¹⁰ Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
    and seek the life of the upright.
¹¹ A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
    but a wise man quietly holds it back.
¹² If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— ² the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— ³ that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: John based his teaching on his personal knowledge of Jesus and continuing fellowship with God.  He pointed out that if anyone claims that he is without sin, he is lying and lives in darkness.  Yet by confessing of sins, it will bring forgiveness and purification by Christ, our atoning sacrifice.
2. God is all light (holiness) and there is no “dark side” to him so that we can trust him completely. We cannot fellowship – have an intimate relationship – with God when we are walking in the darkness (keep on living in sin).  The way to step into the light is to admit we are in darkness, that we sin. Let the light – God’s words – move in to our hearts.  And when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
3. So, once again, we begin to understand a bit more of what it means that God is light – God is faithful, just, forgiving, and cleansing. Apparently, it is not our job to make ourselves righteous. We participate in God’s work to make us righteous by turning over to him all the junk His light continues to reveal to us.
4. Pray: Are you struggling with some sin?  What deeper bondage is still not released?  Does your guilt hold you back from Jesus?  Talk to Him about this.  Sit silently, listen for Jesus’ response.  What is his desire for you?

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 29:5-8

⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor
    spreads a net for his feet.
⁶ An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
    but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
⁷ A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
    a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
⁸ Scoffers set a city aflame,
    but the wise turn away wrath.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

⁸ But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.⁹ The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

¹¹ Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, ¹² waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! ¹³ But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: Peter urged his readers to trust the prophets and apostles despite scoffers who ridicule the Lord’s second coming and deliberately ignore past divine judgment.  God’s timing is different from ours, but this present world will surely be destroyed.  So, be godly and grow in grace.
2. Peter gave two insights into the lengthy delay between the promise of Jesus’ return and its fulfillment. First, God doesn’t view time as we do.  What we might refer to as “a couple of days”, He might think of just as “a few thousand years”.  So we can’t impose our time sense on God. Second, God has good reason for the delay.  Christ hasn’t returned yet, because the Lord does not wish that “any should perish”.  As long as Jesus is absent, the door to salvation remains open.  But when Jesus comes, that door will slam shut. And then it will be too late.
3. Peter then wanted us to know that, when “the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved”, every material things we treasure will be all gone.  So, Peter wanted us to act appropriately.  The Message puts vv11-12 this way: “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 29:1-4

¹ He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
² When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
³ He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
⁴ By justice a king builds up the land,
    but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹ But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. ² And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.³ And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

¹⁷ These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. ¹⁸ For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. ¹⁹ They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. ²⁰ For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. ²¹ For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. ²² What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: Peter warned that false teachers who exploit believers will face judgment.  They were arrogant and immoral, and appealed to man’s sinful desires.
2. Peter insisted that genuine freedom is found in willingly submitting to the life God has ordered and arranged.  The false teachers declare, “We are free because we do whatever we please.  We are free from all boundaries, restrictions, restraints”. Exactly the opposite is true.  We have been created for freedom, but we discover our freedom only by following God’s steps.  False teachers ignore God’s way, and are wandering aimlessly.
3. Among the people you know and care, is there anyone who is living in so-called “freedom” but actually in bondage and bitterness?
4. Grieve with God over this person’s unwillingness to follow God’s way to enjoy genuine freedom.  Pray specifically for this person.  Pray also for an opportunity that you may share the true freedom with him/her.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 28:25-28

²⁵ A greedy man stirs up strife,
    but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.
²⁶ Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
    but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
²⁷ Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
    but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
²⁸ When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
    but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, ⁴ by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. ¹¹ For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: God in His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. We are to make every effort to grow in spiritual virtues.  Christian faith rest upon the testimonies of eyewitnesses. God’s prophetic words were spoken by men moved by the Holy Spirit.
2. An exercise bicycle helps us build stamina and slims thighs.  But it does no good at all unless we put in our daily effort.  Our relationship with God is something like this.  The resource we need to live a God-pleasing life is always there for us. But to benefit from what God has provided, we have to put in the effort.
3. We are to make every effort to live a Christian life.  We begin with faith, and we go on, and concentrate on developing the following Christian virtues: Good character (virtue), spiritual understanding (knowledge), alert discipline (self-control), passionate patience (steadfastness), reverent wonder (godliness), warm friendliness (brotherly affection), and generous love.  If these qualities “are increasing”, they will keep us from “being ineffective or unfruitful”
4. Take time to ponder each character trait.  Then think about those you are doing well in.  Think about those you need to grow in.
5. Admit your need for God’s guidance and help in your growth in him.  Ask him to help you grow in those areas where you recognize you need the most improvement.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 28: 21-24

²¹ To show partiality is not good,
    but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
²² A stingy man hastens after wealth
    and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
²³ Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
    than he who flatters with his tongue.
²⁴ Whoever robs his father or his mother
    and says, “That is no transgression,”
    is a companion to a man who destroys.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹ So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ² shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³ not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.⁵ Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.⁹ Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰ And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹ To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: Elders in the church are to shepherd God’s people.  All believers are to be humble and self-controlled and look confidently to God and resist the devil.
2. Recall times that you have been especially aware that God cares for you.  Did you feel freer to “cast” your anxieties on God then or during other times when His love didn’t seem so close? What causes these differences in feeling?
3. It’s hard not to be anxious when we’re suffering.  Leaving everything to God seems difficult indeed.  But Peter said that suffering lasts only for a little while.  God will restore you, and make you strong.  And in His time, God will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you”.  Whatever today’s pain, we have the promise of strength, and the prospect of glory – forever.
4. What anxieties do you still have?  Read this passage again.  Tell God your worries one by one and ask for His guidance and care.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 28: 17-20

¹⁷ If one is burdened with the blood of another,
    he will be a fugitive until death;
    let no one help him.
¹⁸ Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,
    but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
¹⁹ Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
    but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
²⁰ A faithful man will abound with blessings,
    but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹ Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. ³ For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴ With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

⁷ The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: Christians are to live for the will of God. We are to love and serve each other, and Christians are to rejoice in suffering as we share Christ’s suffering.
2. Peter described the Roman world of his day as a society filled with violence, oppression, cruelty, the abuse of power, and sexual insanity (v3).  Christians faced tremendous pressure from all sides.  Living under such situations, how, for example, is it possible for Christians to maintain sexual purity in such a sexually overheated society? Peter encouraged them to live “no longer for human passions but for the will of God”(v2).
3. The more hostile the world is to us, the greater our need for support and encouragement.  The antagonism of outsiders has the effect of bringing us closer and closer to others who think and feel as we do. Christian community is a close, warm and supportive fellowship where we can find encouragement and strength to get on with life in the grim outside world.
4. If you are missing the warmth of fellowship with other Christians, you lack something essential to your growth and well-being.  If you are not a part of a cell group in the church, speak to the pastor, your SS teacher or members of the church.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 28: 13-16

¹³ Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
    but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
¹⁴ Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,
    but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
¹⁵ Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
¹⁶ A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
    but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹³ Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,¹⁵ but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,¹⁹ in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, ²⁰ because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. ²¹ Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²² who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance:  Christians are to practice submission in the home, and in the church.  If a person should suffer for doing good, he should remember Christ’s suffering which led to our salvation.
2. Peter reminds us that God’s eyes are on the righteous, so that in the normal course of affairs, good things do happen to good people. But there are situations when you do good, and suffer for it.  When this happen to you, “you are blessed”.  Peter than told us how to react in such situations.  Don’t fear or be frightened; remember that Jesus is Lord and sovereign over all circumstances; be prepared to explain your hope to anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are; keep a clear conscience; remember that if God chooses to let you suffer, it’s much better to suffer for something you didn’t do than for committing some sin! (vv14-17)
3. Jesus Christ suffered innocently and yet all this happened according to God’s will.  God wonderfully and graciously turned injustice into a means of grace and blessing for all mankind. So, when bad things happened to God’s people, we can be sure that He is personally involved and out of the evil God will bring out some very real good.
4. Our world is often unjust. Bring to mind some of your past or current sufferings. In the context of these sufferings, how can the suffering and consequences of Christ in this passage bring you hope?  Thank God for the hope we have been given in Christ.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 28:9-12

⁹ If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
    even his prayer is an abomination.
¹⁰ Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
    will fall into his own pit,
    but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
¹¹ A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
    but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
    but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹⁸ Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.¹⁹ For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. ²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. ²¹ For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ²² He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. ²³ When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.²⁴ He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. ²⁵ For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: Peter encouraged believers to grow spiritually as they received the calling as God’s chosen and holy people.  Believers therefore are to live holy lives and to submit to authorities and masters, even when this involves suffering as Christ suffered.
2. None of us likes to be unfairly treated. It is most frustrating when we can’t do anything about it. In this passage, Peter calls for submission even when we are treated unfairly.  Peter went on to tell us that we should do what Jesus did when He suffered unjustly.  Jesus didn’t retaliate, or hurl insults back at those who insulted Him.  What Jesus did was to entrust “Himself to Him who judges justly.”
3. Peter did not always understand that Christ’s disciples should expect to suffer unjustly.  When Jesus first announced that the Messiah must suffer and finally die unjustly in Jerusalem, Peter attempted to stop Him. (Matt 16:21-23) But now Peter understands that out of the innocent suffering of the Saviour, God worked out our salvation.  The suffering of Jesus was not meaningless; it was permitted that through it good might come.  Therefore Peter teaches that if we would commit ourselves into God’s hands, we can be sure that not only justice will be done for us, but also that our suffering will serve the cause of God’s grace.
4. Have you ever experienced unjust treatment or hardship because of following the Lord?  Pray for courage to walk “in his steps” even in the face of suffering, today, this week, this month.

Prayer & Journaling

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 28:5-8

⁵ Evil men do not understand justice,
    but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.
⁶ Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
    than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
⁷ The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
    but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
⁸ Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit
    gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹³ Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵ but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” ¹⁷ And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, ¹⁸ knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. ²⁰ He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you ²¹ who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a glance: After a brief greeting, Peter praised God for the salvation of those who suffered persecution.  He urged them to remember the price of redemption and to live holy lives.
2. Peter’s call to holiness can be confusing and intimidating.  We are often bombarded by the media depicting “holy” people as stiff, sexuality repressed, boring, lifeless, self-righteous, judgemental, and deeply hypocritical.  Yet to be holy is to be transformed into Christ’s image.  Peter talked about “be holy in all your conduct”, what does it mean practically?
3. Jot a quick list of all you have to do today (or tomorrow). How could you begin to tackle this list with the goal “be holy in all your conduct”?
4. Pray specifically from your list that you would be holy and would improve relationships with those around you.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

Proverbs for Today 28:1-4

¹ The wicked flee when no one pursues,
    but the righteous are bold as a lion.
² When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
    but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
    its stability will long continue.
³ A poor man who oppresses the poor
    is a beating rain that leaves no food.
⁴ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
    but those who keep the law strive against them.

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

¹³ Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. ¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. ¹⁸ Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

¹⁹ My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, ²⁰ let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: James encourages us in this passage to wait on God, to be patient, and warns us against wanting it all now. He also gives us very practical suggestions for helping people become whole.
2. Recall a time when you came very close to wandering from the faith?  Who helped bring you back?  Spend some time revisit that experience and all your emotions then and now.
3. Is God putting someone in your heart that is in the “wandering from the faith” situation as you were?  How would you help him/her come back to the faith?
4. We are all broken people—physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc—and we need each other in the community of faith to pray that we might be healed.
5. Pray for the people in the church and in your cell. Ask God to give you a spirit of harmony, acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, and love so that you would care for one other and witness God’s power.

Prayer & Journaling:

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 27:25-27

²⁵ When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
    and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
²⁶ the lambs will provide your clothing,
    and the goats the price of a field.
²⁷ There will be enough goats’ milk for your food,
    for the food of your household
    and maintenance for your girls.