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HE LOVES ME: A WOMAN’S JOURNEY TO PEACE - Day of Discovery

November 30: Do Not Turn to Folly Ephesians 6:1–24 ; Proverbs 9:13–18 I have a problem with criticism. Being one of the youngest in a large, opinionated family, I quickly learned how to stand up for myself and get my way as a young child. I learned to deflect teasing. I also learned I had a knack for ignoring reprimands—punishment free (there are certain, inalienable rights that shouldn't be bestowed on the youngest). The louder I projected my voice, the better; the more stubborn my stance, the more respect I earned. I wish I could say it was a phase that I quickly grew out of. When we’re challenged by others, we often interpret the wisdom offered as criticism instead. We defensively deflect feedback like beams of light, hoping they’ll land in their rightful place (our neighbor’s darkness, and not our own). This type of reaction can become second nature to us. Soon, even messages in church are meant for others: “I wish [insert person who is currently annoying us] was her...

Genocide or Judgment - Day of Discovery

November 29: Revitalization: Moving Beyond the Catch Word 2 Kings 22:1–23:27 Ideally, spiritual renewal wouldn't be necessary—we would continually grow closer to God . But that’s not the case. There are ups and downs in our walk with Yahweh . We experience times of intimacy and times of distance. We lose focus, energy, or the desire to obey. These highs and lows could be the result of our fallen world or our taking God for granted, but whatever the reason, we need renewal. Spiritual revitalization is essential. We can always grow closer to God . During his reign, King Josiah launches a reformation—a revitalization of the way God’s people think and act. He even changes the people’s understanding of God Himself . After finding a scroll (likely of Deuteronomy ), Josiah tears his clothes in remorse and repentance and instructs the priests to inquire of Yahweh on behalf of the people ( 2 Kgs 22:8–13 ). Yahweh is aware of their misdeeds. Then Josiah immediately does what ne...

Does Faith Work? - Day of Discovery

November 28: The Unity of Believers Ephesians 4:1–32 It’s easy to sort believers in a community based on the quantity of their service. Most of us could roll out the masking tape and divide those who contribute their time and efforts from those who don’t. If we’re honest, the topic itself easily divides us—it makes us feel used, over-tasked, and resentful. But that’s not the picture of unity of purpose that Paul presents in Ephesians. He describes the church as a body—one in which “each single part” is needed for the growth of the whole. “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ , from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love” ( Eph 4:15–16 ). We are each given unique abilities for the growth of the body, and “each single part” is necessary to g...

Dangerous Faith: A Journey Through Deception - Day of Discovery

November 27: When Hezekiah Gave Away the Farm 2 Kings 18:13–19:37 After the announcement that Hezekiah “did right in the eyes of Yahweh ,” the next description comes as a surprise: “At that time, Hezekiah cut off the doors of the temple of Yahweh and the doorposts which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and he gave them to the king of Assyria” ( 2 Kgs 18:3 , 16 ). For a moment Hezekiah was a strong king over Israel—he abolished idolatry and refused to obey the king of Assyria ( 2 Kgs 18:4 , 7 ). As 2 Kings 18:6 describes, “He held on to Yahweh ; he did not depart from following him, and he kept his commands that Yahweh had commanded Moses.” But Hezekiah did not possess fortitude ( see 2 Kgs 18:13–18 ). In an attempt to gain peace, he gave away not only treasures, but even pieces of Yahweh’s temple itself ( 2 Kgs 18:15–16 ). We’ve all been in situations where it’s tempting to do anything for peace. Perhaps we’ve even compromised our ethics or values in these moments. But no ...

Chronicles of Promise, Power & Privilege: brThe Legacy of Israel's Three Kings, Part Ibr (Saul: The King of Promise) - Day of Discovery

November 26: A Moment to Reflect Ephesians 1:1–23 ; Proverbs 8:9–18 Anyone will admit that wisdom is more than just knowledge. We think of wisdom as thoughtful insight acquired with life experience. However, Paul and the author of Proverbs tell us that it is not something we gain with a little age and some good direction. Wisdom is inseparable from the fear of God . The author of Proverbs tells us wisdom is “knowledge and discretion” ; it’s associated with the desire to fear God , and it is a reward to those who seek it out. “I love those who love me,” says Wisdom personified. “Those who seek me diligently shall find me” ( Prov 8:17 ). Paul speaks of wisdom in light of understanding the grand story of salvation we’re part of. When writing to the Ephesians, Paul prays that they will receive a certain type of spirit so they can grow in faith— “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ , the glorious Father , may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (the ...

 November 25 Lesson 13 PAUL EVANGELIZES IN ROME DEVOTIONAL READING: Deuteronomy 4:32–40 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Acts 28:11–31 ACTS 28:16, 17 , 23–31 16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. 17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25 And when they agr...

From Fear to Hope Hebrews 6:18–19 “So that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. [19] We have this [hope]—like a sure and firm anchor of the soul—that enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” ( HCSB ) A recent study indicates that those who are not “hopeful about the future” are more likely to die than those who have hope for the future. Over a four-year span, from 1992 to 1996, researches asked 795 people aged 64 to 79 whether they were ‘hopeful about the future.’ Around 9% responded, “no.” Five years after the survey, the researches found that 11% of the hopeful died, contrasted with 29% of those who were not “hopeful about the future” died. ( http://www.freshsermonillustrations.net ) Where does this hope come from? How can one person be drowning in despair while another is floating on hope? Will religious fervor do it? What about ke...

November 25: You Have to Mean It Proverbs 8:1–8 Wisdom really isn’t all that difficult to find. We think of this attribute as hidden or fleeting, but the book of Proverbs portrays Wisdom calling out to us: “Does not wisdom call, and understanding raise its voice? Atop the heights beside the road, at the crossroads she stands. Beside gates, before towns, at the entrance of doors” ( Prov 8:1–3 ). When we seek Wisdom, she shows up. She’s everywhere. She’s waiting—not to be found, but to be embraced. The intelligence of Wisdom, the prudence she teaches, is at our fingertips. In Proverbs 8:3–5 , Wisdom cries out, “To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to the children of humankind. Learn prudence, O simple ones; fools, learn intelligence.” Maybe the real problem is that few of us are wise enough to be what Wisdom requires us to be. The folly of humankind may not be in a lack of seeking, but a lack of doing. If we really want something, we work for it. Wisdom requires sacrificing w...

November 25 Lesson 13 Paul Evangelizes in Rome Devotional Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32–40 Background Scripture : Acts 28:11–31 Acts 28:16 , 17 , 23–31 16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. 17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans . 23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening . 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not ....

Why Do I Give? Ma lachi 3:10 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Lately, I’ve been humming the lyrics to the "Three Dog Night song" that goes, "prices are rising, and the Devil’s to blame." Well, I’m not so sure the Devil’s to blame, but it sure seems to cost a lot to live these days. Two month’s rent today would pay an entire year’s rent in our first apartment we rented as newlyweds. A couple of weeks ago I was listening as my Dad talked about what it is like to live on a fixed income, now that he is retired. "Fixed income," I said, " I’d love for my income to be fixed, lately I’ve been thinking it was broken." Personally, we’ve never made more money than we are making now. The Church pays m...

November 25: You Have to Mean It Proverbs 8:1–8 Wisdom really isn’t all that difficult to find. We think of this attribute as hidden or fleeting, but the book of Proverbs portrays Wisdom calling out to us: "Does not wisdom call, and understanding raise its voice? Atop the heights beside the road, at the crossroads she stands. Beside gates, before towns, at the entrance of doors" (Pr ov 8:1–3 ). When we seek Wisdom, she shows up. She’s everywhere. She’s waiting—not to be found, but to be embraced. The intelligence of Wisdom, the prudence she teaches, is at our fingertips. In Proverbs 8:3–5 , Wisdom cries out, "To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to the children of humankind. Learn prudence, O simple ones; fools, learn intelligence." Maybe the real problem is that few of us are wise enough to be what Wisdom requires us to be. The folly of humankind may not be in a lack of seeking, but a lack of doing. If we really want something, we work for it. Wis...

November 24: The Ties that Bind Galatians 4:1–31 We don’t often consider our former lives as enslavement. We characterize our lives before Christ by bad decisions and sinful patterns, but not bondage. We like to think of ourselves as neutral beings. But Paul paints another picture. The things or people we once put our trust in were the things that enslaved us. Paul asks the Galatians why they would ever want to return to bondage. “But at that time when you did not know God , you were enslaved to the things which by nature are not gods. But now, because you have come to know God , or rather have come to be known by God , how can you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental spirits? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?” ( Gal 4:8–9 ). Paul tells the Galatians that turning back to the things they trusted formerly—whether the law for the Jews or spiritual beings for the Gentiles—is choosing enslavement. For us, it could be anything from thought patterns, gre...

November 23: The Games We Play Galatians 3:1–29 We live in the age of online résumés, with pages dedicated to us and our faces. We can broadcast our thoughts in seconds and republish ideas that make us look smart by association. And we do it all in an effort to earn recognition or acceptance. We want to be heard in the midst of the noise—to earn a spot in the spotlight. The works of the law that drove Judaism in the first century AD weren't much different; they were pitched as a way to obtain God’s favor as well as the favor of others. Paul responds to the ideals of his age: “Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as having been crucified? I want only to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” ( Gal 3:1–2 ). Paul’s questions are rhetorical. We’re not saved by works, but by the graciousness of God . It is not through works that the Spirit dwells among us, but through God’s ...

November 22: Counterfeit Gospels Galatians 1:1–2:21 We’re fine with the idea of God being our savior, but we’re not always keen on the notion of letting Him transform every area of our lives. We often emphasize sharing the gospel, but do we consider the reality of the outcome? It’s a question Paul poses to the church in Galatia. Typically, when Paul opens a letter to a church, he follows his greeting with a prayer of thanksgiving for the members of the community. But in his correspondence with the Galatians, he skips the niceties and opts for a biting remark, signaling that something is drastically wrong. “I am astonished that you are turning away so quickly from the one who called you by the grace of Christ to a different gospel, not that there is a different gospel, except there are some who are disturbing you and wanting to distort the gospel of Christ” ( Gal 1:6–9 ). Paul’s message is especially cutting because the Galatians knew better. Paul himself had preached the gospe...

November 21: Walk Like the Shunammite 2 Kings 8:1–9:29 ; Mark 16:1–20 Trust is a fickle matter. What does it take for us to trust another person—especially with our livelihood? Our decision to trust someone can usually be determined by whether we see God in that person. When the Shunammite woman must decide whether to trust Elisha, it is a simple choice. God has already worked in her life through Elisha—giving her a son and then resurrecting him—so she understands that what he says is from Yahweh . When Elisha says to her, “Get up and go, you and your household, and dwell as an alien wherever you can, for Yahweh has called for a famine, and it will come to the land for seven years,” she trusts him ( 2 Kgs 8:1 ). She goes to Philistia ( 2 Kgs 8:2 ). Would we do the same—leave everything and go to a foreign land at one godly person’s word? What does it take for us to trust someone with our lives? What does it take for us to trust God with our lives? We will probably never encount...

Capernaum: City of Skeptics - Day of Discovery

Capernaum: City of Skeptics - Day of Discovery

November 19: Pain, Anguish, and Resurrection 2 Kings 4:18–5:27 Pain and anguish resound in the narrative of the Shunammite’s son and Elijah ( 2 Kgs 4:18–37 ). Reading the story, we can’t help but feel empathy for the Shunammite woman whose son has died. Yet Elisha seems so cavalier. What would prompt him to act this way? What is Elisha teaching us in this series of events? Even those who have experienced miracles struggle to accept that God can handle anything. The Shunammite woman remarks to Elisha, "Did I ask for a son from my lord? Did I not say that you must not mislead me?" ( 2 Kgs 4:28 ). Elisha seems to recognize God’s capability , however, even when his colleague, Gehazi, and the Shunammite woman fail to see it. Elisha is so confident in God’s work that he remarks to Gehazi, "Gird up your loins [meaning ‘get ready’] and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, you must not greet them; if anyone greets you, you must not answer them. Y...

November 18 Lesson 12 Paul Ministers on Melita Devotional Reading: Ezekiel 34:11–16 Background Scripture: Acts 28:1–10 Acts 28:1–10 1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita . 2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold . 3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand . 4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live . 　 5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm . 6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, the...

November 18: Warring Tendencies and Spiritual Airs Mark 14:22–50 “I will do this!” I declare as I resolve to get in shape, eat better, save money, study and meditate on the Word more, journal more, read more. My plans escalate, growing grander in scale and depth. Although I succeed in them for a while, I easily become overwhelmed when I can’t live up to the inflated vision I've projected for myself. It’s especially easy to do this spiritually. It’s simple to hand out godly advice with a spiritual air, to speak wise words about past failings (read subtext: “Look how far I've come!” ), and to talk about personal growth. But when we mess up on a colossal scale, it’s humiliating and surprising to all—especially ourselves. “What happened?” we might ask. “I was doing so well!” Simon Peter had a tendency to make grand plans: “Even if they all fall away, certainly I will not!” he declared, proclaiming his loyalty to the Savior ( Mark 14:29 ). They’re words to fall fla...

November 18: Warring Tendencies and Spiritual Airs Mark 14:22–50 "I will do this!" I declare as I resolve to get in shape, eat better, save money, study and meditate on the Word more, journal more, read more. My plans escalate, growing grander in scale and depth. Although I succeed in them for a while, I easily become overwhelmed when I can’t live up to the inflated vision I’ve projected for myself. It’s especially easy to do this spiritually. It’s simple to hand out godly advice with a spiritual air, to speak wise words about past failings (read subtext: "Look how far I’ve come!"), and to talk about personal growth. But when we mess up on a colossal scale, it’s humiliating and surprising to all—especially ourselves. "What happened?" we might ask. "I was doing so well!" Simon Peter had a tendency to make grand plans: "Even if they all fall away, certainly I will not!" he declared, proclaiming his loyalty to the Savior ( ...

Transformation (part 2) Acts 9:15 The first thing I think of when I hear the word "transformation" is the sudden, radical change that happened in Saul of Tarsus’ life when he met the Risen Lord on the Road to Damascus. Perhaps it is the stark contrast resulting from the encounter or maybe it is the relatively short time the change took that grabs my attention, I’m not sure. But one thing I’m sure of, not all transformations are like that. Some are slow, tedious and gradual. Sometimes they are so slow, the contrast is camouflaged by the repetitive tick of the clock. Have you ever seen time-lapsed photography of a seed’s germination process? With the clock sped up, the roots extend, the small shoot emerges and a plant begins to grow. But who would have the patience to watch the process without the benefit of time lapse photography? The change is so gradual it will go unnoticed to the naked eye. But even when the change happens instantaneously, there is a process i...

November 17: When in Need 2 Kings 1:1–2:5 When we encounter trouble, we tend to look wherever we can for help: We turn in whatever direction seems most promising at the moment. In doing so, we may unwittingly walk away from Yahweh . Should practicality or convenience stand between God and us? When King Ahaziah falls through a lattice and is injured, he seeks help from a foreign god rather than Yahweh —likely because it seems natural or right. He thinks the god of Ekron, Baal-Zebub, can provide the healing he needs. But what Ahaziah sees as a desperate situation is actually an opportunity for Yahweh to act; Yahweh plans to use this situation for His glory. When Ahaziah sends messengers to Ekron, Yahweh intercedes. Elijah approaches them bearing a word from Yahweh that had been spoken to him by an angel: “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?” ( 2 Kgs 1:3 ). When we experience physical or spiritual pain, do we fi...

November 16: I (Don’t) Want to Hear It 1 Kings 22:1–53 My attempts to find guidance are often flawed. I long for honest appraisal of my actions, but I can sometimes be sneaky about choosing my appraiser. When those who know me present a real, raw look at my life and offer hard, helping words, I can become defensive and angry. I might pick a fresh voice instead—someone who doesn’t know my weaknesses and tendencies. “They’re not biased,” I tell myself. When Ahab and Jehoshaphat combine forces to recapture Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians, they want divine assurance. However, they aren't necessarily willing to receive divine direction. Ahab, king of Israel, inquires of his 400 prophets, and they assure him of victory. Jehoshaphat isn’t convinced, so he asks for “a prophet of Yahweh .” Ahab’s response isn’t so far from my own: “Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, ‘There is still one man to inquire from Yahweh , but I despise him, for he never prophesies anything goo...

November 15: Economics, Currency, and Caesar Mark 12:1–34 Jesus’ command to pay taxes is one of the trickier passages in the NT . The actual line isn’t tricky— “Give to Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God” ( Mark 12:17 )—but its origins and Jesus’ exact reasoning aren't as clear. People have taken this passage to suggest that Jesus was in favor of government or taxes. But this interpretation misses the point. We’re meant to learn from Jesus here, not take away some regulation. Certainly Jesus condones paying taxes and charity work, but those points touch only on the basics of His statement . First, Jesus is annoyed. The Pharisees and Herodians are testing Him with this question, and He  doesn't approve. His reaction suggests that simply taking away a “law” here would sadden Him , for that’s all the Pharisees and Herodians cared about ( Mark 12:15 ). The “law” would address only the political question. Jesus goes on to ask for a denar...

November 14: Staying the Course Proverbs 4:18–27 “May your eyes look forward and your gaze be straight before you. May the path of your foot be balanced and all your ways be sure. Do not swerve right or left; remove your foot from evil” ( Prov 4:25–27 ). These verses reflect someone who has incredible purpose. I imagine an acrobat walking a tightrope—knees bent, one foot carefully placed in front of the other, and nothing but a slender rope keeping him from plummeting to the ground. Such efforts would require incredible calm, effort, and focus—especially focus. The body naturally follows the path of our eyes, which is detrimental if we’re focused on the wrong thing. The idea of staying the course illustrates God’s path and purpose for us. When we act, speak, and follow that path, we are carrying out His will for our lives. But there’s a problem: We can’t. All of our efforts are tainted. Our knees are bound to buckle, we’re sure to misstep, and it’s just a matter of time before...