John had revelation on loving God and His children. He made the qualifying statement, “This is love for God, to keep His commands.” [1 Jn. 5:3]

Herein lies a big reason why it’s so spiritually healthy to read through the Bible yearly. We ingest God’s Word, we gain a clearer understanding of His commands, we accumulate faith as we read, and we grow to love and depend upon Him more completely.

Our daily walk becomes a walk with Him. “If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you.” [Jn. 15:7] This is fellowship with God, this is loving God.

PRAYER: Father, You have the words of life. Where else could we go?

READ: 1 Jn. 1-5

As Peter describes, so many live without fear or knowledge of the coming judgement. Both the living and the dead shall be judged.

I remember the “IG” inspections in the Army. Inspector General happens for all. You clean, you shine, you line up, and you prepare for the “white glove.” The inspector would wear a white glove and check for dirt everywhere. I remember when he reached far in to my starched, picture-perfect shirts and just happened to pull out a sleeve that was missing a button. Horrors!

We should live our lives with the inspection in mind.

“Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” [2 Pet. 3:14]

PRAYER: Father, You know and see all. By Your grace we will be mindful of pleasing You with every detail of our lives. We trust our future to You.

READ: 1 Pet. 4,5; 2 Pet. 1-3

Peter was pragmatic. He and James both had a handle on coaching the believers in everyday challenges. Hence the admonition regarding sin, “Rid yourselves ie. ‘Stop it!'”

Too many coddle sin. You must deal firmly with it. Have no mercy. Get it out.

How does sin come out? Through the mouth.

“If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 Jn. 1:9]

PRAYER: Father, we want to please You with our daily lives. We desire to see Your glory emanate from everything we do.

READ: 1 Peter 1-3

What should we do when someone is sick or infirmed?

Pray! It’s better than small talk and scripture promises results. James says the prayer of faith over the sick will heal, restore, and even mend spiritual infirmity. The Greek verb used means both physical healing and spiritual salvation. Hence, the immediate declaration of forgiveness of sins.

“By His stripes, we are healed.” So says that prophet, Isaiah. Healing of body and spirit are both necessary. Removal of sin and affliction is made possible through Christ’s death and suffering.

PRAYER: Lord, open our eyes to see and act upon every opportunity to pray the prayer of faith over those who are sick or broken in body. All the glory goes to You.

READ: James 3-5

James writes very clear instructions on how to express genuine faith in Christ … put it to work by your prayers and deeds.

He challenges us to be expectant in our asking and be exertive in our actions. The follow through of actually putting works to our mental commitment pleases the Lord.

Active, effective faith is looking for ways to express itself. It has a pulse. Without a pulse, we are dead.

PRAYER: Lord, prompt my heart today to exert my faith through my deeds.

READ: James 1,2

A safe, pragmatic way to live is to look out for yourself.

Hebrews 11, however, describes a better way to live. It’s the life of faith that puts God’s interests above our own. Actually, the entire Bible is a written description on how to live the life of faith, putting God’s interests above ours.

We are rewarded in this lifetime by observing His faithfulness to us when we are obedient.  However, the greatest rewards are in the life to come, the hereafter, the place He has prepared for those that love Him.

PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for focusing only on our survival here in this life. Grant us the Heavenly perspective to trust a life of faith in You in every decision we make.

READ: Heb. 11-13

The author of Hebrews clarifies that Christ’s death on the tree was the ultimate sacrifice for sin, in effect doing away with the need for the system of sacrifices instituted in the law of Moses. Through the death of Jesus we have complete confidence that we can receive complete forgiveness of sin and thereby stand before God’s judgement without fear.

The ongoing ritual that does come into play is our attendance when Christians meet together for worship, teaching, and fellowship. Christ was faithful for us. We should therefore be faithful to Him.

PRAYER: Lord, You gave all for us. We give to You the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving as we regularly meet with other saints in Your house. 

READ: Heb. 7-10

The author of Hebrews makes it clear that God has the ability to view everything, whether revealed or concealed, from His position of authority and knowledge. He is both Omnipresent (everywhere at the same time) and Omniscient (all knowing, all wise, all seeing).

“No creature is hidden in the sight of Him, but all things are naked and laid bare to the eyes of him to whom we must give our account.” [Heb. 4:13]

Personal holiness and inner integrity are thus essential for a clear conscience.

PRAYER: Father, You know me and my personal life. By Your Holy Spirit, continue to search the deep recesses of my heart to make me clean before You.

READ: Heb. 3-6

Although he identified by name those who opposed the Gospel, Paul instructed Titus to avoid maligning or slandering any man, showing disrespect. Rather, our words are to be life-giving. Even words of correction can bring life and health when spoken with a motive of Christian love behind them.

We can murder people with our words, or we can give them life.

PRAYER: Father, grace our mouths to be agents of Your love. We want our speech to honor You and give life and health to all who hear.

READ: Titus 2,3; Philemon; Heb. 1,2

Who wants to drink from a dirty cup?

Paul declares that Christians are to keep their life clean if they want to be used. Yes, the blood of Jesus can cleanse from sin, but he is referring to “turning away from wickedness.”[2 Tim. 2:19b] We keep our cup clean and God uses us. If we continue in sin,  grace must keep abounding. [Rom. 6:1,2]

Clean cups get used. Dirty ones must stay in the dishwasher.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I want to be used by Your Holy Spirit. Wash me by Your blood and by Your Word.

READ: 2 Tim. 2-4; Titus 1