We are going to wrap up the Old Testament this week and launch into the New Testament. My personal experience tells me that reading through the Old Testament can be very challenging, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this five month of highlighting some of the main stories and principles found in the Old Testament through our reading schedule. I am ready to be in the New Testament now, but I have enjoyed the Old Testament immensely. I hope you have seen how practical God’s Word is, even as the people anticipated the Messiah. Now we will be able to read about the Messiah. We will be able to take the teaching of the New Testament of Christ’s life and being his follower, and apply it in an even deeper way because we have built our foundation on the prediction of God’s intervention through Christ found in the Old Testament. Enjoy.

June 1: Daniel 5:1-30 – For whatever reason, the reading schedule does not include Daniel 4 as one of our selections. I think Daniel 4 is a very important chapter about Nebuchadnezzar and how he trusted in his own power. God humbled him, and through repentance he acknowledged the living God and his sanity was restored. I encourage you to read that along with this chapter. “But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.” (vv. 22 & 23) Often kings would kill the bearer of bad news, but Daniel was not afraid to tell the truth to the king even though it was not what he wanted to hear. We learn something from Daniel about being courageous, even though we know we will be opposed. What does this teach you about representing Christ in our world today? What might God be asking you to do in a world that is drifting away from him?

June 2: Daniel 6:1-28 – If the story of the fiery furnace isn’t the most common story in the Old Testament, this one surely is . . . Daniel in the Lion’s Den. “Daniel answered, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.’” (vv. 21 & 22) In the most difficult circumstances God can give immeasurable peace. God is a god of deliverance. He has been rescuing people all through history. Do you trust him? Will you face your fears with new courage and faith? Why does trusting God melt away fear?

June 3: Jonah 1:1-2:10 – The only minor prophet we will read about is Jonah because his story is so relevant to our everyday life. God asked Jonah to share his Word with people who were ignoring God and Jonah disobeyed. Jonah was reluctant because he thought his mission was distasteful. He was to go to the ungodly Ninevites. But the true message is that he disobeyed God. “But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.” (verse 17) Many try to dismiss this miraculous story as fiction. The Bible does not describe it as a dream or a legend. You can choose how you want to view this event, but it became the illustration of Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus would be in the belly of the grave for three days, and then be raised to life. How do these first two chapters about Jonah speak to you? What is the message the Lord is giving us from the life of Jonah, who lived 2,800 years ago?

June 4: Jonah 3:1-4:11 – “But the LORD said, ‘You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?’” (vv. 4:10 & 11) God saved the people of Nineveh when they responded to Jonah’s preaching. God answers the prayers of who call on him. Our God is a god of mercy and his concern is for the spiritual wellbeing of people in every culture, from every country. To have God’s heart is to care about people. How is your compassion for those that need Christ these days?

June 5: John 1:1-18 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (verse 14) The very representative of God, his one and only Son, lived among us. The idea of calling Jesus the Word is to relate to the fact that he was the revelation of God. The Word was the principle of reason that governed the world in the Greek mind and also the very expression of God to the Hebrew. It was one of the most powerful descriptions of who Jesus was/is. What do you learn about Jesus from this verse? What do you learn about Jesus from this chapter? How do you want to follow Jesus?

June 6: Luke 1:5-25 – For the next two weeks we will read about the story of Christ’s coming to earth as a baby born in Bethlehem. The story would begin with the birth of John. John would be the forerunner for Jesus the Messiah. “Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.” (vv. 21 & 22) Zechariah, an old priest, had trouble believing God. The result was that he could not speak. He and his wife had been childless for many years, and they were too old to expect a miraculous change like this. Zechariah had more fear than faith. He had more doubts than belief. How can you relate to Zechariah? Why is believing so important? “And without faith it is impossible to please God. . .” (Hebrews 11:6)

How do you feel about Christmas in June? I have known people that celebrated Christmas at the six-month mark of the year, just for fun. If you think the concept is unusual, the reading about the Christmas story may seem just as unusual to you. However, in the reading schedule we are ready to begin the New Testament and the entry of Christ into our world. In a fun sort of way, I am excited to read about Jesus’ birth in June. Oftentimes, during Advent, I will read the Christmas story and spend time prayerfully considering the power and wonder of God becoming man. I hope you can embrace the beauty of the incarnation and the specifics to this marvelous story, even in June. We will see the characters that surround the coming of Christ; we will affirm the miracle again. It will be a good week of reading familiar stories that might have new meaning for you.

June 7: Luke 1:26-56 – “The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.’” (verse 35) The Bible presents something that has been questioned in our day. Jesus was born to the virgin Mary. His birth was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He is both God and man – the seed of God in the womb of a human woman. This is one of the miracles of Christmas. Jesus was born without sin because he was born of God and called the Son of God. What do you think about the virgin birth? Why is the virgin birth important to the Christian faith? What inspires you about Mary’s encounter with the angel?

June 8: Luke 1:57-80 – “Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, ‘His name is John.’ Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.” (vv. 62-64) For nine months Zechariah could not speak. It was because of his lack of faith. We have studied about faith and fear these last weeks in our sermon series entitled “Fear . . . Less.” Zechariah had more fear than faith. He lost his ability to speak. But when he showed genuine faith, his mouth was opened. How does faith open up your heart? Why is faith so important to God’s purposes in your life?

June 9: Matthew 1:1-25 – “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (verse 21) The name Jesus comes from the Old Testament Hebrew name Joshua. It means “God saves.” Jesus came to earth to save us because we couldn’t save ourselves. Sin would separate us from God, but Jesus would be the bridge to life for relationship with the living God now and forever. This is a forecast of what Jesus would do for us as he would die on the cross for our sins. Jesus is a marvelous name for our Savior. Why is the name Jesus so special to you? How might you express your appreciation to Jesus, knowing that he came to not just be born, but to die for you?

June 10: Luke 2:1-20 – This is the most familiar Bible text of all. This is read at Christmastime year after year. We can even hear Linus reading it in A Charlie Brown Christmas. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (verse 19) Can you do what Mary did? I want you to hold on to this story in a fresh and new way so that you are encouraged in your faith. What stirs your heart today as you read the Christmas story? What new or deeper meaning did you receive from God as you read? How will this help you to live for Christ today?

June 11: Luke 2:21-39 – “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (vv. 30-32) These words come from the Old Testament Scriptures. Simeon would speak a word of prophecy about the identity of Jesus and what he would do for us. It is clear throughout the Bible that Jesus came for the entire world, not just the Jews. This devoted Hebrew man named Simeon proclaimed that truth again that Jesus came to save all who believed, Gentiles as well as Jews. As a Gentile, how does that make you feel? Why has Jesus been a stumbling block for the Jews? What does it mean to you that Jesus was the Savior for all?

June 12: Matthew 2:1-12 – Here is another familiar story that you are well acquainted with, the visit of the magi. “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.” (verse 6) This is another prophecy that was written by Micah 700 years before Christ was to be born. Bethlehem was a very small village, and yet it would be the birthplace of Jesus. All the prophecies would be linked together so that Jesus would fulfill them all. It is amazing that people still doubt the marvel of the Messiah being born to us in the person of Jesus Christ. How do you respond to such clear prophecies about Christ that were written 700 years before he came? What does that mean to you? How does that strengthen your faith?

June 13: Matthew 2:13-23 – “Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’” (vv. 22 & 23) Matthew is known for making connections for who Jesus is from what was predicted about him in the Old Testament. This statement is not as clear from the Old Testament referring to Jesus as a Nazarene. However, the whole heartbeat of Matthew is to paint a picture that Jesus was the true Messiah announced by God through the prophets. The Messiah had unexpectedly humble beginnings, just as was predicted in the Old Testament. How have you enjoyed reading the Christmas story? What new insights has God given you this week? How will they help you live more fully for Christ?

Last week we highlighted the birth of Christ and all those very familiar stories that can be inspiring, even in the month of June. This week we will transition, with a brief look at John the Baptist, into the story of Jesus and his ministry. Our main reading this week is in the Gospel of John when Jesus will begin with choosing his disciples and then showing himself through his first miracle. But it won’t take long for us to learn about the plan of salvation. Jesus will tell a man named Nicodemus about being born again, which leads to new life and salvation. Again, these stories may be familiar to you, but I pray that they will take on new meaning and deeper significance for you.

June 14: Luke 2:41-52 – “When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom.” (verse 42) We will read about the Passover many times in the New Testament. It is a part of the story of Jesus that continues to draw the significance of who Christ is to what happens through the Passover Meal. Jesus would be the fulfillment of the Passover meal. He is the Passover lamb. Jesus was just twelve years old but you read in the story that he had a very engaging conversation with the religious leaders. We read his famous statement, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (verse 49) Jesus give hints at his identity. No one understands, but Jesus is already focusing on his purpose as the Son of God. Why is this story significant? How does it encourage you?

June 15: Mark 1:1-13 – It is important for us to read the introduction of Mark. Mark gets right into the story. Mark’s style is very clear in these verses because he says things in a very succinct way. “And this was his message: ‘After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’” (vv. 7 & 8 ) John had a very significant role, but nothing compared to Jesus. From the very beginning John pointed to Jesus. It was predicted in the Old Testament that there would be a forerunner to the Messiah. John fulfilled that role. What John began Jesus fulfilled. What do you know about John the Baptist? Why is his role important in God’s plan? How are you to be like John the Baptist?

June 16: John 1:19-34 – This fills in more of the story about John the Baptist. These are some of the key statements about John’s life and ministry. “Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.’” (verse 32) John the Baptist declares that Jesus is the Messiah in these verses. The contrast of John baptizing with water and Jesus baptizing with the Spirit is also affirmation of the long awaited Messiah. John pointed people to the Christ. How about you? These last two readings are similar. I feel led to encourage you to consider what it would mean for you to follow in the footsteps of John the Baptist. Oftentimes we talk about following in the footsteps of Jesus, which is the main emphasis. But today try to answer this question: “What would it mean for me to follow in the footsteps of John the Baptist?

June 17: John 1:35-51 – “Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Philip.” (vv. 44-46) Nazareth is an interesting location for Jesus. Nazareth was despised by most of the Jews. It was speculated that the city was known for its poor reputation in morals and religion. Jesus was never one to work hard at being with the “in group.” Jesus went out to the margins and ministered to the fringe. You will read about this throughout the Gospels. What do you like about these verses and Jesus reaching out to those who would be called his disciples? Has Jesus called you to be his disciple? How?

June 18: John 2:1-25 – These two stories are especially powerful. They both give evidences to the two sides of Jesus, both his inspiration and his confrontation. “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” (verse 10) I think of this as an analogy of the kind of life that Jesus gives. We think that we can find a sense of happiness and value in the things of this life, and there are obviously many good gifts to enjoy in this life. But nothing compares to Jesus. He is the best. Just as the wine Jesus made was the best, so life in him is better than life on your own. Does this make sense to you? How has Jesus made your life better than you could have on your own? What do you learn from these two stories?

June 19: John 3:1-21 – This is one of the most familiar stories in the Gospel of John. “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’” (vv. 7 & 8 ) Oftentimes the phrase “born again” is translated “rebirth.” Jesus explains the importance of spiritual rebirth. People do not enter the kingdom of God by living a better life. To experience the gift of salvation, one must be spiritually reborn. Are you born again? How do you know? What do you learn from Jesus’ teaching on spiritual rebirth?

June 20: John 3:22-36 – “He must become greater; I must become less.” (verse 30) This is a great summary of the heart of John. John’s willingness to decrease is an example of humility. To boast is to boast in the Lord. This is really pointing to the fact that John wanted God to be glorified through his life. That meant he did not have to be seen or recognized. How does John’s example help you? What does it mean that Christ would become greater and you would become less? Is that true for you?

You will notice that we are going to skip around the four Gospels as we read about Jesus’ life. It seems to me that the reading schedule is emphasizing the chronological order of what Jesus did. You will notice his personal encounters with people who need to know the truth. Jesus has a dynamic way about him as he points people heavenward. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is about Jesus’ purpose. It says that he would preach the good news to the poor, bring recovery of sight to the blind and offer release to the oppressed. Jesus cared about the underdog. You will see that as he reaches out to a Samaritan woman in our first reading. You will notice how he cares about those that are sick and broken down. I want you to get a glimpse of the heart of Christ as you read these stories. The Scriptures tell us that those who receive Christ receive his Spirit as well. Who Jesus was is who he calls you to be. The Christian faith is a call to be Christ like. How are you doing with that?

June 21: John 4:1-42 – “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” (verse 39) The Samaritan woman’s belief turned into action. She immediately shared her experience with others. Despite her reputation, people were drawn to learn about Christ. They could almost see the change in her life already. As people see the changes that Christ makes in us, they will become curious. May God use you in a similar way that he used this woman to tell friends about what Christ has done in your life. What is your testimony? When is the last time you shared your testimony with someone in your life? Why not today?!

June 22: John 4:43-54 – “Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he and all his household believed.” (verse 53) Do you notice the progression of the official’s faith? First he believed enough to ask Jesus to help his son. Second, he believed Jesus’ assurance that his son would live and he acted on it. Third, he and his whole household believed in Jesus. What do you think about those steps? Do you relate to those steps? Do you think others would be inclined to pursue Jesus in this way? Why or why not?

June 23: Luke 4:16-30 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.” (verse 18) These words come from Isaiah 61:1 & 2. Everyone thought of them as verses about the Messiah. Jesus is affirming two things very strongly. He is the fulfillment of this scriptural prophecy, and this will be his purpose on earth. But there is a third that I have already mentioned to you. What Jesus did we are also called to do. Which phrase stands out to you the most? Why is this kind of ministry so challenging? How are you fulfilling a similar ministry that we see in Jesus?

June 24: Mark 1:16-39 – “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’” (verse 17) You are probably familiar with that verse. It is a verse that applies to his disciples then because they were fishermen, but we know what it means today. It is not easy to catch fish, but when we do it can be very thrilling. As we cast out the line with the bait of God’s good news, some people will open up and receive. Jesus was pointing to this kind of mission from the very beginning of his earthly ministry. In so many words, this is your mission. How are you responding to it? What does it mean to you? How might it affect your day-to-day living?

June 25: Luke 5:1-39 – “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’” (verse 20) Most of this story is about the miraculous power of God present in the life of Christ. In one verse it says, “the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick.” But the first thing that he says to the paralyzed man was about forgiveness for sins. It is very evident that Jesus showed the power of God because he came to liberate people spiritually. To have your sins forgiven and the hope of eternity, is far more important than having your body healed. Jesus demonstrates that. A healed body points to the fact that Jesus can heal the soul and has the power to take us to be with him in heaven forever. Why is the healing of your soul the biggest miracle God has ever done in your life? How would a strong sense of gratitude for your salvation affect how you live today?

June 26: John 5:1-47 – “When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’” (verse 6) The Life Application Bible says an interesting note, “After 38 years, this man’s problem had become a way of life. No one had ever helped him. He had no hope of ever being healed. The man’s situation looked hopeless, but no matter how trapped you feel in your infirmities, God can minister to your deepest needs. Don’t let a problem or hardship cause you to lose hope. God may have special work for you to do in spite of your condition or even because of it.” You may be called in a special way to be a wounded healer. What does this story teach you? What would you want Jesus to do in your life?

June 27: Mark 2:23-3:19 – “Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.’” (2:27 & 28) This statement from Jesus has given me a sense of direction and comfort. A Sabbath rest is a principle that is expressed throughout the Bible. If God shows us the importance of rest by resting on the seventh day of creation, so we would do well to follow this principle. But it wasn’t meant to be a rigid rule, but rather a helpful aspect of the rhythm of life. Slow down one day out of seven, and let your mind and body be renewed. Pursue God, enjoy relationships and be at peace . . . these are the principles of the Sabbath. How are you living the Sabbath principle? What would need to change in your life to honor this timeless principle?

Have you ever heard of the Sermon on the Mount? Well, starting this Monday, June 28th, you will be reading Jesus’ words from the Gospel of Matthew known as the Sermon on the Mount. The words that Jesus uses have actually shaped the way people treat each other. These are some of the most powerful and challenging words that Jesus ever shared. Right from the beginning we read what is called the “beatitudes.” We will also read about being salt and light in the world. Many times in the sermon you will read things that reveal how much you need the grace of God. It says never revenge, never lust, love your enemies . . . Without the grace of God you and I will not be able to accomplish these principles. The sermon ultimately teaches you and me that we need Jesus Christ to save us because we could never be good enough without his grace.

June 28: Matthew 5:1-16 – I have memorized these beatitudes because they are traits that I want to have. The way that I typically think is different than what is presented here – the strong shall succeed; the proud shall be noticed. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (verse 3) This statement sets all the others in motion. Humility is the character trait of the kingdom of God. I cannot save myself so I need the Lord to help. So I surrender to him because he is the one that I need. Are you poor in spirit? How do you understand that phrase? Why is that principle so important . . . to God? . . .to the church?

June 29: Matthew 5:17-30 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (verse 17) Jesus talked about a new way to understand God’s law. He was actually trying to bring people back to its original purpose. In Romans we learn that the law was to show us how much we needed God; it makes us conscious of sin. Jesus was the fulfillment of the law because in him we can be made righteous. He lived a perfect life so that a sinful world could be saved through him. Why is Jesus the fulfillment of the law? How does the law point you to Christ? Why are you grateful for grace?

June 30: Matthew 5:31-48 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (vv. 43 & 44) This is one of the most demanding statements from Jesus because it is so contrary to your natural inclination. When the Pharisees reinterpreted the law and said that we should love those who love us in return, they were making the law doable. But Jesus showed that the depth of the law was impossible to keep. We can love our enemies, but only by the power of the Holy Spirit. In our natural approach to life we will despise our enemies. What does that say to you? Why would Jesus ask us to love our enemies? What is God saying to you through these first three days of reading this week?

July 1: Matthew 6:1-18 – “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” (verse 9) I am obviously attracted to the Lord’s Prayer. I have used the Lord’s Prayer as a model for praying in my daily life. I do not pray it by memory, but use its outline to help me focus in my prayers in the same way that Jesus taught. Jesus said that we are to first praise God and then he made his requests. Praising God puts you and me in the right frame of mind so that we might be more inclined to pray prayers consistent with the will of God. Worship and praise in prayer is a very important dimension of prayer. Do you praise God in your prayers? How and why?

July 2: Matthew 6:19-34 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (vv. 19-21) This principle is so significant. We can be so focused on earth and what we are getting and what we possess and how much money we have that we forget that this life is very short. Jesus challenges us to use the resources of this earth for heavenly purposes. And when we do, we store up for ourselves even a greater treasure in heaven. The Bible calls this eternal rewards. How do you understand eternal rewards? How are you living today that will ensure eternal rewards?

July 3: Matthew 7:1-12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (verse 12) This is commonly known as the Golden Rule. Jesus made this a significant framework for how to live. Simply put: Think of what you would want to do to bless others that you know would also bless you as well. How will you do good to others today? Why is that important? What does that have to do with eternal rewards?

July 4: Matthew 7:13-29 – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (verse 24) A disciple who is responding to the teaching of the Lord and asking him to help you live in obedience, the bibles says you are building your life on a rock. Jesus is often described as a rock. In the Old Testament we read several times that God is our rock. Why is living for Christ the most stable way to live? What does it mean to have Christ as your foundation? Read James 1:22-27 for more teaching on putting into practice what we hear?