February 10 - Luke 1

Read: Luke chapter 1 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: The priest, Zechariah, and his wife, Elizabeth, experienced the barrenness that was common to several Old Testament couples whose child played a strategic role in the plan of God.  How has God used ‘impossibilities’ to show you His grace and His presence?  

February 9 - Mark 16

Read: Mark chapter 16 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus told the disciples that there were signs that would be present in those who believed.  Have you ever seen what you consider to be a miracle?  What was it and why did you think it was miraculous?

February 8 - Mark 15

Read: Mark chapter 15 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: We live in a day of great persecution of Christian believers.  Have you ever considered how you might respond if someone ‘accused’ you of being a Jesus follower and hated you for it?  What if there were a possibility of dying just for admitting to your faith?

February 7 - Mark 14

Read: Mark chapter 14 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus loved His friends enough to tell them what was about to happen.  Has anything ever happened in your life that you should have been prepared for, but you fell far short of being ready?  What did you do?

February 6 - Mark 13

Read: Mark chapter 13 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus told His followers to be ‘continually’ on the alert because we do not know when He will return.  If you knew He were coming back tomorrow, what preparations would you make?

February 5 - Mark 12

Read: Mark chapter 12 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: There she was – the poor widow who had little to give and, yet, gave it so willingly.  When have you surprised yourself with your own generosity?

February 4 - Mark 11

Read: Mark chapter 11 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: One of the most difficult things in the Bible is found in this chapter.  Jesus said, “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”  (v 25) Is there someone in your life you need to forgive?  Is there someone you need to forgive again?

February 3 - Mark 10

Read: Mark chapter 10 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: The disciples were often confused and afraid – even though they were with Jesus and heard Him teach every day.  Are there times when you doubt?  Would you say you doubt more than you believe?  How?

February 2 - Mark 9

Read: Mark chapter 9 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Have you ever had a spectacular spiritual experience you wish could have lasted forever?  How did it change you?  Have you taken it in and do you carry it with you, day-to-day, so that it makes a difference in someone else’s life?

February 1 - Mark 8

Read: Mark chapter 8 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus asked, “You have eyes – can’t you see?  You have ears – can’t you hear? Don’t you remember anything at all?”  (v 18) Despite Jesus’ infinite patience, do you ever sense that He might be a little frustrated with you?  Where do you see His patience, in spite of your failure?

January 31 - Mark 7

Read: Mark chapter 7 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus taught that it is not the special foods we eat – those things we take in – that dishonor.  Instead, it is what comes out of us that can make us unclean.  What helps you to monitor yourself to make sure you bring only honor to yourself and to God?

January 30 - Mark 6

Read: Mark chapter 6 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus sent His disciples out, two by two, so that they could preach repentance.  Essentially, to repent means to think differently, to recognize sin, to turn away from sin, and to live a changed life.  As you look back over your own spiritual life, how has each of those things become a part of your journey with Jesus?

January 29 - Mark 5

Read: Mark chapter 5 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: From what has Jesus freed you?  Were you anxious to tell someone about it?  Why or why not?

January 28 - Mark 4

Read: Mark chapter 4 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus said, "Pay attention to what you hear."  By your own standard of measurement [that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply godly wisdom] it will be measured to you [and you will be given even greater ability to respond] – and more will be given to you besides.  What has been the benefit of study for you, personally?

January 27 - Mark 3

Read: Mark 3 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: When Jesus went into the synagogue to teach, He was watched closely to make sure He didn’t do anything against the church rules.  Because He thought doing good was more important than following rules, the Pharisees began to conspire against Him.  Is there something you would like to see happen in the church (in the building, or out in the community) that would help people understand the authority of Jesus Christ?

January 26 - Mark 2

Read: Mark chapter 2 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: In this passage, four men made a hole in the roof where Jesus was teaching and lowered their paralyzed friend down through the hole to the Rabbi.  When has someone cared so much for your spiritual life that they went above and beyond?  When have you done that for someone else?

January 25 - Matthew 28, Mark 1

Read: Matthew chapter 28 and Mark chapter 1 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus was baptized and then led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where He met with physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. What has your response been when something similar has happened to you?

January 24 - Matthew 27

Read: Matthew chapter 27 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: The church people poured out their accusations against Jesus.  Before you knew Him to be God’s Son, what did you think of Him?

January 23 - Matthew 26

Read: Matthew chapter 26 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: A woman ‘wasted’ extremely expensive ointment on Jesus and some of the disciples became angry.  What is the most precious thing you have ever given Jesus?  Why did you give it him?

January 22 - Matthew 25

Read: Matthew chapter 25 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Is your lantern prepared?  If not, what has yet to be done?