May 1 - Romans 14-15

Read: Romans chapters 14 and 15 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul writes that we believers ought to do what is right and strengthen other believers in their faith. (15:2). How can we be good models of faith and true encouragers to other believers?

April 30 - Romans 12-13

Read: Romans chapters 12 and 13 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (12:2)  How can you more actively allow God to change you way of thinking?

April 29 - Romans 11

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

Reflection Question: In his letter, Paul reminds the Romans that God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.  (v. 29)  What are the spiritual gifts God has given you?  What do you believe is your call from God?

April 28 - Romans 9-10

Read: Romans chapters 9 and 10 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: "But how can they call on [the Lord] to save them unless they believe in him?  And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him?  And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" (10:14)  How did you hear about him?

April 27 - Romans 8

Read: Romans chapter 8 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: What does it mean to you that nothing - nothing - can separate you from God's love?

April 26 - Romans 7

Read: Romans chapter 7 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: When we love God, we want to please Him.  The truth, however, is that, even after believing in Jesus, we are still human, and we often fail to do what we know we should.  When you are tempted to do the wrong thing, what helps you most to not give in?

April 25 - Romans 5-6

Read: Romans chapters 5 and 6 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: When you look at the truth that you are no longer a slave to sin, what does that encompass?  How is the new you, the eternal you, living in freedom?

April 24 - Romans 3-4

Read: Romans chapter 3 and 4 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: According to this Scripture passage, each and every person falls short - every one.  (3:23)  He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.  (4:25)  Today, let God know what Jesus' sacrifice means to you, personally.

April 23 - Romans 2

Read: Romans chapter 2 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Verse 13 says, "Merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God.  It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight."  What helps you most to live the way God wants you to?  In what area could you use some help?

April 22 - Romans 1

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

Reflection Question: Paul calls the Good News about Christ "the power of God at work."  Where have seen God's power at work this week?

April 21 - Acts 28

Read: Acts chapter 28 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus told his disciples that they would do the same works he had done and even greater works (John 14:12).  Paul never wavered in doing the works God had called him to do, no matter where he found himself.  What helps you to maintain your faith, year after year?

April 20 - Acts 27

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

Reflection Question: The ship was battered, bruised, and broken, but Paul continued to encourage and strengthen those on board.  Think of a time when your 'storm' seemed to close in around you and you saw no way out.  How did God intervene?

April 19 - Acts 26

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

Reflection Question: Again, Paul repeated his testimony, sharing that Jesus had told him that he would be rescued from both his own people and the Gentiles (v. 17).  Have you experienced safety in spite of danger because God kept you safe?

April 18 - Acts 24-25

Read: Acts chapter 24 and 25 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Accusations without proof.  Injustice.  Have you ever been in a situation that was simply unfair, yet God and truth continued to provide a way through?

April 17 - Acts 23

Read: Acts chapter 23 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Though they were misguided, Paul's accusers were determined to keep what they felt was God's law.  They were willing to go hungry for their cause.  Have you ever fasted until you got an answer to prayer?  Describe that experience.

April 16 - Acts 22

Read: Acts chapter 22 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul shared his story of faith in Jesus Christ with the angry mob - in their own language.  Why is it important that we share Jesus in a way others can understand? Have you ever written your personal testimony? Today would be a good day to begin to think about doing that.

April 15 - Acts 21

Read: Acts chapter 21 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Despite warnings from several friends, Paul returned to Jerusalem where he was treated very badly by people who misunderstood his ministry.  Has your faith ever been misunderstood?  What did you do in order to stand firm?

April 14 - Acts 20

Read: Acts chapter 20 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul told his friends that he would consider his life worthless if he did not finish the work Jesus had given him to do.  While God may not be asking you to travel and preach like Paul, what IS He asking of you in your life?  Are you actively engaged in that work?

April 13 - Acts 19

Read: Acts chapter 19 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul was in Ephesus for quite some time, meeting with believers.  However, his teaching upset those devoted to the worship and support of the false god, Artemis/Diana.  When you come in contact with persons who are opposed to the Gospel, what do you do to show the love of Jesus to them, even if you might disagree with their beliefs or behavior?

April 12 - Acts 18

Read: Acts chapter 18 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul not only taught and debated, he also encouraged people in the faith.  Have you ever been encouraged in your faith journey? By whom? Are you encouraging someone in their faith journey? What does that involve?