May 9 - 1 Corinthians 12-13

Read: 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 13 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (12:7) What is the gift God has given you to help others in the church?  In what ways are you using that gift? If the greatest thing we can give others is love (1 Cor 13), how are you being loving when you don’t use the gift God has given you?

May 8 - 1 Corinthians 11

Read: 1 Corinthians chapter 11 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul writes about the importance of doing an examination of conscience before taking Communion. In fact, an examination of conscience is a helpful practice at any time.  How do you take stock of your heart and relationship with God?

May 7 - 1 Corinthians 10

Read: 1 Corinthians chapter 10 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: God led the Israelites safely through the wilderness with a cloud, gave them food to eat each morning, provided water in a desert land, and their clothing did not wear out for 40 years.  Still, with all His miraculous provision, they sought comfort elsewhere and worshiped other gods.  In what ways do you keep from acting like an ungrateful child with your Heavenly Father?

May 6 - 1 Corinthians 8-9

Read: 1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: In Chapter 8, Paul talks about food sacrificed to idols.  While we may not easily relate to that, it is true that we do give a good deal of money and time to ‘things of this world’ on a regular basis –   like TV shows, social media, such as Facebook, not to mention sports, etc.  What in your life has (or had) been taking from the time and attention you could have been giving to God? Spend some time asking God if there is something you are overlooking.  Make a list.  Give all that to God in prayer.

May 5 - 1 Corinthians 6-7

Read: 1 Corinthians chapters 6 and 7 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: In these chapters, Paul says some difficult things about marriage and divorce that don’t seem to fit our ‘modern’ way of thinking.  In 1 Corinthians 6:17, he boils it down: But the person who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.  How does the life of someone who is joined to the Lord in spirit differ from the life of someone who is not joined to God?  Would you consider yourself to be joined to God?

May 4 - 1 Corinthians 4-5

Read: 1 Corinthians chapters 4 and 5 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul says that God will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives.  Ouch!  We know exactly what he is speaking about.  Today, get those things straight with God.  Ask for God’s forgiveness.  He will give it. 

May 3 - 1 Corinthians 2-3

Read: 1 Corinthians chapters 2 and 3 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Cor 2:9).  Sit with that reality in prayer for a few minutes.  Then describe what God reveals to you.   

May 2 - Romans 16 and 1 Corinthians 1

Read: Romans chapter 16 and 1 Corinthians chapter 1 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul urges the people of the Roman church to watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith…. (Rom 16: 17).  He urges the Corinthian church to live in harmony with one another and to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. (1 Cor 1:10).  What are some things you can do to help the church stay unified?

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?