DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDE (December 11th-17th)
Monday –John 14
This week we will look at the final section of John 14. Jesus has come to make a new race of people who are loyal to God. This race though will not be defined by skin color or any other outward marks but will be distinguished by certain traits that are nonetheless as obvious as external marks. Make it a point to examine your life this week in light of these distinguishing marks of God’s people.
Tuesday –John 14.15-31; 1 John 5.2-3
The first mark of God’s people is that they will be filled with love for God. This love will be manifest not through mere lip service but will be seen as they keep God’s commands. Jesus says three times in this passage that love for God is defined by obedience to God’s word. This includes more than just the ethical stipulation. It means that God’s people will have a love for all of God’s word. They will delight in keeping God’s commands b/c of their great love for God. This obedience is not spurred on simply by duty but comes from a grateful heart for God’s great love given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Does your life demonstrate that you love God? Pray that God would give you a greater love for him?
Wednesday – John 14.15-31; Acts 1.8; Joel 2.28-29
A second mark of the new people of God is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The greatest distinction between the Old Testament people of God (Israel) and the New Testament people of God (the church) is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This is why Jesus leaving his disciples will be better for them than if he stays on this earth for having the Spirit of Christ living inside is far greater than walking with Christ physically on this earth. The Spirit will do a great work inside of God’s people as he carries on the ministry of Christ among the church. He will bring us life, give understanding of God’s word and will transform our lives so that they conform to the image of Christ. If you are a child of God, know today that God’s Spirit lives inside you and is working in your life. What a wonderful blessing and gift from our great God and Father!
Thursday – John 14.15-31; Romans 8.12-17
A third mark of the church is adoption into the family of God. While Jesus is physically leaving his disciples, he gives them a promise that he will not leave them as orphans. A child without parents is vulnerable to many dangers for he cannot care for or defend himself. Christ’s people never have to worry about being left helpless in this world for he will never forsake us. He will not leave us as orphans. What a wonderful promise to carry in our hearts and minds throughout a life filled with difficulty and sorrow! Even on our deathbeds, we can know for sure that our God will never leave us defenseless but is always present with us even during the darkest of hours. Praise God today for bringing you into his family and always caring for us as a Father cares for his child.
Friday – John 14.15-31
A final mark of God’s new people is a peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus gives to his disciples peace in the midst of uncertain days that will be filled with confusion, doubt and fears. They can face these trying days with a peace that it sure. Christ’s peace is unlike the peace of the world for his peace is lasting and comes from his own blood that was shed on the cross. This peace has also been given to us. The world talks a lot about peace, yet our world is never able to secure any lasting peace. However, God’s children can know a real peace. We can have peace with God, others and ourselves b/c of what Christ has done for us on the cross. Praise God for bringing about peace in our lives and seek to make God’s peace known to others this week through the preaching of the gospel.
Saturday – John 15
Tomorrow we will gather as a people to worship our great God. Pray that God would speak to you through his word. Pray that you would submit to the King of Kings as he speaks to you in worship tomorrow.
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