31 October 2020

 *Day 61/90 (Oct 31) portions to read*:

*_PAUL SHARES HIS HEART_*

The collection for the poor - 1 Corinthians 16:1-12

Conclusion - 1 Cor.16:13-24

Paul goes to Macedonia - 1 Timothy 1:3, Acts 20:1

Second Corinthian letter: God's comfort in trials - 2 Cor.1:1-14

Paul's reason for not coming - 2 Cor.1:15-24

The repentant offender to be restored - 2 Cor.2:1-11

Paul's triumphant ministry - 2 Cor.2:12-17

The glorious Gospel - 2 Cor.3:1-18

*A thought*:

*_How do you respond to criticism - with a grudge or with grace?_* In 2 Corinthians, Paul tells how his character and conduct were under attack. He was charged with fickleness, pride, boasting, weakness, uncouth speech, meanness, dishonesty and unsoundness of mind. How does he respond? Read 2 Corinthians 2:14 once again and you'll see. Is this how you come out when under attack?

*Week #9 - Memory Verse*:

Matthew 5:11-12 _"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven ..."_

30 October 2020

 *Day 60/90 (Oct 30) portions to read*:

*_LOVE - THE GREATEST GIFT_*

The centrality of love - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Prophecy to be desired - 1 Cor.14:1-11

Prophecy builds up the church - 1 Cor.14:12-25

Orderly worship - 1 Cor.14:26-40

Paul proves the resurrection - 1 Cor.15:1-4, 8-28

Objections answered - 1 Cor.15:29-49

From mortal to immortal - 1 Cor.15:50-54

The believer's triumph - 1 Cor.15:55-58

*A thought*:

Most feelings on love focus on exciting or romantic feelings. But although love may contain feeling, genuine love is really an action of the will. Charles Finney described it like this: "Love is the bringing about of the highest good in the life of another individual". *_Examine 1 Corinthians 13 again, and see whether the emphasis is on feelings or the will_*. 

*Week #9 - Memory Verse*:

Matthew 5:11-12 _"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven ..."_

29 October 2020

 *Day 59/90 (Oct 29) portions to read*:

*_PAUL INSTRUCTS THE CHURCH_*

Jewish heritage reviewed - 1 Corinthians 10:1-14

No compromise in relation to the Lord's supper - 1 Cor.10:15-22

Doing all to God's glory - 1 Cor.10:22-33, 11:1

Paul corrects some abuses - 1 Cor.11:2-16

Right and wrong celebration of the Lord's supper - 1 Cor.11:17-22, 27-34

Use of spiritual gifts - 1 Cor.12:1-11

Comparison with the human body - 1 Cor.12:12-31

*A thought*:

Although we are indebted to Paul for clear teaching on many issues, one of the greatest debts we owe him is for his instructions on the three-fold aspect of Holy Communion. Someone has defined those three aspects in these words - *retrospect, introspect and prospect. Can you discover them?*

*Week #9 - Memory Verse*:

Matthew 5:11-12 _"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven ..."_

28 October 2020

 *Day 58/90 (Oct 28) portions to read*:

*_PAUL ANSWERS QUESTIONS_*

Question about marriage - 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

Advice to remain in the same state - 1 Cor.7:17-31

Advantages of singleness - 1 Cor.7:32-40

Concerning meat offered to idols - 1 Cor.8:1-6

Do not cause a brother to sin - 1 Cor.8:7-13

Paul's rights as an apostle - 1 Cor.9:1-14

He waives his rights - 1 Cor.9:15-23

His unfading crown - 1 Cor.9:24-27

*A thought*:

If you had the privilege of asking Paul a question, bearing on some aspect of the Christian life, what would it be? Paul may not be here to answer your enquiry, but keep in mind that every problem relating to Christian life and experience is answered somewhere in the Word of God. _The better you know your Bible, the more readily you will discover the answers_. 

*Week #9 - Memory Verse*:

Matthew 5:11-12 _"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven ..."_

27 October 2020

 *Day 57/90 (Oct 27) portions to read*:

STRAIGHT TALKING

Christian service evaluated - 1 Corinthians 3:1-15

The temple of God - 1 Cor.3:16-17

All things are ours - 1 Cor.3:18-23

Paul's apostleship - 1 Cor.4:1-13

Paul as a father in Christ - 1 Cor.4:14-21

The Corinthians rebuked concerning incest - 1 Cor 5:1-8

Discipline of sinning believers - 1 Cor.5:9-13

Lawsuits rebuked - 1 Cor.6:1-8

The sacredness of the body - 1 Cor.6:9-20

*A thought*:

The ministry of the great apostle Paul was not only winning, but winnowing. He knew no church could grow when its members persisted in their sinful ways - hence his scathing challenges and rebukes. Do any of Paul's words hit home with you? Then do something about it - now. 

*Week #9 - Memory Verse*:

Matthew 5:11-12 _"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven ..."_

26 October 2020

 *Day 56/90 (Oct 26) portions to read*:

*_PAUL'S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY_*

Third missionary journey AD 54-58

Antioch to Ephesus - Acts 18:23-28

Paul teaches at Ephesus - Acts 19:1-12

Jewish exorcists disgraced - Acts 19:13-20

Demetrius stirs up trouble - Acts 19:21-32

The city clerk calms the crowd - Acts 19:33-41

First letter to the Corinthians: Paul's greeting - 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Divisions in the church - 1 Cor.1:10-16

The power of the Gospel - 1 Cor.1:17-31

God's wisdom revealed by the Spirit - 1 Cor.2:1-16

*A thought*:

Wherever Paul went, he left behind him a tremendous spiritual impact. You may not be able to make as much impact as Paul, but you ought to be able to make some impact. Someone once wrote: "The world doesn't need a definition of religion so much as a demonstration of it". How much impact are you making upon the people you meet day by day?

*Week #8 - Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 4:7 _"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"_

25 October 2020

 *Day 55/90 (Oct 25) portions to read*:

*_THE THESSALONIAN LETTERS_*

Exhortations to love and purity - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Comfort concerning those who have died - 1 Thes.4:13-18

The Lord's return - 1 Thes.5:1-11

Other instructions and conclusion - 1 Thes.5:12-28

Second Thessalonian letter: Comfort in persecution - 2 Thes.1:1-12

The coming of Christ - 2 Thes.2:1-12

Instruction in conduct - 2 Thes.2:13-17, 3:1-15

Final prayer - 2 Thes.3:16-18

End of Paul's second journey - Acts 18:18-22

*A thought*:

Are you aware that the Christians at Thessalonica were comparatively new believers? Yet in the short space of these letters, Paul touches on some of the deepest doctrines of the faith. How sad that so many of today's Christians are still "spiritual babies", living on "milk" rather than "meat". Is it time you grew up? 

*Week #8 - Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 4:7 _"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"_

24 October 2020

 *Day 54/90 (Oct 24) portions to read*:

*_PAUL TEACHES IN GREECE_*

Paul preaches about the true God - Acts 17:16-34

Paul goes to Corinth - Acts 18:1-11

Paul before Gallio - Acts 18:12-17

The first Thessalonian letter: Their faith, love and patience - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Paul's integrity - 1 Thes.2:1-12

Their reception of Paul's message - 1 Thes.2:13-30

Timothy is sent to encourage them - 1 Thes.3:1-8

Paul's prayer - 1 Thes.3:9-13

*A thought*:

Someone has described the task of tracing Paul's missionary journeys through the New Testament as "like tracking a bleeding hare across snow". It seemed that wherever he went, he suffered great persecution and, at times, sustained severe bodily harm. What was the secret of his strong spiritual drive? Turn to 2 Corinthians 5:14 and see. Is this your secret too? 

*Week #8 - Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 4:7 _"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"_

23 October 2020

 *Day 53/90 (Oct 23) portions to read*:

*_PAUL'S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY_*

The decision of the Jerusalem council - Acts 15:13-35

[Paul's second missionary journey AD 50-54]

Paul visits Antioch - Galatians 2:11-14

Paul and Barnabas separate - Acts 15:36-41

Paul goes to Macedonia - Acts 16:1-15

He casts out a spirit of divination - Acts 16:16-21

Paul and Silas are imprisoned - Acts 16:22-26

The Philippian jailer - Acts 16:27-34

Paul and Silas freed - Acts 16:35-40

They preach at Thessalonica and Berea - Acts 17:1-13

Paul goes to Athens - Acts 17:14-15

*A thought*:

Paul was not only an effective disciple, but an effective discipler. He took Silas and discipled him in the methods of the Gospel. Yesterday we asked you to consider your own missionary strategy. Part of that might be to establish some new Christian in the faith. *Ask God to show you someone whom you can disciple*, then begin to pray for and share with that person as much as and as often as you can. 

*Week #8 - Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 4:7 _"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"_

22 October 2020

 *Day 52/90 (Oct 22) portions to read*:

*_PAUL'S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY_*

Paul preaches at Antioch (Pisidia)

Acts 13:14-41

The gentiles receive the message - Acts 13:42-49

The Jews drive out Paul and Barnabas - Acts 13:50-52

They minister in Iconium and Lystra - Acts 14:1-18

Paul is stoned, but revives - Acts 14:19-20

They return to Antioch - Acts 14:21-26

They report back to the church - Acts 14:27-28

The council at Jerusalem - Acts 15:1-12, Galatians 2:7-10

*A thought*:

What makes a missionary? Crossing the sea? No - seeing the cross! A missionary (a word, incidentally, you'll not find in the Bible) simply means "someone with a mission". As you study Paul's missionary strategy, spare a moment to consider your own. *If you are a Christian, you are"someone with a mission".* It may lie across the sea, but on the other hand, it may lie across the street!

*Week #8 - Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 4:7 _"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"_

21 October 2020

 *Day 51/90 (Oct 21) portions to read*:

*_PETER'S MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE_*

Evils that cripple true faith - James 4:1-17

Rich oppressors denounced - James 5:1-6

Exhortation to patience - James 5:7-12

Encouragement to prayer and confessing of faults - James 5:13-20

Peter again imprisoned and freed - Acts 12:3-17

Herod's rage - Acts 12:18-19

Death of Herod - Acts 12:20-23

[Paul's first missionary journey AD 45-47]

Paul and Barnabas sent out - Acts 12:24-25, 13:1-3

They preach in Cyprus - Acts 13:4-12

John leaves - Acts 13:13

*A thought*:

What a sad comment it is on human nature, that although the Church prayed for Peter's miraculous deliverance, they seemed unable to believe it when God brought it about. In fact, Peter appeared to have more trouble getting into the prayer meeting than he did in getting out of prison! _How ready are you for a miracle?_ 

*Week #8 - Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 4:7 _"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"_

20 October 2020

 *Day 50/90 (Oct 20) portions to read*:

*_THE LETTER OF JAMES_* 

Church established at Antioch - Acts 11:19-24

Paul brought to Antioch - Acts 11:25-26

Gift sent to Jerusalem - Acts 11:27-30

James (John's brother) killed - Acts 12:1-2

[*James' letter written AD 45*]

The letter of James: Temptations try faith - James 1:1-15

God's good gifts - James 1:16-18

Doers of the Word - James 1:19-27

No respect of persons - James 2:1-13

Faith and deeds - James 2:14-26

Use of the tongue - James 3:1-12

True wisdom - James 3:13-18

*A thought*:

Perhaps the greatest lesson that comes out of James' writings is his reminder of the power of the tongue. That "little piece of flesh between the jaws" as Martin Luther called it, takes some taming! In fact, the Scripture says that no man can tame it. No man perhaps, but with God all things are possible. Have you given God your tongue for taming yet? 

*Week #8 - Memory Verse*:

2 Timothy 4:7 _"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"_

19 October 2020

 *Day 49/90 (Oct 19) portions to read*:

*_THE FIRST GENTILE CONVERT_*

Aeneas is healed - Acts 9:32-35

Dorcas is raised to life - Acts 9:36-43

Cornelius sends for Peter - Acts 10:1-8

Peter's vision - Acts 10:9-18

He goes to Cornelius - Acts 10:19-33

Peter preaches the Gospel - Acts 10:34-43

Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit and are baptised - Acts 10:44-48

The apostles contend with Peter - Acts 11:1-3

Peter's defence - Acts 11:4-18

*A thought*:

*_What is one of the biggest impediments to the spreading of the Gospel?_* Bigotry! Peter resisted the idea that Gentiles should participate in God's salvation until the Lord well and truly re-oriented him. Any bigotry in you? Then take care - God might have to turn you upside down too! 

*Week #7 - Memory Verse*:

1 Corinthians 15:55 _"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"_

18 October 2020

 **Day 48/90 (Oct 18) portions to read*:

*_THE CONVERSION OF SAUL_*

Saul persecutes the Church - Acts 8:1-4

Philip's ministry in Samaria - Acts 8:5-13

Simon, the sorcerer's hypocrisy - Acts 8:14-25

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch - Acts 8:26-40

[Conversion of Saul AD 37]

Saul's conversion - Acts 9:1-9

He preaches Christ - Acts 9:10-22

His escape - Acts 9:23-25

He early experiences - Galatians 1:17-19

Barnabas befriends him - Acts 9:26-29

He is sent to Tarsus - Acts 9:30-31

*A thought*:

How were you converted? Was it a dramatic experience like Paul's, or was it simply a quiet conviction that you had passed from death to life? The manner in which we are converted differs, but the results are always the same. Just think - the _spiritual heritage_ you have in Christ is exactly the same as that of Paul's. 

*Week #7 - Memory Verse*:

1 Corinthians 15:55 _"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"_

17 October 2020

 *Day 47/90 (Oct 17) portions to read*:

*_STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR_*

The apostles imprisoned but set free - Acts 5:17-25

They testify to the council - Acts 5:26-33

The advice of Gamaliel - Acts 5:34-39

The apostles are released - Acts 5:40-42

Deacons are appointed - Acts 6:1-7

Stephen is falsely accused - Acts 6:8-15

His defence before the council - Acts 7:1-50

He reproves the Jewish leaders - Acts 7:51-53

_[Stephen's martyrdom AD 35]_

Stephen's martyrdom - Acts 7:54-60

*A thought*:

Someone said: "You can't be the salt of the earth without causing someone to smart". Stephen stood up for the truth, and lost his life because of it. How important is truth to you? Maybe it's important enough to live by, but is it important enough to die for?

*Week #7 - Memory Verse*:

1 Corinthians 15:55 _"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"_

16 October 2020

 *Day 46/90 (Oct 16) - Portions to read*:

*_THE POWER OF THE EARLY CHURCH_*

Three thousand added to the Church - Acts 2:41-47

A lame man is healed - Acts 3:1-10

Peter's second sermon - Acts 3:11-26

Peter and John imprisoned - Acts 4:1-4

Their bold and fearless testimony - Acts 4:5-22

The believers unite in prayer - Acts 4:23-31

The self-sacrifice of the believers - Acts 4:32-37

Death of Ananias and Sapphira - Acts 5:1-11

Many signs and wonders - Acts 5:12-16

*A thought*:

Although the Church of today has grown by leaps and bounds, there are still too many differences between it and the early Church for us to remain comfortable. For example, in Acts, one sermon brought 3,000 converts. Today we have to preach 3,000 sermons to win one convert. What other differences can you think of? Pray that God will help us close this gap. 

*Week #7 - Memory Verse*:

1 Corinthians 15:55 _"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"_

15 October 2020

 *Day 45/90 (Oct 15) - Portions to read*:

*_THE DAY OF PENTECOST_*

The disciples told to wait - Luke 22:44-49, Acts 1:3-8

Jesus'ascension - Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:9-12

The purpose of John's Gospel - John 21:25, 20:30-31

Introduction to the Acts - Acts 1:1-2

The disciples in the upper room - Acts 1:13-17, 20-26

The coming of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:1-13

Peter preaches that Jesus is Christ - Acts 2:14-36

The crowd's response - Acts 2:37-40

*A thought*:

Suppose there had been no outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, what kind of Christianity would have faced the world? It would have been the kind found in John 20:19. The Day of Pentecost made a dramatic difference to the disciples - it turned them *from men of fear to men of fire*. Has it made a similar difference in you? If not, then pray now that God will give you your own personal Pentecost.

*Week #7 - Memory Verse*:

1 Corinthians 15:55 _"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"_

14 October 2020

 *Day 44/90 (Oct 14) - Portions to read*:

*JESUS APPEARS TO MANY*

On the Emmaus road - Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32

The disciples report to the eleven - Luke 24:33-35

Jesus appears to the rest of the disciples - I Cor. 15:5, Mark 16:14, Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-25

He appears to Thomas - John 20:26-29

He appears by the Sea of Galilee - John 21:1-14

Jesus reinstates Peter - John 21:15-24

The Great Commission - Matt.28:16-20, Mark 16:15-18, I Cor. 15:6

Jesus appears to James - I Cor.15:7

*A thought*:

Jesus knew full well the temptation that would come to His disciples to think that they had been mistaken about His resurrection, so He appeared to them over a period of 40 days - thus building up the evidence and piling up the proof. How characteristic of Jesus to put the interests of others before His own. Is this one of your characteristics too?

*Week #7 - Memory Verse*:

1 Corinthians 15:55 _"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"_

13 October 2020

 *Day 43/90 (Oct 13) - Portions to read:*

*THE RESURRECTION*

Jesus' body laid in the tomb - Matt. 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42

Soldiers put on guard - Matt. 37:62-66

The women visit the tomb - Matt. 38:1-4, Mark 16:1-4, Luke 24:1-2, John 20:1

The angels' message - Matt. 28:5-8, Mark 16:5-8, Luke 24:3-8

Peter and John go to the tomb - Luke 24:9-12, John 20:2-9

Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene - Mark 16:9-11, John 20:10-18

He appears to other women - Matt. 28:9-10

The soldiers are bribed - Matt. 28:11-15

*A thought:*

Perhaps the most important, yet not widely recognised, fact about Joseph's tomb is that it wasn't a tomb at all; it was a room which the everlasting Christ used for a few nights on His way back to glory. As H.R.L. Sheppard put it: "It was inevitable that Christ should for; it was also inevitable Should rise again. _We could expect nothing less of God._"

*Week #7 - Memory Verse:*

1 Corinthians 15:55 _"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"_

12 October 2020

 *Day 42/90 (Oct 12) Portions to read:*

*THE DEATH OF JESUS*

Jesus' walk to Golgotha - Matt.27:32-34, Mark 15:20-23, Luke 23:26-32, John 19:17

Jesus is crucified - Matt.27:35-44, Mark 15:24-32, Luke 23:33-43, John 19:18-27

Three hours of darkness - Matt.27:45-49, Mark 15:33-36, Luke 23:44-45, John 19:28-29

[The death of Jesus A.D. 29]

The death of Jesus - Matt.27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, John 19:30

His side is pierced - John 19:31-37

Miraculous events at Jesus' death - Matt.27:51-56, Mark 15:38-41, Luke 23:47-49

*A thought:*

No more fitting comment can be found for today's reading than the words which appear on the gravestone of an old Welsh preacher:

_"Had Christ the death of death to death_

_Not given death by dying,_

_The gates of life has never been_

_To mortals open lying."_

*Week #6 memory verse:*

2 Corinthians 1:4 _"... who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God"_

11 October 2020

 *Day 41/90 (Oct 11) portions to read*:

HIS TRIAL BEFORE PILATE

Jesus is sent to Pilate - Matt.27:11-14, Mark 15:2-5, Luke 23:1-5, John 18:28-38

Herod questions Jesus - Luke 23:6-10

He is sent back to Pilate - Luke 23:11-12

Barabbas is released, Jesus is flogged - Matt.27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:13-25, John 18:39-40, 19:1

Pilate's soldiers mock Jesus - Matt.27:27-31, Mark 15:16-19, John 19:2-3

Pilate seeks to release Jesus - John 19:4-12

Pilate's final sentence - John 19:13-16

*A thought*:

The apostle Paul tells us that when Christ stood before Pontius Pilate, He "made the good confession" (I Timothy 6:13). What does that mean? This Christ would not allow the actions of Pilate to determine His. He acted, rather than reacted. He _resolved_ to remain silent. He _resolved_ to go on loving. When we act rather than react to life, then we do as Jesus did - we "make a good confession"

*Week #6 memory verse*:

2 Corinthians 1:4 _"... who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God"_

10 October 2020

 *Day 40/90 (Oct 10) Portions to read*:

TRIAL BY THE JEWS

Jesus before Annas and Caiaphas - John 18:12-14, 19-23

His trial before the Sanhedrin - Matt.26:57, 59-66, Mark 14:53, 55-64, Luke 22:54, John 18:24

He is mocked and spat on - Matt.26:67-68, Mark 14:65, Luke 22:63-65

Peter's denial - Matt.26:58, 69-75, Mark 14:54, 66-72, Luke 22:55-62, John 18:15-18, 25-27

Jesus is condemned - Matt.27:1-2, Mark 15:1, Luke 22:66-71

Judas' remorse - Matt.27:3-10, Acts 1:18-19

*A thought*:

How amazing that the Son of God, equipped as He was with the power to extricate Himself from difficult situations, choose instead to suffer them. And why? Because as William Penn puts it: " _No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown_".

*Week #6 memory verse*:

2 Corinthians 1:4 _"... who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God"_

Oct09 2020

 *Day 39/90 (Oct 9) Portions to read*:

*_The darkest hour_*

Jesus prays for Himself - John 17:1-5

He prays for His disciples - John 17:6-19

He prays for the unity of all Christians - John 17:20-26

In the garden of Gethsemane - Matt.26:30, 36-46, Mark 14:26, 32-42, Luke 22:39-46, John 18:1

Jesus is betrayed and arrested - Matt.26:47-55, Mark 14:43-49, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:2-11

The disciples desert Him - Matt.26:56, Mark 14:50-52

*A thought*:

The great preacher Robert McCheyne once said: "If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies". Listen! He is praying for you - _now_. Not in the next room maybe, but before the Throne. Be assured of this - the distance makes no difference!

*Week #6 memory verse*:

2 Corinthians 1:4 _"... who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God"_

08oct 2020

 *Day 38/90 (Oct 8) - Portions to read:*

*_Jesus comforts His disciples_*

Jesus, the Way to the Father - John 14:1-14

The promise of the Holy Spirit - John 14:15-31

The true vine - John 15:1-17

Warning about persecution - John 15:18-27, 16:1-4

Jesus teaches about the Comforter - John 16:5-15

He speaks about the Father- John 16:16-28

The disciples' response - John 16:29-30

Jesus promises peace - John 16:31-33

*A thought:*

Have you ever wondered just how the Holy Spirit goes about comforting us in our trials and difficulties? He follows the model laid down for Him by Christ in John 14. Spend a few moments focusing on how Christ comforted His disciples in this matchless chapter - then compare it with the way the Spirit ministers that selfsame comfort in your heart and life.

*Week #6 - Memory verse:*

2 Corinthians 1:4 - _"who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."_

07 October 2020

 *Day 37/90 (Oct 7) Portions to read*:

Jesus identifies the betrayer - Matt.26:20-25, Mark 14:17-21, John 13:18-30

Jesus' new commandment - John 13:31-35

He institutes the Lord's supper - Matt.26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-23, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The disciples' argument - Luke 22:24-30

Jesus washes the disciples' feet - John 13:1-17

He foretells Peter's denial - Matt.26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-38, John 13:36-38

*A thought*:

As you see Christ washing His disciples' feet, or taking the bread into His hands and breaking it - what does it say to you? Is it not saying that the greatest lessons in life are taught, not by words, but by actions? Is your witness for Christ merely by words - or is it also by deeds? 

*Week #6 memory verse*:

2 Corinthians 1:4 _"... who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God"_

06 October 2020

 *Day 36/90 (Oct 6) Portions to read*:

The sheep and the goats - Matt.25:31-46

The plot against Jesus - Matt.26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 22:1-2

Mary anoints Jesus - Matt.26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9

Judas turns traitor - Matt.26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6

Gentiles desire to see Jesus - John 12:20-36

The Jews reject Him - John 12:37-43

Jesus, the Light of the world - John 12:44-50

Preparation for the Passover - Matt.26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:7-13

*A thought*:

The last few days of Christ's earthly life occupy more space in the Gospels than any other comparable stage of His ministry. If God regards this period as so significant, should not we? Ask God to help you "enter into His sufferings", as once again you walk the path that leads to Calvary. 

*Week #6 Memory verse*: (we're starting a new week)

2 Corinthians 1:4 _"... who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God"_

05 October 2020

 *Day 35/90 (Oct 5) - Portions to read*:

The destruction of the Temple - Mark 13:1-2, Luke 21:5-6

Events of the end times - Mark 13:3-27, Luke 21:7-28

Parable of the fig tree - Mark 13:28-31, Luke 21:29-33

Warning to be ready - Mark 13:32-37, Luke 21:34-36

Jesus teaches in the Temple - Luke 21:37-38

Parable of the wise and foolish virgins - Matt.25:1-13

Parable of the talents - Matt.25:14-30

*A thought*:

Ready for a challenge? Then take a pen and a sheet of paper and write down the answers to these two questions. How many talents has God given you? What are you doing with them? In thinking about it, don't forget this point - what you don't use, you lose. 

*Week #5 - Memory verse*: 

2 Corinthians 5:19 _"... God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation"_

04 October 2020

 *Day 34/90 (Oct 4) - Portions to read*:

Jesus denounces the scribes and Pharisees - Matt.23:1-32, Mark 12:38-40, Luke 20:45-47

Jesus prophesies judgment - Matt.23:33-36

His lament over Jerusalem - Matt.23:37-39

The widow's mite - Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4

The temple to be destroyed - Matt.24:1-2

Signs of the end times - Matt.24:3-31

The parable of the fig tree - Matt.24:32-35

The coming of the Son of Man - Matt.24:36-51

*A thought*:

We ought not to forget that the whole point and purpose of prophecy is not only to remind us that Christ is coming, but to remind us that we ought to be ready to meet Him. Some Christians regard Christ's second coming as just another doctrinal fact; others regard it as the hope of their existence. What does this truth do for you?

*Week #5 - Memory verse*: 

2 Corinthians 5:19 _"... God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation"_

03 October 2020

 *Day 33/90 (Oct 3) - Portions to read*:

Parable of the wedding feast - Matt.22:1-14

Jesus is questioned - about paying taxes - Matt.22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:20-26

Jesus is questioned: about the resurrection - Matt.22:23-33, Mark 12:18-27, Luke 20:27-38

Jesus is questioned: about the greatest commandment - Matt.22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 20:39-40

Jesus asks a question - Matt.22:41-46, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20:41-44

*A thought*:

One of the things that contributes to inner conflict in our hearts is the fact that, while we are big enough to ask questions, we are often not big enough to understand the answers. Every question will be answered in eternity, if you can hold on to that in the midst of your perplexity, then you will have discovered one of the greatest secrets of effective Christian living.

*Week #5 - Memory verse*: 

2 Corinthians 5:19 _"... God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation"_

02 Oct 2020

 *Day 32/90 (Oct 2) - Portions to read*:

Second cleansing of temple - Matt.21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48

Cursing of the fig tree - Matt.21:18-19, Mark 11:12-14

The fig tree withers - Matt.21:20-22, Mark 11:20-25

Jesus' authority is challenged - Matt.21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20-1-8

The parable of the two sons - Matt.21:28-32

The parable of the wicked tenants - Matt.21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19

*A thought*:

The authority of Christ is still questioned today - even by Christians! Someone has said there are usually three reactions given to Christ's words - inattention, irritation or instant obedience. Which of these three reactions is characteristic of your response to Christ's words?

*Week #5 - Memory verse*: 

2 Corinthians 5:19 _"... God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation"_

01Oct 2020

 *Day 31/90 (Oct 1) - Portions to read*:

The conversion of Zacchaeus - Luke 19:1-10

The parable of the gold coins - Luke 19:11-27

Jesus arrives at Bethany - John 11:55-57, 12:1

The plot against Lazarus - John 12:9-11

Jesus is anointed at Bethany - John 12:2-8

The triumphant entry into Jerusalem - Matt.21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19

*A thought*:

Human nature is such that, on one day, it can receive Christ with palms and rejoicing, and the next day send Him to a cross. Multitudes of people admire Christ, but few become consistent disciples. How about you? Are you just one of Christ's admirers - or a true disciple?

*Week #5 - Memory verse*: 

2 Corinthians 5:19 "... God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation"

30 Sep 2020

 *Day 30/90 (Sep 30) - Portions to read*:

The rich young ruler - Luke 18:18-30

The parable of the workers in the vineyard - Matt.20:1-16

Jesus speaks of the crucifixion - Matt.20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34

The ambition of James and John - Matt.20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45

The two blind men healed - Matt.20:29-34

Blind Bartimeaus is healed - Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43

*A thought*:

How did Jesus deal with problem people in His life, such as His over-ambitious disciples? He turned every problem into a possibility by using it as an opportunity to drive home some new and vital spiritual truth. Put this principle to work in your own life, and it will mean all the difference between success and failure in your relationships.

*Week #5 - Memory verse*: 

2 Corinthians 5:19 _"... God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation"_

29sep 2020

 *Day 29/90 (Sep 29) - Portions to read*:

The parable of the persistent widow - Luke 18:1-8

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector - Luke 18:9-14

Jesus' teaching about divorce - Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:1-12

He blesses little children - Matt. 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17

The rich young ruler - Matt.19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31

*A thought*:

How do you feel about divorce? God says in the Old Testament that He _hates_ it (Malachi 2:16). Divorce rates are increasing even among the Christians. Spend a few minutes in prayer today asking God what He would have you to do to help stop the break-up of homes and families. 

*Week #5 - Memory verse*: (we're starting a new week today)

2 Corinthians 5:19 _"... God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation"_