so we can be clean and

 JANUARY 15, 2021

renewed (1 John 1:9).

Purify Ephesians 5:25-26 speaks of

cleansing the church “by

Your
the washing of water with
the word.” Scripture acts
like a sharp sword that
convicts us, reveals our

Heart hidden sins, and teaches

how to live in a manner
pleasing to the Lord.

James 4:7-10 Let’s follow James’s advice

today by submitting to God
Once we have received and renewing our minds
Jesus Christ as our personal with His truth. I pray that
Savior, we are clean in His we can perceive and
eyes. But that doesn’t mean understand the Lord’s ways
we will never sin again —and be confident of our
(John 13:9-10). As we live in salvation and eternal
this world, we’ll continue to security despite our
exhibit some fleshly failures.
patterns—at times thinking
wrong thoughts, making Bible in One Year: Genesis
hurtful comments, having 49-50
inappropriate attitudes, and
behaving foolishly. That’s  JANUARY 16, 2021
why continual cleansing

The
from sin is important.

James gives us a process by

Mission
which we can purify our
hearts. When we resist the
devil, mourn for our sin, and
humbly draw near to God in
submission, our Father is
always faithful to forgive
and cleanse us. Confession
of
and repentance are like a
spiritual shower that
washes away the filth of sin
Christ
John 6:35-40 Father’s will “that everyone
who beholds the Son and
believes in Him will have
If Jesus’ ministry on earth
eternal life” (John 6:40).
could be summed up in one
Have you trusted in Christ
concise verse, it might be
yet?
John 6:38: “For I have come
down from heaven, not to do
My own will, but the will of Bible in One Year: Exodus
Him who sent Me.” Even at 1-3
a young age, Jesus was
conscious of His mission  JANUARY 17, 2021
(Luke 2:49). And later when

Sunday
He began His public
ministry, He depended fully
on the guidance and power
of the Holy Spirit (Luke
4:1).
Reflecti
on: The
The Father’s ultimate
purpose for His Son was
this: Jesus was to live a
perfect life of total
obedience and then offer
Himself as a sacrifice to
atone for sin, resulting in
Lord
Guides
reconciliation of fallen
humanity to God. Even
when overcome with

Us
despair, Jesus did not turn
from His calling but prayed,
“Yet not My will, but Yours
be done” (Luke 22:42). He
suffered the agony of the
cross while bearing God’s To get the most out of this
wrath for sin. Then He died devotion, set aside time to
and after three days was read the Scripture
raised to life, having fully referenced throughout.
accomplished all that His
Father gave Him to do. Have you ever encountered
a rule that seemed
confusing or unnecessary?
This is good news for us
Often in situations like
today because redemption is
those, what we lack is
complete. It’s now the
context—a deeper • What does it mean to
understanding. Sometimes “take care” with regard to
the Lord’s wisdom can feel your liberty in Christ, as
frustrating or confusing, Paul puts it (1 Corinthians
too. But chances are, we 8:9)?
simply need more insight
and time. That’s why a
Bible in One Year: Exodus
regular discipline of reading
4-6
and meditating on Scripture
is so essential. Alongside
prayer and consistent  JANUARY 18, 2021
worship, the ongoing intake
of God’s Word is the
foundation of our growth in
Christ.
Finding
We need time to get to the
point of understanding what
Strengt
it means to be free in Christ
while simultaneously
submitting to Him.
h in
Weakn
Becoming spiritually mature
is a lifelong process, and
there are no shortcuts.
Wherever you are in your
faith journey, remember
there is still room to grow in
Christlikeness. And that
ess
requires both intention and
attention, as you take steps Judges 16
each day to seek Him. The
Lord knows just what you
Great strength is no
need to keep moving. All
guarantee of protection
you have to do is ask.
from temptation. Although
Samson had God-given
Think about it power, he was defeated by a
• Our understanding of personal weakness. In the
freedom in Jesus grows over same way, we as Christians
time. In your own journey, have the omnipotent Holy
which moments taught you Spirit to enable us to live
the most? righteously. But as broken
beings, we’re bound to
 Living
make mistakes along the
way, as Samson did.

Amidst
Our best defense against
temptation is reliance upon
the Word and power of God.
If we’ll turn to Him in our
weakness—filling our mind
with His truth and asking
His Holy Spirit for guidance
False
Teacher
and protection—He will
strengthen us to resist. But
we must also be aware of

s
our areas of vulnerability
and take care to avoid
situations that increase
temptation.

Jude 1:17-19
It’s also helpful to prepare
for temptation beforehand
by memorizing scriptures Unsound teaching can be a
that refute the lies Satan danger in our Christian
throws at us. When Jesus walk. Let’s learn to spot
was tempted by the devil, those who might lead us in
He answered every the wrong direction. False
enticement with biblical teachers usually ...
truth (Matt. 4:1-11).
• Mock truth. That is, they
And finally, don’t forget to attack or attempt to
pray immediately when discredit the Word of God or
unholy desires threaten to the church. When presented
carry you away. Ask the in a passionate and
Lord to give you the intelligent-sounding way,
fortitude and wisdom to anti-church sentiment can
walk away from temptation lure even the most sincere
and turn to Him for people to doubt the truth of
strength. Scripture.

Bible in One Year: Exodus • Follow unrighteous

7-9 impulses. False teachers
pick and choose verses to
 JANUARY 19, 2021 justify their sinful habits
 Reinfor
and desires. For them, the
interpretation of Scripture
is selective.

• Divide people. They try

to appear superior to their
listeners. Some claim an
cing
experience that elevates
them to a “higher level,”
while others profess a more
Our
advanced spirituality that
no one else could ever
achieve.
Faith
• Are worldly- Jude 1:20-23
minded. False teachers are
not interested in teaching
Though we’ve considered
God’s Word. Instead, their
focus is usually on what some ways to identify false
teachers, it’s not possible to
they can achieve, how many
avoid this destructive
people will follow them, or
influence completely. The
how much they can earn
best defense is a foundation
through their teaching.
of faith that enables us to
stand firm against the
Spirit-led teachers subversive pull of the world.
recognize that humility and So how can we build a
unity with their students is stronger faith?
key (Phil. 2:1-4). Let’s pray
for discernment to
distinguish true teachers First, we must saturate our
mind with the Word of God.
from misguided ones—and
Then the Holy Spirit will
for only godly instruction to
bring new insights and help
influence the church (Phil.
us mature.
1:9-10).

Second, it is wise to do
Bible in One Year: Exodus
as Ephesians 6:18 urges:
10-12
“Pray at all times in the
Spirit.” The Holy Spirit
 JANUARY 20, 2021 understands exactly what
truth we’ll need and when,
so continually turning to
 Our
Him for guidance leads to
our protection.

God Is
Third, we must abide in the
love of God. Of course,
believers cannot fall beyond
the scope of God’s love, but
we shouldn’t take His
amazing grace for granted.
With that in mind, guard
Able
your intimacy with Him and
the time you spend in His Jude 1:24-25
presence.
Unfortunately, there are
Fourth, eagerly await the times when, no matter how
return of Jesus Christ. The hard we try or how talented
thought that He could we may be, we fail. How are
return at any moment helps we to succeed when the
us maintain an eternal odds are against us? For
perspective (1 John 3:2-3). believers in Christ Jesus, the
answer is to live with the
Though there is no magic knowledge that God works
formula for strengthening despite our weaknesses.
our faith, the steps laid out
in today’s passage will In Genesis, Sarah doubted
guide us toward God and when the Lord prophesied
away from the snares of the the birth of her son. “Is
world. anything too difficult for the
Lord?” He replied (Gen.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 18:14). Within a year, Sarah
13-15 gave birth to baby Isaac.
She saw that God was able.
 JANUARY 21, 2021
Moses was scared when
God sent him to Pharaoh to
demand that the Hebrew
slaves be released. “Who am
I,” he asked, “that I should
go to Pharaoh, and that I
should bring the sons of
Israel out of Egypt?” (Ex.
3:11). God replied that He
Himself would release It can be difficult to let go of
Israel, which He did in a resentment towards those
miraculous way. Moses saw who have hurt us. But that
that God was able. is exactly what God asks us
to do—not only for their
good but also for our own.
On our own, we can
Unforgiveness causes stress
accomplish nothing (John
and unhappiness that can
15:5). But with God, we
creep into our relationships
have access to power
with co-workers, friends,
beyond our comprehension
and family. But when we
(1 Chronicles 29:12). If you
choose to forgive, we will
are overcome by burdens in
find freedom. Here are
your life, it is time to trust
things to do if you have
the only One who can carry
noticed bitterness in your
your heavy load (Matt.
heart:
11:28-30). Then you will see
for yourself that He is able.
• Assume full
Bible in One Year: Exodus responsibility for your
16-18 unforgiving spirit. The
other person may be
responsible for wrongful
 JANUARY 22, 2021 actions toward us, but we
are nonetheless responsible

The for the sin of harboring

bitterness.

Landmi • Confess honestly. It’s

appropriate to admit to God
when we harbor resentment

ne of or wish for someone’s

punishment. But since an
unforgiving spirit will return

Unforgi
unless we can permanently
lay down our anger, this is a
choice many people must
make repeatedly.

veness • Pray for your

wrongdoer. We may not
feel like talking to God on
Ephesians 4:25-32 behalf of someone who’s
hurt us, but doing so is the
way to break the hold 80, you can be sure I’ve
bitterness has on us. tested them all!

Even after we have done First, we need to keep

these things, resentment learning. Though learning
may still crop up in our takes effort, it allows to us
hearts. When that happens, to remain productive and
we can thank God that we keep contributing in the
have, in fact, forgiven. We world. Gaining knowledge of
can also refuse Satan’s Scripture should be first on
invitation to rehash the our list, because God’s
past. perspective reduces our
anxiety and prepares us for
His plan. But we should also
Bible in One Year: Exodus
commit to read up on our
19-21
interests, take on new
projects, and learn to use
 JANUARY 23, 2021 technology.

Staying Of course, the more

birthdays we have, the more
challenging it can be to

Young keep up with technological

advances. But we can still
remain productive, which

All Your leads me to my next

suggestion: Keep laboring—
even if you choose to retire

Life
from your vocation. Just as
certain fruit improves as
trees age, years of walking
with God should yield
greater fruit. Whatever your
Psalm 92:12-15 age, look for service
opportunities through the
Our bodies may age, but we church and other ministries.
get old only if we choose to
do so—attitude is what If God blesses you with
makes the difference. Here many years, bless Him with
are some suggestions for your service. He wants to
staying young your whole use you all of your days, so
life. And since I’m well over stay young at heart as long
as you can.
Bible in One Year: Exodus bondservant (Phil. 2:7). And
22-24 “He loved [believers] to the
end” (John 13:1), telling His
 JANUARY 24, 2021 disciples, “I am among you
as the one who serves”

Sunday
(Luke 22:27). Jesus—who
served throughout His
earthly life and suffered on
the cross—was the freest

Reflecti man who ever lived.

on:
To love in a way that
reflects the love of Christ
requires submitting to His
will and trusting Him to

Serve guide us. Or to put it

another way, this kind of
love means surrendering

One
our entire life. But that
doesn’t mean we lose
freedom. In fact, the

Anothe
opposite is true: We’re
liberated to do exactly what
the Lord has called us to do
—to love one another

r completely and without

condition, just as He loves
us.

To get the most out of this Think about it

devotion, set aside time to • Think about what you
read the Scripture know of the Lord’s life on
referenced throughout. earth. How did Jesus
demonstrate walking in
In his letter to the freedom?
Galatians, Paul says that
freedom is an opportunity to • How do we serve one
serve one another through another through love when
love (Gal. 5:13). Jesus is our we have our own needs to
example of how to minister consider?
in this way: He emptied
Himself and took the form
of a human and a
Bible in One Year: Exodus shadow of death” (Psalm
25-27 23:4), travelers feel
vulnerable to all sorts of
 JANUARY 25, 2021 dangers.

The For the Christian, green

pastures and dark valleys
are both a part of life. There

Shephe
are times when God’s
abundant outward blessings
are obvious, and we respond

rd’s
in joy and gratitude. But on
other occasions, we’re
surrounded by darkness,
loss, and pain. Obscured by

Care shadows, the path to the

future is filled with fearful
uncertainties—the way

for His
seems long, with no end in
sight.

Sheep However, the same

Shepherd who cares for us
in the green pasture also
remains by our side in the
dismal valley and leads us
Psalm 23
though. No circumstance
can keep His goodness and
What words come to mind lovingkindness from us. We
when you think about a can count on His comfort
valley? The first part of and protection throughout
Psalm 23 paints a picture of life’s journey—until we
green pastures and safely reach our Father’s
abundant waters. It’s a house.
restful, sheltered, and
restorative place where
Bible in One Year: Exodus
every need is met and God’s
28-30
care is evident. Some
valleys, however, are
inhospitable passages with  JANUARY 26, 2021
deep shadows and
restricted views of what lies
ahead. In the “valley of the
Charact
hopelessness take over, we
not only suffer personally
but also cease to be a light
in the world because Christ

eristics is no longer reflected in our

life. On the surface, in fact,
we appear just as

of
pressured, stressed, and
fearful as those without
Christ.

Christia Although we don’t rejoice in

the adversities themselves,

ns
we can find hope, joy, and
peace in knowing that our
difficulties aren’t in vain.
God may be refining our
character and melting away
Romans 15:13 things that don’t reflect
Christ. If we submit to
Today’s verse from Romans whatever road the Lord has
15 is Paul’s concise chosen for us, His Spirit will
description of how God can guide us and—slowly but
transform hearts and surely—produce His fruit.
attitudes when people trust
in Jesus Christ as Savior and Bible in One Year: Exodus
Lord. Instead of being filled 31-33
with fear, anxiety,
frustration, and stress, they  JANUARY 27, 2021
can now—empowered by

Vision
the Holy Spirit—be
characterized by hope, joy,
and peace.

Yet all too often those old

emotions come back when
circumstances are difficult.
Withou
We walk around, weighed
down with concerns even
though Jesus says His yoke
t
is easy and His burden is
light (Matt. 11:30). As
anxious thoughts and
Bounda
much time. We end up
settling for something less
than what God intended and
fail to fully carry out our

ries role in the Great

Commission.

There are many obstacles

Matthew 28:16-20 that can keep us from
telling people the good
Before ascending to heaven, news of the gospel. But
Jesus told His followers to when we’re willing to tear
tell all nations about Him. those barriers down, we’ll
However, many of us aren’t be amazed at what God can
working to fulfill this Great accomplish through us. Are
Commission—at least not you passionately sharing the
fervently and purposefully. gospel? If not, ask God to
What might be holding us show you what stands in
back? your way. Then pray for
forgiveness, and refocus on
your part in the mission
Sometimes self-preserving Jesus gave us all.
barriers, such as fear, are
the reason. For instance, if
evangelizing means Bible in One Year: Exodus
traveling overseas, we 34-35
might be concerned about
safety or how family and  JANUARY 28, 2021
friends will react to our
decision. We also might
worry about how people will
respond to our message.
Evange
Another hindrance might be
conditional obedience—in
lism:
Every
other words, when we
respond to God’s call but
with our own modifications.

Believe
Instead of being willing to
serve where God wants for
as long as He wants, we
might think, That’s too
much money or That’s too
 r’s
Christ undoubtedly
motivated them to share the
good news, and they also
must have gained

Calling confidence from Jesus’

promise of His presence and
power.

Acts 1:1-8 Are you passionately telling

others about Christ? One of
One Sunday a man our highest callings is to tell
approached me between others about Him. As was
services to share his story. true for the early Christians,
He had been addicted to our own experience with the
drugs and was leading a Savior is the most exciting
hopeless life when he heard and convincing story to tell.
a Scripture verse in a
sermon. He said that one Bible in One Year: Exodus
passage led him to place his 36-38
trust in Jesus Christ.
 JANUARY 29, 2021
We all have a story.
Oftentimes the more we
surrender to God, the more
we see His hand in our life.
Handlin
g God’s
And the more we watch Him
work, the more we want to
share with others what He
has done.

The same was true of the

Word
Accurat
disciples, who gathered
around Jesus before His
ascension. They heard His
command to spread the
gospel, make disciples, and
baptize people from all
nations. Surely this seemed
ely
like an overwhelming task
for a handful of followers, 2 Timothy 2:14-15
but they obeyed. Their
personal experiences with
The Bible is an amazing Scripture, use our resources
book because it is God’s to learn about context, and
words given to mankind in ask the Holy Spirit to guide
written form. Yet many us to the truth.
people misinterpret it.
Instead of diligently
Bible in One Year: Exodus
studying Scripture to
39-40
discover what God means
and how He wants us to
live, some people search the
Bible to find passages to
support their preconceived
ideas or preferred lifestyles.

Today’s passage was

written to a young pastor
named Timothy. Of all the
duties a pastor has, the
central one is to present the
Word of God accurately to
the church. But that doesn’t
mean nobody else can—
knowing how to properly
interpret the Bible is a skill
every believer should
develop. Consider the
diligence of the Bereans,
who were commended for
examining Scripture
regularly to gauge the truth
of messages preached to
them (Acts 17:10-11).

We aren’t free to interpret

the Bible any way we want.
The goal is to discover what
God meant rather than to
find a meaning we like.
Remember, it’s our Father’s
approval we are seeking—
not our own or that of
others. Therefore, let’s
devote time to studying