Good News Daily

Sunday, February 12

Mark 10:23-31 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” (v.28, NIV)

Eight years ago I spoke these words of Peter to God with bittersweet joy. We were getting ready to leave for the seminary where my husband became a priest. I left a wonderful job, friends who’d become family, a beautiful home, and a ministry to children with life-threatening illnesses that we loved. It was tough to let go, but we were certain of God’s leading and said “yes” without looking back.

As I reflect on this same passage years later, it occurs to me that we’re always leaving something behind when we say “yes” to God. The life of faith is a journey of surrender, of letting go; it must be lived with open hearts to discern God’s will and open hands to receive the blessings that follow. As time goes on, I have become more aware of God’s faithfulness in providing for us. I sense His face shining upon us, and I know Him as a gracious Lord who blesses us with His presence no matter where we go (Psalm 67:1). Thanks be to God!

Genesis 29:20-35; Psalms 66, 67; 1 Timothy 3:14—4:10

Monday, February 13

Psalm 89:1-18 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. (v.15)

Blessed, indeed, are those who have learned to acclaim You, O Lord, for You are their glory and strength (vv.15,17). Since the day that I surrendered to Jesus as my Savior and began to live under his Lordship, I’ve discovered the transforming power of praise. Before that moment that changed my life, I had never experienced praise in quite the same way.

I recall many moments when I’ve chosen to praise God during times of fear, apprehension, or anger. I haven’t felt like praising God, but I’ve learned to ignore my feelings and call Him into my situation. Then, it’s as if I can see Jesus’ hand pulling me up, as when he rescued Peter from sinking into the lake (Matthew 14:29-31). Now, it’s become a habit, and the name of Jesus forms on my lips anytime I have a need. Yes, I have fellowship “with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3) through the Holy Spirit every single time I praise God. What a gift!

Genesis 30:1-24; 1 John 1:1-10; John 9:1-17

Tuesday, February 14

Psalm 99 Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy. (v.9)

It is so healthy, wise, uplifting, and good to worship God and exalt His holy name. I distinctly recall worship times when, within minutes of praising God, it’s as if I’ve been transported to a new place full of clarity, wisdom, and light. Worship is a gift that many never open, and they suffer for it. Yet, so many of us are gifted at exalting our problems, letting our imaginations take over, enlarging our problems’ scope through anxiety, worry, and fear.

Over and over, the Scriptures call us to trust God and not fear. Matthew 6:27 asks, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Anxiety and worry are not only a waste of time, they drain us of the energy and zeal we need to become actively engaged in solving our problems.

When we worship God and exalt His name way above our problems, our cares return to their rightful place: submitted unto the God who allows difficulties and fulfills His purpose in all things.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Genesis 31:1-24; Psalms 97, 100; 1 John 2:1-11; John 9:18-41

Wednesday, February 15

Psalm 101 ...he whose walk is blameless will minister to me. (v.6b)

This psalm illustrates the active believer beautifully. Our faith is not a passive destination where we arrive, park, and wait. Our faith, if it is real, is firmly founded on a relationship with the living Christ and, like him, it moves, it does, it is alive. A Christ-like life is evidence of the faith in our hearts.

The psalmist vows to “be careful to lead a blameless life” (v.2). The only way to do that is by being indwelled by the spirit of Jesus himself, the only blameless one. As he ministers to our deepest needs, we are cleansed and empowered to live a genuine life of faith—beginning in our homes (v.2). We choose to guard our eyes (v.3a), to flee from ungodly influences (vv.3b-4, 7), to confront evil (vv.5, 8) and, as we live out our faith, we continue to abide in Jesus, the faithful and blameless one (v.6).

How we live and what we do matters a great deal to God. Every choice moves us closer to Him or farther from Him. “...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17).

Genesis 31:25-50; Psalm 109; 1 John 2:12-17; John 10:1-18

Thursday, February 16

1 John 2:18-29 See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. (v.24a)

Recently, while enjoying a quiet family dinner, our six-year-old suddenly stood and shared that day’s summer camp devotion. Coach Mike had shared his powerful testimony of giving his life over to Christ at a young age. Holding back tears, our daughter searched our faces for evidence that we understood the importance of her words. It was so moving!

I’m always blessed to recognize my children’s faith, and touched by how their faith strengthens ours. Sharing Christ and a love for God’s Word is a gift that returns to you a thousand-fold. We often hear our children apply something they learned at Sunday School, just as Jesus told his disciples would happen. “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit...will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and remind us of his life-giving words. I don’t know about you, but I still have much to learn! I’m so glad the Holy Spirit is my companion, my teacher, and the best counselor anyone could have. Thank You, Lord!

Genesis 32:3-21; Psalm 105:1-22; John 10:19-30

Friday, February 17

John 10:31-42 And in that place many believed in Jesus. (v.42)

Do you recall “that place” where you came to believe in Jesus? How glorious it is for me to remember that sweet moment! The seed of Christ’s love had been planted in my heart through years of worship and theology training in school. Although I often sensed Jesus’ presence with me, years passed before I said a final “yes” to him.

In College, I attended church services of different faiths, including Christian. I was the naysayer, skeptical member of a Bible study led by two very patient women. This was mostly an intellectual exercise and, when I became busier in medical school and residency, church attendance became rare. But years later, in the midst of a crisis, my intellect acquiesced before the needs of my aching heart, and my heart cried out to God. I asked Jesus to reveal himself—if he was real. He did, and everything, absolutely everything changed in that instant.

My place of coming to believe in my Savior was utter despair bordering on hopelessness. What a purpose God accomplished through that pain and suffering. He saved my soul! Praise Him!

Genesis 32:22—33:17; Psalm 102; 1 John 3:1-10

Saturday, February 18

John 11:1-16 This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. (v.2)

Are we like Mary, pouring our best unto Jesus, or are we like the soldier who gave him a bitter drink (John 19:29)? Right after Jesus was offered vinegar on the cross, he gave up his spirit. Yes, the cross was a bitter drink, the blameless one crucified for the sins of many. His willing sacrifice defies explanations—and deserves a response.

Mary’s response is what I’m after. I want to pour out my best unto Jesus. As with Lazarus, I want my life to reveal God’s glory. I want to walk out of every grave that keeps me in the dark, take off the grave clothes of insecurity and fear, and walk in newness of life. I want my life to be a living sacrifice. I desire nothing less than to be like Jesus.

Thomas Merton said that our desire to please God pleases Him. Although that is a wonderful starting point, I want my actions to please Him. Help me, Lord, to please You not just with my desire to do so, but with daily choices that reveal my love for You. Help me to pour my very best unto You, to the glory of Your name.

Genesis 35:1-20; Psalms 107:33-43, 108; 1 John 3:11-18

by Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD

Used with permission from the BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP

PO Box 380, Winter Park, FL 32790

www.biblereading.org

Romans 5:1-11 Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. (vv.7-8)

In preparing to write today, I have just read Psalm 119:97-120. I was touched and moved by the psalmists’ beautiful praise for God and the delight expressed in serving Him. I was specifically heartened by the practical benefits proclaimed their service brought them, including wisdom over their foes, more understanding than their teachers, more insight than their elders, God’s protection as our “refuge and shield,” and the strength to be safe. “Awesome, incredible, amazing,” I thought as I silently thanked God for providing these blessings to all who choose to serve Him. “That’s what I’ll write about,” I said to myself.

Then I read Romans 5:1-11. Verses 7 and 8 stunned me. I am totally amazed at the depth of God’s grace and mercy for the human race. He made the first move. He reached out to us with His most precious possession even as we reveled in our rebellion and defiance. This fresh glimpse into His love and sacrifice for us sends my appreciation for Him soaring. Through His benevolent grace, I look forward to its continued ascendance.

Jeremiah 8:18—9:6; Psalm 119:97-120; John 8:12-20

Thursday, March 31

Romans 5:12-21 For if, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ. (v.17)

I need to be reminded often that God’s ways are not our ways. What a mess of trouble we’d be in if His ways were ours! Here’s an example: Our human notion of fairness requires a certain quid pro quo, a relative balance of the scales of justice. God’s notion of fairness is very lopsided in human terms. His scales of justice don’t even come close to balancing. That’s because His scales are heavily weighted in favor of His beloved children, and include massive doses of compassion, mercy, and grace.

The more I understand God’s bias for benevolence, as He increases my awareness and experience of His love, the more willing I am to submit to His perfect right to rule. I find myself needing to rebel less and to be less presumptuous in criticizing and rejecting His requirements for righteous behavior. Speaking as a recovering rebel, I consider the fact that I am writing these words of submission to be utterly miraculous. God does work in mysterious ways. Thanks be to our loving Father.

Jeremiah 10:11-24; Psalms 83, 42, 43; John 8:21-32

Friday, April 1

Jeremiah 11:1-8, 14-20 Then the Lord said to me: Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem: Hear the words of this covenant and obey them. (v.6)

Reading Chapter 11 of Jeremiah, entitled “Plea for Fidelity to the Covenant,” has me wondering whether I actually know what our covenant with God specifically entails. As I mature in my Christianity, I notice I am more concerned with, among other things, how well I’m holding up my part of the bargain. Now, I do understand we’re talking faith in and love for God and not perfect works from me. But, from that place of faith and love, I want more and more to make sure I understand God’s Word as guidance for my day-to-day life.

Jeremiah 11:4-5 tells us what exactly this “covenant” with God entails. In these verses, the Lord recounts His words to the Israelites fleeing Egypt: “ Listen to my voice and do all that I command you. Then you shall be my people, and I will be your God. Thus I will fulfill the oath which I swore to your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey.”

My part in this ancient agreement seems suddenly crystal clear: I am to listen to God and obey Him. Lord, help me to do just that.

Psalm 88; Romans 6:1-11; John 8:33-47

Saturday, April 2

Romans 6:12-23 But thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted. Freed from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness. (v.17)

I am quite sure that the evil one delights in a particular deception he has found very useful and effective throughout human history. In his campaign to offer a “new and improved” version of our God-given free will, we have allowed him to redefine the two basic choices we face in a subtle and self-serving way: Do we choose to: a) serve God or b) experience freedom?

This distorted dichotomy is very appealing in our present society where personal freedom and independence, as defined by the world, are worshiped and glorified. But Paul corrects this false dilemma in Romans 6:16 when he says, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness.” God’s Word reminds us that as beings who did not create ourselves, we are, by inherent design, dependent and under authority outside ourselves.

In light of Paul’s illumination, the real choices presented to our free will come into focus: simply put, whom will we serve—a) God or b) sin?

Jeremiah 13:1-11; Psalms 87, 90; John 8:47-59