Open Windows Magazine Sample by LifeWay Christian Resources

a guide for personal devotions

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Spring 2017

Week of Prayer for North American Missions March 5-12, 2017

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10/4/16 4:08 PM

SPRING 2017

Volume 81 — Number 3

“his windows being open . . . toward Jerusalem.” —Daniel 6:10 Open Windows provides brief daily devotions based on selected Scriptures to edify the people of God and expand the kingdom of God. Open Windows (Large Print) (ISSN 0162-4296, Item 005075106) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2017 LifeWay Christian Resources. For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes, e-mail subscribe@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5818, or write to the above address. For orders with three or more issues shipped to one address, mailed monthly, at the ministry rate, visit www.lifeway. com/mediaoptions, fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address. Annual individual or gift subscription rate, $10. Save 60% off the cover price by choosing the ministry rate to place your order (three or more issues shipped to one address, mailed quarterly), $2.10/regular print or $2.30/ large print each per quarter, plus shipping. Please allow six to eight weeks for arrival of first issue. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version. Scripture quotations marked HCSB® are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Printed in the United States of America

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Editor, Open Windows, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175. Or make comments on the web at lifeway.com. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline.

Cover Photo: Thinkstock.com Inside Photos: Thinkstock.com

Highway

ou won’t find it on a map, but a highway to heaven does exist. “The Roman Road” is explained in the Book of Romans in the Bible, and it tells how to go to heaven.

The road begins at Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” God is the source for our journey to heaven. He gives power for salvation to all who believe. We need God’s power because we have a problem with sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “Sin” means missing the mark or missing God’s intended destination for us. None of us can reach that destination on his or her own because everyone is a sinner. When we work, we earn money. Sin earns wages as well—wages of death. Because God loves all sinners, He has provided another route: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

to Heaven

The highway to heaven is found in Romans 10:9: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” We need to confess our sin and ask God for forgiveness. To confess Jesus as Lord involves agreeing with God about your sin and your need for salvation. You must repent of your sin, turning away from the direction in life in which you are going. To “believe in your heart” is to place your faith in Jesus, trusting that He died on the cross to pay for your sins. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). If you would like to have salvation in Jesus Christ, sincerely pray a prayer like this one: “Dear God, I confess to You my sin and need for salvation. I turn away from my sin and place my faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Amen.” Share your faith in Jesus with a Christian friend or pastor. Becoming a Christian is your first step on the lifelong road of spiritual growth and service God desires for you. Follow Christ in believer’s baptism by immersion and join a local church.

Writers This Quarter Aaron Householder (March 1-10) is senior pastor, Southview Baptist Church, Lincoln, Nebraska. Learn more and read his slice of life lessons at aaronhouseholder.net. Rita Moritz (March 11-20) is a member of Seddon Baptist Church in Pell City, Alabama. She is a speaker, blogger, author of So You Love a Prodigal and Precious Poems. Read more at ritamoritz.com. Jenn Debrecht (March 21-23, April 1-7) works with students and families at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a high school small group leader at The Church at Brook Hills. She once won a fruit carving competition in East Asia. Greg Mathias (March 24-31, April 19-20) is associate director of International Missions and assistant professor of Global Studies at Southeastern Baptist Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Greg loves traveling, coffee, and spending time with his wife and four girls. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Twitter as @gregmathias. Daniel Darling (April 8-18) is pastor of teaching and discipleship at Green Hill Church, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Dan is married to Angela, and they have four children.

Writers This Quarter Marsha Harvell (April 21-30) is a USAF chaplain’s wife at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. She is author of The Covenant Maker: Knowing God and His Promises for Salvation and Marriage and co-author of The Watchman on the Wall: Daily Devotions For Praying God’s Word Over Those You Love. Allison Myers (May 1-10) is a stay at home mom, freelance writer, LEAP English tutor, and worship pastor’s wife at LifePoint Church in Lewis Center, Ohio. Allison loves reading, exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise, and spending time with her wonderful husband and two amazing kids. Shugie Collingsworth (May 11-20) is a minister’s wife to JB, mother of three, and resides in Newnan, Georgia. Shugie enjoys speaking and writing. Visit shugiecollingsworth.com to read more. James (Jim) Dunbar (May 21-31) is a retired business executive and former elected member of NAMB. You can find his articles in HomeLife and Mature Living. Jim and his wife, Charlotte, currently reside in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. They have two children, a daughter living in Colorado and son living in Texas.

Wednesday, March 1

For Such a Time as This Devotional Passage Esther 4:9-16

Read the Bible Through Numbers 22â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24 Mark 5:1-20

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

ou may not think yourself a leader. You may not think yourself special. Yet, you are the only you God made. He created you and gifted you to serve Him where you are. God prepares His people to do His will. In The Making of a Leader by J. Robert Clinton, research in the lives of Christian leaders confirms that God uniquely equips His people to do His work. God is shaping you. No matter your situation: God created you for such a time as this. Not unlike Esther, you may feel unprepared. Not unlike Esther you should turn to prayer and other believers when challenged. And, not unlike Esther, you can join the work of God through your life. Who knows what God will do through you? Father, as I recognize how You have created me for all I face, I thank You. Allow me to serve for Your glory.

Thursday, March 2

What Is a Disciple? Devotional Passage Matthew 16:21-27

Read the Bible Through Numbers 25–26 Mark 5:21-43

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24

f you ask a dozen Christians the question, “What is a disciple?” how many different answers will you get? “More than a dozen,” you might say with a smile. The reason is not because you are confused by what you hear, but because people have so many opinions about the topic. Jesus defines discipleship here. Speaking to the men often referred to as “His disciples,” meaning the Twelve, Jesus stated three actions a disciple needs to take to “come after” Him. For me to be His disciple I must deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him. Note the tense of these three verbs. The first two, of denying self and taking up one’s cross, are one-time actions. Disciples deny themselves once for all and begin cross-bearing at the moment of trusting Jesus as Savior. The final verb, “follow,” is in an ongoing tense. It’s continual. What is a disciple? A disciple is a Christ follower. Father, strengthen me in faith to follow Jesus obediently day after day.

Friday, March 3

Forsaking All Devotional Passage Luke 14:25-33

Read the Bible Through Numbers 27–29 Mark 6:1-13

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33

et’s admit it. Jesus’ words here are frightening. You might be saying, Yesterday’s Scripture was bold, but today’s command to forsake everything, I just don’t know if I can do it, Jesus. In response, we must consider all that Jesus has done for us. He gave Himself for us. And then we balance that thought with an understanding of the action verb in today’s verse, “forsaketh.” The idea is that by forsaking all else we strongly deny or renounce that other things have more importance or relevance to us than following Christ. Only then can we be what Jesus intended for us to be as His disciple. Jesus is telling us, “Give Me your life as My servant.” Today happens to be my mother, Kathi’s, birthday. And who to better illustrate such Christlike selflessness and surrender than a mother? I pray such a wonderful, motherly example is true in your life, too. I pray that you have experienced such loving sacrifice from others who also gave themselves to Jesus. Father, You have given me everything. My very life is Your creation. Enable me to deny everything else for the sake of following You.

Saturday, March 4

The Eternal Paradox Devotional Passage Mark 10:17-31

Read the Bible Through Numbers 30–31 Mark 6:14-32

But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Mark 10:31

hen is the last time you stood on your head? I’d bet you did not escape the notice of anyone nearby. A paradox is, “truth standing on her head to get attention,” wrote G.K. Chesterton.1 He often conveyed truth via such conventions to catch the attention. The Lord Jesus was his model. Our key verse today is a paradox. It’s a statement that may seem absurd, even contradictory, but in actuality the verse is true. What did Jesus mean by saying the first would be last and the last first? In this life money, power, fame, talent and the like may be what elevate some to greater places, even first place. Jesus, however, represents the values of the kingdom of God. These values always turn this world’s values upside down. Jesus reminds us that we are saved by grace, not by anything we could merit. Jesus encourages us that no matter what this life delivers, there is a life of eternal reward to come. Father, I am grateful that my salvation is not based on my ability. Thank You for Your grace in giving me so much more than I deserve. 1. G.K. Chesterton, The Paradoxes of Mr. Pond (Los Angeles: IndoEuropean Publishing, 2011), 42.

Sunday, March 5

Giving Myself Devotional Passage Acts 20:17-35

Read the Bible Through Numbers 32–33 Mark 6:33-56

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

oday’s key verse contains the ultimate lines of Paul’s farewell speech to the leaders of the church at Ephesus. He had lived among them for three years. Paul loved them deeply. Indeed, he sacrificed himself greatly for them. Paul says here, “I worked to provide both for myself and others.” Paul, like Jesus, sacrificially gave himself away. The quotation of Jesus herein adds weight to Paul’s message. It is the only place in the Bible where Jesus is quoted while here on Earth, aside from the Gospels. Although few of the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board missionaries listed in the colored pages at the center of this devotional are tentmakers, they still give themselves to others. Not only in their missionary calling, but more so in their missionary giving of self, they carry the legacy of Paul. Father, I lift up our missionaries as they give themselves to others. Grow such sacrificial giving within me today.

Monday, March 6

Reasonable Service Devotional Passage Romans 12:1-8

Read the Bible Through Numbers 34–36 Mark 7:1-23

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

here is a recommended traffic pattern around our elementary school. There are no city-installed signs or lights, just the recommendation that everyone drive one direction around the school. As you might guess, we are troubled by those who do not follow the understood rules. These drivers, who are usually running late, go the wrong way and make it worse for everyone. To the rest of us, their behavior is unreasonable. The apostle Paul calls believers to “reasonable service.” Based on God’s mercy, we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Jesus. Giving ourselves to God in this way is our reasonable service. Some Bible versions translate this phrase as “spiritual worship.” Given what we have experienced from God in Christ wholehearted devotion to Him is the most reasonable, proper, and true way to worship. Knowing this, ask yourself, How reasonable is what I do to worship God? Am I worshiping God thoughtfully or mindlessly? Father, enable me to worship You through my reasonable service of You. Your mercy is inspiring.

Tuesday, March 7

Endure Hardship Together Devotional Passage 2 Timothy 2:1-15

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 1–2 Mark 7:24-37

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3

oming out of his room shaking his head, my 9-yearold son pronounced, “I can tell you one thing, Daddy. I never want to be a U.S. Army Ranger.” Knowing he had recently checked out age-appropriate library books written about the military, I asked him, “What makes you say that, Buddy?” With wide eyes and a plaintive tone he replied, “Those guys only get to sleep three hours a day, can only eat twice a day, and have to march 60 miles every day!” Yes, sir, being a soldier like that would be hard work. The apostle Paul knew all about hardship. Here he instructs Timothy, his son in the ministry, to endure. It may have been that Timothy had fallen short already. Or maybe it was a fatherly warning that hardship was yet to come. To “endure hardness” is literally to “suffer together with someone.” Along with Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and believers throughout the ages, we are reminded that suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. Father, You call me a soldier of Jesus. You encourage me to endure. Remind me daily of my calling as I serve You.

Wednesday, March 8

When Through Fiery Trials Devotional Passage Job 23:1-10

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 3–4 Mark 8:1-10

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

“W

hen thro’ fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.” Do you recognize that verse from the hymn, “How Firm a Foundation”? If you know the tune, sing it out. Be encouraged! Baptist pastor John Rippon penned this inspiring hymn of our faith late in 1787. Each stanza rests upon at least one passage of Scripture. In the stanza above you hear a familiar New Testament passage and today’s key verse from Job. Boldly declaring your innocence before God, you’d better be innocent. Job was down but not out. His “friends” continued to challenge his character. Job continued to defend himself. Our verse is the high point of his two chapter self-defense. We must recognize God’s hand in the trials we face. We should bring our complaints before God. Yet, our character should be pure in approaching God. Father, help me to recognize Your hand in the trials of my life. Allow me to be humble under testing. Refine me.

Thursday, March 9

Trusting God in Everything Devotional Passage Psalm 37:1-11

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 5–6 Mark 8:11-26

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

“M

y name is Pedro. I work for the bus company,” he declared. My family, on vacation in Mexico, was standing at the bus stop we’d used the night before. Wary, yet trusting, I decided we should follow Pedro. Walking further than he’d said while having our bus pass by, I was certain Pedro was lying. He asked for a tip. I wanted to reply, “Here’s a tip: Don’t lie to people!” God is not like a deceptive man seeking an easy tip from trusting tourists. God is sovereign; He will do what He says. God is gracious; He will give abundantly. God is trustworthy; He will validate our faith as we live trusting Him. Take care in reading today’s key verse. It is not to be understood as God rubber stamping my plans. Instead, this psalm of faith encourages me to trust God with everything in my life. I should respond by asking myself, How is my faith? What should I trust God fully with? Father, I know I should trust You with everything. Strengthen my faith and help me to do so.

Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Psalm 63:3

Friday, March 10

What About Wipeouts? Devotional Passage Psalm 37:18-31

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 7–9 Mark 8:27-38

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:24

ipeout! A few years back most every time a certain program was on you would find my children and me on the couch watching it. Who knew people falling down could be so fun? This silly, “reality” TV show had people running through odd obstacle courses, falling, slipping, sliding, and so on. As the name implied, the contestants would wipeout. Humorous narrators completed the package for family fun. A wipeout in real life is seldom humorous. Such a wipeout doesn’t get good ratings but creates negative circumstances for all involved. Life is full of wipeouts of one type or another. The psalmist reminds us of God’s compassion through our trials. When we fall, God is there to pick us up. The best part of watching this series as a family was not the show, but that we would all snuggle up on the couch together. It was a great picture of God comforting us in our trials. Father, I confess my need of You. I cannot make it through this life alone. Forgive me for trying. I need You to lift me up and carry me. Give me faith.

Saturday, March 11

Worthy of Our Praise Devotional Passage Psalm 63

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 10–11 Mark 9:1-13

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Psalm 63:3 one of us is on the mountaintop all the time, but we N probably remember being there. That mountaintop might have been the day we trusted Christ, a specific

sermon that spoke to our hearts, a Bible conference, or a special blessing from the Lord. We saw God’s goodness with an overflowing heart, and that overflow came out of our mouths as praise. But what about when life is hard or our hearts are broken? Can we still praise our God when we’ve spent months or even years in the wilderness? The wilderness is exactly where King David found himself. His kingdom was in turmoil, his son Absalom was leading a revolt against him, and David was fleeing for his life. I can only imagine the desperate grief that was his constant companion. And yet, it was in the midst of that wilderness that David wrote Psalm 63. People facing hard times sometimes say they are going to praise the Lord anyway. There’s nothing wrong with that, I guess. But God deserves so much more from us than “anyway.” David looked beyond his circumstances to the greatness of his God, and praised the Lord because God was worthy of that praise. Father, when hard times come, help me to see Your hand and remember You are worthy of my praise.

Sunday, March 12

Better or Bitter? Devotional Passage Psalm 119:65-72

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 12–14 Mark 9:14-29

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Psalm 119:71

y first reaction when trouble comes isn’t a spiritual one. I’m much more likely to ask how I can get out of a situation than what I can get out of it. I prefer sunny days, birds singing, and … well, you get the idea. Who wouldn’t prefer to be happy if they were given the choice? The truth, though, is that God is more interested in our holiness than He is in our happiness. And if we are going to grow as Christians to become more like His own beloved Son, it’s not going to happen in the flower garden, but in the fire of affliction. It’s during the hard times that we are best able to hear the voice of God. C.S. Lewis said it well, “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pain.”1 David said God had dealt well with him. When we have the same kind of assurance that David had about the goodness of God, we too will be able to say, “It is good that I have been afflicted.” Father, help me to see Your hand when trouble comes and to let that trouble make me better, not bitter. 1. C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain (San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2001), 91.

Monday, March 13

Sorrow into Joy Devotional Passage John 16:16-24

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 15–17 Mark 9:30-50

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. John 16:22

hey had walked with Christ for three years. Now the time was coming when He was going to be taken from them. They didn’t know the overwhelming grief that was going to be their portion. But Jesus did. He knew them, He knew their hearts, and He knew they would be filled with despair when the time came for His sacrificial death. Jesus acknowledged that sorrow was going to be their lot. But He didn’t stop there. He went on to assure them that this parting was only temporary. He would see them again. And when the time came for His return, their sorrow would be changed to joy. Obviously, I wasn’t there when Jesus walked the earth with these men. I didn’t see His miracles, watch His crucifixion, or visit the empty tomb. I didn’t experience their desperate loss, but I know about sorrow, and I’m sure you do too. We can take comfort in knowing the story’s not finished yet. Jesus will see us again, and our hearts will rejoice. He will give us the kind of joy that no man can take from us. Father, remind me when my heart is broken that You will someday turn my sorrow into joy.

Tuesday, March 14

The Savior Who Does Not Change Devotional Passage Hebrews 13:1-8

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 18–20 Mark 10:1-16

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8 he writer admonished the early Christians to love one T another, to welcome strangers, to be honorable in their marriages, and to be content. He then told them that Jesus

Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It’s no accident that this reminder about our unchanging Savior comes immediately after those admonitions. You see, the writer of Hebrews knew the things he was telling those early Christians to do were going to go against the norm then even as they do now. In a culture where wrong was often considered right and right was condemned as wrong, they needed that reminder. And so do we. Our world has changed and continues to change— and not necessarily for the better. Things that were once unquestionably known to be wrong are now accepted as right. If Christians make a stand for the truth of Scripture, however gentle, we are accused of being judgmental and unloving. Lies are rampant, and everyone seems to have his or her own version of what’s right and true. When the world’s standards are changing so radically, there’s great comfort in knowing our Savior does not change. When we can’t count on anything or anyone else, we can count on our unchanging Christ. Father, thank You for the reality of a Savior, who does not change.

Wednesday, March 15

The Good News Devotional Passage John 1:43-51

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 21–23 Mark 10:17-31

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. John 1:45

ne of the first disciples Jesus called to follow Him was Philip. And Jesus didn’t need to ask Philip twice. Phillip immediately went and found Nathanael and told him he had found the Messiah, the One about whom Moses and all the prophets had written. When Nathanael wasn’t convinced, Philip told him to come see for himself. Nathanael quickly realized Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Son of God, the King of Israel. What joy Philip must have felt to be part of bringing Nathanael to Christ! I remember the day I asked Jesus to come into my heart and forgive my sins. I also remember the first person I told about Christ. Her name was Pat, and she was my best friend. I couldn’t wait to see her and tell her what had happened to me. I’ve never gotten over the fact that Jesus would die for my sins or that God will use my stumbling words to tell the good news about Christ to my family and friends. Who doesn’t like to share good news? And I can’t think of any news better than that. Father, thank You for the good news of the gospel. Help me to share that good news with the people I love.

Thursday, March 16

Grace for Grace Devotional Passage Matthew 9:35–10:8

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 24–26 Mark 10:32-52

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8

hen Jesus sent His disciples out, He didn’t send them to the sophisticated, the wealthy, or the educated. He sent them to the outcasts, who had nothing to give in return and who might not appreciate what the disciples did for them. Some of them might even react negatively. It isn’t easy to show kindness to people who are unkind to us. However, like the disciples, we’re expected to show compassion — not because the person might appreciate it, but because we have received mercy and compassion from God. My pastor calls that “grace for grace.” “Grace for grace” begins by realizing that I fail the Lord daily and need His mercy, His forgiveness, and His grace. Because Christ so freely gives those things to me, I need to emulate Him by showing that same compassion to others, including the ones who don’t appreciate me, and especially the ones who have hurt me. It’s easier to talk about this than it is to do, isn’t it? However, the words Jesus said to His disciples also apply to me, “… freely ye have received, freely give.” It’s all about “grace for grace.” Father, it isn’t easy to love the unlovely. Help me to show the same grace to others that You have shown to me.

Friday, March 17

Using the Unlikely Devotional Passage Luke 5:1-11

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 27–28 Mark 11:1-11

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. Luke 5:10

large crowd on the shore wanted to hear Jesus speak. That’s the reason Jesus was on Peter’s boat, but it wasn’t the only reason. The other reason is that Jesus had a plan for Peter’s life. When Jesus finished speaking to the people, He told Peter to let down his nets. Peter did, and he caught so many fish, his nets couldn’t hold them all. That’s all it took for Peter to fall at Jesus’ feet and say, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (v. 8). Have you heard the expression, “rough as a cob”? If ever that phrase described someone, it was Peter. He was loud, impulsive, rude, and sometimes profane. He wasn’t under any illusions about himself. No wonder he was afraid. Jesus wasn’t under any illusions about Peter either. However, He planned to use Peter in spite of Peter’s limitations. God knew Peter’s heart, and that was enough. God knows our hearts too. He delights in using unlikely individuals. What He wants from us isn’t our ability; God wants our availability. Father, help me believe You will do great things with my life if I let You.

Saturday, March 18

Fertile Ground Devotional Passage Mark 4:1-9

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 29–30 Mark 11:12-33

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow. Mark 4:3 n Bible days, a farmer sowed his fields by broadcasting. Ihandfuls He would walk across his field, methodically taking of seed from a bag and scatter them across

his field. Broadcasting the seeds meant some of those seeds would fall among rocks or where the soil was thin. They might also fall on the edges of the field among weeds. In this parable, God is the sower, the seed is the Word of God, and the soil is our hearts. God sows the seed of His Word generously on all who are willing to hear, but all of it doesn’t fall on fertile ground. Satan steals some of the seed before it can take root. But sometimes we are the problem when suffering, the world’s abundance, or even our own carelessness keeps that seed from taking root and bearing fruit. The problem isn’t the sower or the seed, but the condition of our own hearts. Fruit is what God expects from those of us who know the Lord. But that seed will only take root and bring forth fruit if the ground of our hearts is fertile. Keeping our hearts tender and open to the Word of God will guarantee those hearts are fertile ground. Father, soften my heart so it will be the kind of fertile ground that brings forth fruit.

Sunday, March 19

Make Me a Witness Devotional Passage Acts 8:26-40

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 31–32 Mark 12:1-12

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. Acts 8:35

his Ethiopian eunuch had been to Jerusalem to worship, but being “religious” doesn’t mean he knew the Lord. He went empty, and he was returning empty. As he was riding home in his chariot and reading aloud from the Book of Isaiah, Philip ran up beside him and asked if he understood what he was reading. The eunuch answered, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” (v. 31). So Philip began at the same Scripture and told him about Jesus. This was an important man, probably a well-educated man, and almost certainly a wealthy man. But he had nothing if he didn’t have Jesus. Philip didn’t find the eunuch in Jerusalem or some other big city. He didn’t find him in the temple or in the marketplace. He found him in the desert, and it took some effort on Philip’s part. He was running alongside the chariot, both willing and eager to share Christ. There are hungry, lost people out there, and we probably won’t find them in church on Sunday. So reaching them might take some effort on our part. Like Philip, we need to open our mouths because how else will they understand unless someone should guide them? Father, give me a burden for a lost world that needs Jesus. Make me a witness for You.

Monday, March 20

One Thing I Know Devotional Passage John 9:13-25

Read the Bible Through Deuteronomy 33–34 Mark 12:13-27

He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. John 9:25

e was a beggar, who had been blind from birth. After Jesus healed him, the Pharisees questioned him, and they weren’t happy to find out it was Jesus who had given him his sight. The Pharisees refused to believe him so they questioned his parents. When his parents verified he was telling the truth, the Pharisees told him Jesus was a sinner and he should instead be honest. How could this once blind beggar hope to stand for Christ against these educated religious leaders? He couldn’t argue theology, nor could he debate on their level any part of what had happened to him. He told them he didn’t know whether or not Jesus was a sinner. I can almost see him standing before these men in his dirty rags and telling them what he did know: that he had been blind and now he could see. It’s not always easy to witness for Christ. We might not know a lot of Scripture. Perhaps we can’t speak eloquently about theology. However, we can speak with boldness and authority about what Jesus has done in our lives, and no one can argue with that. Father, give me boldness to tell others what Jesus has done in my life.

Tuesday, March 21

Promises, Promises Devotional Passage Hebrews 10:11-25

Read the Bible Through Joshua 1–2 Mark 12:28-44

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). Hebrews 10:23

olding fast to God’s promises can seem vague when we forget what His promises actually are. While God’s covenant with man is displayed throughout the pages of the Bible, we can all be encouraged with some specific passages. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). The Son has set us free (see Gal. 5:1). We are a new creation and all former things will become new (see 2 Cor. 5:17). He will be with us in times of trouble (see Pss. 9; 34; 91; 107; Isa. 41; 2 Cor. 1:4). His kindness and peace surround us (see Isa. 54:10; Ex. 14:14). His mercy is everlasting (see Ps. 103:17). God is faithful to uphold His every promise. These promises are ones we do not deserve and have not earned by any merit on our own. We can stake our lives on each covenant we read because of grace. In Christ, our freedom is unwavering. When we trust in Him, our confession and profession is one of hope — a hope that doesn’t disappoint. Father, thank You for being true to Your promises. Give us faith to hold fast to the hope You have promised.

Wednesday, March 22

Faith, Energy, and the Gospel Devotional Passage Hebrews 12:1-11

Read the Bible Through Joshua 3–4 Mark 13:1-13

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

thletic stores sell shoes and a lot of other things. Among these items are nutrition energy gel pouches, bars, chews, and beverages runners will consume while completing a marathon. These boosts of carbohydrates, fat, and hydration help the muscles of athletes refuel. Typically, bodies store about 120 minutes of muscle glycogen when running at a marathon pace. Running a marathon in two hours would be an elite task. The average marathon completion time for men is four hours and twenty minutes, hence the need for energy. Hebrews 11 provides spiritual energy. We can see the connection to this chapter at the beginning of chapter 12. Because of those who have come before us, because of God’s faithfulness throughout the generations, because of grace, we can run with endurance. When we get tired or weary, we can tell ourselves the stories over and over — the stories that link to the greatest story ever told: “in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Father, help me to keep my eyes focused on You. May I run this race in a manner worthy of my calling.

Thursday, March 23

Gazing at the Bull’s-eye Devotional Passage Jude 17-25

Read the Bible Through Joshua 5–6 Mark 13:14-37

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 21

he game of darts can be frustrating. If only you could just look at the bull’s-eye and the dart would end up there! Balance, hand placement, the weight of the dart, and even slight extraneous movements can cause the dart to go off course. A common mistake when throwing darts is to throw too hard. More often than not, even a light throw will stick the dart to the board. In darts, points matter, not strength. Staying at the center of God’s love doesn’t involve points or strength. As we look to Christ every day, His mercy and life wash over us. By turning from our sin and trusting in Christ, Jesus charts our course and His Holy Spirit turns our affections toward Him. He gives us strength and guides our lives with His grace. Today, trust in His mercy as you aim to live a life that honors Him. Father, help us to fix our eyes on You. We confess that we can do nothing without You.

Friday, March 24

Hope in Suffering Devotional Passage Revelation 2:1-11

Read the Bible Through Joshua 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8 Mark 14:1-11

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10

he apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation as he was imprisoned on the island of Patmos. Imprisonment and suffering is a recurring theme throughout the history of Christianity, culminating as the central theme of the gospel in Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; death, burial, and resurrection. Even though imprisoned, John brings words of exhortation and comfort to seven churches. John reminded the church in Smyrna of the certainty of suffering, tribulation, and death, but he did so while still giving them hope. The crown of life is awaiting those who are faithful. Faithfulness to Jesus always comes at a cost, but nothing life can give or death can take away compares to Him. While being faithful to Christ in the midst of suffering is difficult, you have a reward awaiting you that is greater than any tribulation. Persevere with hope. Today, encourage a brother or sister in Christ by reminding them of this promise. Father, thank You for giving me courage and hope to remain faithful in the midst of suffering and tribulation.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

Saturday, March 25

Perfect Laws Devotional Passage Psalm 19:7-14

Read the Bible Through Joshua 9–10 Mark 14:12-31

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

aws often stir up negative thoughts and emotions in each of us. Perhaps we have a vision of blue lights in our rearview mirror. Maybe we simply do not like adhering to guidelines and rules, or it could be that we sense a disparity between human laws and real justice. We live in a broken and unjust world. In this psalm, however, David paints a contrasting picture of the law of the Lord. “The law of the LORD is perfect,” meaning it is complete and without fault. The law of the Lord converts the soul — it rescues and refreshes us. It “is sure” and “wise”; the testimony of the Lord contains no uncertainty or prejudice, and it is full of wisdom for all people. What a stunning and beautiful picture of the law of the Lord! In a world full of injustice, it’s comforting to know that there is something perfect, sure, and wise: the law of the Lord. If the law of the Lord is this amazing, then our daily desire should be to read it, meditate on it, and live it out. Father, help me to daily read, meditate, and live out Your good and perfect law.

Sunday, March 26

Storing Up God’s Word Devotional Passage Psalm 119:8-16

Read the Bible Through Joshua 11–12 Mark 14:32-52

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

t 176 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. This fact alone should make us pay close attention to the importance of the subject of this chapter: God’s Word. God values His Word and so should we. Someone said that John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, wrote on the cover of his Bible, “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.” God uses His Word in our lives in many ways, including to warn us and convict us of sin. The psalmist describes an intimate connection between storing up God’s Word in our heart and not sinning against God. This close connection demonstrates our dependence on God’s Word as we constantly battle against sin. The opportunity to sin comes at us in many shapes and sizes, and without an ability to pull from the storehouse of God’s Word, we will succumb to sin. Reading, memorizing, and meditating upon the Bible helps us to store it up in our hearts. God’s Word is of utmost importance in our daily — hourly — battle against sin. Are you storing up God’s Word in your heart? Father, thank You for Your Word. Please help me to store it up in my heart.

Monday, March 27

A Teachable Spirit Devotional Passage Psalm 119:33-40

Read the Bible Through Joshua 13–15 Mark 14:53-72

Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Psalm 119:33

avid Brainerd, a missionary to the American Indians, had an inauspicious beginning. His university studies were cut short due to being expelled from Yale. Brainerd was unimpressed with his teachers and lacked a teachable spirit. Unlike Brainerd, in this psalm, King David displayed a desire to learn, along with a teachable spirit. He asked the Lord to teach him His statutes, or laws. David wasn’t only an eager student, but his desire was to remain faithful to the law of the Lord for the rest of his life. The Lord, being the perfect Teacher, doesn’t just teach a lesson. He transforms the student. Some time after Brainerd was expelled from Yale, he repented to God; and the Lord used him to minister for five years among Native Americans. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 29 due to tuberculosis. Brainerd went on to impact many missionaries, including the likes of William Carey, due to the publication of his journal and diary. Like King David before him, David Brainerd learned from the Lord and was transformed. Father, like David, help me to have a teachable spirit.

Tuesday, March 28

Light in a Dark Room Devotional Passage Psalm 119:129-136

Read the Bible Through Joshua 16–18 Mark 15:1-15

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119:130

ight is a good thing. Have you ever walked into a dark room? When the room is dark, you are unsure of where anything is and walking forward can result in bumping into something, tripping over furniture, or scaring the family pet. Flip the switch, and light gives you a different picture. In that moment, you know the layout of the furniture and can instantly move from one side of the room to the other without risking injury. King David used a number of words and phrases to describe the Word of God in Psalm 119. He communicated the many facets of God’s Word. Like light in a dark room, God’s Word acts in a similar way in our lives. The Bible provides the light we need to navigate life the way God designed it to be. The world is often a dark place full of many obstacles. If we move about without God’s light, then we experience pain and consequences without truly knowing His care and protection. His Word helps us to gain wisdom and to live life in such a way as to minimize missteps and distractions as we remain close to Him. Father, Your Word is a light that helps me navigate life, and for that I am grateful.

Wednesday, March 29

True Wisdom

Devotional Passage Proverbs 3:13-26

Read the Bible Through Joshua 19–20 Mark 15:16-39

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Proverbs 3:13 hat do an auto mechanic and a shoemaker have in W common? Both of these professions require skill, training, and application of that knowledge. Those who

seek the wisdom of an auto mechanic or the knowledge of a shoemaker will certainly be better off having done so. The Book of Proverbs is concerned with true and practical wisdom. Biblical wisdom is more than knowledge. It applies what is known to life in such a way that draws one into a stronger relationship with God. In this passage, the reader is directed toward the source of genuine happiness: the Lord. Godly wisdom and understanding is available to anyone who would seek after it. When one discovers godly wisdom and gains understanding, there is genuine happiness. Consider the auto mechanic, Bill Wallace, later a missionary to China, who was martyred for Christ in 1951. The shoemaker, considered by many to be the “Father of Modern Missions,” was William Carey. According to the world’s standards, Wallace and Carey were foolish, yet they found true wisdom and understanding. They happily served the Lord among the nations and their impact for God’s kingdom continues even today. Father, You alone are the source of true wisdom. May I seek and find my happiness in You.

Thursday, March 30

It Is Written

Devotional Passage Matthew 4:1-11

Read the Bible Through Joshua 21–22 Mark 15:40-47

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

fter hours of wandering through the hot, dry desert, a young man sees water in the distance. The prospect of water gives him hope that his thirst will soon be quenched; but as he tops the next dune, the water disappears into the desert sands. A mirage tempts someone to find satisfaction in something that can never satisfy. Matthew records the temptation of Jesus as the inaugural event in Jesus’ ministry after His baptism. Led by the Spirit into the wilderness after fasting for 40 days and nights, Jesus was tempted by Satan. After fasting, Jesus was definitely hungry. Knowing this fact, Satan subtly questioned God’s good character and provision through appealing to Jesus’ hunger. Three different times Satan tempted Jesus, and each time, Jesus resisted temptation by appealing to Scripture with the familiar phrase, “It is written.” People trust in whatever they believe will give them life. Temptation, like the desert mirage, can never satisfy. Like Jesus, when faced with temptations, we need to understand that the Bible is our greatest weapon in resisting Satan. Father, I thank You for Your Word that helps me resist temptation.

Friday, March 31

God’s Sufficient Word Devotional Passage 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Read the Bible Through Joshua 23–24 Mark 16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

“M

easure twice, cut once,” was the admonishment from the father to his son. This counsel is a stark reminder to be prepared and take time in completing tasks. There is no excuse to be unprepared for or to do an important job improperly. In this passage, Paul was reminding his son in the faith, Timothy, that Scripture is sufficient for any task to which God would call him to perform. More than simply admonishing Timothy, Paul had modeled a complete trust and dependence upon God’s Word. Timothy could have confidence that no matter what he faced, God had prepared him through His Word. In the same way, God gives us everything we need for service to Him. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for us, no matter the task at hand. No matter the circumstance, we can have the confidence of Paul and Timothy in God and His Word. There is no excuse for being spiritually unprepared when we have the inspired Word of God as our resource. Father, help me to be prepared for whatever lies ahead today through Your inspired and trustworthy Word.

Saturday, April 1

“It Is I Myself” Devotional Passage Luke 24:36-49

Read the Bible Through Judges 1–3 Luke 1:1-25

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Luke 24:38

can’t begin to imagine the physical reality of Jesus’ resurrection. Since I’ve heard the story most of my life, it becomes normal to believe that Jesus rose from the dead after three days. One more time for emphasis: rose from the dead. While it may seem like an April Fool’s Day joke, the risen Savior defeats sin and death forever. May we never tire of understanding the implications of that message. Jesus chose to appear to His friends. His disciples could physically see Him, they could hear Him, and they could touch Him. Jesus encouraged them to see for themselves that He was alive: “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (v. 39). Like the disciples, we may often find ourselves confused, troubled, or doubting. Yet, Jesus shows us over and over again that He is with us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Father, may we never lose sight of the miracle, power, and sacrifice of Your Son’s resurrection.

Sunday, April 2

We Are Witnesses Devotional Passage John 20:19-23

Read the Bible Through Judges 4–5 Luke 1:26-38

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:21

ave you ever watched something bad happen? A car crash, bank robbery, theft, or crime? Typically you are asked to give a statement of what you witnessed. Sometimes you have to testify in court. Caught in the crossfire, your story paints a fuller picture of the narrative, helping others understand exactly what happened. The more witnesses, the more trustworthy the story. As witnesses to Jesus’ life and resurrection, the apostles then faced a high calling. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He reminded them that as God sent Him to the world to tell of His love, so the apostles were to declare to the world the peace between God and man. Just like the apostles, we are ministers of reconciliation — ambassadors of peace. We go in power, knowing that we have been sent. Jesus places the greatness of the work to be done before us, just as He did with the apostles. We get to tell the full story, paint the narrative of the gospel, and recount how God has shown Himself mighty in our lives. Each step, story, and relationship is deliberate. Father, thank You for the opportunity to be a witness of the good news of Jesus.

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Proverbs 3:13

Monday, April 3

My Lord and My God Devotional Passage John 20:24-31

Read the Bible Through Judges 6 Luke 1:39-56

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. John 20:28

s He really good? Will He provide? Surely grace is for everyone else, but not for me, not for this. Doubt comes in a variety of thoughts. Denying the existence of God may be a struggle, but failing to grasp His attributes is a form of denial. Jesus doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disregard our questions but pulls us closer to Him. We serve a God who meets us in the midst of our uncertainty. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, personally sought Thomas, the questioning one. In a sense, He left the 99 for the one. When we understand Jesus for who He really is our only response is to proclaim Him Lord and God. This is a confession and acknowledgment of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power over all things, including death. What do you need to believe in today? What are you questioning? See His hands. Look at His side. Gaze upon the cross and see His sacrifice and victory! Be not faithless but believing. Father, I acknowledge Your lordship over all things. Thank You for being with me in the midst of uncertainty. I pray You will bring me from a place of faithlessness to belief.

Tuesday, April 4

Taste and See Devotional Passage John 21:15-22

Read the Bible Through Judges 7–8 Luke 1:57-80

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21:15

e see the heart of God when we see the actions of Jesus. The big things are obvious — reconciliation, forgiveness, grace, joy — but the smaller things give us a foretaste (quite literally, in this case) of God’s heart. In John 21, Jesus prepared breakfast for His disciples. Breakfast! An act of communion and fellowship. After eating, Jesus asked Peter about his love for Him. Each denial in Peter’s past was matched by a restorative moment through the repetition of these questions. Think about all the restorative moments in your life. Stop now and thank God for restoring difficult situations by bringing new life. God brings assurance during times of doubt, peace when we are afraid, and life in the midst of death. He satisfies our spiritual hunger. We can demonstrate our love for Jesus by feeding His people with His Word. Father, turn our affections to You. We love You more than anything. Thank You for reconciling us to You.

Wednesday, April 5

Expecting

Devotional Passage Matthew 24:42-51

Read the Bible Through Judges 9 Luke 2:1-20

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Matthew 24:42

ome things are just worth waiting for. For example, we eagerly anticipate the birth of a child. We look forward to it and prepare for it. There are items to be purchased, a nursery to be painted, car seats to be inspected, and plans to be made. Some time in those forty weeks, a shower may be held to celebrate the new life coming into the world. Anticipating the baby’s arrival affects most everything we do. As we wait for Christ, we can prepare as well. Learning from His Word, trusting in His plans, submitting to His Lordship, and telling others of His life-changing resurrection, we are watchful. As we keep eternity in mind, our everyday lives begin to shift to a singular goal. We seek to glorify God by making disciples of all nations. With that in mind, I love these words from the hymn, “The Solid Rock,” by Edward Mote: “When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.” Father, we watch faithfully for Your return. Let us be found faithful and wise, dressed in Your righteousness alone.

Thursday, April 6

The Sure Source of Help Devotional Passage Psalm 119:25-32

Read the Bible Through Judges 10–12 Luke 2:21-40

I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. Psalm 119:30

he influence of Scripture on the psalmist’s heart is clear. He was almost brought to death had it not been for the sustaining power of God’s Word. The Word of the Lord provokes prayer, confirms choice, graciously teaches, and inspires renewed resolve. In any trouble, His Word is the surest source of help. Holding God’s Word in high esteem was the core of the psalmist’s desire. It was His true life source, reviving and growing his very heart, as only God can do. Sometimes, God’s Word becomes an afterthought or something on a to-do list. We may not always hold God’s Word in high esteem as we ought. His commandments are for His glory and our good. When we set guidelines and rules for children, we teach them not to stick their fingers in light sockets or to reach for a pan on the hot stove. God, our loving Father, does something similar with us. The instructions He gives in His Word are in our best interest. As we meditate on God’s wondrous works, let’s confess our rebellion, accept His Word as the guide for our lives, and proclaim His faithfulness. Father, give us a desire to live according to Your commandments.

Friday, April 7

Committed Devotional Passage 2 Timothy 1:3-14

Read the Bible Through Judges 13–15 Luke 2:41-52

That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 2 Timothy 1:14

o many good things have been committed to us through Christ. Because God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control, there is no room for fear. We are called to a holy calling not because of our works but because of His grace. He alone has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light. These promises abide in us. With assistance from the Holy Spirit, we can commit to keeping God’s commands. As these things dwell in us, we begin to tell others the stories of what Christ has done. Just as Lois and Eunice formed a foundation of faith in Timothy, so we can fan the flame in others’ lives through discipleship. We have been entrusted to spread the good news of Christ to those around us. As we learn more about Jesus, we are compelled to tell others. Note how fondly Timothy recalled these others. Let us never view discipleship as a task or burden but as a friendship that fills us with joy. Father, give us self-control, power, and love. Let us live in Your light with the help of Your Holy Spirit. Guide us today as we keep Your commands.

Saturday, April 8

A Dangerous Gospel Devotional Passage Acts 7:59–8:8

Read the Bible Through Judges 16 Luke 3:1-20

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Acts 8:4

ollowing Christ in the first century could get you killed. The Jesus movement was a threat to the religious establishment, both because it claimed a risen God-man as Messiah and represented a new people of God. Stephen was the first martyr, slain at the hands of religious leaders, including a zealous young Jew, Saul of Tarsus. Today, most Western Christians are immune to martyrdom. But there are many modern-day Stephens around the world. It’s a fresh reminder that the gospel of Jesus Christ is always dangerous. The early Christians were faithful to preach the gospel, even after they mourned their brother Stephen. Persecution scattered the church and helped spread the good news around the known world. American Christians are not imperiled like Stephen, but we face the temptation to soften our message to appeal to the masses. Let’s pray we hold on to the dangerous gospel that turns the world upside down and turns persecutors into preachers. Father, we pray for our brothers and sisters imperiled in closed countries. We ask for boldness to preach the gospel, despite the opposition. We are thankful for Your Spirit, who saves those who are far from You.

Sunday, April 9

Our Kind of Savior Devotional Passage Mark 11:1-11

Read the Bible Through Judges 17â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18 Luke 3:21-38

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Mark 11:9

he people wanted a Savior and saw in Jesus the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Zechariahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prophecy. This is why they blazed a trail with their jackets and palm branches. Their king, Jesus, would deliver them from oppression and tyranny. Their shouts of praise evoked the singing of Psalm 118, a psalm of deliverance. But even the most earnest disciples did not realize that Jesus must first be a Suffering Servant. Before He would usher in the final kingdom, He would rescue them from their own sin and darkness. Today we are similarly tempted to follow after cheap and temporary saviors, but Jesus offers, instead, salvation from our sins and a relationship with God. This is the kind of King we need, who is Lord over our whole lives. One day He will return in glory and power. Father, I am grateful that You are not a political Savior, but a conquering King, who defeated sin, death, and the grave. I pledge my allegiance to You as my Lord and Savior.

Monday, April 10

Outrageous Giving Devotional Passage Mark 14:1-9

Read the Bible Through Judges 19–20 Luke 4:1-13

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. Mark 14:3

once heard a story about a seminary professor who was audited by the IRS because they didn’t understand how he could give away so much money to the church. His outrageous giving didn’t make sense. Those who witnessed the outrageous giving of the woman in Bethany had a similar response. Why would she use up almost all of her yearly wage on such an extravagant gift for a soon-to-be-arrested Jewish rabbi? The reason this woman could give everything she had to Jesus was because she knew that this was no ordinary man. She was willing to give extravagantly with her limited knowledge. Given what we know about Jesus’ postresurrection appearances, how much more extravagant should we be toward Him? Jesus is alive, and no sacrifice for Him can be too great. Father, I repent of my stinginess. Please fill my heart with this same overwhelming worship and devotion. Give me a spirit of outrageous sacrifice.

Tuesday, April 11

Is It I?

Devotional Passage Matthew 26:14-25

Read the Bible Through Judges 21 Luke 4:14-32

And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? Matthew 26:22

henever I lecture my kids about gratitude, obedience, or some other virtue, they are eager to point out where their siblings fail. It’s natural for us to think our real problems are with those around us. As Jesus sat around the table in the upper room, He predicted His own betrayal and that one of the men in the room would be the betrayer. This led the disciples to ask, “Is it I?” This is a question, not simply for the twelve disciples in that room in Palestine, but for anyone who follows Jesus. Like Judas, we are tempted to forsake our Savior for a temporary payday. Power, money, sex, and other lesser idols vie for our allegiance. Which is why every day we should ask Jesus the simple question, “Is it I?” Father, I confess my temptation to pursue lesser idols, to follow after cheap substitutes instead of pursuing You. Reveal these tendencies in my heart and forgive me. May Your Spirit indwell me with power to live for You each day.

Wednesday, April 12

Ultimate Obedience Devotional Passage Matthew 26:36-46

Read the Bible Through Ruth 1–2 Luke 4:33-44

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39

he word submission comes loaded with all kinds of negative connotations. We immediately think of subservience, of dictators, and of inhumane treatment. But it was Jesus’ embodiment of the true meaning of submission that shows us how to live out this idea in a whole new way. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus bowed before His Father in anguish, facing the enormity of the cross before Him. In His divinity, Jesus was in control of the events about to take place. In His humanity, Jesus yielded Himself to His own death at calvary. We submit our wills to God because Jesus first chose to submit His will to God. His death, burial, and resurrection empowers us to obey our Father, even if it means we will face temporary pain and sacrifice. Father, thank You for sending Jesus to the cross to endure my punishment and pain. Because of Jesus’ submission, I am free to obey You. Let Your Spirit have His way with me, cleansing my heart of sin and empowering me to live for You.

Thursday, April 13

Freedom Fighter Devotional Passage Matthew 27:15-28

Read the Bible Through Ruth 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4 Luke 5:1-26

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Matthew 27:26

o the Romans, Barabbas was a murderer, a terrorist who had killed the innocent to make a political statement. To the Jews, Barabbas was a freedom fighter. To everyone, he was guilty and deserving of death. But pride and misplaced longings have a way of distorting reality. Pilate thought, when offering amnesty to either Jesus or Barabbas, that the Jewish people would choose the innocent. But they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, and the innocent Jesus died in place of the guilty Barabbas. We are all Barabbas, guilty of eternal punishment. Jesus took our place and became our freedom fighter, defeating the stranglehold of sin, death, and the grave. Our sins have been crucified with Jesus, and His resurrection has given us new life and restored our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Father, I am guilty of sin and deserve the punishment of Your wrath. But in Jesus I am clothed in righteousness. His death paid for my sin and His resurrection has given me a new life. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, who purchased my freedom.

PRAY E R CAL ENDA R

issionaries are listed on their birthdays, and your prayer support is the best gift they can receive. Visit the International Mission Board (IMB) website at http:// imb.org/pray to find daily prayer needs of Southern Baptist international missionaries or call (800) 999-3113 to subscribe to the missionary birthday e-letter sent on a daily or monthly basis. For more information about North American missionaries, visit the website at http://namb.net or call (770) 410-6000. To obtain missions prayer requests through these IMB personnel are listed by their SBC PrayerLines call: affinity group which is a grouping of peoples related by language, NORTH AMERICAN history, and culture. This allows field MISSION BOARD personnel who otherwise could not (800) 554-Pray be connected to their people group to be identified by name or initials. INTERNATIONAL It also reflects the IMBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus to MISSION BOARD reach people groups that span geo(800) 395-Pray political boundaries.

Wednesday, March 1 International Mission Board: Russell Fleetwood, (American Peoples); AW, MC, MM, (Central Asian Peoples); Joel Jolley, (European Peoples); Gail Osbrink , (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); CP, (South Asian Peoples); Phil Barnes, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Ron Copeland, Sammye Crawford, Jack Day, Doug Knapp, Norma Lea Mock, HH, RB, RM. North American Mission Board: Joshua Miller, (CA); Marcus Nelson, (MO); John Tribble, (MT); Tom Capaci, Lynn Jo, (NV); Jonathan Myers, (NC); Roberto Curry, Sunmi Ju, (OH); Zachary Princivil, (Quebec); Tobin Steward, (TN); Timothy Montes, (TX). Retired: Khalil Hanna, (CA); David Phan, (NY); William Dunning, (PA). Thursday, March 2 IMB: Sharlotte Wester, ES, (American Peoples); KS, (Central Asian Peoples); HN, ME, (East Asian Peoples); Earl Pinkston, Kyle Roy, (European Peoples); SS, (Global Strategic Advance); JS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); JC, WS, (South Asian Peoples); SJ, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Jerry Smoot, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Jackie Bursmeyer, Betty Hogue, Eslie Phillips, Barbara Randolph, Murray Smith, Barbara Workman. NAMB: Shannon Jennings, (AZ); Hao Griffin, (IL); Ryan Augusta, (LA); Jummai Nache, Brenda Smith, (MN); Douglas Holbrook, (MS); Michelle Tribble, (MT); Alan Butler, (NY); Thang Ridenour, (Ontario); Callie Hsiang, (SC); Kristopher Tollison, (TX); Andrew Franks, (VA). Retired: Dong-Keun Lee, (AL); Brenda Smith, (GA); Thomas Sykes, (KS); Jo Ellis, (LA); Mary Ramirez, (OK); Anita Green, (TX); Frank Shope, (WA); Mary Henson, (WV). Friday, March 3 IMB: Matt Ostertag, MS, (American Peoples); HM, (Central Asian Peoples); KK, SC, (East Asian Peoples); Thomas Sieberhagen, JS, (European Peoples); BP, CJ, JL, JS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); CH, (South Asian Peoples); LW, MF, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Doug Lehman, Amanda Smith, PR, TB, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Joye Crane, Anneli Dotson, Christine Hailey, Marilyn Hing, Bob Parker, Billy Sanson, Jo Scales, Jane Woody, CS, KL, MA, ML. NAMB: Melissa Andrews, (AL); Norris Abdollahzadeh, (British Columbia); Jeremy Nguyen, (CA); Bernard Cash, (IL); Dana Gass, (KS); James Yoo, (MA); Rozi Biswas, Delores Hudson, (NY); Carol Lauderdale, (OH); Amy Cooper, (OK); Erik Largent, (PA); Ellen Hembree, (VA). Retired: Luke Nguyen, (CA); Bonnie Martin, (ID); Nora Brown, (MD).

Saturday, March 4 IMB: DJ, (Central Asian Peoples); SH, (East Asian Peoples); CP, (European Peoples); BP, (Global Strategic Advance); DO, EW, JR, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); CB, (South Asian Peoples); Daren Davis, Ben Sustar, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Rodney Coleman, Jane Martin, AV. NAMB: Sarah Bailey, (AZ); Luetricia Jefferson, (CA); Tiffany Lee, (District of Columbia); Margarita Martinez, Carthel Williams, (FL); Alana Baker, Ashley Cauble, (IL); Allison Chambers, Sherry Mayberry, (KS); Sonia Camacho, (MD); Laurie Wright, (KY); Jason Martinez, (NE); Kathleen Coughlin, (NJ); Orlando Phillips, (NC); Tamara Sexton, Ashley York, (OH); Hélène Arseneau, Sara Silveira, (Quebec); Jennifer Sedam, (RI); Chad Dollar, Keith Lorance, (TN); Diana Benavides, (TX). Retired: Donald Cartwright, Cleo Parham, (AZ); Lucille Elliott, (NE); Michael Brooks, (OH); Margaret Allen, (VA). Sunday, March 5 IMB: Andy Kennedy, (American Peoples); GM, MW, (Central Asian Peoples); DW, KR, MF, (East Asian Peoples); Adam Reinking, (European Peoples); NB, NC, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Bryan Bullington, Parker Phillips, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Pat Lewellyn, Loren Robinson. NAMB: Dong Lee, (CA); Stephanie Doyle, (IN); Joanna Windle, (MI); Shane Porter, (MO); Zhanara Handy, (NJ); James Morales, (NY); Orrego Horne, (Ontario); Edward Parrish, Ricky Salinas, (TX); Jose Navy, (WV). Retired: John Howie, (GA); Jo Garland, Edith Highlander, (TN); Herlinda Davila, (TX). Monday, March 6 IMB: CH, CH, (Central Asian Peoples); CR, (East Asian Peoples); AS, BR, CI, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples). Retired: Joy Snow, Leona Tarry. NAMB: Rani Wheat, (CO); Jura Noh, (IL); Amy Rager, (IN); Steve Bruinsma, Thomas Stewart, (MI); Betsy Bartig, (MO); Qusai Hennig, (NM); Darius Ledford, (NC); Jamie Nimmo, (OH); Adrienne Barnes, (WA); Beau Engling, (WY). Retired: Joe Turner, (SC); Evelyn Berry, (VA). Tuesday, March 7 IMB: Deborah Royals, (American Peoples); JW, (Central Asian Peoples); EK, SE, SM, (East Asian Peoples); Julie Maroney, Larry Moon, (European Peoples); CC, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); JH, (South Asian Peoples); MR, (Southeast Asian Peoples).

Retired: Janet Dillard, Ellamae Elder, Martha Morgan, Polly Scott, Lounette Templeton, DO, GG. NAMB: Alcira Cardenas, (AZ); Andrea Langham, Shea Sisco, (CA); Marissa Davis, (FL); Brandon Dykes, Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andre Lands, (GA); Ranel Wallace, (IA); David Underwood, Warren Williams, (NC); Sherri Underwood, (OH); Robert Rodriquez, (UT). Retired: Rebecca Moncrief, (GA); Jerilyn Smith, (WV). Wednesday, March 8 IMB: SC, (East Asian Peoples); Anna Marie Deschenes, AC, GS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); MH, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Helen Bond, Cape Caperton, David Glaze, James Jordan, Carol McGriff, Elaine Perrill, Carol Robertson, LG, ML, RW. NAMB: Steven Myers, (Alberta); Matthew Clayton, (AZ); Gustavo Pickney, (AR); Jennifer Endriss, (HI); Kristopher Mang, (IN); Sheryl Jerez, (IA); Francois Boling, (MI); Candace Tucker, (MO); Tracy Fisher, (NC); Mason Olszewski, (OH); John Kennedy, Emily Platt, (SC); Janet Lin, (TX); Xiu Qin fang, Missy Hess, (VA). Retired: Monty McWhorter, (CA); Jimmie Knox, (LA); Elodia Cano, (UT). Thursday, March 9 IMB: BJ, (American Peoples); MM, (Central Asian Peoples); SC, (European Peoples); CK, DA, KT, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AS, (South Asian Peoples); AB, DF, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Brenda Johnson, John Magyar. NAMB: Aurora Jaimes, Toni Kim, Sarah Owens, (CA); Travis Adams, (CO); Paul Richardson, (GA); Therron Springer, (IL); William Casamento, (KS); Terry Roth, (MI); Annie Salazar, (NM); Barbara Carnegie, Ci Klapp, (NC); Kye Moo Calzado-Rosado, (OH); Denisse Cabrera, (OK); James Eason, (SC); Frank Rai, (VT); Candice Lowrance, (WA). Retired: Howard Smith, (CA); Roger Hill, (MT); John Capps, (Nova Scotia); John Haeger, (TN); Joshua Grijalva, (TX). Friday, March 10 IMB: Penny Stamps, (American Peoples); ML, (Central Asian Peoples); Katie Ford, DD, (European Peoples); JS, WT, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Patricia Mullis, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Steve Jackson, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Robin Brown, Charles Clark, Janet McDowell, Marleen Robinson, Laura Shelton, Robert Tucker, Jeanne Walker, Perry Walker, BD, DB, KK. NAMB: Philip Rogers, (GA); Carrie Russell, (NC); Debra Page, (ND); Taran Hamilton, (OH); Lauren, Maine, (PA); Jessica Cabanas, (TX). Retired: Luana Golinski, (FL); Dannie Morris, (WA).

Saturday, March 11 IMB: GD, (American Peoples); HM, (Central Asian Peoples); BW, GH, TC, (East Asian Peoples); CK, DC, RR, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); DM, MB, (South Asian Peoples); MJ, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Twylia Bell, Donna Fort, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Melissa Atkins, Delores Bishop, Gary Bishop, Bev Bryan, Lois Calhoun, Mike Campbell, Dale Dison, Janice Mooney, Jenny Musen, Joan Norman, MN, PV. NAMB: Nate Atondo, Hyunhee Lee, (CA); John Bell, (FL); Kevin Alexander, (GA); Karen Gribble, Kenneth Smith, (IN); Emily Cheatham, Christopher DuSaules, (LA); Matthew Abreu, (NJ); Ginny Conner, (NC); Charles King, Sarah Morris, Joe Thompson, (OH); Lindsey Carlson, (TX); Deborah Stebly, (WA). Retired: Amy Harris, (CA); Gerald Steffy, (IL); Frank Deutsch, (TX). Sunday, March 12 IMB: CC, KR, (Deaf Peoples); JP, (East Asian Peoples); Tanner Clarke, Kimberly Hathcock, Heather Strahan, (European Peoples); EV, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); SM, (South Asian Peoples); TT, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Richard Clark, Charles Cole, Marshall Duncan, Diana Norwood, Louie Scales, Ed Smith, Ray Turner, DB. NAMB: Charles Byun, (CA); Myra Riley, (CO); Sharron Mason, (District of Columbia); Meybi Sablan, (FL); Kathy Graham, Jena-Marie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, (MD); Stephanie Boling, (MI); Rodolfo Jordan, (MS); Cassandra Burney, Heather Darnell, Natalie Owen, (NC); Jonathan Hughes, (OH); Dennis Freeman, Modesto Peterson, (SC); Mauricio Mingee, David Wade, (VA); Sangu Kande, (WA). Retired: Georges Boujakly, (KS); Samuel Gonzalez, (MO); L Lawson, (NM). Monday, March 13 IMB: Stanley Clark, Sherry Cody, Audrey Tucker, (American Peoples); Donna Qualls, TP, (East Asian Peoples); Beth Kirchner, Terra Lindsey, AM, LM, (European Peoples); JD, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); BC, CN, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Donna Brown, Hal Cunnyngham, Pratt Dean, Broadus Hale, Ruth Harris, Robin Tinley, Gene Wilson, Joe Pat Winchester, IK, LG. NAMB: Betty Minnick, Emily Panter, (AZ); Alexis Thompson, (British Columbia); Mi Young Kim, (CA); Ryan Yoder, (CO); Marcia C Silva, (FL); Jerry Tomaselli, (HI); Daniel Jung, (IL); Lawana Griffin, (IN); Amanda Cunningham, (NC); MaryLynn Pardi, Luke Yount, (OH); Ruth Mora, (Puerto Rico); Alisha Tucker, (WA). Retired: Gwendolyn Holden, (MO).

Tuesday, March 14 IMB: AR, CS, (Central Asian Peoples); HL, (East Asian Peoples); Holly Jones, BW, (European Peoples); DH, EP, JI, LI, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); CF, (South Asian Peoples); BO, TS, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Laverne Arnold, Joanna Bernhardt, Paul Burkwall, Wayne Emanuel, John Griggs, Mike Houser, Carolyn Houts, Eleanor Kuter, Dee Nelson, Marcia Richardson, Bob Zbinden, KO. NAMB: Christy Barker, (AR); Roger Pulgarin, (British Columbia); Lindsey Ammons, Jesse Newman, (GA); Shouchin Man, (IN); Emily Sabino, (IA); Jarael Gregg, Craig Yates, (KS); Nathan Nnadi, (MN); Michelle McClain, Gabriel Patton, (MO); Caitlin Eitel, (NY); Jallah Chripczuk, (PA); Lireng Zhang, (TX); Julia Achucarro, (UT); Mary Hinton, (VA); Patricia Fletcher, (WA). Retired: June Yi, (AL); Elizabeth McCormick, (NE); Yvonne Mincey, (SC). Wednesday, March 15 IMB: CB, LW, (Central Asian Peoples); AK, (East Asian Peoples); KD, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); BK, DT, KR, PT, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Carter Davis, Ed Engle, Franklin Kilpatrick, Linda Malone, Bruce McBee, Helen Reynolds, Jacob Shin. NAMB: Elena Perez, (FL); Walter Williams, (GA); Angela Lindsey, (IN); Demetra Bennett, (MD); Elaine Mabry, (NY); Denise McKinney, Ingrid Perez, Nelly Smith, (NC); Alison Patterson, (VA); Kuka Brent, (WI). Retired: Clyde Thompson, (WY). Thursday, March 16 IMB: CJ, DP, (Central Asian Peoples); Kelli Stuart, GF, JR, KL, (East Asian Peoples); CE, (European Peoples); KG, LK, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); GR, (South Asian Peoples); Marilyn Black, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Philip Cain, Sarah Riley, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Donna Cain, Beverly Lewis. NAMB: Deidre Cobia, (CA); Alice Wilson, (GA); Abby Dunn, (MA); Kerri Fleming, (MS); Tish Hedger, (MO); Jackline Awwad, (NJ); Kevin Garriga, (NC); Betty Flores, Matthew Johnson, Lindsay Slack, Richard Smith, Nicole Tate, (OH); Janna Savage, (UT); Hanna Rogers, (VT); Terri Coleman, (VA); Bashi Chiri, Kyle Kim, (WA). Retired: Bertha Galarza, (CA); Douglas Chanco, (GA). Friday, March 17 IMB: Carlos Llambes, (American Peoples); AH, (Central Asian Peoples); Glennda Cook, (East Asian Peoples); Eric Haney, Ron Jones, (European Peoples); PC, (South Asian Peoples); Amanda Barber, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: James West.

NAMB: Camino de Fe Wilson, (CA); Angela Hlawnchhing, (FL); Brandon Walker, (GA); Chestly Hester, (MI); Juan Kappes, Youn Kim, Jeremy Lipscomb, (NC); James Lamb, (VA). Retired: Patricia Morgan, (CA); Alice Martin, (MI). Saturday, March 18 IMB: Karen Dickey, (American Peoples); JC, SH, (Central Asian Peoples); JL, JL, LC, TP, (East Asian Peoples); JB, (European Peoples); KA, (Global Strategic Advance); Sukaya Mieure, JR, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); RC, SW, (South Asian Peoples); JB, LS, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Renee Crane, Florence Frederick, Eddie Ray, Mary Jo Stewart, Charlotte Walker, Betty Ann Whitson, BE, DW, PP, TV. NAMB: Joel Murray, (AL); Melanie Yong, (CA); Mitzi Deal, (CO); Gilberto Ray, (KS); Joan Bennett, (ME); James Wirth, (MA); Glenn Bridge, (NM); Darby Hanevich, (PA); Marisa Francis, (TX); Mary Lolas, (VA); Jessica Dahl, (WA). Retired: Kathy Miller, (NV); James Goodner, (NM); Eusebio Manganag, (TX); Arnold Moon, (WV); Herbert Slaughter, (WV). Sunday, March 19 IMB: Keith Morgan, KP, SS, (East Asian Peoples); Olga Gilbert, RM, (European Peoples); HD, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); JL, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Uless Bergeron, Patsy Davidson, Betty Hardister, Landon Jones, James McPherson, Payton Myers, Bob Pemberton, Kaye Rolfe. NAMB: Roy Davis, (GA); James Seivers, (IN); Jorge Murchison, (MD); Clive Joe, (NC); Mitchell Mattoon, (OH); Colby Little, (OK); Roberto Dowey, (SC); William Fordinal, (TX). Retired: Ross Hanna, (AZ); Marie Elledge, (KS); Elloine Bruce, (NY). Monday, March 20 IMB: Juanita Brawley, (American Peoples); JB, (East Asian Peoples); KB, MT, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); JM, (South Asian Peoples); EC, JC, JJ, KP, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Evelyn Carter, Richard Cook, Caryn Fenwick, Sam Paris, Glenna Stamps. NAMB: Brittany Campbell, (AL); Lillian Howell, (CA); Martin Parks, (HI); Kathy Werner, (ME); Heather Brewer, (MS); Bart Simpson, (NC); Gary Cunningham, (OK); Adolfo Andrews, An Nguyen, (PA). Retired: Abel Becerra, (TX).

Tuesday, March 21 IMB: JL, (Deaf Peoples); Jason Stuart, DB, KB, KW, MZ, (East Asian Peoples); AH, MN, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); MP, SS, (South Asian Peoples); TC, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Austin Hicks, Laura Sharpe, Brent Turner, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Jim Brock, Brenda Caldwell, Kay Harless, Gloria Sloan, MB. NAMB: Marsha Walker, (AR); Marcelina Valverde, (CA); Megan Clunan, Todd Lanier, (FL); Agaibi Van Dyke, (IL); Trent Austin, (LA); Logan Mensah, (MD); James Kirk, (MA); Christine Rash, (MO); Jared Roullier, (NV); Hazel Mae Manansala, (NJ); Sharon Daniel, Samuel Price, (NC); Jessemine Johnson, (OK); Vijitha Balasingham, (Ontario); Dave Subedi, (OR); Monika Dodd, (TN); Antonio Hayden, (VA); Charles Kim, (WA). Retired: Charles Holmes, (LA); Miguel Soto Ramos, (Puerto Rico). Wednesday, March 22 IMB: DL, (Central Asian Peoples); DM, JC, MF, SK, (East Asian Peoples); AW, (European Peoples); AM, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); MH, SW, (South Asian Peoples). NAMB: Jeremias Moore, (AK); David Aulds, Tanita Olivares, (AZ); Joy Melick, (AR); Irish Reyes, Richard Walp, (FL); Milo Guthrie, Michael Travis, (IL); Sang Allison, (MA); Keiki Jackson, Jennie Klempp, (MI); Kellie Ulp, (NY); Kristopher Calvert, (NC); LeeAnna Woods, (TN); Kayla Whittinghill, (VT); Sherry White, (VA). Retired: Cynthia Thomas, (AL); Cynthia Duncan, (HI); Lillian Bingham, (KY); Nancy Harbeson, (OH); Judith Caudle, (WV). Thursday, March 23 IMB: Ann Boyter, Ronda Massey, Jim Neal, Tammy Richardson, (American Peoples); JW, (Central Asian Peoples); BB, JI, RM, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Elizabeth Hicks, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Mattie Lou Bible, Wayne Brinkley, John Brown, Marjorie Dean, Jeri Moore, Wayne Pennell, Robert Shehane, DH, DM. NAMB: Dee Barber, (AZ); Toni Egleston, (CO); Kimberly Lovin, (MD); Joseph Fleming, (MS); Rick Grout, (MO); Meredith Sparks, (SC); Lal Knott, (TX); Curtrina Redcay, Hans Speight, (VA). Retired: Jimmie Burton, (CO); Eliseo Rios, (TX). Friday, March 24 IMB: Tim Louderback, (American Peoples); CL, EN, JC, (Central Asian Peoples); Miranda Baker, CM, JH, KF, RY, (East Asian Peoples);

Heather Tolbert, Heath Wilson, RW, (European Peoples); HR, JM, MB, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AB, (South Asian Peoples); DH, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Betty Anderson, Clive Buttemere, Steve Ditmore, Betty Gabriel, Ann Hartley, Marcia Hayes, James Humphries, Garlinda Hyde, MC. NAMB: Ellen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, (British Columbia); Luz Cedillo, (CA); Chad Roberts, (GA); Deborah Layne Tomaselli, (HI); Kimberly Duncan, (KS); Martin Mathews, Nicholas Urruchi, (KY); Dukinson Wallace, (NC); Matthew Bynum, Kelli Hamblen, Wilfredo Wilson, (SC); LeQuisha Walton, (TX). Retired: Cary Hanks, (AL); David McKenzie, (NM); Charles Beike, (OH); Flor Morales, (SC); Loredana Haeger, (TN). Saturday, March 25 IMB: TE, (American Peoples); AS, JH, (Central Asian Peoples); Allison McClure, (European Peoples); DH, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AW, MT, RR, (South Asian Peoples); Mark Patenaude, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Fay Cannady, Rachel Gregory, David Petro, Laura Pettigrew, MS, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Richard Bartels, Ann Berkley, Elaine Hancock, Lou Ann Locke. NAMB: Laramie Semmler, (AZ); Lionel Flores, (CA); Baylee Dover, (CO); Vanlal Hlawnchhing, Jeffrey Pierre, (FL); Oscar Owens, (GA); Louis Galgoul, Charity Kearney, (MA); Megan Brewer, (MS); Christopher Everett, (SC); Amaechi Omopariola, (TX); Mekdes Habthemariam, (WA); Elaine Hollen, (WY). Retired: John Reed, (OK). Sunday, March 26 IMB: BH, DH, JG, (Central Asian Peoples); Donn Broeker, (East Asian Peoples); JP, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); KS, (South Asian Peoples); Jill Owens, JL, (Southeast Asian Peoples); DM, (SubSaharan African Peoples). Retired: Bobbie Caperton, Carlene Cobb, Ross Collier, Greg Idell, Mary Witt, CM, DB, PB, SM. NAMB: Jonas Stephens, (AL); Larry Bailey, (AZ); Steven Howell, (CA); John Adams, (CO); Kendall Davis, (FL); Christina Robinson, (IL); Robert Weissmann, (IN); Timothy Sanchez, (MO); Rebekah Klapp, (NC); Heiden Torrado, (Puerto Rico); Joshua McCraw, Heidi Redcay, (VA). Retired: Betty North, (AZ).

Jody Adams

6660 Delmonico Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919 Birthday: March 26 Jody Adams wiggled the key into the front door’s rusty lock and pushed open the grimy church door. A musty odor filled his nostrils as he surveyed the water damage from a long-ago leak and the stained carpet. The church building had sat vacant for three years, but he and his wife, Sandra, hoped to revitalize it as a new church plant. Thankfully, God answered their need for church maintenance by sending a force of workers to help get the building in good working order. “God has brought us carpenters, electricians, landscapers, professional kitchen chefs and roofers — both locally and from loving missions teams from Oklahoma,” says Jody, a Southern Baptist missionary. “Now that the building work is completed, we have other caring people who are willing to step forward and answer the call from Christ to serve God by serving others.” Jody and Sandra lead Calhan Country Church, which is a rural church about 30 miles east of Colorado Springs. Jody uses his musical gifting to lead worship using various instruments, including a fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar. Sandra ministers through providing food for a fellowship time at the church. “Jesus is at the center of all we do,” Jody says. “The service we do through food, fellowship, music, and Scripture studies are done for the glory of God.” Jody asks for prayer for Sandra as she works full-time and daily assists him with the church plant. Pray God sustains her energy through this time of church growth.

Monday, March 27 IMB: Amy Fisher, Scott Pittman, Jeff Thomas, (American Peoples); MC, MH, (Central Asian Peoples); SF, (Deaf Peoples); Teresa Broeker, EH, (East Asian Peoples); Jason Greenwich, (European Peoples); NW, (South Asian Peoples); FK, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Stanley Foskett, Laverne Rummage, Ann Tidenberg, KH. NAMB: Duane Gibbs, Mark Safford, (AZ); Ana Berthiaume, Susan Campbell, Adanew Castellanos, Maria Flores, Jeanne Gray, Robert Vasquez, (CA); Scott Junkins, Lina Salmeron, (FL); Joshua Caldwell, Stanley Faircloth, Mary Nyanor, Antonio Watts, (GA); Michael Charles, (NJ); Rachel Pope, (NC); Shannon Cunningham, (OK); Kathleen Jimenez, (Ontario); Feyisola McClerklin, (SC); John Millirons, (TN); Cindy Haas, (WI). Retired: Gerald Lawton, (CO); Janie Jones, (OK). Tuesday, March 28 IMB: SW, (Central Asian Peoples); RP, SY, TW, YI, (East Asian Peoples); Melanie Ennis, Justin Ham, Kevin Peacock, (European Peoples); DS, (Global Strategic Advance); AB, JH, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); BC, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Jerry Bedsole, DC. NAMB: Sepideh Jebraeil, (British Columbia); Robert Huskey, Roger Martinez, Kim Sinh Nguyen, (CA); Birendra Merritt, Christine Walker, (GA); Heather Yoder, (IA); Ann Kim, (MD); Amrita Bhujel, (NY); David Bateman, (SC); Jovita Hernandez, (TN); Julie Keuss, (TX). Retired: Jackie Sappenfield, (OK). Wednesday, March 29 IMB: Pascal Stowell, (American Peoples); KP, RH, (Central Asian Peoples); DW, (East Asian Peoples); JS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); LC, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Harold Johnson, Mary Johnson, Dee Oliver, MM, MM. NAMB: Virginia Hartman, (AZ); Demetrius Simmons, (AR); Charles Saintil, (FL); Jacqui Williams, (IL); Carlos Rager, (KY); Stevie Adams, (MA); Richard Howell, (MS); Melinda Daniels, Elaine Easterling, (NC); Shanova Ray, (OH); Michael Medlock, Nathan Murphy, (TN); Sherl Catherman, (UT); Tony Aspiras, (WA). Retired: Judy Kim, (CA). Thursday, March 30 IMB: CD, JJ, (Central Asian Peoples); Lori Loomis, RW, (East Asian Peoples); Lori Upchurch, Denise Wood, AC, (European Peoples); GT, JG, SS, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Connie Andrews, Russ Bare, Bob Couts, Ray Eitelman, Charles Swanner.

NAMB: Pierre Arevalo, Jeremy Carter, (KS); Christopher Clow, (MD); John Dyer, (MO); Alvina De Castro, (NV); Bonnie Carr, (NY); Randel Dobak, (PA); Retired: Harvey Holland, (NC). Friday, March 31 IMB: JH, (Central Asian Peoples); AC, CS, (East Asian Peoples); AT, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); BB, HB, JC, (South Asian Peoples); ET, JT, RG, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Barbara Singerman, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Terry Adams, Kala Baillio, Keith Jefferson, John Robinson, Fay Taylor. NAMB: Travis Reno, Russell Woodall, (AR); Gregory Johnson, (CA); Lisa Blackburn, (GA); Rebeca Closson, (IL); William Murphy, Melissa Murphy, (KS); Nathan Roy, (KY); Chenille Gaumer, (MO); Russell Damron, (MT); Doreen Mazzye, (NY); Brian Bynum, Holly Little, (NC); Richard Ghimire, Brandae Sweetland, (OH); Terry Deevers, Jamal Duke, Adam Hilgenfeld, (OK); Jeff Howeth, (OR); Shawna Bynum, (SC); Heather Wagoner, (TN). Retired: William Spencer, (IA); Donn Broeker, (MI). Saturday, April 1 IMB: HW, (Central Asian Peoples); Cornelia Walker, JH, (East Asian Peoples); Linda Burk, Adam Coker, (European Peoples); KH, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AR, (South Asian Peoples); BS, CB, EE, JO, SB, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Dana Bullington, Kristi Emeish, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Christina Cheng, Wayne Fuller, DS, SP. NAMB: James Meadows, (AZ); Joshua Amaya, Angelita Gutierrez, (CA); Brian Odom, (GA); Felix Walsh, (KY); Donald Freeman, (MS); Israel Borowski, (NV); Wayne Stokes, (UT); Amanda Lorraine, (WA); Kevin Rogers, (WV). Retired: Colin Virgin, (GA); Herbert Martin, (LA). Sunday, April 2 IMB: BR, TB, WF, (Central Asian Peoples); KM, LB, LP, (East Asian Peoples); Deb Goforth, Jacob Kirchner, (European Peoples); HS, JT, MD, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); MS, (South Asian Peoples); Van Thompson, Kimberly Yoakum, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Susan Canady, Virginia Irby, Steve Riddle, Neal Seaborn, AL, IB. NAMB: Joseph Johnson, Brendan Turner, (AR); Medea Anne Brenes, Alisha Jenkins, James Moreno, (CA); Ronald Lashey, (DE); Tom Mathews, Sue Petty, (FL); April Parks, (HI); Kris Schindler, (KS); David Begley, (MI); Amy Carroll, (MT); Dana Ponder, (NC); Jill Wible, (OH);

Darci Watson, (SC); Amber Edwards, (WV); Joseph Klein, (WI). Retired: William Givens, (MO); Dennis Betts, (OH); Margaret Stevens, (WV). Monday, April 3 IMB: Ruth Gonzales-Paul, (American Peoples); LC, SH, TK, (Central Asian Peoples); Mie Busby, CL, (East Asian Peoples); Dawn King, (European Peoples); AN, DW, MT, TV, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AH, RT, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Milton Lites, RT. NAMB: Samuel Munneke, (AR); Kyle Lor, (CA); Michael Carr, Javier Davis, (CO); Jooyoung Dollyhigh, (GA); Christine Howell, (IL); Stacey Caudill, (IN); Seane Rice, (LA); Christopher Spriggs, (NM); Lily Marie Bondad, (NY); Julie Helmling, (NC); James Hounshell, Tiffany Hughes, Kesavan Smith, (OH); Jeff Pothier, (Quebec); Caleb Ainsworth, Jess Cochran, (TX); Hana Tadesse, (VA); Kathy Bella, (WY). Retired: Stanley White, (CA); Robert Franklin, (GA); Sei Kim, (NC). Tuesday, April 4 IMB: Jill Thompson, (American Peoples); EM, (Central Asian Peoples); BK, JH, MW, (East Asian Peoples); HS, LM, VM, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Walter Ludwick, SG, (South Asian Peoples); KS, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Ed Giddens, Don Heiss, Ida Lusk, Gloria Thurman, John Wright, PL. NAMB: Carol Johnson, (AR); April Austin, Charlene Thompson, (British Columbia); Jerica Altieri, (DE); Jay Mandal, (IN); Terri Steele, (MI); John Field, (NY); Jason Creekmore, (TN); Ben Barker, Greg Gomez, Hoi Tial, (TX). Retired: Dennis Scoles, (CA) Natalie Ford, (GA); Darla Man Lunsford, (OK). Wednesday, April 5 IMB: LS, (Central Asian Peoples); JH, (East Asian Peoples); WG, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); DD, (South Asian Peoples); JC, SJ, (Southeast Asian Peoples); David Yngsdal, (SubSaharan African Peoples). Retired: Doris Burson, Dale Gann, Alice Hardy, Charles Moeller, Douglas Ringer, Marlyn Upton, Angie Wilson, NB. NAMB: Cynthia May, (AK); Adriana Gomez, (CA); Johnny Blackwell, (CO); Carole Owens, (GA); April Blackie, (PA); Charles Ainsworth, (SC); Kenneth Poluikis, (VA); Katelyn Day, (WA). Retired: Stella Johnson, (GA); Tyrone Berry, (IA); Opal Davis, (TX).

Thursday, April 6 IMB: PS, (Central Asian Peoples); AJ, (East Asian Peoples); Diane Jackson, SC, (European Peoples); JC, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Patty Hampton, (South Asian Peoples); Tonya Mays, AW, (Southeast Asian Peoples); AF, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Gail Hill, Toby Hoover, Robert Kinsey, Dorothy Maddox, Dora Sanderford, Wayne Walton. NAMB: Jennifer Huntley; Bill Jennings, (AZ); Julie Berglin, Julie Marquez, (CA); Joe Yoder, (CO); Johannes Rice, (GA); Rivers Partin, (KS); Michael Belcher, (MD); Anthony Manuel, (MS); Christine DeSouza, (NH); Robin Nussbaumer, (NJ); Zechariah T Womey, (SC); Laura-Ashley Stone, (VT); Ruben Lansdale, (Virgin Islands); Rae Burleson, Gladys Jimenez de Cruzado, (WA); Sheila Brown, (WY). Retired: Beulah Peoples, (MA). Friday, April 7 IMB: EH, (Central Asian Peoples); Neil Buss, AH, (European Peoples); DD, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Thomas Brown, James Giles, Dorothy Hubbard, Lois Marrow, Zeb Moss, GE. NAMB: Raymond Oh, (CA); Tammy Lashey, (DE); Suzanne Bennett, (GA); Elie Mills, (KS); Belquis Benitez, Kyle Tucker, (LA); Traâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Vorus Marasigan, (MD); Dong Yoon Thomson, (MA); Phul Poudyel, Emmanuel Switzer, (NY); Corey Williamson, (NC); Alan MacMaster, (Prince Edward Island); Leah Pangel, (SC); Joseph Banks, (TX); Lance Uribe Alvarez, (WA). Retired: Byron Beaubouef, (LA). Saturday, April 8 IMB: Jacob Glover, (American Peoples); BP, JF, (Central Asian Peoples); CH, JG, JP, (East Asian Peoples); EK, (European Peoples); GT, (South Asian Peoples); RK, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Liz Corwin, Janice Day, Dwight Fern, Dottie Gray, Ganelle Hampton, Judy Hawkins, Wally Poor, Pat Stooksbury, DG. NAMB: Dagmiris Castillo, (CO); Francisco Boggs, (IN); ToMesha Austin, (LA); Jennifer Ames, (MA); Za Lor, (MI); Joshua Cole, (MO); Daniel Handy, (NJ); Michelle Kim, April Lomenzo, (NY); Cassandra Garza, Kyle Meyer, (VA); Diane Shin, (WA). Retired: Leonard Morgan, Mickey Patrick, (IL). Sunday, April 9 IMB: Kandi Ostertag, (American Peoples); SH, (Central Asian Peoples); SZ, (Deaf Peoples); Kayo Borg, Carlton Walker, CC, MW, (East Asian Peoples); LA, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Mary Donahoe,

Alma Ruth Lyon, Kaye Martin, Brian Petersen, Suzie Plunk, Paul Stouffer. NAMB: Gregory Baez, (AZ); Charles Park (British Columbia); Christine Carreras, Richard Vidanacross, (CA); Catherine Wyatt, (CO); John Whaley, (FL); Rhadonda Sedgwick, (IL); Wesley Billig, (IN); Douglas Montalbano, (LA); Lindsey Bostick, (MS); Melissa Williams, (OK); Solange Morel (Chausse), (Quebec); Seth Achucarro, (UT); Michael Garza, (VA). Retired: Joycelyn Carrell, (AL); Maria Pacheco, (CT); Mary Diaz, (TX). Monday, April 10 IMB: Cindy Kennedy, (American Peoples); JM, RD, (Central Asian Peoples); Arrie Cole, CP, (East Asian Peoples); Josh Krause, (European Peoples); JD, KB, TR, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Angel Oswood, Trevor Yoakum, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Glenn Borders, Anne Fricke, Claudia Hood, Diana Lay, Ellis Leagans, Marian Leftwich, Margie Mines, Sandy Wilson, Morris Wright, PK. NAMB: James Helman, (AZ); Kelsey Gibbs, Ashley Mathews, Emily Whitfield, (FL); Paula Blackburn, (GA); Mary Terry, (ME); Christy Scott, Robin Vezikov, (MA); Jacob Johnson, (PA); Brian Kim, (WA). Retired: Eloy Martinez, (CA); Bobby Worley, (CO); Barbara Oden, (GA); Timothy Bender, (KY); Patricia Mustoe, (TX). Tuesday, April 11 IMB: Candace Du Lac, (American Peoples); HN, (Central Asian Peoples); DB, DC, SH, (East Asian Peoples); Blakely Owens, (European Peoples); HK, (South Asian Peoples); CC, CR, WF, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Sally Pepper, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Dorothy Evans, Donna Thommarson. NAMB: Ernest Pilgreen, Kaleab Visk, (CA); Jodi Darsey, Patricia Thomas, (GA); Virginia Travis, (IL); Dru Crenshaw, (LA); Rick Posey, (NE); Heather Johnson, (OH); Jonathan Murray, (PA); Nick Gibson, Pedro Han, (TX). Retired: Donald Smith, (CA); Celia Brown, (UT). Wednesday, April 12 IMB: Amanda Isaacson, (American Peoples); AD, MT, (Central Asian Peoples); ML, SR, (East Asian Peoples); MK, SK, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); DB, (South Asian Peoples); JF, JM, LA, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Charles Bradshaw, Linda Davis, Gene Dubberly, Rich Fleming, Tony Latham, Paul Siebenmann, JB. NAMB: Nathan Scott, (AZ); Kristin Ventresaca, (CA); Launide Choisilme, Bryan Germade, Heather Muir, (FL); Steven Odum, (GA); Afton Beasley, (LA); Shea Morgan, (MS); Richard Daniels, (NC);

Matthew Smith, (TN); Young S. Lim-Han, (TX); Angel Morris, (WA). Retired: Louis Minner, (IN); Julio Cornelio, (NJ); James Phillips, (OR). Thursday, April 13 IMB: Caron Johnson, (American Peoples); LB, (Central Asian Peoples); KN, TC, (East Asian Peoples); Kara Bauman, DD, (European Peoples); BS, DR, MN, WR, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); DW, (South Asian Peoples); Ronald Harmon, (Southeast Asian Peoples); CS, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Bob Bradley, Faye Burkwall, Betty Jane Hunt, Tom Thurman, JB. NAMB: Marlee Isom, (AZ); Nina Gray, Lindsay Hale, Lisa Mabie, (CA); Aaron Mondragon, (CO); Cindy Douglas, (FL); Xul Nichols, Charles Park, (GA); David Barthelemy, (KY); Chris Chasteen, (MA); Ryan Windle, (MI); Jonathan Antun Marte, (OH); Stacey Tarter, (OK); Jason Anglin, (TN); Michelle Farris, (TX); Jeffrey Nguyen, (WA). Retired: Ona Mae Wenig, (NE); Sonya Coppedge, (OH). Friday, April 14 IMB: CC, (Central Asian Peoples); CC, SS, (East Asian Peoples); Sarah Prewitt, (European Peoples); HS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AS, ZM, (South Asian Peoples); CB, PT, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Rita Dean, Jane Parker, Kathy Weaver. NAMB: Danny Pokharel, (NC); Tomye Adair, (AR); Martha Cox, (British Columbia); Natalia Aylett, Janice Jackson, Joanne Kim, Carol Lee, Thomas Wall, (CA); Caleb Rojas, (CT); Lesley Branscum, (District of Columbia); Claude Brooks, Kristen Nichols, (GA); Jennifer Plath, (ID); Genet Beyene, Nicholas Evans, Joshua Schmidt, (IL); Candice Parks, (KS); Daniel Mulani, (MD); Norma Hernandez, (NM); Daeun Yoo, (NY); Charles Battle, (NC); David Hughes, (OH); Andrea Benson, (SD); Esther Jean, (TX); Cody Williams, (UT). Retired: Duane Davis, (GA); James Downey, (IN); Terry McIlvain, (KS); Susan Brindle, (MA); Doris Seigler, (NM); Terrie Odom, (OH); Lawrence Bostick, (TX). Saturday, April 15 IMB: AS, RE, (Central Asian Peoples); AP, (East Asian Peoples); James Chung, Heidi Sivonen, (European Peoples); TW, (Global Strategic Advance); JB, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Emily Fletcher, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Barry Barnet, Bob Covington, Jim Palmer, Larry Verlander, KB. NAMB: Forrest Vance, (AZ); Frances Villalpando, (CA); Christy Kendrick, (GA); Erline Odney, (MA); Kevin Barnes, Andrea Barnes, (MO); Lizeth Estrada, (NM); William Russell, Lesley Tubbs, (NY);

Aaron Bradley, (OH); Kim Hollaway, (TN); Rosa Soto, (TX); Thomas Ghareeb, (VA); Fucha Ferguson, Noe Onggao, (WA); Tom Brown, William Sims, (WY). Retired: Bobby Duffer, (HI); Louis Demster, (ID); Jeanette Gillis, (OH); Cynthia Pool, (TN). Sunday, April 16 IMB: CW, (Central Asian Peoples); CH, JN, (East Asian Peoples); Bethany Sharp, MB, PD, (European Peoples); AJ, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); CI, LH, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Joe Barbour, Charles Barham, Jack Kinnison, Bonnie Wiggs. NAMB: Oscar Johnson, (AL); Stephen Jung, (CO); Randy Benitez, (FL); Benjamin Smith, (GA); Donna McAlister, (HI); Mrs. Nally, (IN); Amy Casamento, (KS); Katie Matthews, (MD); Jamar Pugsley, (MO); Adrion Rogers, (NY); Harold Fleming, (OH); Joshua Daniels, (SC); Kerr Hembree, George Tesfasselase, (VA); Melissa Moore, (WA). Retired: Virgil Stoneburner, (AZ). Monday, April 17 IMB: RW, (Central Asian Peoples); SL, (East Asian Peoples); Kelsey Thomas, JW, (European Peoples); AH, AK, NP, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); CA, HM, (South Asian Peoples); MC, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Charles Corley, Harold Watson, DB, PS. NAMB: Virginia Villalobos, (AZ); Jessica Kruppa, (CA); Gena Weaver, (MA); Timothy Metcalf, (MS); Erin Bishop, (NY); Beth Moody, (NC); Patricia Hughes, Thomas Tinkham, (OH). Retired: Gary MacManamy, (MI); Donna Elliott, (NE); Seung Chiew, (NY). Tuesday, April 18 IMB: Beth Burkhalter, Johnny Maust, (American Peoples); HM, MA, (Central Asian Peoples); Hyun Jin Cho, JY, (East Asian Peoples); Cheryl Dietz, Holly McMickle, LE, (European Peoples); JL, RF, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); April Langley, (South Asian Peoples); RM, SS, (Southeast Asian Peoples); JH, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Phillip Cole, Jan Cook, Jeff Deasy, Ila-mae Dueck, Peggie Harmon, Max King, Joan Shockley, Gwen Wilkinson, Larry York. NAMB: Jolene Safford, (AZ); Sue Chan, Jared Lacaze, Stephanie White, (CA); John Morey, (FL); Richard Schoonmaker, (MA); Edgar Rodriguez, (MO); Donald Asare, (NJ); Claudia Marquez, (NM); Kimberly Miller, (NC); Kevin Smith, (OH); Barry Aisek, (OR); Javan Gray, (PA); Rhonda Wax, (TN); James Clayton, Dave Horner, James Horner, (TX). Retired: Randy Bennett, (CA).

Wednesday, April 19 IMB: Sarah Williams, (American Peoples); JB, TS, (Central Asian Peoples); JK, JS, LB, ME, MT, (East Asian Peoples); Lorri SeGraves, (European Peoples); EY, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); CB, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Lois Berry, Pat Hoaldridge, AB. NAMB: Shayne Garcia, (Alberta); Renee Bernstine, Howie Kim, (CA); Edward Puerto, (FL); Stephen Bentley, Teresa Brown, Matthew Dabney, (GA); Crystal Wright, (IL); Leonard Ogston, (IA); Joyce Sanders, (KS); Jaime Miller, (MD); Thomas Contreras, (MN); Felicia Ogden, (MO); Myra Nali, (Quebec); Ashley Chambers, Dinah Fowler, (WA). Retired: Catherine Ward, (OH). Thursday, April 20 IMB: Lynnae Maki, (American Peoples); DP, (Central Asian Peoples); JG, (East Asian Peoples); Sanan Brazzeal, GI, (European Peoples); SR, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); LR, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Steven Allen, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Sharon Cook, Monty Thompson. NAMB: Hollis Shaner, Emily Yang, (CA); Carlos Boyd, James Darsey, (GA); William Billiter, (KY); Dulcineia Galgoul, (MA); Stephanie Tovey, (MI); Tracy Awwad, (NJ); Samantha Staton, (OH); Kristie Duncan, (OK); John Gross, Sandra Tindall, Brian Wooten, (TX); Deo Taylor, (VA). Retired: Phillip Aaron, (CA); Gloria Grogan, (District of Columbia); Neal Myers, (NV); Jorge Garcia, (TN). Friday, April 21 IMB: DS, JD, (Central Asian Peoples); LaRissa Silva, CB, (European Peoples); Ashley Gruber, DJ, TC, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); SK, SM, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Tessa Baker, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Gerald Burch, Gladys Nelson, Virginia Oliver, Lisa Paris, Clayton Rock, Ken Sorrell. NAMB: Sergio Son, (AZ); Justin Ventresca, (CA); Eric Lark, (CO); Byron Thomas, (GA); Enma Roque, (IN); Mwahirwa Francoise Karayi, (KS); Christian Springer, (NE); Dwayne Hernandez, (NJ); Terry Gross, (TX); Antony Conyers, (VT); Leo Perry, (WA). Retired: George Pringle, (LA). Saturday, April 22 IMB: David Bledsoe, JS, (American Peoples); JT, ST, (Central Asian Peoples); Steve Booth, KK, (European Peoples); EF, (South Asian Peoples); JG, (Southeast Asian Peoples); DF, DG, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Howard Atkinson, Karen Collins, James Crittendon, Beverly Hicks, Dorothy Logan, Devra Morris.

NAMB: Shelia Jones, (AZ); Brian Salmeron, (FL); Stacie Davis, (GA); Cindy Presnell, (KS); Rebekah Beem, (MO); Angie Yount, (OH); Melissa Seaman, (Ontario); Joshua Wilson, (VA). Retired: Vicki Milford, (AL); James Carpenter, (KY); Bruce Sloan, (OR). Sunday, April 23 IMB: CH, JE, (American Peoples); DH, HM, (East Asian Peoples); Judy Jones, (European Peoples); SS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); WS, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Chan Huen, Beverly Richardson, Auttie Sibley, Leslie Smith, CW. NAMB: Laura Barnhill, (AK); Joseph Adair, (AR); Ryan Choi, Tamela Fronabarger, (IL); Seung-Hwan Galloway, (IN); Paul Storey, (LA); Athena Chappell, (MI); Jonathan Perez, (MN); Reagan Bhandari, (NY); Berhanu Lewkowicz, (NC); Marie Evans, (OH); Carla Gibson, (TN); Michael Soto, (TX); Oklee Lee, (WA). Retired: Celia Holland, (PA); F Heiney, (SD). Monday, April 24 IMB: Karl Wallace, (American Peoples); AH, HE, LF, (Central Asian Peoples); DH, JC, MG, (East Asian Peoples); NK, RS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); DS, LD, (South Asian Peoples); AF, EM, (Southeast Asian Peoples); John Hailes, Shad Spannagel, JL, (SubSaharan African Peoples). Retired: Kathy Deasy, Verla Golston, Jerry Hubbard, Tim Marza, Paul Smith, Mabelee Terry, Leo Waldrop. NAMB: Coley Elkins, (AK); Paul Barber, (AZ); Grace Kim, (CA); Heidi Matthews, (DE); Gerson Kendrick, Myra Williams, (GA); Kimberly Steiner, (MN); Megan Manuel, (MS); Jason Coughlin, (NJ); Nelva Arena-Gilliam, Michael Murphy, (NC); Gregory Kim, (OH); Ke Wen Sklar, (Ontario); Kevin Woerner, (PA); Rela Manigsaca, (TX); Sarai Boyce, (VA). Retired: James Scott, (CA); Leo Waldrop, (WA). Tuesday, April 25 IMB: HH, (Central Asian Peoples); SI, TY, (East Asian Peoples); JK, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AW, MN, (South Asian Peoples); James Black, RV, (Southeast Asian Peoples); KS, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Sarah Davenport, Betty Hartell, John David Ingouf, Ute Jordan, Michael Ledbetter, Ron Wilson. NAMB: Robin Moore, (AK); Michael Gaschler, (AZ); Evangeline Quimpo, (CA); Charles Ferguson, (GA); Christy Steinmuller, (MO); Patricia Bhujel, (NY); Paul Hoffman, (OR); Hunter Carson, (SD); Suzy Kim, (TX); Bill Vandermark, (VA). Retired: Charlotte Hall, (TN).

Wednesday, April 26 IMB: James Wells, (American Peoples); LG, LV, (Central Asian Peoples); Wendy Hoshizaki, (East Asian Peoples); Emily Buttes, (European Peoples); SH, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); KR, LN, (South Asian Peoples); KT, (Southeast Asian Peoples); SS, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Ruth Harris, Ray Register, AD, BC. NAMB: Nina Francezca Cobia, (CA); Jonathan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mealey, (IA); Nelson Maddox, (KS); Shawn Dunn, (MA); Marcus Ibarra, (NV); Chuck Creitz, (NY); David Kirkpatrick, (NC); Molly Pursel, (OH); Eliezer Adkison, James Hollaway, Peter Rainer, (TN); Jeffrey Mullinax, Isaiah Pearson, (VA). Retired: Velma Marshburn, Delbert Penrod, (IL). Thursday, April 27 IMB: CO, GS, (Central Asian Peoples); KR, MO, RR, (East Asian Peoples); DS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); CM, (South Asian Peoples); KS, (Southeast Asian Peoples); KS, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Annette Crockett, Mary Minnich, GH. NAMB: Misael Berthiaume, (CA); Tasha Rich, (FL); Justine Naoumi, (NV); Denisse Quinones-Gonzalez, (OH); Jim Heffron, (OK); Lawrence Coatney, Christopher Pellegra, (TN); Susan Minton, (WA). Retired: Minnie Martinez, (TX). Friday, April 28 IMB: AH, MD, SE, (Central Asian Peoples); JS, TG, WC, (East Asian Peoples); Jan Johnsonius, AL, (European Peoples); PG, RW, SP, ST, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); GM, MV, (South Asian Peoples); MR, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Lloyd Mann, Jessie Rushing, Nela Williams, JB, JT. NAMB: Jeff Lopez, Eric Thompson, (AZ); Wilguere Vargas, (CT); Timmy Brock, (GA); John Young, (KY); Glenda Friesen, (MO); Ryan Fleming, (Ontario); Michael Heslop, (TX). Retired: Coy Wilkerson, (AZ); Doyle Braden, (CA); Lee Gregory, (CO); Samuel Birky, (MT); Warren Hart, Dionisia Hernandez, (TX). Saturday, April 29 IMB: AH, JC, (East Asian Peoples); Louise Shupp, Julie Silby, (European Peoples); KH, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Melinda Ewing, Homer Hawthorne, Donald Richards, Nancy Russell. NAMB: Marsha Calloway, Marlo Hutchison, (GA); Carmelina Mendez, (KY); Regina Oh, (NY); David Russell, (NC); Rene Pardi, (OH); John Sedam, (RI); Debra Hanna, (SC); Jo Nell Salinas, (TX); Kristen Helton, (UT); Jeff Werle, (VA). Retired: Ann Baird, (KY).

Sunday, April 30 IMB: BC, KC, LW, SY, (East Asian Peoples); NL, (European Peoples); HH, SP, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AB, LB, NC, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Linda Blount, Don Crane, Bob Hardy, VG. NAMB: Joy Lee, (CA); David Perez, (FL); Valerie Moton, (GA); Dexter Carter, Anthony Nissen, (IA); Lucretia Cureton, Jonathan Roy, (MO); Mabel Nkum, (OH); Beth Lenggel, Allison Rankin, (SC); Barton Goff, Minhee Kang, (TX); Kyle Laughlin, (VA); Kim Arthur, (WA). Retired: Vicki Caddell, (KS). Monday, May 1 IMB: Alberto Munoz, (American Peoples); CS, JG, (Central Asian Peoples); BS, DF, LK, (East Asian Peoples); Pattie Forman, (European Peoples); RM, (South Asian Peoples); Carmen Baynes, (Southeast Asian Peoples); SK, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Billy Capps, Carolyn Holder, Craig Johnson, PC. NAMB: Hannah Shin, (CA); Allison Wyatt, (CO); Raquel Bonilla, Jacqueline F Jones, (FL); Gudiya Gurung, (MD); Roy Daba, (NC); Amy Weihrauch, (OH); Kevin Watts, (PA); Isaac Payne, (WY). Retired: Leona Davis, (IL); William Harmonson, (IA); Brenda Kelley, (MI). Tuesday, May 2 IMB: MM, (Central Asian Peoples); Martha Ulmer, AC, HS, (East Asian Peoples); Victor Herrera, (European Peoples); BK, SB, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Ross Mackin, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Taylor Wolfe, AB, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Donald Copeland, Marion Hall, Margaret Johnson, Jim Malone, Sharon Peddicord, Jane Williams, MW, RR. NAMB: Leslie Box, (AL); Julia Spencer, (AR); Linda Lasley, (GA); Kevin Alejo, (IN); Rechab Benitez, (LA); Dennis Brown, (MA); Michael Stevenson, (MT); Michael Underwood, (OH); Susana MejÃa, (TX). Retired: Barbara Griffis, (CO); Melinda Cobb, (IL); Youn Park, (OH); James Wright, (TX). Wednesday, May 3 IMB: CB, FW, LV, (Central Asian Peoples); PR, (East Asian Peoples); David McClure, (European Peoples); SW, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); DC, HM, KR, (South Asian Peoples); RJ, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Samuel Burnett, Virginia Cadenhead, Dan Carroll, Bonnie Davenport, David King, Norma Whitten, CW, WC. NAMB: Angela Hall, (CO); Bethany Hastings, (FL); Arnaldo Ames, (MA); David Lor, (MI); Julia Parker, (MN); Shane Ruhnke, (MS);

Kimberly Jones, Heather Oldham, Delilah Pugsley, (MO); Nathaniel Cruz, (Ontario); Micah Lengel, (SC); Valeta Tollison, (TX). Retired: Jack Roberts, (CA); Mary Brooks, (NC). Thursday, May 4 IMB: DS, (American Peoples); BB, LG, PS, (Central Asian Peoples); DL, RP, (East Asian Peoples); SC, (European Peoples); JR, MB, RG, (South Asian Peoples); SL, (Southeast Asian Peoples); MP, (SubSaharan African Peoples). Retired: Ellen Gill, John Johnston, Pauline Moore, DH. NAMB: Kevin Creighton, Jamie Ann McSpadden, (AZ); Derrick Louie, (British Columbia); Derrick Hall, (GA); Hillary Nally, (IN); Amber Crowson, (IA); David Steinmuller, Tracy Turner, (MO); Bruce Mabry, (NY); Jennifer Harris, Karen Morphonios, (NC); Leah Hogsed, (OH); Christina Sullivan, (OR); Julian Justice, (PA); Kathy Bradford, Joseph Swain, (SC); Jason Walton, (TX); Manal Maximos, (VA); Julie Ferguson, Samer Lorraine, (WA); Kole Spinney, (WV); Samuel Downs, (WY). Retired: William Weedman, (IL); Russell Begaye, (NM); James Pinkley, (OH); Daniel Caceres, Dorothy Hughes, (OK). Friday, May 5 IMB: KD, (Central Asian Peoples); BK, JJ, MH, (East Asian Peoples); DH, IM, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Ramona Beam, Beth Gestring, JD, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Jack Mahaffey, Charlotte Ragan, Mark Ray, Anita Roper, Mary Small, Delores York, James Young, CS. NAMB: Rachel Britts, Segundo Kim, (CA); Carroll Wheat, (CO); Emily Prada, (FL); John Dodd, (GA); Clifford Kane, (HI); Kathy Radke-Storey, (LA); Kelsey Atcho, Natalie Thompson, (MA); Andrew Jackson, (MI); Christopher Cumpton, (NE); Joan Wright, (OH); Cindy Rishel, (PA); Jerel McCart, (SC). Retired: J Ford, (GA). Saturday, May 6 IMB: Jeff Macumber, (American Peoples); RG, (Central Asian Peoples); Greg Brown, Randy Greer, (European Peoples); NC, SR, (South Asian Peoples); AH, MH, (Southeast Asian Peoples); DD, JT, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Bob Allen, Jo Baker, Jo Carol Elliott, Jack Hancox, Quinn Morgan, Jeff Pulliam, Jimmie Spann, SS. NAMB: Phillip Bowman, Charles Isom, (AZ); Deidre Turner, (AR); Rosemarie Longinos, (British Columbia); Adam Davis, (CA); David Lopez, (FL); Cerette Barthelemy, (KY); Wing Rea, (MI); Terry Hunt, (MT); Kallie Carpenter, (NV); Kevin Ramdyal, (NJ); Albert Tubbs, (NY);

Chris Cassell, (NC); Zirsangzela Johnson, (OK); Hector Leno, (Ontario); Zachary Dence, (TN); Segrid Hendrick, (UT). Sunday, May 7 IMB: BM, MJ, SN, (Central Asian Peoples); Shannon Ford, Teddy Holmes, (European Peoples); BH, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AK, CI, GS, KR, LA, (South Asian Peoples); NS, (Southeast Asian Peoples); TF, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Donnie Bond, Evelyn Frost, Joyce Lewellyn, Jaletta Sanders, AB, ML. NAMB: Otis N. Choi, (British Columbia); James Jang, Anthony Jones, (CA); Oksana Kreiman, (CO); Linda Thiel, (CT); Allison Harvey, (GA); Joseph Flores-Arroyo, (LA); Julius Rookwood, (MD); Matt Pennell, (MI); Adrienne Bobo, (MS); Nancy Seay, John Voss, (MO); Maydeline Berona, Cheryl Butler, (NY); Gawanna Alexander, Kimberly Gates, Brittainy Gillespie, (NC); Natasha Opoku, (OH); Julie Laventure, (Quebec); Wilhelm Eskind, (TN); Cresta Williams, Morris Williams, (VA); Kellie Simpson, (WA). Retired: Sybil Creech, (ME); Carl Risas, (MA); Garland Wilkerson, (OH); Marjorie Grant, Aida Rodriguez, Armando Virgen, (TX). Monday, May 8 IMB: Joe Busching, (American Peoples); AS, BC, RO, (East Asian Peoples); Larry Lewis, Melinda Williams, CB, (European Peoples); KB, SC, (South Asian Peoples); David Kizziah, KF, LP, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Linda Barnet, James Barron, Wanda Brown, May Dixon, Norma Foskett, Shirley Ingram, Margie Wakefield, DY, SW. NAMB: Jessica Gonzales, (CO); Che Cantrell, (FL); Lauren Sanders, (GA); Carol Evaul, (IL); Nikki Witt, (TN); Darla Keller, Andea Patronella, (TX). Retired: Aurora Aleman, (GA); Ray Pollock, (IN); Josefa Conchos, (OK); Virginia Farrar, (VA). Tuesday, May 9 IMB: AM, (Central Asian Peoples); Misty Sargent, AP, (East Asian Peoples); JW, MC, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); BK, GC, (South Asian Peoples); Linda Dillworth, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Edwin Barber, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Julia Duncan, Bobby Jones, Jim Muse, William Smith, Sarah Snell, LY. NAMB: Timothy Clarkson, (AZ); Deborah Rorie, (NC); Beau Anderson, (PA); Anetta Chambers, (TN); Julio Lilly, Kari Perritte, (TX). Retired: Allyson Clark, (MA); Byron Epps, (WI).

Wednesday, May 10 IMB: AT, SY, (Central Asian Peoples); MS, (East Asian Peoples); Gary Rowland, (European Peoples); DS, SG, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); RD, RT, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Robert Lane, Nick Moore, George Smith, Matthew Stauffer, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Bill Arnold, Chuck Barrett, Marion Fields, William Moseley, June Young. NAMB: Janice Fletcher, Nathan Johnson, (GA); Krystal Peoples, (IN); Rodrick Guiffreda, (LA); Chandal Brown, (MD); Justin Opoku, Anitha Sammangi, (MA); Omega Smith, (MS); Melissa Giddis, (MT); Terry Tate, (OH); Kairui Thannikkodan Kuriakose, Jennifer Wolfe, (TX); Keith Hazelton, (UT). Retired: William Pope, (KS); Sarai Muniz, (KY); Fuad Shorrosh, (TN). Thursday, May 11 IMB: Marilyn Haines, (American Peoples); JB, JC, JS, (Central Asian Peoples); Chan-Sik Bae, BP, KT, SB, (East Asian Peoples); Tiffany Kilcoyne, (European Peoples); SD, (Global Strategic Advance); KN, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Greg Freese, (SubSaharan African Peoples). Retired: La Nell Barnes, Evelyn Pruitt, Gary Ramey, Cloyes Starnes, Dick Yagi, SG, SV. NAMB: Russell Ping, (British Columbia); William Ulibarri, (CA); Tiawana Bullock, (CO); Bell Brown, (GA); Erika Perez, (NM); Nolan Knotts, (WV). Retired: John Nance, (Alberta); Roy Godwin, (District of Columbia). Friday, May 12 IMB: Taylor Parman, (American Peoples); TS, (Central Asian Peoples); Adam Sharick, PE, YH, (East Asian Peoples); CH, MC, ML, (European Peoples); JI, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); SR, (South Asian Peoples); DO, MM, RC, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Sherry Bielinski, Harlene Dorman, Gerald Hale, Russell Morris, Carolyn Penick, Jane Roach, JG. NAMB: John Cardenas, (AZ); Bendu Karnley, (CA); Cindy Garza, (CO); Troy Francois, (FL); Michael Kratt, (GA); Samuel Mitchell, (LA); Julie Richards, (NE); Gerald Branscombe (New Brunswick); Clinton Stephens, (NJ); Kemi Akinpelu, (Quebec); Riley Mayfield, Victor White, (TN); Victor Johnson, James Wolfe, (TX). Retired: Bernard Toppings, (GA); Olga Medina, (IL); Nancy Bumpass, (MD); Barbara Casteel, (TX).

Saturday, May 13 IMB: LH, (American Peoples); CB, (Central Asian Peoples); AR, LD, SP, (South Asian Peoples); Erin Malone, JT, TH, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Elise Leibold, EH, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Charles Dixon, Veronica Erwin, Sheila Flowers, Robert Holcomb, David Johnson, John Taylor, Peggy Wakefield, Jim Wilkins, Joyce Wyatt, EM, GP. NAMB: Vivian Ghobrial, (Alberta); Marcos Graves, (AR); Dhan Matthews, (DE); Julie MacNaughton, (FL); Beth Huebner, Robin Odom, (GA); Rushton Causey, Melissa Latch, (MA); Philip Jalarue, (MO); Seth Anderson, (NC); Elliott Fenner, James Sexton, (OH); Jason Kelly, (SC); Laura Dickinson, Michelle Wallace, (TX); Matt Lowrance, (WA). Retired: Cynthia Cook, (CA); Margaret Marcus, (MI). Sunday, May 14 IMB: DE, JR, MH, MY, (Central Asian Peoples); Michael Creed, SG, (East Asian Peoples); EE, KU, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); TH, (South Asian Peoples); JH, JT, XS, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Lori Smoot, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Jack Conley, John Ingouf, Caroline Jukes, Wilfred Martin, Faye Pearson, Brenda Ringer, Berta Sosa, Glenda Terrill, CA, CT. NAMB: Gail Gay, (AK); Jasmine Hailu, (MD); Heather Hunt, (MT); Wesley Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara, (NE); James Scott, (NV); Aaron McNickle, (NJ); Faith Trembley, (OH); Jesus Ray, (TX); Scott Dahl, (WA). Retired: Mary Dolvin, (GA); Fairy Harpe, (NY); Donald Dyer, (NC). Monday, May 15 IMB: JE, (Central Asian Peoples); KG, MS, (East Asian Peoples); JuliAn Domke, (European Peoples); MD, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); KK, (South Asian Peoples); TW, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Rachel DuBard, Jean Leeper, Charlot McCoy, Eleanor Poe, Ronald Reynolds, RD. NAMB: Bethany Murray, (AL); Misti Schiewe, (AK); Sunny Jung, (AR); Chris Khuu, Alice Wu, (CA); Kristina Morris, (FL); Allen Campbell, Aster Gudu, Courtney Moore, (GA); Odell Turner, (IL); Carlos Cousineau, (ME); Jeffrey Rowland, (NE); Beniam Seong, (NJ); Brandon Kim, Kun Tjoa, (NC); Carlos Anderson, Jamie Steward, (TN); Jared Cabanas, Philip Pace, (TX). Retired: Andrew Chan, (CA); Murl Webb, (TN). Tuesday, May 16 IMB: AR, (Central Asian Peoples); Jonathan Cole, Doni Robinson, RR, (East Asian Peoples); Scott Clubb, (European Peoples); EB, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AH, (Southeast Asian Peoples);

Brittany Blowers, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Pat Carter, Ken Cooper, Sandra Daniels, Frances Fuller, Kenneth Milam, Barbara Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Conner, Greta Pinkston, Mamie Lou Posey, Nolen Pridemore, Poong Ja Shin, Sally Wagner, Ralph Wilson. NAMB: Janice Readon, (FL); Todd Tippins, (GA); Michael Peoples, (IN); Stefanie Hopkins, (MD); Brenda Flattum, (MN); Jeremy Gedeon, (NV); Meredith Vest, (NC); Jerry York, Joshua York, (OH); Robert Creech, (OK); James Thorn, Peter Thorn, (VA). Retired: Lewis Lampley, (FL); Fred Garvin, (KS); Nicy Murphy, (SD); Milagros Garcia, (TN); Jon Caudle, (WV). Wednesday, May 17 IMB: JA, JH, MB, (Central Asian Peoples); CR, JC, (East Asian Peoples); Russell Woodbridge, (European Peoples); RF, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); KB, (South Asian Peoples); AQ, MW, (Southeast Asian Peoples); JN, WH, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Celeste Brubaker, Rollie Ennis, Janice Hicks, LG, VH. NAMB: Leon Tran, (British Columbia); Johnny Helfrich, (IL); Matthew Crawford, (KS); Lisa Houston, (KY); Robert House, Matthew Ogden, (MO); Matthew Fidler, Jon Gutierrez, (NC); Donghyeok Jean, (TX); David Mayfield, (WA); Steven Edwards, Cherry Temple, (WV). Retired: Wanda Behnke, (CO); Pedro Rivera, (KY). Thursday, May 18 IMB: Cindy Hodgins, (Deaf Peoples); AM, DM, KG, TC, (East Asian Peoples); ET, (European Peoples); SR, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AS, CB, NS, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: Don Combs, Joyce Egedy, James Hampton, Ed Laughridge, Barbara Schleiff, Larry Wakefield, Mary Jane Whorton, Jeffrey Vann. NAMB: Kathleen Lujan, Karin Macer, (CA); Derek Chang, (IL); Nicholas Sampson, (IN); Antonio Crawford, (KY); Brittany Ball, Shawn Begley, (MI); Mark Mustakas, (NY); Jacob Sewell, (PA); Claudia Ramirez, (WA). Retired: Felix Garcia, Guillermo Pichs, (FL); Charlotte Campsen, (GA); Roberto Souza, (MA). Friday, May 19 IMB: DS, MO, (Central Asian Peoples); CW, DJ, LS, (East Asian Peoples); JT, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Dee Ann Coker, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Janice Brake, Larry Henry, James Westmoreland. NAMB: Brenna Stull, (AZ); Melissa Cross, (District of Columbia); Charley Vargas, (FL); Nancy Johnson, (GA); Therman Park, (IL); Mark Hodges, (MA); Jamie Parker, (MO); Lydia Stevenson, (MT);

Marie Claire Ngweth (New Brunswick); Donald Estrada, (NM); Dara Harmon, (NC); Cody Rupert, (OH); Biakkung Megenity, (OK); Kimberley McGibbon, (Ontario); Linda Justice, (PA); Rhul Chouinard, (Quebec); Lisa Hendrich, (TN). Retired: Peter Chen, (CA); David Haynes, (IN); George Arthur, (MD). Saturday, May 20 IMB: EL, (East Asian Peoples); AW, DP, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); SG, (South Asian Peoples). Retired: May Clermont, Alana Greenwich, Steve King, Linda Leech, Martha Rees, DH, LM, LM. NAMB: Brian Soch, (CA); Rosemary Alexander, (CO); Jeffrey Briscoe, (GA); Martha Lopez, (IN); Rebecca Smilko, (KS); Jean Robert Bell, (KY); Joshua Steele, (MI); Deborah Nnadi, (MN); Michael McDonald, (OK); Brian Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Day, (UT); Robert Burns, (VT). Retired: Wayne Eurich, (CA). Sunday, May 21 IMB: Jessica Huser, MB, (American Peoples); MD, TO, (Central Asian Peoples); Candace Clemons, Daniel Miles, (European Peoples); CP, (South Asian Peoples); Jennifer Hagen, BT, JK, JR, MW, PE, ST, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Melissa Rains, LF, RP, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Anda Beene, Gene Kingsley, Glen Pinkston, Don Smith, Ron Winstead. NAMB: James Coddington, Hyansoon Seo, (CA); Talargie Bernhardt, (CO); Michelle Shaw, Nathan Waters, (GA); Derek Constane, (MD); Kimberly Nunez, (MO); Perla Entebi, (NE); Stephanie Carpenter, (NV); Adam Caudill, (OH); Jeanna Kite, Tannis Wilhelmus, (Ontario); America Franco, (PA); Joshua Clements, (TN). Monday, May 22 IMB: Kelley Day, JM, (East Asian Peoples); LP, MR, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); David Crook, JL, MH, NK, SW, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Karen Lehman, MG, PB, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Joyce Harms, Susan Jones, Eugene Moore, Elizabeth Sands, Robert Smith, Loretta Young. NAMB: Michael Berglin, Jerome Hurlburt, (CA); Robert Pecina, (FL); Becky Kite, (ID); Sheri Crawford, (KY); Shawn Hendricks II, (MO); Krista Field, (NY); Andrew Nishio, (OR); Aklilu Guinn, (TN). Retired: Lonnie Chavez, (CA); Quintella Bryant, (MT).

Jeremiah Kinney 4200 N Point Pkwy Alpharetta, IN 30022 Birthday: May 21 Sam* sat opposite his mentor and pastor, Jeremiah Kinney, and shared his vision for discipling other men. Jeremiah had discipled Sam through a weekly breakfast ministry called Breakfast of Champions that met for six months and then later on a monthly basis. “Now Sam is leading a Breakfast of Champions with a new church member and leading a weekly Bible study with an unchurched friend,” says Jeremiah, a Southern Baptist missionary and church planter. “Sam also has coached his daughter to lead the same kind of Bible study with one of her friends.” Jeremiah’s days are full as he shepherds his congregation of 25 members, leads a small Bible study, and works part-time at a local civic theater. “My favorite thing, though, is meeting with those who have joined our church for coaching sessions, which are monthly conversations about their hopes and goals for spiritual growth and service,” Jeremiah says. “Nearly all of our outreaches and ministries flow out of this.” Jeremiah says his greatest challenge is to remain connected to God and His Word on an ongoing basis. “I do not want to become a professional minister of the gospel and at the end of the day be a castaway myself,” he says. Jeremiah says he would love to find a strong church in a small town south of the Ohio River that is home to a university and interested in partnering with his church, Remedy City Church, for mutual encouragement. *Name has been changed.

Tuesday, May 23 IMB: MT, VM, (Central Asian Peoples); ML, (East Asian Peoples); BP, BP, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Bart Gibbs, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Charlie Egedy, Rosalind Harrell, Becky McKinley, Linda Raney, Charles Warford, Betty Whitson, DB. NAMB: Linda Kyle, Frimpong Kwame Oparah, (CA); Megan Reid, (CO); Matthew Roberts, (GA); Travis McCahey, (IN); Aaron Yoder, (IA); Mona Tribe, (LA); Dana Foster, Kelly Loflin, Terry Slabbert, (NC); Cindy Carroll, (SC); Terry Li, (TN); Stephen Fox, (UT). Retired: Margaret Clayton, (CA); Luis Rasco, (FL); Lucretia Scarborough, (GA); Juliet Marquez, (MA); Joan Frisby, (TX); Betty Black, (VA). Wednesday, May 24 IMB: G. Allen Ulmer, PL, PS, (East Asian Peoples); Kirk Benson, Susan Booth, Valeria Roy, (European Peoples); AF, EC, JB, JS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples). Retired: John Joslin, Libby Stennett, Karen Womble, Marge Worten. NAMB: Corbin Dagenhart, (AK); Meagan Cronan, (FL); Marcia ClarkeMorguarge, (GA); Juan Venable, (IL); Stephen Bair, (MN); Deanna Breeden, Ali Utley, (MO); Lisa Combs-Fortier, (NH); Kasey Alexander, (NC); Alexander Sibcy, (OH); April Hyskell, (OK); Matthew Franco, (PA); Brian Mook, (RI); Jason Spratlin, (TN); Tonya Sawyer, (WA). Retired: Susana Lopez, (TX). Thursday, May 25 IMB: CF, DD, KM, (Central Asian Peoples); CH, (East Asian Peoples); Caleb Waller, (European Peoples); CS, CT, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); AV, LT, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Annette Herrington, Linda Johnson, Donna Kirby, Thomas Melvin, Janet Murphy, Dickie Nelson, John Norwood, Don Smith, SJ, TJ. NAMB: Hem Bennett, (CO); Andrea Bennett, Myung Yoo, (GA); Jose Bivens, (IL); Aimee Dean, Dani Martin, (IN); Ashley McCoskey, Cassie Robinson, (KS); Stephanie House, (MO); James Gutekunst, (TN); Charity Hazelton, (UT); Catherine Molind, Cheryl Smith, (VT). Retired: William East, (CA); Mark Elliott, (NE). Friday, May 26 IMB: Keith Stamps, (American Peoples); TW, (East Asian Peoples); Robert Pinkston, (European Peoples); GM, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); Stephen Wright, (Southeast Asian Peoples); SD, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: ER, MF.

NAMB: Tricia Davis, (CO); Eddie Adams, (FL); Kristen Hildebrand, (KY); Ashley Brooks, Naoki Eagan, Kassy Housewright, Ronald Jagers, Yuening Johnson, (LA); Luz Toledo, (MA); Thomas Ballard, (NV); Helene Kidimbu, (NC); Lanny Rishel, (PA); Philip Frederick, (SC); Anthony Drinkwine, (TN); Gina Wooten, (TX). Retired: Carol Bennett, (CA); Carter Bearden, (GA); Susan Turner, (MN); William Bryant, (MT). Saturday, May 27 IMB: Sherri Fleetwood, Mark Johnson, (American Peoples); Dawn Paulding, AA, (Central Asian Peoples); HW, (East Asian Peoples); Mark Bustrum, (European Peoples); EM, KM, KS, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); CP, (South Asian Peoples); LB, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Tom Barron, Salt Jones, Amy Purl. NAMB: George Chen, Bryan Tacheff, (CA); Gilberto Hughes, (GA); Lee Walton, (IN); Eun Sook Bang, (KS); David Frye, (NV); Meredith Anderson, Cayla Brinson, Jung Helmling, (NC); Morgan Booher, (OH); Michael Salas, (OR); Ronald Gore, (TN); Joel Tindall, (TX). Retired: Lorena Moore, (WV). Sunday, May 28 IMB: Dana Roberts, (American Peoples); MP, SE, (Central Asian Peoples); AO, RR, (East Asian Peoples); Jo Ellen Clubb, Jennifer Ford, David Moench, JI, (European Peoples); AP, BT, SM, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); SD, (South Asian Peoples); JS, KM, MS, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Rose Ann Childres, Vernon Garrison, Don Johnson, John Long, Jamie Ruede, Laveta Thompson. NAMB: John Pour Kaveh, (British Columbia); Matthew Carpenter, James Garza, Wesley Hale, (CA); Michael Crowley, Darlene Pierre, Chad Russell, (FL); Alex LaGuerre, Alison Velilla, (IN); Mario VanGundy, (KS); Charles Jones, (MS); Thomas-Carl Fantigrossi, Melinda Pacheco, (NY); Kelly Cole, Fabian Warren, (NC); Steven Lopez, (OK); Keva Atwood, Tina Jackson, (TN); Doug Turner, (WI). Retired: Lynda Hart, (NY); Jacqueline Bettis, (OK); Augusta Pedroza, (TX). Monday, May 29 IMB: SH, (Central Asian Peoples); BC, LW, TW, (East Asian Peoples); Cameron Phillips, (European Peoples); AK, JJ, (South Asian Peoples); KH, (Southeast Asian Peoples). Retired: Ruth Baggett, Mary Ann Evenson, Kenneth Hinton, GC, IS, RW. NAMB: Marisol Romero, (FL); Tricia Wade, (GA); Vicky Roberson, (KS); Denise Stephens, (MD); Loren De Asis, (NC); Sean Cooley, Lisa

Lawless, (OH); Al Fasolino, Brandy Ostrem, (Ontario); Rebecca Tuck, (SC); Mikki McCraw, (VA); Buddha Fletcher, Joshua Minton, (WA). Tuesday, May 30 IMB: Donny Barger, Billy Hurst, HT, KG, (American Peoples); MH, (Central Asian Peoples); SL, (East Asian Peoples); Olya Coker, Amber Hays, (European Peoples); KC, LE, (Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples); RM, (South Asian Peoples); Suzanne Rodgers, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Cherry Kirkpatrick, Julia Yost Moore, Avah Shelby, Ray Young, NW. NAMB: Wesley Davis, (IL); Tambra Eagan, (LA); James Mudd, (MA); Robert McNeal, Todd Swanson, (MN); Felix Rabelo, Neena Ratner, (NV); Kempton Rios, (NJ); Charles Daniel, (NC); Kirsten Collison, Daniel Evans, (VA). Retired: Dorothy Simmons, (MO); Paul Bettis, (OK); Jo Cooke, (TX). Wednesday, May 31 IMB: CL, SI, (East Asian Peoples); Jessica Baniewicz, Paul Barth, Emilio Marrero, (European Peoples); PT, (Southeast Asian Peoples); Jonathan Bundrick, SE, (Sub-Saharan African Peoples). Retired: Yvette Aarons, T Wade Akins, Libby Atkinson, Billy Colston, Willard Goforth, Brenda Harrell, Gayle Hill, Frances Skinner, Bill Stennett, Norma Stimson, Deliegha Swanson, Shirley Tye, G Kenneth Varner, Barbara Wyman. NAMB: Alberto Stead, (AL); Brennan Brown, (GA); Brian Moran, (IN); Diane Droogsma, (IA); Ashley Forman, Elaine Tipton, (LA); Peter Bego, Daniel Vides, (MD); Kisung Askew, (NV); April Betner, (NJ); James Johnson LaBarbera, Timothy See, (OH); Sherika Mclean, (SC); Luis Hernandez, (TN); Karen Cochran, (TX); Bradley Iten, (VA). Retired: Aias De Souza, (AL); Leroy Jones, (AZ); Angel Murillo, (OK).

ECUADOR Cuban disciples make disciples in Ecuador. Two years ago, IMB missionary Johnny Maust began arranging for partnering mission teams from the U.S. to have lunch at Lupita Diner in Montalvo, Ecuador. He befriended the owner, Hermida Cabeza, 70, a Christian, and showed a video at the restaurant depicting the Book of Matthew, but wanted to establish a more consistent presence there. When Javier Carballea and his wife Yaima came to serve with the Mausts, Lupita Diner welcomed them. The couple is the first Cuban Baptist international missionary couple to serve under the Western Cuba Baptist Convention’s “Cuba to the Nations” initiative. Javier and Yaima spent time at the restaurant to get to know the locals, such as Cabeza’s daughter, Yadira Tello. Yaima invited Tello to the couple’s apartment to cook together and talk one on one. Tello, 30, became the first person the Cuban couple led to the Lord in Montalvo. Tello and about a dozen other new believers attend a Bible study that Javier and Yaima started at the restaurant. “They have had quite an impact,” Tello says about the couple. “They are always looking after our spiritual growth, they are always teaching us the main thing … which is prayer, and they are always making sure that our bond gets bigger and that we are focusing on our goal of growing closer to God.” Javier and Yaima hope the small group of new believers in Montalvo will spread throughout the region. “We want to develop disciples,” Javier says, “to get people going out and sharing and making disciples.”

Friday, April 14

Himself He Could Not Save Devotional Passage Mark 15:25-39

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 1–2 Luke 5:27-39

Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Mark 15:31

s the father of four young children, I often find myself asking them, “Do you hear what you are saying?” This is what Mark seems to be saying when he quoted the religious leaders who put Jesus to death. They said, “He saved others; himself he cannot save.” There is a rich irony in those words. Jesus could have called legions of angels to wipe out His enemies. But to save His people, Jesus chose not to save Himself. His death brought life to those who believe. Of course, Jesus did save Himself in that God raised Him from the dead. His resurrection means that our salvation is permanent and that sin and death have been defeated for all time. Today, be thankful Jesus saved you by not saving Himself from death. Father, I bow my head in gratitude at the sacrificial death of Your Son, Jesus. On the cross, He died the death I should have died and offered me His righteousness in return. Help me to share this good news with those who do not know You.

Saturday, April 15

When Newer Is Better Devotional Passage Hebrews 9:11-15

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 3–4 Luke 6:1-11

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:15 ot everything new is better. A new car could turn out N to be a lemon. A new house could have hidden issues. A new pair of shoes might rub blisters on your feet. But there is something new in Jesus that is better than the old. Under the old covenant, Moses instituted God’s law and mediated for God’s people. But the sacrifices and ceremonial rituals couldn’t cure the sin problem. Moses could not save. Jesus is the new covenant who both mediates and guarantees our salvation. All the ritual sacrifices ultimately point to Jesus’ final sacrifice. This is why we are saved, not by observance or ceremony, but by the blood of Jesus. Rest today in that unfinished work of your Savior. Father, thank You for Jesus, whose obedience to the cross was the final sacrifice for my sin. I am not worthy of Your grace. I stand redeemed and forgiven.

Sunday, April 16

Emptiness That Filled the World Devotional Passage Matthew 28:1-10

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 5–6 Luke 6:12-49

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:6

n abandoned tomb on a hillside in the Middle East — for most ordinary people of that day, this place was nothing more than a burial ground for the rich. But what happened there a few hours before the two women arrived had cosmic implications. If the body of Jesus from Nazareth lay cold, nobody would remember the crucifixion on the hill outside Jerusalem three days earlier. But if that tomb is empty, if Jesus is alive, then everything would change. “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” Those simple words shook the world. Sin and death have been defeated. The curse has been lifted. Hope has been restored. The world will be made right again. Most importantly, you can, like the women at the tomb, come and see. See Jesus who gives you new life. Father, thank You for raising Jesus from the dead. Thank You for lifting the curse of sin and death and the grave. I believe Jesus is the Son of God, come into the world to save sinners like me. I want to know You.

Monday, April 17

He Knows Your Name Devotional Passage John 20:11-18

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 7–8 Luke 7:1-17

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. John 20:16

recently ran into a well-known musician whom I had once interviewed. I thought he knew who I was, but when I reached to shake his hand he said, “Now, tell me your name again?” It’s hard for someone in his position to know so many names. It’s not hard, however, for Jesus to know every person’s name. “Mary,” He said softly at the tomb that day. A good shepherd knows every one of his sheep and calls them by name. Jesus is that Good Shepherd. The resurrection of Jesus means we don’t serve an impersonal deity, distant from our experience. We serve a risen Savior who knows each of our names and gave Himself up for us. This is why we can, like Mary, call Jesus “Teacher” or “Master.” He loves us and cares for us. We can trust every part of our lives, our destinies, to Him. Father, thank You for knowing my name. I know that because Jesus rose again, I, too, will rise one day. I want to follow You as my Teacher and my Master. You are the Lord of my life. I trust You.

Tuesday, April 18

Burning Hearts Devotional Passage Luke 24:13-35

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10 Luke 7:18-35

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? Luke 24:32

hey walked slowly, their hearts heavy with sorrow. They believed in Him. They followed Him. They thought He was the Messiah. And now, arrested, crucified, and dead. Jesus approached them in their sorrow and taught them from Scripture how all of Moses and the prophets, the story of Israel, and all of history culminated in Himself. Afterward, Luke tells us their hearts burned within them. Their hearts burned because they found Jesus in the Scriptures. Theology. Bible Study. Wisdom. None of it matters if in our pursuit we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find Jesus. But if we see Jesus illuminated from Genesis to Revelation, this gospel has the power to make our hearts come alive. Does your hurt burn when you open your Bible? Do you see your Savior on every page? Father, thank You for revealing Yourself in the pages of Scripture, for the promise of the Messiah from Genesis to Revelation, for pursuing me in my sin, doubt, and despair. Burn within me a passion for You and a desire to share with others this glorious gospel message.

Wednesday, April 19

The Lord Answers Devotional Passage Psalm 3

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 11–13 Luke 7:36-50

I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Psalm 3:4

mpossible situations were not uncommon to James Fraser. This time though, he was on the run for his life. As he ran from his assailant, James began to cry out to the Lord in prayer. Soon he realized that his life had been spared; he would survive the attack and go on to serve God. The Lord heard and answered James’ cry in a difficult situation. James Fraser was a missionary to southwest China from 1908 to 1938. His ministry was built upon a fervent life of prayer. He understood the Lord is the One who answers our cries. Similarly, David penned Psalm 3 as he was fleeing from his son, Absalom. In the midst of chaos and fear, David cried out to the Lord. He remained confident in the Lord’s presence and that God had heard his prayer. David trusted the Lord to hear him and protect him, even though his circumstances told him otherwise. When life is chaotic and fear surrounds you, where do you turn? The Lord wants us to cry out to Him. He is our shield and protector. He is able to rescue us. The Lord is “a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). Father, You hear me and answer my cries. Thank You.

Thursday, April 20

Part of God’s Family Devotional Passage Psalm 4

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 14–15 Luke 8:1-18

But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Psalm 4:3

our last name means something. It has a history and a story behind it. Your last name marks your identity. It connects you to a heritage and a family. In Psalm 4, King David reminded us of the power of our identity in Christ. This psalm is one of trust in the Lord in the midst of life’s worries. David knew that he was part of God’s family. Once you are in God’s family, you have certain rights and privileges. One of those privileges is instant access to the God of the universe who hears you when you call to Him. Knowing that the Lord sets apart the godly for Himself should fill us with confidence to take all of our worries to Him. God is a good Father who gives His children good things, including peace and rest. David experienced this and so can you. Brother or sister, call out to God today. You are part of His family, and He is waiting to hear from you. Father, thank You for giving me a new identity and answering when I call to You.

~ACROSS THE WORLD~

SUB SAHARAN AFRICA Boating missionary plants churches, trains leaders in Zambia. Kenny Vines works with locals to share the gospel and build church communities along the Zambezi River in Zambia. He and Zambian church planter Jacob Lungu travel by boat to share Bible stories and plant churches. They often come face to face with Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most iconic animals â&#x20AC;&#x201D; hippos, crocodiles, and elephants â&#x20AC;&#x201D; along the way. Despite temperatures of 120 degrees, Vines and Lungu traverse the river to meet with church planters to provide guidance for Bible studies, follow-up visits, and church planting strategies. Because many families are farmers, ministry and Bible studies must be adjusted to the crop cycle. Vines and the church planters often fluctuate their plans to accommodate the fluid farming schedule and the uprooting of families due to crop loss. Pastors and church planters who have phones use them to further mobilization and discipleship efforts. Many along the river use texts and phone calls to stay in contact and disciple one another. However, more remote villages have almost no modern technology. There are no batteries, and there is little access to consistent electricity or running water. These conditions present unique problem-solving opportunities for Vines and Lungu to distribute Scripture to people in a largely illiterate

~ACROSS THE WORLD~

society. They provide hand-crank radios that play Bible story recordings, but the radios often require repairs or need to be replaced altogether. Vines says despite the challenges, the long, arduous days on the river are worth the reward of seeing churches planted and the next generation of church leaders developed.

Friday, April 21

Wait on the Lord Devotional Passage Psalm 27

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 16–17 Luke 8:19-39

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:14

aiting can be excruciating, yet it is one of God’s ways to grow up His children. David wrote this psalm while waiting for the Lord. David waited approximately 15 years from the time he was anointed king until he actually wore the crown. During that time, angry King Saul often chased him and tried to kill him. The Lord used those difficult years to teach David confidence in Him for strength and salvation. David used the waiting time to seek God’s face and learn His ways. As David focused on God, he believed he would see the Lord’s goodness despite his circumstances. Are you currently in one of God’s seasons of waiting? Ask the Lord to help you use the time wisely. Draw close to Jesus and abide in Him. Seek His face, meditate on His Word, and sing His praises. Be confident that you will see His goodness. Father, as I wait for You, make me strong and let my heart take courage. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in Your level path. Thank You for letting me see Your goodness.

Saturday, April 22

My Refuge and My Fortress Devotional Passage Psalm 91

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 18–19 Luke 8:40-56

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:2

salm 91 was written at least 3,000 years ago, yet the psalmist could have been writing today, as he trusted God for protection from terror, pestilence, destruction, and evil. Many of the images in this psalm are associated with battle: a shield, and a bulwark, or “fortress.” The psalmist also painted the tender image of God’s wings covering and sheltering those who trust Him, calling them to abide in His protective shadow. Who do you need the Lord to be for you, today? The Almighty wants you to find refuge under His wings; He is your mighty fortress. As you rest in His faithfulness, know He will keep His promises listed at the end of this psalm. The Lord says to us, “I will deliver you and set you securely on high. I will answer when you call; I will be with you in trouble; I will rescue and honor you. I will satisfy you with a long life and let you see My salvation” (see vv. 14-15). Father, thank You for Your presence that comforts me in these evil days. Lord, You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.

Sunday, April 23

Obey the Teacher Devotional Passage Isaiah 30:15-21

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 20–21 Luke 9:1-17

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Isaiah 30:15

ere you ever the student sent to the principal’s office for refusing to listen and obey the teacher? Or were you the teacher-pleaser who did everything your teacher said? Do you remember a gracious and compassionate teacher who answered when you asked for help? In Isaiah 30:15-21, the Lord addresses His chosen people like rebellious students who refuse instruction and insist on doing things their own way. God offers quiet, confident strength to the one who walks in His way. But for the child who insists on his own way, the gracious and merciful Father warns of being pursued by the enemy. The Holy One of Israel blesses those who follow Him. The Lord will bless you and give you rest. Remain near God. Return to Him, and He will give you quiet, confident strength. Father, I return to You and rest in Your salvation. I long for You. Let Your quietness and confidence be my strength. Teacher, as I behold You, let me hear You say, “This is the way, walk in it.” I am ready to obey.

Monday, April 24

Joy Despite Circumstances Devotional Passage Habakkuk 3:1-2,13-19

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 22â&#x20AC;&#x201C;23 Luke 9:18-45

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18

ow could Habakkuk rejoice in God in the midst of distress? Habakkuk knew his all-powerful, sovereign Lord would strengthen and save him despite his circumstances. Habakkuk exulted in the God of his salvation, and he made a bold request for the Lord to revive His work in the midst of the years of desolation. You may be praying for someone experiencing desolate years. A man once told me he became a follower of Christ after his wife prayed 16 years for him. God made His work known in him. Thankfully, his wife did not grow weary in prayer. Cry out for God to revive His work and show His mercy in the midst of those you love. Father, I wait for the fig tree to blossom in those I love. Revive Your work in them. In wrath, remember Your mercy. I rejoice in You, God of my salvation.

Tuesday, April 25

Worry: A Result of Little Faith Devotional Passage Matthew 6:24-34

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 24–25 Luke 9:46-62

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Matthew 6:30

esus gave the command to stop worrying three times in these verses. He questioned His listeners about why they worried and described them as people of little faith. Here are some truths about worry: It robs you of joy and rubs off on others. Worry wastes energy and doesn’t change the situation. Worry is the direct result of failing to trust in God. Worry is offensive to God, because it says you do not believe the Lord can make good on His promises. Jesus used the birds and flowers as examples of living a worry-free life that is dependent on the Father. He promises you are worth much more than a flower or bird; trust the Father to provide for you. When you are tempted to worry, go outside and ponder the birds and flowers. Marvel at God’s provision for them, and meditate on His promises to take care of you. Father, help me obey Your command not to worry; let it not master me. Master, I seek Your kingdom and righteousness.

Wednesday, April 26

In the Name of the Lord Devotional Passage 1 Samuel 17:41-50

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 26–27 Luke 10:1-24

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 1 Samuel 17:45

s the men in Saul’s army cowered in fear of the enemy giant, David volunteered to fight Goliath because he knew the battle belonged to his Lord. Instead of seeing a huge Philistine warrior, David only had eyes for his God who was bigger than any problem he faced, no matter the size. The Lord was faithful, and His name was honored before the Israelites and the Philistines. The most powerful name in the world is the Lord Jesus Christ. I recently moved from a country whose government and citizens don’t recognize Jesus as Lord. The evil in this country is palpable. Every time I felt wickedness surrounding me, I said “Jesus Messiah” over and over in both English and the language of the people around me. As I said His name, evil fled. Whatever giant problem you are facing, trust in the Lord. He is always faithful. Father, this battle is Yours. Deliver me from the giant, in Your name, Lord Jesus.

Thursday, April 27

Make Up Your Mind Devotional Passage Daniel 1:1-17

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 28â&#x20AC;&#x201C;29 Luke 10:25-42

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8

s a youth, Daniel was removed from his family in Jerusalem and taken more than 500 miles to Babylon. During that forced march, he must have pondered things he learned as a boy. By the time Daniel reached the court of Nebuchadnezzar, he had made up his mind about certain things. Not even a king or his officials could have swayed Daniel. Danielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice to obey God instead of men so pleased the Lord that He granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of his captors. God gave him knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom to such an impressive degree that Daniel was eventually placed third in command of the entire Babylonian empire. Satan tries to deceive you to think you should compromise your values to get ahead in this world. God says to obey His Word and trust His sovereignty over your life. Make up your mind to please the Lord no matter what. Father, I purpose in my heart not to defile myself. I have made up my mind to please You.

Friday, April 28

But if Not … Devotional Passage Daniel 3:13-28

Read the Bible Through 1 Samuel 30–31 Luke 11:1-13

But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:18

“B

ut if not …” These words echo throughout history. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to compromise their convictions. They knew God could save them from the fire, but even if He did not, they would not bow to another god. The Lord Jesus said these words when He asked the Father to remove the cup from Him: “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). The idea of but if “not my will” inspired the Allied troops surrounded by Hitler’s forces at Dunkirk and rallied England miraculously to rescue them in May of 1940. More than 300,000 men refused to bow and surrender to the Nazis and their demonic ideology. Today’s temptations to compromise biblical truths are shockingly similar to the times of Daniel and his friends 2,600 years ago. These enticements promote sin saying, “Would it hurt to change God’s Word on this issue?” “My friend needs me to be a little dishonest.” “That action is justifiable because I won’t get caught.” Can you finish the sentence, “But if not ...” with an unwavering declaration to stand for God? Father, deliver me from the fiery situation as it comes my way; but if not, I will still obey You.

Saturday, April 29

Holy Habits Devotional Passage Daniel 6:10-23

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2 Luke 11:14-28

When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 ome of my earliest memories are of my mother reading S her Bible and praying. Mama is nearly 80 now, and she still awakens before dawn to spend time with the Lord.

This holy habit made an impression on me as a child; the early morning with Jesus is my favorite time of the day. My children are adults now, and I am filled with joy when I see them start their day with Christ. As my five grandchildren catch their parents in this holy habit, I am confident they, too, will adopt it as their own. Danielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prayer habit continued into his 80s and was not thwarted by an executive order. Daniel knew his God; he feared the Lord and not man or beast. God, whom Daniel constantly served, was constantly faithful; He delivered His loyal steward from the mouths of the lions. What are your holy habits? May their continuance encourage your faith and the faith of others. Father, I continue praying and giving thanks to You.

Sunday, April 30

A True Witness Devotional Passage Acts 4:5-21

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 3–4 Luke 11:29-54

But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20

eter and John stood before the same men who presided over the trial of Jesus prior to His crucifixion. Peter vehemently denied knowing Christ in the courtyard outside where Jesus was being examined by the authorities. A resurrected Lord transformed a cowering Peter into a courageous proclaimer of truth. Now he and John were on trial. Filled with the Holy Spirit and the confidence of Christ, they fearlessly declared that the healing of a lame man happened by the name of Jesus. It was undeniable that a man unable to walk for more than 40 years was leaping and praising God. Yet Peter and John’s accusers warned them not to speak and teach in the name of Christ. After all, Peter and John were true and faithful witnesses; they couldn’t stop proclaiming what they had seen and heard. Being threatened not to speak in the name of Jesus still occurs, but if the resurrected Savior lives in you, you cannot stop talking about Him. Live emboldened by your Lord. Father, let people recognize that I am with Jesus. May I always speak about You.

Monday, May 1

Bold Faith Devotional Passage Acts 4:23-31

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 5–6 Luke 12:1-12

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word. Acts 4:29

ave you ever been afraid to speak your mind, to say what you really thought, because you were afraid of feeling foolish or offending others? In life, it can be difficult to tell others what we really think, let alone share our feelings about Jesus and what He has done for us. In the Book of Acts, we witness the apostles out on a mission to tell the world about Jesus. Yet they are doing so in a world that wants them to shut their mouths. The apostles’ response to such condemnation is beautiful and inspiring — they seek God as their refuge, caring not for the opinions of others, but asking for boldness despite the criticism and punishment of the world. The apostles’ view of God was big. They realized they were merely servants of God, called to relay His message of salvation to a lost and broken world. Their message wasn’t their opinion; it was God’s truth. God alone would give them the boldness they lacked when dealing with such a hostile world. Father, thank You for Your Word and truth. I pray You would enable me to boldly share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, May 2

God-Given Wisdom Devotional Passage Acts 6:8-11; 7:1-2,51-60

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 7–8 Luke 12:13-34

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Acts 6:10

s a child, I always tried to outsmart my mother. I tried this for a while until I realized my mom was much smarter than my 10-year-old self, and one day I finally stopped arguing with her. I had finally accepted that I would never be able to outsmart her; she was beyond me and my childish thoughts. In Acts, we see various men trying to argue with Stephen and question him. Just like my younger self couldn’t compete with my mom, these men couldn’t win the argument against Stephen. He was full of the Holy Spirit who gives ultimate wisdom — the wisdom of God. When Stephen spoke, he didn’t speak like a regular man. He spoke as one who was led by the Holy Spirit. The result was words that were filled with wisdom and truth. The power of God’s Holy Spirit was so evident the men couldn’t deny or resist it. They knew Stephen spoke wisdom, even if their ears didn’t like what they heard. May we be people who speak the wisdom of God and are fueled by His Spirit. Father, renew my mind and give me wisdom. Fill my life with Your Spirit so it would be undeniable that I am Yours.

Wednesday, May 3

Looking Ahead Devotional Passage 2 Samuel 9

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 9–10 Luke 12:35-59

And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. 2 Samuel 9:7

n movies, there are different devices used to foreshadow what is coming. Often in scary movies, the music can hint that something bad is around the corner. In 2 Samuel, we witness foreshadowing when King David showed God’s grace to the house of Saul. In David’s actions, we get a glimpse of the Person of Jesus and the character of God. Just as David kept his promise to Jonathan, so God keeps His promises to us. God has already sent His promised Son and given us His Spirit. One day Jesus will come again. David also promised to restore all the land Saul’s family owned, which hinted at God restoring the earth one day and ridding it of sin. In addition, just as David treated Jonathan’s descendant as family by letting him eat at his table, we, too, are God’s family. As His children, we will spend eternity with Him. All of Scripture points to Jesus. Father, thank You for Your promises and goodness. Help me to see Jesus in the pages of Your Word.

Thursday, May 4

A Heart That Pleases God Devotional Passage Luke 10:25-37

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 11–12 Luke 13:1-17

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Luke 10:36-37

“A

ctions speak louder than words.” This popular adage reveals what most people believe. They don’t really care about what you say if you don’t follow through with your actions. Children notoriously do as their parents do, rather than as they say. In Luke, we read the parable of the good Samaritan, a classic tale of actions that speak very loudly. After telling the parable, Jesus asked His audience to determine who was the good neighbor. The question seems almost unnecessary. Clearly, the one who helped was the true neighbor. However, Jesus was directing our attention to the fact that we focus on appearances rather than on people’s actions. Some would have assumed the priest or the Levite, both religious figures, would have helped the beaten man. Yet Jesus said it was the Samaritan, the most unexpected of all, who helped. Jesus followed this story with a command to “go, and do ... likewise.” Claiming to love a merciful God but failing to be merciful to others doesn’t please God. God cares about our hearts. Father, give me a merciful heart. Help me to love others with the kind of love that pleases You.

Friday, May 5

Love and Humility Devotional Passage John 13:1-17

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 13–14 Luke 13:18-35

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:15

s we age, most of us have a moment when we realize how similar we are to one or both of our parents. Whether we like it or not, we become what we see. People tend to follow the example that is set before them, whether it’s good or bad. In John, we read about Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. Scripture reveals Jesus knew Judas was about to betray Him, yet Judas still remained among those whose feet were washed by Jesus. Being both Lord and Teacher, Jesus established the ultimate example for His followers. By washing their feet, even His enemy’s feet, Christ demonstrated love and humility to His followers, both then and now. Jesus proclaimed His action was not a suggestion; the act of loving and serving each other is what believers should do. Jesus Christ, Lord of all and our Redeemer, has called us to such an attitude. If He, the Sustainer of all, can take on the role of a servant, how much more can we follow His perfect example? Father, help me to be full of humility and love. Make my heart clean and rid my life of pride, so I might serve You in all things.

Saturday, May 6

Christian Community Devotional Passage Romans 12:9-21

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 15–16 Luke 14:1-24

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:10

amilies are made up of individuals who are so different from each other that conflict often arises. At other times, conflict appears because people are too similar. Still, families are bound together by blood and are accountable to each other. Paul wrote about the marks of Christian community, The trademark is one of brotherly love. He encouraged us to show affection to each other, revealing we are to love one another because we are part of a new, spiritual family. Other believers aren’t just people who also love Jesus as we do; they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus bought us this new family with His blood. His blood binds us together forever. Believers are to show one another honor. To honor someone is to regard that person with great respect. Paul went further and said we are to outdo one another in showing honor, putting others before ourselves. In the end, Paul reminded us that both our affection and honor stem from the truth that we are part of the same family — the family of God. Father, thank You for my spiritual family. Help me to be affectionate and honor them.

Sunday, May 7

The Greatness of Love Devotional Passage 1 Corinthians 13

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 17–18 Luke 14:25-35

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13

eople frequently ask hypothetical questions, like “If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?” and “If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?” We ask these questions as a way to determine what we really value and cherish. In 1 Corinthians, Paul answered the question, “What is the greatest attribute Christians can display?” Paul discussed three qualities of the Christian life — faith, hope, and love (charity) — and revealed that the greatest is love. Paul’s answer remains simple: If you don’t have love, you are missing the point. Love is the foundation, for it reveals our understanding of God’s love for us. This unconditional love propels us to love others. God has designed Christians to be His witnesses to a broken world. How will the world know about God’s love, mercy, and grace if we don’t live lives that give testimony to it? The call to love is rooted in the gospel. We love because God first loved us. We share His love with the world in hope that others will come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Father, help me to be transformed by Your radical love and love others in a way that is pleasing to You.

Monday, May 8

The Law of Love Devotional Passage Galatians 6:1-10

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 19–20 Luke 15

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

ow significant is a helping hand in a time of need? The neighbor who helps fix a screen door when you don’t have a clue how or a friend who drops off a meal when that first baby arrives are acts of kindness that truly help. They make us feel loved and supported. In Galatians, Paul described the law of love believers are called to follow. One way Christians are to live out this law is to bear each other’s burdens. In life, Christians, like the rest of humankind, will endure hardship and troubles. God knows these troubles are heavy loads that tend to wear us down. As believers, we have a God who calls us to carry one another’s burdens and to do good to those who are of the household of faith. What a picture of God, who not only helps us Himself but also calls His people to support and love each other. The Christian community should be a place where help comes from God and also from our Christian brothers and sisters. Father, thank You for Your love and for the love of others. Help me to love my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Tuesday, May 9

Love Does Devotional Passage 1 John 3:13-24

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 21–22 Luke 16:1-18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18

f a woman claimed she loved her husband, but then she failed to show up for his birthday party — or even remember his birthday — her husband might wonder about her affection. Love is not merely spoken; it must be shown. In 1 John, the author calls believers to love and stresses the importance of love in action. It’s not enough to say we love but fail to demonstrate the practical application of love. Love involves doing; the words need actions. People don’t really feel loved by mere words alone; people need to see how you love them. God has modeled for us how to love. God doesn’t remotely reign in heaven, merely claiming He loves us. God showed the ultimate love in action by choosing to send His Son to die for us. God acted on our behalf to show us His love. We must remember not only God’s words of love to us, but also His actions, in order to help us love in both word and deed. Father, show me practical ways I can love others. Help me to be a person who loves in word and in deed.

Wednesday, May 10

God’s Promise to All Devotional Passage Joel 2:23-32

Read the Bible Through 2 Samuel 23–24 Luke 16:19-31

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. Joel 2:28

e quickly judge others, whether it is by their income, their intellect, their biblical knowledge, or what entertainment they enjoy. We line others up against ourselves and see how we measure up. Thankfully, God doesn’t share our sinful human nature. In Joel, we see God’s promise of pouring His Spirit out on His people. The power of God is revealed in His Spirit. The might and power of our God is unthinkable. Take comfort that God’s promise applies to all flesh. God mentions sons, daughters, the old, and the young. He wants to gift all humankind with the outpouring of His empowering, inspiring, and illuminating Spirit, regardless of age, gender, race, social status, income, or any other worldly qualifier. He loves all, because God’s love isn’t conditional. He doesn’t love us because of what we can do for Him. How great is the love of the Father that He takes us as we are. Father, thank You for Your unconditional love and Your Spirit.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

Thursday, May 11

The Holy Spirit in You Devotional Passage John 14:16-27

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2 Luke 17:1-19

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:16-17 o you ever feel isolated, alone, and hurt? No one D else knows or understands; no one can change the circumstances or help. Perhaps that is where you are today. Individuals without Jesus have little encouragement. But those who know Christ need not be overwhelmed. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; farewell sermon to His disciples He promised they would never be alone. He was sending the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Helper to live within each believer. He helps us do life. He will never ever leave us. Scripture reminds believers of the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit. We may not feel capable, but He is for us, in us, and ready to provide for our every need. As you go through this day, keep your focus on God, Who provides grace, love, strength, and truth. Those without Christ may get a glimpse of Jesus as they observe how we manage the difficulties of life, as we depend on our Helper, the Holy Spirit. Father, make me mindful that Your Spirit lives in me. Help me to walk in Your strength today.

Friday, May 12

Source of Truth Devotional Passage John 15:26–16:15

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 3–4 Luke 17:20-37

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13

ow often do we say, “I just don’t know what the truth is anymore. I don’t know what to do”? Jesus promises that His truth lives in us through the Holy Spirit. When we are confused, we can turn to Him, praying, searching Scripture, and asking God through the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth. And He does. God’s truth may require hard decisions, but He provides courage and great peace. While it’s our responsibility to stand up for truth according to God’s Word, only the Holy Spirit can convict sinners and bring them to salvation. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one — three in one. All God’s truth He gives to the Son who passes it on to the Holy Spirit. We have the truth residing in us through the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is a glorious mystery! I’d rather stand up for truth according to God than be acceptable to a world that rejects Him more and more. In the end, truth wins. Father, thank You that You alone are truth. Awaken me, Holy Spirit, and guide me in truth today.

Saturday, May 13

The Promise Devotional Passage Acts 1:1-11

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 5–6 Luke 18:1-17

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

on’t you know the disciples thought they saw a ghost when Jesus appeared to them after they had witnessed His death? Yet He did rise from the dead; it’s a fact of history. They were listening extra hard to His instructions as the reality of all He had predicted came to pass. He really was God! All doubts were removed. Jesus promised He would not leave them; the Holy Ghost would come into their hearts and fill them with power so they could spread the gospel of God’s provision for mankind to the entire world. No power of any man or woman can do that work; it’s only God’s power working through His people. The disciples shared the message of Jesus with their generation, and now it’s our time to share the same message with our generation. Praise God for the Holy Spirit who lives in us and gives us the power to be His witnesses. Where on this planet is God calling you to tell the good news? Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit. I commit to share the good news of Jesus with someone today.

Sunday, May 14

The Old Revealed in the New Devotional Passage Acts 2:1-16

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 7–8 Luke 18:18-43

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. Acts 2:16 y grandmother loved God’s Word and often quoted M a statement by St. Augustine, confirming the consistency of God’s story beginning in the Old Testament

and completing in the New Testament: “The new is in the old concealed; the old is in the new revealed.” At Pentecost we see a great example. Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit was delivered to the disciples that day. An amazing display of God’s power and authority took place. Things humanly impossible happened, confirming God’s supernatural nature and power. Luke, the author of Acts, reminded his readers that the coming of the Holy Spirit had been prophesied centuries before by the prophet Joel. This prophesy in the Old was revealed in the New. What an amazing God! Since that day everyone who repents of sin, turns to Jesus, and accepts His gift of salvation is made new and immediately receives the Holy Spirit. Perhaps you haven’t thought about what it means to have the power of God within you through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Ponder that God truly has plans for you. Let Him work them out as you seek and obey Him today. Never lose sight of the wonder of God and the truth in His Word from beginning to end. Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Speak to me and through me to lead others to Jesus.

Monday, May 15

The Gospel Is for Everyone Devotional Passage Acts 2:29-41

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 9–11 Luke 19:1-27

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. Acts 2:39

od has promised and provided a way for every person to receive forgiveness of sin and new life in Christ. He is the one who initiates salvation. We cannot save ourselves, nor can we save anyone else. God’s offer of repentance and salvation is available to all, with no exceptions. This is the best news the world has ever received! Everyone who hears this message chooses to accept or to reject it. Many of us have repented of our sin and accepted the free gift of forgiveness made possible because of Jesus. He died to pay the price and rose from the dead as proof that He truly is God in the flesh. As followers of Christ, it is our responsibility and privilege to share this good news with people who are struggling with sin and its consequences. A friend of mine left recently for Russia, where he feels called to share God’s love. It doesn’t matter where we are. All believers are commissioned to spread the good news. We show love and share truth, God convicts, and each person chooses to accept or reject the gospel. It’s so simple yet so life-changing. Father, prick my heart and show me how I can effectively share Your love and the gospel today.

Tuesday, May 16

Enjoy the Fruit Devotional Passage Galatians 5:18-26

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 12–13 Luke 19:28-48

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

he Bible is timeless and true. The sins listed in Galatians 5:19-21 plagued people then and still do today. Our sinful nature fights to control us even after we become believers. Praise God for His promise and provision. The attributes of the fruit of the Spirit are produced by His presence in our lives. We don’t have them on our own, and our salvation doesn’t guarantee they will be consistently displayed in our lives. When we are distant from God we act out of our sinful default mode, and the results are disappointing and sometimes disastrous. But when we choose daily to submit to God and live in obedience to His Word, we are often surprised at the peace He gives in crisis, the long-suffering He provides in tough situations, and the joy and gentleness He imparts as we relate to others. What an offer! God saved us from sin, and He will fill us with love, joy, peace, and more. Isn’t it worth it to commit to Him daily and experience His supernatural empowering as we respond to everything life brings our way? Father, may we submit totally to You today and walk in the fruit of the Spirit by Your presence and power.

Wednesday, May 17

Salvation for All Devotional Passage Isaiah 49:5-13

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 14–15 Luke 20:1-26

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6 od sent Jesus not only as the long-awaited Messiah G to the Jews but also as Savior to the entire world. Clearly the Jews struggled to recognize the Messiah

because He did not come as they expected. Yet Jesus did come as God had prophesied. The Old Testament is filled with descriptions and details of the coming Savior. In Isaiah 49 God describes the plan to send His Servant to draw people to Himself. He also declared that His provision wasn’t limited to the Israelites; the Savior would come for all the earth’s inhabitants. God’s promised provision of a Savior to both Jews and Gentiles is the best news our world has ever known. We, like the Jews, may sometimes miss Him due to our human expectations. But we can rest assured His Word is true, His provision and salvation can be ours, and His love for us is unconditional and limitless! Turn your eyes upon Jesus today and rejoice that God’s servant came for you. Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word, the promises fulfilled, and the hope we have in You.

Thursday, May 18

None Excluded Devotional Passage Acts 10:30-48

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 16–17 Luke 20:27-47

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. Acts 10:34

n the New Testament we get to watch how the first believers received the gospel and allowed the power of God to radically change their attitudes and way of life. Peter obeyed God when directed to go to the house of a Gentile, Cornelius. Jews never associated with Gentiles, but Peter knew God sent him, and he obeyed rather than argue. When Cornelius shared his encounter with God, Peter recognized that God’s provision of salvation through Jesus was not just for Jews; it was for all mankind. This was a revolutionary shift in religious thought and culture. Perhaps we assume some people are just too far gone, too bad, too ignorant, or too rebellious to ever come to faith in Christ. Shame on us. God is God; we are not. Peter was probably surprised God touched and saved Cornelius and even more surprised that he was invited to come to his home to bear witness of Cornelius’s conversion. Starting today can we quit arguing with God about who can and should be accepted into His kingdom? Can we accept as Peter did the good news “through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (v. 43). Father, give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart willing to share the gospel with all — none excluded.

Friday, May 19

God Is the Source of Miracles Devotional Passage Acts 14:21-27

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 18–19 Luke 21:1-28

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. Acts 14:27

hen God called Paul and Barnabas to travel and share the gospel, they started their journey, assuming they would tell the Jewish community that the Messiah was indeed Jesus. But many Jews rejected the gospel and tried to kill them. God then instructed Paul and Barnabas to share with Gentiles, an unheard of idea. They didn’t argue but instead obeyed God and found many Gentiles ready to accept Christ. Churches were established. Experiencing rejection and persecution along the way, they didn’t promise an easy path; in fact, they told new believers to expect tribulations. Nothing dissuaded them. God called them; the Holy Spirit empowered them; and they were faithful to their assignment. Finally they returned to Antioch and told the church about the miraculous things God had done, especially in opening the door to salvation to the Gentiles. To whom is God sending you with His good news? Are you willing to go to the hard places, to those “other people”? Will you be bold and share His love and grace? Remember, your job is to share; God convicts and saves. Father, no matter what the cost, I will share Your good news as You lead me.

Saturday, May 20

Trust and Obey Devotional Passage Acts 16:6-15

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 20–21 Luke 21:29-38

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. Acts 16:14

hen I was single and mid-twenties God clearly told me to make a move that made no sense. Because I knew God had spoken, I obeyed. That move set in motion experiences and people who would forever impact my life. In fact, I met my husband as a result. God led Paul step-by-step to share the gospel throughout the known world. The thing to note is that Paul and his companions depended on God’s directions daily and obeyed Him completely. They came to Philippi and shared the gospel with a group of women who came to pray. One was Lydia, a businesswoman who loved God. When she heard the good news from Paul, she opened her heart, believed in Jesus, and was baptized. Her conversion was a result of God’s work in her heart. Paul was just the messenger sent by God to lead her to Christ. God sends us to people in our world who need the good news of Jesus. Where will He send you today? Will you show the love of Jesus to others and trust God to use You? Father, I want to obey You in all things so You can accomplish Your purposes through me.

Sunday, May 21

Hope and Salvation Devotional Passage Acts 16:25-34

Read the Bible Through 1 Kings 22 Luke 22:1-23

And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. Acts 16:34

od wants His message of hope and salvation extended to all people. Many churches have parking lot exit signs that read, “You are now entering the Mission Field.” Often the mission field is the person sitting in the pew next to us. From the parking lot attendant, the greeter at the church door, ushers, to you and me — extending a glad and happy heart is the beginning. God led the spirit-enslaved girl to Paul and, after several days of her dogging him and those with him, he stopped and commanded the spirit in the name of Jesus Christ to leave her. God allowed Paul and Silas to become prisoners and meet a jailer who was searching for salvation even at the risk of losing his life. He led them to his home and family that they, too, might attain hope and salvation. As your day unfolds, make a conscious effort to wear Jesus in your heart and on your face. You might be surprised how others will engage you with things they are afraid of, revealing the lack of hope they feel. Father, thank You for giving us Jesus. Through Him we attain hope and salvation.

Monday, May 22

Open My Eyes. Open My Heart. Devotional Passage Romans 10:1-13

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 1–3 Luke 22:24-53

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

od wants everyone to be saved. That means everyone in my family, my Sunday School class, my church fellowship, the person serving my meal, everyone at my doctor’s office, the pharmacy, the school I attend, the business where I work, my neighbors, the police and firemen, those in the armed services, those working at my grocery store, the person standing near the street corner with a sign, the street person sleeping under a pile of blankets and smelling not-too-good, and the one convicted of harming someone. As long as this list is, it’s still incomplete. So, where do I fit into this calling? I’m a shy person who doesn’t talk to others easily, so where do I fit into God’s calling? Pray that the Holy Spirit will surround me as I speak to others. I’m really busy and don’t want to get involved with other people’s problems, so where do I fit into God’s calling? Pray that the Holy Spirit will open my heart to lessen the busyness of my life. I’ve already witnessed to my children and extended family members, so where do I fit into God’s calling? Pray that the Holy Spirit will open my eyes to see the field, white and ready for harvest. Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit that I may witness to others.

Tuesday, May 23

Together

Devotional Passage Ephesians 3:1-13

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 4–5 Luke 22:54-71

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. Ephesians 3:6

od’s plan is that Gentiles and Jews who believe in the good news share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the sacred body — the church — and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Jesus Christ — the Head of the body. This mystery was not clearly shown before Christ came, but was made known to Paul so that God would call the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ. During Paul’s day, the Gentiles were considered outsiders and called uncircumcised heathens by the unbelieving Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. While the haughty Jews, the guardians of the Law, considered the Gentiles who believed unworthy, Jesus called them His sheep; they were washed in His blood. This Scripture reminds me of Elisha Hoffman’s hymn, “Are You Washed in the Blood?” These fellow heirs received the cleansing power of the blood of the Lamb. They were fully trusting in His grace. They were walking daily by the Savior’s side. They were resting each moment in Him. In our increasingly busy world, are we taking time to experience Jesus? Father, help me to grasp the grace by which I walk daily.

Wednesday, May 24

A Prince with God Devotional Passage Genesis 32:24-30

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 6–7 Luke 23:1-12

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Genesis 32:28

enrietta Mears in “What the Bible Is All About” writes that through Isaac, Abraham’s son, the promises of God were passed down to Jacob, who, despite his many faults, valued God’s covenant blessing. He was enthusiastic about God’s plan of founding a nation by which the whole world would be blessed. Jacob, in his wandering, suffered for his sin and through chastening came out a great man. His name was changed to Israel, meaning “a prince with God.” His twelve sons became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. When the angel asked what Jacob’s name was, his response declared that he was one who wrongfully or illegally seizes and holds the place of another, a rogue, or a cheat. In essence, Jacob knew he was a sinner. Jacob went from resisting to clinging. He abandoned the posture of defiance and resistance. The changed name indicated a changed character. He fastened himself to the angel, like a terrified child clasps his arms around his father’s neck. Jacob clung to the promises of God. Father, help me to remember who I am in Jesus and to cling to Him moment by moment.

Thursday, May 25

A New Vessel Devotional Passage Jeremiah 18:1-6

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 8–9 Luke 23:13-32

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Jeremiah 18:4

n these verses from Jeremiah, the Lord instructed Jeremiah to go down to the potter’s workshop, where he was shaping clay into a vessel on his wheel. The clay, being formed under the pressure of the potter’s hands represented the people of Judah who continued to rebel against God. Seeing the vessel was ill-formed, the potter broke down the clay and began to fashion a new vessel. This clay could be me or you, or even our nation. The wheel could stand for the constantly-moving circumstances of our everyday lives. In a Christian’s life, the potter is the Maker, or God. He is the one who fashions you and me, if we are willing, into the people He wants us to become. Judah had a choice too. But they refused to heed the word of God delivered through the prophets, like Jeremiah. Jeremiah saw that the nation had been marred; it was not becoming what God intended. But God would not give up on them. Under the pressure of God’s hand He would reshape them and mold them into the people He wanted them to be. Father, help me to remain supple in Your hands, that I may honor You each day and in every relationship.

Friday, May 26

New Covenant Devotional Passage Jeremiah 31:27-34

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 10–11 Luke 23:33-56

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jeremiah 31:33

oday’s key verse announces a “new” covenant God would make with the houses of Israel and Judah. It gives reference to the Messianic era that was to come. The new covenant would not abolish the old; the new would fulfill the old and achieve its purpose. This new covenant would be put in the minds and written on the hearts of God’s people, rather than on tablets of stone. The new covenant would be made when Jesus came to earth. It would be the means of restoration for God’s people. Rather than fostering our relationship with God through a fixed location, like a temple, He promised through Jeremiah that His people would know Him directly, through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jeremiah wrote about what God would do. From our perspective, we see that God accomplished this through a heartfelt relationship with Jesus, His Son. We take this relationship with us everywhere we go, as it is an active and living part of us. Father, thank You for raising up Jeremiah, who at the young age of 20 spoke with boldness and cried tears of pain for the people of Jerusalem.

Saturday, May 27

Witness to Others Devotional Passage John 1:35-42

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 12–13 Luke 24:1-12

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. John 1:42

ndrew and John were the first two disciples chosen by Jesus. It was Andrew who introduced Simon, his brother, to Jesus. Andrew had been a follower of John the Baptist, who he had abandoned to join Jesus. According to the Gospel of John, John the Baptist wasn’t bothered by this, because he knew his role was to point the way to Christ. After the introduction, Andrew stepped out of the way as Simon was a clear leader. Andrew made Jesus the most important relationship in his life and later lived with Peter at Capernaum, where they fished for a living. Jesus renamed Simon “Cephas,” which is Aramaic for rock. “Petros,” or Peter, became his new name. His aggressiveness made him a natural spokesperson for the Twelve. Jesus included Peter along with James and John in His inner circle. Throughout the early events of John’s Gospel, we see a brotherly love among these men for each other and, upon meeting Jesus, for Him also. These disciples of Jesus showed no hesitation in taking brothers and friends to Him. Father, help me to live with the joy of knowing You and the knowledge that the Holy Spirit will lift me up as I seek to live boldly for You.

Sunday, May 28

Seeker of the Truth Devotional Passage John 3:1-16

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 14–15 Luke 24:13-53

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

oday’s Scripture details a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a man of the Pharisees and a member of the Sanhedrin. Nicodemus had a wise and inquiring mind. He went at night to see Jesus, the young teacher who he suspected to be the promised Messiah. During their conversation, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must have a second birth, one not of the flesh but of the Spirit. Until we are born again, we are walking corpses, spiritually dead. Nicodemus understood the Old Testament prophecy that spoke of Christ coming. He may have witnessed Jesus’ clearing of the temple and heard how Jesus had changed water into wine at a wedding feast. With Nicodemus’s confusion lifted, his life changed forever. He became a follower of Jesus and, possibly at great risk to his safety and reputation, helped Joseph of Arimathea take Jesus’ body down from the cross and place it in a tomb. Father, thank You for sending Jesus who, through His sacrifice and our belief in Him, puts an end to the struggle for our salvation.

Monday, May 29

A Changed Life Devotional Passage Acts 9:1-22

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 16–17 John 1:1-18

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? Acts 9:21

aul was a Pharisee living in Jerusalem. After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, Saul pledged to wipe out the new Christian church. He went so far as to obtain letters from the high priest, authorizing him to arrest any follower of Jesus in the Syrian city of Damascus. Damascus was a six-day journey from Jerusalem and home to a large Jewish population. As he and his traveling companions approached Damascus, a blinding light from heaven flashed, knocking them to the ground. While the others were simply stunned, the Lord spoke audibly only to Saul. Jesus asked Saul why he was persecuting Him. Saul responded to the voice, heeding the Lord’s command to go to Damascus and await further instructions. Upon rising, he was unable to see, so his companions led him by the hand into the city. The Lord used Ananias to lay hands on Saul. The Holy Spirit entered Saul and, as a result, his eyes were opened. Saul was baptized and stayed with Ananias and the other disciples for some time where he gained strength and began preaching in the synagogues. Father, through the study of Your Word, may we become the fulfillment of Your will in our lives.

Tuesday, May 30

A Reflection of Christ Devotional Passage 2 Corinthians 3:17–4:6

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 18–20 John 1:19-51

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

he church at Corinth had certainly experienced its share of unrest. This unrest prompted Paul to write his first epistle and then a second. At Paul’s instructions, Titus — and possibly Timothy — paid the church a visit. Paul sent this letter of joy upon hearing their report. In it, he reminded all Christians that our lives are a reflection of Christ to the world. Much of our community may not study God’s Word, but they will study God’s people — you and me. This gives us a great opportunity to do good, befriend others, and engage the hearts and minds of those who don’t know Jesus. Recently, our pastor asked the Sunday morning congregation to consider how much time each of us spent looking in the mirror. He suggested that, as Christians, we should look more often, not as an act of vanity, but of examination. Is our reflected face one of joy and peace, one transfigured by the Holy Spirit? Would others want to get to know us? Most of all, would they want to know Jesus? Father, help me to wear a face of joy so others will see Your glory in ever-increasing splendor.

Wednesday, May 31

Those in Need Devotional Passage Psalm 147:1-11

Read the Bible Through 2 Kings 21–23 John 2

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 oday’s Scripture was composed for the Levitical choir’s T celebration of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. Remember the tears — tears of anger — shed when the walls were destroyed and now tears of joy from their reconstruction. God gathered up the exiles of Israel, those who were brokenhearted or with deep wounds in need of healing. The relationship between a parent and child is a fragile thing that can be broken, permanently damaging the love between them. Sadly, some never get the chance to repair these relationships. Jesus spent His life in search of wounded people such as these. Perhaps a child leaves home in search of freedom but finds heavier chains. Though the wayward child reaches out, the parent must decide whether to welcome him or her home. An older couple moves to an unfamiliar city, broken-hearted by the lack of friendships. They attend a church but are met with superficial expressions of welcome. The members have all the friends they need, perhaps too tired to welcome others into their fold. Who will welcome these and help bind their wounds? Wounded people like these surround us, searching for aid. Jesus, the Great Physician, can heal them. Father, thank You for Your work of healing and restoration in my life.

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