Daily DevotionalsJanuary 9 - March 4

Word to the City

Belongs to: ____________________________

AuthorsRev. Ed ArcherSteve BowserTeresa Cook

Kristin GeorgeLane George

Bryan GoodridgePete Graham

PublisherBecky Williamson

Worshipping at Johnston Elementary School

Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00

As we learn how to bett er ‘BE the Church’ this year, we encour-age you to spend some time with your Bible as you complete each

Daily Devotional. If you need a Bible, please contact Ed Archer at: ed@cityonahillumc.org.

Various versions of the scriptures can also be found online at www.BibleGateway.com.

A summary of version abbreviations is available at the back of this booklet.

1

Despite the way most of us think…

The Church IS NOT a place we go, IT IS something we Do.

The Church IS NOT just where people get married; IT IS a world-changing Movement.

The Church IS NOT a building; IT IS something we Become.

The Church IS NOT a Sunday-morning retreat; IT IS a Monday-Sunday Revolution.

You’re invited to join CITY ON A HILL as we study the ACTS of the very fi rst Christians – RADICALS!

Word to the City is a daily devotional from City on a Hill church based on Sunday’s sermon. Have you missed a sermon in the series? You can listen to sermons from this and past series online at:

htt p://www.cityonahillumc.org/#/sermons

RADICALS!Power-Filled-WITNESS • January 10 - 14

Acts 2:14, 22-24, 36-41 (NLT)

Deeply-Committ ed-COMMUNITY • January 17 - 21Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)

Jesus’-Name-AUTHORITY • January 24 - 28Acts 3:1-16 (ESV)

Mission-Driven-PRAYER • January 31 - February 4Acts 4:19-31 (TNIV)

Honored-To-SUFFER • February 7 - 11Acts 5:27-33, 40-42 (ESV)

“Shape”-Led-SERVING • February 14 - 18Acts 6:1-7 (MSG)

Persecution-Refi ned-ENDURANCE • February 21 - 25Acts 8:1-8 (CEV)

Radicals: Concluding Thoughts • February 28 - March 4

2

Acts 2:14, 22-24, 36-41 (NLT)MONDAY

Acts 4:29-31 (NIV)

29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all fi lled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

In our sermon scripture yesterday we heard Jesus promising his followers they will receive the power-fi lled gift of the Holy Spirit. Here we see this promise in action as well as the awesome result…speaking the word of God boldly! What are some of the words of God, the Good news, that you can speak boldly with your actions and tongue when you are fi lled with the Holy Spirit? An old hymn of the church exclaims, “they’ll know we are Christians by our love”. How will you be known in 2011?

TUESDAY

Matt hew 1:23 (NIV)

23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)

5 …God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confi dence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

God is with us, God lives in us, now and always. We can accept the gift of grace and forgiveness off ered to us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and we will be equipped for doing God’s work in the world as we allow ourselves to be fi lled with the power of the Holy Spirit. How might knowing this and believing this help you become a “witness” for Christ?

Power-Filled-WITNESS • January 10 - 14

3

WEDNESDAY

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (AMP)

9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [suffi cient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfi lled and completed) and show themselves most eff ective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infi rmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infi rmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and dis-tresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).

2 Corinthians 13:3b-4 (TNIV)

3 He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For to be sure, he was crucifi ed in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.

Here we read a great example of the revolutionary, turn the world upside down message of Jesus. In the Kingdom of God, when we are weak in our own human strength, the power of Christ works through us, and then we are strong in divine strength! Take some time today and refl ect on this. Can you recall or imagine a situation where this has been the case? Consider discussing this question in your small group, with a friend or family member, or on the COAH Facebook page. How does this turn the world upside down?

4

THURSDAY

James 1:22-25 (MSG)

22-24 Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, lett ing the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. 25 But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatt erbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will fi nd delight and affi rmation in the action.

We read about the fi rst church in the book of Acts, not “places”, nor “believes”, nor “heard” – but ACTS! Here James reminds us that the power of the Spirit that lives within us is meant to get us up out of our seats, out of our comfort zones, and into action! Take a moment and consider something you have heard from the Word. Has it gone in one ear and out the other? How did you or might you act on what you heard?

5

FRIDAY

Ephesians 6:10-11, 14-19 (NLT)

10 A fi nal word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand fi rm…14 Stand your ground, putt ing on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fi ery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.

Perhaps you have heard it said, “That God doesn’t call the equipped, rather, God equips the called”. So often we let our insecurities, our pride, our human weakness keep us from doing the things we know we should. We have many reasonable excuses for “not doing” – “I don’t know how”, “what if I make a mistake?”, “so and so is bett er at that than me”, and on and on. God has promised each of us that we will have what we need; that we will be outfi tt ed to serve, able to love, inspired to do what is right when we rely on Him and the power of the Spirit. Take a close look at some of the amazing ways God “arms” us for good work. Then put on the full armor of God and “just do it”!

6

Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)MONDAY

Acts 2:42 (NLT)

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

This week, we look at some of what it means to be a Deeply-Committ ed COMMUNITY. Community involves many members that act independently as part of a whole. Think about the inner-workings of a human being. Each organ and organ system acts independently – fi ltering waste, in taking essential nutrients, keeping you healthy- as a part of your whole body. Thanks to modern medicine, you can function with only part or even without certain organs, but in general every part needs to be working on its own to be working together. The Christian community, even the smaller part – the COAH Community, needs every part to be healthy to grow. While growth may appear to take place on its own, everyone is needed for real growth. The community of believers needs you as much as you need it.

Deeply-Committ ed-COMMUNITY • January 17 - 21

7

TUESDAY

Psalm 119:90 (NIV)

90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures

Psalm 59:10 (NIV)

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Psalm 89:1-2 (NIV)

1 I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands fi rm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

Christian communities adopt characteristics of the leader, namely Christ. Communities, Deeply-Committ ed COMMUNITIES, need faithfulness, dedication, att achment, and dutifulness. Each characteristic can always be improved on to not only help ourselves, but help our community. This scripture is about God’s faithfulness. God’s faithfulness to us is immense, reaching the heavens and through generations. Faithfulness to another person is most often associated with marriage, but it is just as important to friends and family members. Make coming to know God’s faithfulness a goal. How would this aff ect your community?

WEDNESDAY

Psalm 104:33-34 (NLT)

33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!34 May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

Dedication. To be dedicated to something is to be wholly committ ed to it. A Deeply-Committ ed COMMUNITY needs to be dedicated to each other, God’s purpose, and the furthering and growth of those involved. This passage shows dedication to praising God until the end. What are you dedicated to in your life? Your child’s future? Financial security? Furthering your career? What kind of impact could you have in a Deeply-Committ ed community if you put some of the eff ort you place in those things into the improvement and spiritual growth of a Christian COMMUNITY?

8

THURSDAY

Psalms 133:1 (NIV)

1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Att achment. A Deeply-Committ ed COMMUNITY requires its members to unify. We become so deeply-committ ed to a plan that is so much bigger than ourselves that we MUST use the talents and abilities of others to complete our task. Communities are built from loving, accepting, and USING the diff erences of the members. You may have experienced this in a relationship. Have you ever heard that opposites att ract? Have you ever thought that you and your best friend get along because you are a great balance for each other? Communities thrive on the ability of the members to use their diff erences to advance the goal, that of God’s Kingdom on earth.

FRIDAY

Luke 17:1-4 (NLT)

1 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temp-tations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! 2 It would be bett er to be thrown into the sea with a mill-stone hung around your neck than to cause one of these litt le ones to fall into sin. 3 So watch yourselves!“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repen-tance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

Dutifulness. As part of a Deeply-Committ ed COMMUNITY, we have a duty to ourselves and to the other members of our community. It is our duty to support, not hinder, the spiritual growth of the members of our community; to remind them of their commitments and help them with their struggles; and to forgive them when they ask forgiveness. Often, we are quick to remind others of their shortcomings and issues. But we have trouble listening to our own issues! Most of us struggle most with the idea of forgiveness. To be part of Deeply-Committ ed COMMUNITY, we don’t have to perfect – we just have to be willing to work on ourselves and support others in their willingness to work on themselves.

9

10

Acts 3:1-16 (ESV)MONDAY

Matt hew 10:40 (NIV)

40 Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.

Matt hew 28:18-20 (NIV)

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey every-thing I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This scene in Matt hew 28 is called the Great Commission. It takes place after the resurrection and just before Jesus ascends into heaven. Here Jesus charges his followers to spread his message throughout the world. Although Jesus had already stated earlier (such as in Matt hew 10) that the disciples acted on his authority, the Great Commission instructs them to carry on the work that he started. They will now act on his behalf here on Earth. They are given the responsibility of taking the things they have learned to all people in all nations. He makes it clear that just as he acted with the authority of God, they would now act with his authority in continuing his mission of love, grace, and servanthood.

Jesus’-Name-AUTHORITY • January 24 - 28

11

TUESDAY

2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NLT)

1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encour-age your people with good teaching.

2 Corinthians 4:5-7 (NLT)

5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the dark-ness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

John 13:34-35 (NLT)

34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

As followers of Christ we claim the authority given to us by Jesus to act as his people in the world. But this authority isn’t something for us to boast about or to hold over others. We aren’t ourselves called to be Lords. We are merely the imperfect vessels carrying the Good News to others. We have been given the authority to be servants to all humankind. As followers of Jesus, we are here to heal, to encourage, to give hope, to shine a light in the darkness, to be a city on a hill. Although we must sometimes rebuke and “patiently correct,” this is not what we should be known for. More than anything we have been given the authority and responsibility to love, and by that love people should know we belong to Jesus.

12

WEDNESDAY

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evange-lists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, att aining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful schem-ing. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV)

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all bap-tized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gen-tiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

We saw on Monday how at the Great Commission Jesus left us with a mission to go out into the world and bring his message to all people in all nations. Yesterday we saw that he gave us the authority and responsibility to love and serve on his behalf. This can seem like a daunting task but we are not meant to do it alone. God calls us, his church, to work together as one unit, one body, toward his goals. We are all equipped diff erently. We bring our own talents and abilities, each contributing in a unique but powerful way to the mission of Jesus. Clearly the church is not meant to be a mere building. It is the individual followers of Jesus pooling their gifts to work as one united body. And when we do this we become an unstoppable force for good in this world.

13

THURSDAY

James 1:22 (NSRV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

Romans 2:13 (NIV)

13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righ-teous.

1 John 2:3-6 (NIV)

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his com-mands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

The authority given to us implies a responsibility. It is not enough to know what Jesus commanded. We must actually do it. The church has been given a mission here on Earth. We must bring the love and grace of God to those who are living in a world short on either. This is what Jesus did while on Earth and it is what he called us to do in his place. Our authority is dead if we are not exercising it for the glory of God. But we must remember that these works that we’ve been charged with do not earn us our salvation. Like everyone else, we can only be saved by the undeserving grace of God. The works we do are a manifestation of the great transformation that has happened in our lives. A follower of Christ is a person who has accepted God’s grace and has the faith to live their life as Jesus did under his authority.

14

FRIDAY

John 17:6-9, 14-15, 20-23 (NIV)

6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.

14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

This striking passage from John occurs just before Jesus is arrested. Over the next several hours he will be tried, tortured, and executed. But John tells us that at this dark time, his thoughts are with the people he will leave behind. He prays for those who will continue his work and he prays for all those who will come to know him through their teaching. He prays for you. He prays for the body of the church and asks God to protect us in this harsh world where we have been charged to carry on his mission. He prays that we can work together in unity and that the authority given to him by God is inherited by us, his followers so that when the world looks at the church they see the love, the grace, and the power of God.

15

16

Acts 4:19-31 (TNIV)MONDAY

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Mission-Driven PRAYER requires two things: prayer and a mission. We all say litt le prayers everyday, whether we mean it as a prayer or not! Mission-Driven PRAYER starts with these litt le prayers and our own choices to commit to the regular occurrence of a conversation with God. Once you commit to regular prayer – it doesn’t have to fancy, eloquent, or lengthy – you will bett er discover your personal mission. While the church as a whole has a mission, each person within that whole has a personal mission. Start fi nding your personal mission today… Start with PRAYER.

TUESDAY

Acts 4:31 (CEV)

31 After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all fi lled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God’s message.

Today, we look at a diff erent version of our Key Thought for Sunday’s message. On Sunday, we looked at the New Living Translation of this scripture; today we look at the Contemporary English Version. The phrase, “after they had prayed,” should be carefully considered. AFTER they had prayed, they received something from God; AFTER they spoke to God, they received a message from God to be shared. AFTER they prayed, God used them for their mission and his purpose. Continue to grow in your conversations with God by asking him for a mission, a purpose, a vision – HIS mission, HIS purpose, HIS vision.

Mission-Driven-PRAYER • January 31 - February 4

17

WEDNESDAY

Psalm 51:10-17 (NLT)

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.16 You do not desire a sacrifi ce, or I would off er one. You do not want a burnt off ering.17 The sacrifi ce you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

The psalmist desires God’s favor, love, forgiveness, and restoration. This psalm, this prayer, is from a person calling out for God’s response. God will not reject a person with a willing heart and spirit. After each act the psalmist asks of God, there is an action that will take place! The psalmist will DO something with the help of God. God is YOUR power-plant! Take that powerful knowledge with you today – DO something with your gifts from God.

THURSDAY

Proverbs 19:21 (MSG)

21 We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD’s purpose prevails.

Mission-Driven PRAYER is all about knowing God’s mission and praying for/about the various components of that mission. As the passage says, as people we plan until we can plan no more. Litt le girls plan their weddings, children plan their careers, and adults plan their lives. We are over-planners, but God’s purpose prevails. Our plans fall by the wayside, or perhaps they change to align with God’s, when we fully commit to a life of Mission-Driven PRAYER. We support those involved in God’s plan and are supported by those who commit to Mission-Driven PRAYER. Are you a prayer warrior?

18

FRIDAY

Matt hew 25:34-36 (MSG)

34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’

In staying with our series theme, RADICALS, and our yearly theme, DON’T (JUST) GO TO CHURCH, BE THE CHURCH, the last devotional of the week speaks to the actions of Christians and the Church body.

Despite the way most of us think…

The Church IS NOT a place we go, IT IS something we Do.

The Church IS NOT just where people get married; IT IS a world-changing Movement.

The Church IS NOT a building; IT IS something we Become.

The Church IS NOT a Sunday-morning retreat; IT IS a Monday-Sunday Revolution.

God gave you gifts and growth opportunities. BECOME the Church in your everyday life, GET INTO the movement, ROCK the revolution! Start to today, charged by God’s power-plant, encouraged after your Mission-Driven PRAYER!

19

20

Acts 5:27-33, 40-42 (ESV)MONDAY

Romans 8:12-18 (NIV)

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the fl esh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the fl esh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifi es with our spirit that we are God’s chil-dren. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suff erings in order that we may also share in his glory.18 I consider that our present suff erings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

One morning recently on the radio there was a woman batt ling cancer and giving her testimony. She expressed how diffi cult, on many days, it is to face the struggle and suff ering. She said that she used to ask God “Why me?’ But her thinking had changed to “Why not me? I’m not so special that diffi culties like cancer should avoid me.” The early apostles took that thought process even farther by saying, “How special it is. It’s an honor to suff er in the name of Christ.”

Honored-To-SUFFER • February 7 - 11

21

TUESDAY

Matt hew 16:24 (NIV)

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my dis-ciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

We need to confess that the idea of suff ering, of having a cross to bear, can be a real obstacle for Christians beginning a walk with Christ. In order to follow Jesus, each person must make a choice as to whether they will “take up their cross.” This choice is to deny themselves (focus on the things of Jesus), pick up their cross, and do so with the knowledge of the associated risks and suff ering or to go a diff erent direction. This decision is a requirement of discipleship and there are no other options available in order for the world to see that we are now diff erent because of our decision in Jesus. Choosing to “take up their cross” will result in gaining their life in a new way of immeasurable worth. The journey to the cross is a symbol of physical and spiritual suff ering with a victorious outcome indicative of the journey of a disciple.

22

WEDNESDAY

2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 (NIV)

7b Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my fl esh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is suffi cient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in diffi culties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Suff ering is not the exclusive domain of Christians. Everyone faces struggles of some kind. People do not get cancer, lose loved ones or face any other form of suff ering because they are Christians. Suff ering, part of the human condition, comes in many forms that may be intimidating and overwhelming. How much more intimidating and overwhelming is it to think of facing life’s challenges without a relationship with Christ? Through Christ, we have a trustworthy partner because of whom we not only can endure hard times, but can be triumphant; not in spite of, but as we claim victory with Christ over our suff erings. That is how fi rst century Christians, persecuted Christians today, and even we can say “I delight in my suff ering.”

23

THURSDAY

2 Corinthians 1:3-8 (MSG)

3-5 All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Mes-siah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing com-fort—we get a full measure of that, too. 6-7 When we suff er for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encour-aging word, that also works to your benefi t, spurring you on, face forward, unfl inching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you’re just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you’re going to make it, no doubt about it.

God uses our suff ering for His purpose. Our genuine suff ering can be used as part of the master plan. Some people have even composed lists of ways that God uses suff ering for good. The following list was found on the internet recently:

a. To glorify God and further His cause

b. For divine discipline:

c. To illustrate a point, or many principles of God’s Word

d. To learn obedience to God’s Word

e. To keep down pride

f. To help us grow in faith

g. To give us opportunities to witness for Christ

h. To demonstrate God’s power

i. To manifest the production of the Holy Spirit in our lives

j. To enable us to comfort others in their time of suff ering

Of these reasons, the idea of enabling us to comfort others in their time of suff ering is worthy of consideration. That concept sums up the redemptive message of Christ’s life and death as well as any other. He suff ered on this earth not to prevent our suff ering, but in order to provide hope and comfort to us when those times of suff ering come. Then we in turn can pass it on,…and on,… and on.

24

FRIDAY

1 Peter 4:12-19 (NIV)

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fi ery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were hap-pening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the suff erings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suff er, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suff er as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suff er according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Unimaginable suff ering (at least unimaginable to many American Christians) is not something limited to the Christians we read about in the Acts of the Apostles. A simple search of “persecution of Christians today” brings up several websites and organizations that att empt to cast light on suff ering in the here and now of 2011. An example of one such site is Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com). It’s doubtful that many comfortable Christians today are aware of such real world suff erings. Hollywood’s fi nest are not quick to pick up the cause. However, the testimonies of Christians like these are inspiring. We can marvel at their strength and committ ed life style, reminding us that 1st century –style suff ering is not exclusive to a short window of history.

25

26

Acts 6:1-7 (MSG)MONDAY

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (CEV)

1 My friends, you asked me about spiritual gifts. 2 I want you to remember that before you became followers of the Lord, you were led in all the wrong ways by idols that cannot even talk. 3 Now I want you to know that if you are led by God’s Spirit, you will say that Jesus is Lord, and you will never curse Jesus.4 There are diff erent kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. 5 There are diff erent ways to serve the same Lord, 6 and we can each do diff erent things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.7 The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. 8 Some of us can speak with wisdom, while others can speak with knowledge, but these gifts come from the same Spirit. 9 To oth-ers the Spirit has given great faith or the power to heal the sick 10 or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God’s Spirit is present. Others can speak diff erent kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. 11 But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.

As Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, he is answering a question posed about spiritual gifts. Take note of verse 7, where Paul says that the Holy Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. A special way that is unique to you. So, what are you doing to use that gift? Do you know what that gift is? If not, what are you doing to fi nd out your unique gift? Consider taking COAH’s SHAPE class to discover where you are gifted to serve. Today, pray that God would reveal or affi rm your special gift that God has given you.

“Shape”-Led-SERVING • February 14 - 18

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TUESDAY

Romans 12:3-8 (NIV - New International Version)

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of your-self with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have diff erent gifts, accord-ing to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encour-agement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

As we read Romans 12, we see the importance each member of the body of believers has in the faith community. Each believer is a diff erent part of the body and holds a diff erent function but each believer is important to the overall functioning of the body and the faith community. So, what are you doing to help with the functioning of the community? In other word, how are you serving? If you aren’t serving, pray today that God would reveal to you where and how to begin serving? If you are serving, pray that God would reveal to you how to take your serving to the next level.

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WEDNESDAY

Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribu-tion of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our att ention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Today, we look at another translation of the scripture from Sunday. We see again that the number of disciples was increasing and that the priests had to delegate the work to others. Many times we do not see the need for help like the Jews did in these verses so we never begin to step up and step out like the seven men did. Today, look for some way to you could step out and help someone in need. Whether it is at home, work, or even the grocery store, step up and step out.

THURSDAY

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (ESV)

7 “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, 8 but you shall open your hand to him and lend him suffi cient for his need, whatever it may be.

We see that in this passage the land is a gift from God that is to be shared with others. Just like God gave the Israelites a gift, God gives each of us today a gift. Similarly, as God called the Israelites to share their gift of land, we should also share our gift with others. So, who around you needs your gift shared with them?

29

FRIDAY

Matt hew 22:34-40 (NLT)

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Saddu-cees with his reply, they met together to question him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the fi rst and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

In this passage, Jesus tells us to love God and our neighbor. Part of loving God and our neighbor is serving others like you would want someone to serve you. As a challenge today, try to go out of your way and be intentional in sharing your love for others by serving them in a simple way, e.g. opening the door for someone, running an errand, etc.

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Acts 8:1-8 (CEV)MONDAY

Acts 8:1-3 (NIV)

1 And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great per-secution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scatt ered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

Radicals are non-conformists. They do what they do in hopes to change the world usually under great scrutiny. After the death of Stephen, those who believed in Jesus ran to places not yet touched by the good news. The disciples stayed behind perhaps as a sign of great faith and encouragement to the movement of Jesus Christ. While those persecuting the early Christians resolved to end a radical movement, God was at work in a mighty way. These Christians had come to know Jesus and that life and death through him are ones of identity and mission fi lled with grace, mercy and love. Stephen’s death was not in vain. It set forth a mission greater than the powers that drove those in Jerusalem to throw the rocks that took Stephen’s life, the most radical movement in human history.

TUESDAY

Acts 8:4-8 (NIV)

4 Those who had been scatt ered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close att ention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

Have you ever tried to kill off a mound of fi re ants in your front yard? If you spray the mound they run in all directions and later start a new mound not far away. Philip was forced to fl ee to Samaria whose people were considered unclean. There he performed miraculous signs to a city thirsty for truth and a “new mound” is formed. Even in light of persecution, Jesus followers endured in faith to continue sharing the gospel message, the good news of Jesus, that they themselves had heard and brought joy to their own lives. How are you sharing the good news with others around you?

Persecution-Refi ned-ENDURANCE • February 21 - 25

31

WEDNESDAY

1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Accord-ing to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefi led, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a litt le while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuine-ness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fi re—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and fi lled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The strength to endure the issues and events of life comes directly from our faith in God and leads to one’s own salvation. This faith is determined and demonstrates our knowledge of, and confi dence in, our Savior. In the end, the grieving (verse 6) is replaced by joy (verse 8) as we come to realize the fruits of endurance. Think about some of the trials you have endured, or are enduring, in your life. Have you tried to face them on your own or did you ask God for help?

32

THURSDAY

Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we have been justifi ed by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our suff erings, knowing that suff ering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

In today’s passage we see that endurance is part of a growth process (suff ering to endurance to character to hope) but grounded in faithful confi dence in God. This endurance is required because the world sees Jesus followers as radical and works to discourage them from fi nishing the race that lies ahead. So how’s your race going? Are you still running, plodding along to the fi nish line? Maybe you’ve tripped over something and wondering if you will get back up? Maybe you’ve just stopped running? Ask God for the strength to endure all the way to the fi nish line.

FRIDAY

Hebrews 10:22-25 (MSG)

22-25 So let’s do it—full of belief, confi dent that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a fi rm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

So what does this type of endurance in faith look like in our daily lives? It wasn’t simply a trait of the apostles! First of all, we need to know and remember that God is faithful to us today just as in times past. Secondly, it’s lived out in community through worship together and encouraging each other to hold on to the strength God gives us to see this life through to the end. If you haven’t seen someone in worship lately, check and see how they are doing. Maybe you know someone that could use an encouraging word today. Let them know that God loves them, you love them, and that we are in this together.

33

34

MONDAY

John 3:1-21 (NLT)

1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” ex-claimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his moth-er’s womb and be born again?”5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can repro-duce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

RADICALS: Concluding Thoughts • February 21 - 25

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Nicodemus didn’t understand what Jesus was saying about being ‘born again’ and many people today don’t understand either. From a human point of view, this is indeed a radical idea but from a spiritual point of view the perspective changes. This rebirth isn’t a human action; it’s the work of the Holy Spirit as we respond to the grace off ered by God through Jesus. While we may not be in control of this act, the eff ects of a radical spiritual renewal can be clearly seen both in individuals and in the church. Do people see this type of radical renewal in you? How about in the church?

36

TUESDAY

John 14:1-14 (NLT)

1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfi ed.”9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

Sometimes the most obvious things are right in front of us. The exchange between Jesus, Thomas, and Philip is a good example of this. They had been with Jesus as part of his ministry but still didn’t understand what was happening. Jesus has stated that he came into the world in order to save, healing illness and forgiving sin. This is the radical aspect of salvation, that we cannot do it ourselves. However, in Jesus we have seen the radical change agent, the one who loves each and every one of us, at work in our lives. That person is none less than God as the ultimate source of salvation—the Savior and salvation itself. Is this how you know God? Or are you still trying to work it out on your own?

37

WEDNESDAY

Acts 9:1-19 (NLT)

1 Meanwhile, Saul was utt ering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested lett ers addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you perse-cuting me?”5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his compan-ions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied.11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suff er for my name’s sake.”

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17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be fi lled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was bap-tized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

The Bible has numerous stories of radical life changes or conversions. In Genesis 12 we fi nd Abraham called to leave his father’s house and begin a life change radical for its time, journeying with God’s call and promise in mind. Or maybe you’ve heard of Jacob and the wrestling match in Genesis 32:22-32 that changed his life in a major way. But in today’s passage we read the account of one of the most familiar conversion stories in the early church following Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Saul (later known as Paul) would fi nd his life and values radically changed by this Damascus Road encounter with Jesus. And what about the aff ect of this conversion on the Christian community? They knew him as the one sent to persecute them but were called to love him just as they had been loved, regardless of their past. How accepting are we of the ‘Sauls’ that come to us? Can we say that we love them as God does?

39

THURSDAY

Matt hew 5:1-12 (NLT)

1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfi ed.7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

As a follower of Jesus, the conventional values of the world are made unconventional. Jesus’ teaching in this passage known as the Beatitudes shows that blessings will be extended to those who share the kingdom values but that this is indeed a radical lifestyle! We don’t usually see those around us deemed poor, hungry, or meek as being the victors but Jesus says otherwise as they will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, a reward greater than any on earth. While it may not be easy, persistence in a life fi lled with expressions of love for others and patient faith lead to joy. Where do you fi nd yourself today, living for the Kingdom or the world? How do you measure success?

40

FRIDAY

1 Peter 3:13-22 (NLT)

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suff er for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is bett er to suff er for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suff er for doing wrong! 18 Christ suff ered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suff ered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.19 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison—20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drown-ing in that terrible fl ood. 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is eff ective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

Look at verse 15: “if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” What is your hope as a believer? Why have you joined in unity with others as the Church through baptism? Individual believers by grace through faith make up this community of hope in the world. The hope described here is active, not passive, and expressed in the very hearts and lives of Jesus followers. In the end, this hope is radically diff erent from how we use the word on a day-to-day basis. When one usually speaks of hoping for something, they desire to have that thing at some point in the future. However, Christian hope is based on certainty. Jesus came and conquered death through his own death and resurrection, giving us eternal life if we believe in him and off ering us assurance until his return. How do you defi ne this radical hope to the world?

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1. Genesis 1:27 (TNIV)2. Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV)3. Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)4. 1st Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)5. Psalm 23 (KJV)6. Psalm 34:1 (ESV)7. Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)8. Psalm 103:8 (ESV)9. Psalm 119:105 (KJV)10. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)11. Proverbs 19:17 (TNIV)12. Jeremiah 29:13 (NRSV)13. Micah 6:8 (ESV)14. Malachi 3:10 (ESV)15. Matt hew 5:14, 16 (NIV)16. Matt hew 6:33 (ESV)17. Matt hew 7:1-2 (NKJV)18. Matt hew 28:19-20 (TNIV)19. Mark 1:15 (NLT)20. Luke 19:10 (NLT)

21. John 3:16-17 (NKJV)22. Acts 1:8 (TNIV)23. Romans 8:1 (NIV) 24. Romans 12:2 (TNIV)25. Romans 16:20 (ESV)26. 1st Corinthians 13:4-8 (NRSV)27. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)28. Galatians 5:22-23 (TNIV)29. Galatians 6:2 (NRSV) 30. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NRSV)31. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)32. Philippians 4:6-7 (TNIV)33. Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)34. Colossians 3:17 (NIV)35. 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)36. 1st Timothy 2:3-6 (TNIV)37. Titus 3:5 (NIV)38. James 2:26 (KJV) 39. 1st John 4:19 (TNIV) 40. Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

40 Passages Every Christian Should Know

Scripture referenced in the daily devotionals followed by an asterisk (*) indicates one of COAH’s

40 Passages Every Christian Should Know.

Bible Version Abbreviations

AMP - Amplifi ed BibleCEV - Contemporary English Version

ESV - English Standard VersionKJV - King James Version

MSG - The Message ParaphraseNIV - New International VersionNKJV - New King James Version

NLT - New Living TranslationNRSV - New Revised Standard Version

TNIV - Today’s New International Version

43

Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplifi ed® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman

Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the

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Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of

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Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of

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Scripture quotations marked TNIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® TNIV®

Copyright © 2001, 2005 by Biblica®. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version, a public domain resource.

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