This plan provides a good balance between Old Testament readings and New Testament Readings because it guides you through the New Testament twice as you read through the Old Testament once. To allow time for reflection, it follows a two-year plan.
Every week I will post the readings for that week and add the daily devotionals as time permits. If you wish to print a copy of the plan without the devotions, you can find copies of it in pdf format at the link below. I like to print and use them as bookmarks in my Bible.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TQs0_oejNJO8HInVlN1JmSClMhWcEbiG?usp=sharing
The daily readings for this week are included below.
May 21 (Read: Mk. 5)
“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid, only believe.’” (Mark 5:36 NAS)
Too often, our faith is weakened by fear. We are anxious when we should be at peace. Jairus’ faith settled when he chose to listen to the Master instead of those around him. Our circumstances can speak quite loudly, and the sound can even be amplified by our family and friends. What we need is to hear from the Lord. When we take time at the start of our day to fellowship with God, we are more alert to His voice as we complete the tasks of our day. I like the verse that says, “But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” (1Cor. 6:17). To me this means that my spirit and the Holy Spirit live together in my body. My spirit is sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, so all I need to do is be sensitive to my spirit. This happens when I am praying, worshipping, and meditating on the Scriptures. If there is an issue that I am believing God for, I meditate on His promises. I try also to maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day (1Thess. 5:17). Giving thanks in all circumstances is one way to accomplish this. Praying in the spirit is another way.
Your words, Lord Jesus, are full of life. I open my heart to Your still small voice, Holy Spirit. You guide me into all truth. You help me to hear what my Father and my Lord are saying. (Heb. 4:12; 1Ki. 19:12; Jn. 16:13)
May 22 (Read: Mk. 6)
The daily devotion will be added later. Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.
May 23 (Read: Mk. 7 & 8)
The daily devotion will be added later. Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.
May 24 (Read: Mk. 9)
The daily devotion will be added later. Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.
May 25 (Read: Mk. 10 & 11)
“You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.” (Mk. 10:42,43 NKJV)
How effective has our obedience to the Lord been on the topic of leadership? Jesus came to serve and not be served (Mk. 10:45), but He also knew how to exercise authority. “And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mk. 1:22). Whenever He spoke to evil spirits, He spoke authoritatively, but when dealing with people, His approach was different. He humbled Himself as a servant and became obedient to God, to the point of death (Phil. 2:7,8). His leadership was by instruction and example. He placed the good of others before His own but was careful to discern between good and evil. His service was to mankind, but His obedience was to God. We must be careful to lead the same way. “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10b). One of my favourite lessons on authority is from the centurion who knew how to be “in authority” while being “under authority”. Even as an officer in the Roman army, he recognized the spiritual authority of the Son of God. Jesus called this “great faith”. (Math. 8:8-10). When we recognize our spiritual authority, we can exercise authority through prayer rather than through dominance. “But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (Jas. 1:19,20).
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving me authority over all the power of the enemy. Give me wisdom to exercise this authority as Your servant. In love, You gave Yourself up for me as a fragrant offering to God. I choose also to offer my members as a living sacrifice, that I may serve others in love. (Lu. 10:19; Jas. 1:5; Eph. 5:2; Rom. 12:1; Gal. 5:13).
May 26 (Read: Mk. 12 & 13)
The daily devotion will be added later. Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.
May 27 (Read: Mk. 14)
The daily devotion will be added later. Until then, please ask the Lord to give you a “wonderful thought” from today’s reading.
Highway in the Wilderness 