Here are the Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week. Note that the readings are based on the New American Bible. 

Day 290 – Sunday, March 30

Luke Chapters 17-18

Read Luke 17:6, 17:10, 17:15-16 and 18:14 again.

These verses describe some characteristics of those with strong faith: boldness, humility and gratitude. 

Ask God to give us a spirit of courage and boldness, along with an attitude of gratitude and humility.

Which of these characteristics do you think is most important for you to develop at this point in your journey of faith?

Day 291 – Monday, March 31

Luke Chapters 19-20

Read Luke 19:1-10 again.

What do you think that the people in the crowd thought when they saw Zacchaeus climbing up a sycamore tree? What do you suppose they thought when Zacchaeus beamed with joy after Jesus offered to stay at Zacchaeus’ house?

Ask God to help us to focus on what God says, and not on what others say, about our value.

How willing are you to “climb a tree” and show your faith in front of a skeptical audience? Does the fact that no one in the crowd liked Zacchaeus, yet Jesus honoured him with a special visit, encourage you about anything in your life? 

Day 292 – Tuesday, April 1

Luke Chapters 21-22

Read Luke 22:7-13 again. In this passage Jesus seems to be assigning a rather minor task (booking a dinner reservation and then preparing a meal) to Peter and John.

Peter and John probably couldn’t have imagined that the assignment that Jesus gave to them would result in a billion people celebrating the Eucharist in the future. 

Ask God to help us to remember that accomplishing seemingly insignificant tasks can bear an abundance of spiritual fruit to people near and far. 

Are you tempted to feel discouraged because you think you are doing minor tasks at school, at work, at home or elsewhere? You might be contributing, unknowingly, to a major blessing for others.

Day 293 – Wednesday, April 2

Luke Chapters 23-24

Read Luke 23:8-11 again.

Herod wanted to see Jesus perform a miracle and grew angry when Jesus refused to even talk to him. 

Read Luke 11:9-13. In this passage Jesus tells His disciples that if they ask they will receive. Why, then, do you think that Jesus would not perform a miracle for Herod?

Ask God to help us to ask for the right things.

When you pray, are you praying for what you think is best or for what God thinks is best?

Day 294 – Thursday, April 3

John Chapters 1-3

Read John 1:38-39 again.

In these verses Jesus invited people to come and see where He was staying.

Ask God to make us aware of those who are looking for God and to give us wisdom in giving them directions.

Have you noticed someone on your path recently who seems to be looking for some spiritual support? Do you have any ideas on how to invite such people into your spiritual home?

Day 295 – Friday, April 4

John Chapters 4-5

Read John 4:5-26 again.

The conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is one of Jesus’ longest conversations recorded in the Bible. Why do you think that Jesus spent so much time with her? How much time do we give to those people who need us the most?

Ask God to show us the people in our lives who need the most of our time.

How much time do you engage with people face-to-face? Would you be able to tell if a friend is struggling when only communicating through text messages or social media posts?

Day 296 – Saturday, April 5

John Chapters 6-7

Read John 7:1, 7:11-13, 7:19 and 7:25 again, and then read John 8:58-59.

As we rightly focus on the suffering and death of Jesus on the Cross, we sometimes forget His daily sacrifices. The more teaching He did, and the more miracles He performed, the more He lived in constant danger.

Many of our brothers and sisters in this world also suffer from constant danger, for example, at home, at work, in their neighbourhoods or doing mission work. Ask God to send angels to protect all of God’s children and to bring those in harm’s way to places of safety.

Is there anything you can do today to help protect vulnerable people?