As we approach the end of the year, many of us are busy with preparations for parties, trips, and a break from school. Although you’ll be busy, I hope you’ll continue to read each day. This month would be a great time to prepare for the newness of January, and the start of a new Bible reading schedule. I recommend reading some passages on giving, since that is this month’s theme. Psalms is also a great place to go, since it touches on so many areas––thankfulness, distress, fear, and joy, to name a few. I would suggest asking for a Bible concordance for Christmas. This will help you in the coming year’s study of the Bible by directing you to scriptures on certain topics and people.

You do not have to follow the Bible reading plan provided by Pierce My Heart, but I would strongly suggest finding a plan, or coming up with one, that suits you and that will encourage you to spend time in the Word daily. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). When I started my daily Bible reading months ago, I decided to start at the most obvious place for any book––the beginning. Although I have gone to church my entire life, I have never read through the entire Bible. I knew many stories, but since I’ve been reading, I’ve discovered so many more that I never knew about. I also realized that if I’m to share God’s Word with the lost, I need to know His Word! I’ve enjoyed this reading plan, as simple as it is. I encourage you to spend this month, amid the holiday busy-ness, studying His word so your mind and heart will be prepared to properly begin the new year.

By Lisa Grimenstein

December Suggested Reading

Dec 1: Matthew 6:1-34
Dec 2: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Dec 3: Psalm 1:1-6
Dec 4: Psalm 3:1-8
Dec 5: Psalm 4:1-8
Dec 6: Psalm 6:1-10
Dec 7: Psalm 8:1-9
Dec 8: Psalm 11:1-7
Dec 9: Psalm 19:1-14
Dec 10: Proverbs 1:1-19
Dec 11: Proverbs 31:10-31
Dec 12: Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
Dec 13: Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
Dec 14: Esther 2:1-23
Dec 15: Esther 3:1-15
Dec 16: Esther 4:1-17
Dec 17: Esther 5:1-14
Dec 18: Esther 6:1-14; 7:1-10
Dec 19: Esther 8:1-17
Dec 20: Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-23
Dec 21: Luke 1:1-40
Dec 22: Luke 1:41-80
Dec 23: Luke 2:1-38
Dec 24: Luke 2:39-52
Dec 25: Mark 15:1-47
Dec 26: Mark 16:1-20
Dec 27: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Dec 28: Titus 2:1-15; 3:1-15
Dec 29: Hebrews 2:1-18
Dec 30: Hebrews 6:1-20
Dec 31: Hebrews 12:1-3; 13:1-8

I think it’s appropriate that, in a month so focused on thankfulness, we are reading several books which share all that we should be most thankful for. This month, we’ll start with Hebrews, one of the few books in the Bible whose author is unknown. The one, most incredible thing for which we have to be thankful is mentioned in Hebrews 12:28: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…” The author of Hebrews reminds the reader of Christ’s superiority and of this New Covenant by which we are saved. If nothing else worth being thankful for ever happens again in our lives, this should be enough! James tells us to be thankful even in temptation, because when we have obediently endured, we will receive the crown of life (James 1:12). Peter, John, and Jude continue to teach and encourage, even amid their own persecution and trials.

And then there’s Revelation, one of the most confusing, and therefore skipped over, books in the Bible. There are many different views regarding Revelation, and I myself have not begun to understand it all. No doubt this book will give you plenty to think about. Revelation does clearly mention giving thanks and praise to Jesus, again reminding us of one thing for which we can all be thankful: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign” (Revelation 11:17).

So, in this time of year when we are often reminded to be thankful, let us give thanks for the greatest blessing of all: Christ’s offer of salvation through His death and resurrection.

Lisa Grimenstein

Suggested Reading, November 2008

November 01 (Hebrews 1:1-14; 2:1-18)
November 02 (Hebrews 3:1-19; 4:1-16)
November 03 (Hebrews 5:1-14; 6:1-28)
November 04 (Hebrews 7:1-28: 8:1-13; 9:1-15)
November 05 (Hebrews 9:16-28; 10:1-39)
November 06 (Hebrews 11: 1-40)
November 07 (Hebrews 12:1-29; 13:1-25)
November 08 (James 1:1-27)
November 09 (James 2:1-26; 3:1-18)
November 10 (James 4:1-17; 5:1-20)
November 11 (I Peter 1:1-25; 2:1-25)
November 12 (I Peter 3:1-22; 4:1-19)
November 13 (I Peter 5:1-14; II Peter 1:1-21)
November 14 (II Peter 2:1-22; 3:1-18)
November 15 (I John 1:1-10; 2:1-29)
November 16 (I John 3:1-24; 4:1-21)
November 17 (I John 5:1-21; II John 1:1-13)
November 18 (III John 1:1-14; Jude 1:1-25)
November 19 (Revelation 1:1-20; 2:1-29)
November 20 (Revelation 3:1-22; 4:1-11; 5:1-14)
November 21 (Revelation 6:1-17; 71-17; 8:1-13)
November 22 (Revelation 9:1-21; 10:1-11)
November 23 (Revelation 11:1-12; 12:1-17)
November 24 (Revelation 13:1-18; 14:1-20)
November 25 (Revelation 15:1-8; 16:1-21)
November 26 (Revelation 17:1-18; 18:1-24)
November 27 (Revelation 19:1-21)
November 28 (Revelation 20:1-15)
November 29 (Revelation 21:1-27)
November 30 (Revelation 22:1-21)

The theme for October, to strive to be virtuous, is a very appropriate theme for the section of Scripture we’ll be reading this month. Paul writes a letter to the believers at Corinth, instructing and encouraging them to remain pure and obedient. Biblical Corinth was a centre of sin. It was a sexually immoral place, with its goddess Aphrodite. There were false gods and idols everywhere. Definitely not the most suitable place to strive for purity and obedience to Jesus’ teachings. Paul encourages the Philippians to continue in their obedience, writing the letter from prison. He commends their joy in serving Christ. Paul himself is in the midst of the persecution from others as a result of his own obedience to Christ. Although Paul encourages the Church to live pure lives that are pleasing to God, he also reminds the churches of Galatia and Ephesus that our salvation is by faith, and not works alone. Timothy shows perhaps one of the best examples in the Bible of a godly woman. Timothy’s mother and grandmother are praised for raising Timothy in a godly home and living as virtuous women. As you read these letters, focus on what God is saying to the churches, and to us, through Paul.

By Lisa Grimenstein

Suggested Reading, October 2008

October 01 (1 Corinthians 10:1-33; 11:1-16)
October 02 (1 Corinthians 11:17-34; 12:1-31)
October 03 (1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 14:1-40)
October 04 (1 Corinthians 15:1-49)
October 05 (1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 16:1-24)
October 06 (2 Corinthians 1:1-24; 2:1-17)
October 07 (2 Corinthians 3:1-18; 4:1-18; 5:1-11)
October 08 (2 Corinthians 5:12-21; 6:1-18; 7:1-16)
October 09 (2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 9:1-15)
October 10 (2 Corinthians 10:1-18; 11:1-33)
October 11 (2 Corinthians 12:1-21; 13:1-14)
October 12 (Galatians 1:1-24; 2:1-21)
October 13 (Galatians 3:1-29; 4:1-31)
October 14 (Galatians 5:1-26; 6:1-18)
October 15 (Ephesians 1:1-23; 2:1-22)
October 16 (Ephesians 3:1-21; 4:1-32)
October 17 (Ephesians 5:1-33; 6:1-24)
October 18 (Philippians 1:1-30; 2:1-30)
October 19 (Philippians 3:1-21; 4:1-23)
October 20 (Colossians 1:1-23; 2:1-23)
October 21 (Colossians 3:1-25; 4:1-18)
October 22 (1 Thessolonians 1:1-10; 2:1-20; 3:1-13)
October 23 (1 Thessolonians 4:1-18; 5:1-28)
October 24 (2 Thessolonians 1:1-12; 2:1-17; 3:1-18)
October 25 (1 Timothy 1:1-20; 2:1-15; 3:1-16)
October 26 (1 Tomothy 4:1-16; 5:1-25)
October 27 (1 Timothy 6:1-21)
October 28 (2 Timothy 1:1-18; 2:1-26)
October 29 (2 Timothy 3:1-17; 4:1-22)
October 30 (Titus 1:1-16; 2:1-15; 3:1-15)
October 31 (Philemon 1:1-25)

I love Bibles. I love their smell, their look, and their feel. I love to carry my slimline Bible in my purse so I can open it whenever the mood strikes me to look something up or read a few verses. This is also a great way to fit extra study time into a busy schedule. I can spend a few minutes studying His word when I am waiting somewhere, since I have a Bible at hand. I’m so blessed that I have the freedom to carry a Bible and study His word anywhere I choose. The great thing about reading the Bible is that it’s not just useless reading; it will help us to learn and grow as people as well as Christians.

We do need to be careful, however, to not just fit God into our little minutes, but to set aside time for Him before we plan other things. He wants the best of us, not the leftovers. This month, let’s make a commitment to study His word every day, and I believe that by the end of the month we’ll find ourselves getting excited to dig into our Bibles, and we’ll have a much better attitude and purer outlook on life.

Don’t wait until tomorrow to begin reading. Start today; continue tomorrow.

Suggested Reading, September 2008

September 01 (Acts 9:1-43)
September 02 (Acts 10:1-48)
September 03 (Acts 11:1-30; 12:1-25)
September 04 (Acts 13:1-52)
September 05 (Acts 14:1-28; 15:1-21)
September 06 (Acts 15:22-41; 16:1-24)
September 07 (Acts 16:25-40; 17:1-34)
September 08 (Acts 18:1-28)
September 09 (Acts 19:1-41)
September 10 (Acts 20:1-38)
September 11 (Acts 21:1-40)
September 12 (Acts 22:1-30; 23:1-11)
September 13 (Acts 23:12-35; 24:1-27)
September 14 (Acts 25:1-27; 26:1-32)
September 15 (Acts 27:1-44)
September 16 (Acts 28:1-31)
September 17 (Romans 1:1-32; 2:1-16)
September 18 (Romans 2:17-29; 3:1-31)
September 19 (Romans 4:1-25; 5:1-21)
September 20 (Romans 6:1-23; 7:1-25)
September 21 (Romans 8:1-39)
September 22 (Romans 9:1-33; 10:1-21)
September 23 (Romans 11:1-36; 12:1-21)
September 24 (Romans 13:1-14; 14:1-23)
September 25 (Romans 15:1-33; 16:1-27)
September 26 (1 Corinthians 1:1-31; 2:1-16)
September 27 (1 Corinthians 3:1-23; 4:1-21)
September 28 (1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 6:1-20)
September 29 (1 Corinthians 7:1-40)
September 30 (1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 9:1-27)

By Davonne Parks

Many of us want to be well known at school and to have something we stand for. This school year, let’s stand for Christ. Let’s learn about Him so we can be an example to others around us. The best way to begin sharing Him with others is to learn about His love by studying His word. We can’t tell others what we don’t know ourselves. We can read our Bibles first thing in the morning, on the bus, in the car, during study hall, at the lunch table, after school, before dinner, after dinner, or before bed. Sometimes we’ll be tempted to say, “I’d love to read my Bible, but I just don’t have time.” I know that excuse, because it’s an excuse I’ve used myself. Something I’ve learned, though, is that if I’m too busy for God, then I’m just too busy! Make time. This six-month New Testament plan takes only ten minutes a day to follow, and if we don’t have ten minutes a day for God, then something needs to change. Let’s look critically at our schedule and see if there’s something we can drop. Maybe we only need to work three days a week instead of five, or we could choose our favorite sport to participate in instead of continuing with several sports. Maybe we should just watch one favorite show per evening instead of several shows that are just okay. If you’re the girl who spends two hours getting ready for school every morning, look at your beauty routine, and your heart, and consider changing something in the routine to allow a few minutes for God each morning. This school year, let’s make a statement by saturating our minds and hearts with God’s word so we can let His love shine through us, allowing us to be a living Christian example to everyone around.

Davonne Parks

August 01 (Luke 20:1-47)
August 02 (Luke 21:1-38)
August 03(Luke 22:1-46)
August 04 (Luke 22:47-71)
August 05 (Luke 23:1-56)
August 06 (Luke 24:1-53)
August 07 (John 1:1-51)
August 08 (John 2:1-25)
August 09 (John 3:1-36)
August 10 (John 4:1-54)
August 11 (John 5:1-47)
August 12 (John 6:1-40)
August 13 (John 6:41-71)
August 14 (John 7:1-53)
August 15 (John 8:1-59)
August 16 (John 9:1-41)
August 17 (John 10:1-42)
August 18 (John 11:1-57)
August 19 (John 12:1-50)
August 20 (John 13:1-38)
August 21 (John 14:1-31; 15:1-27)
August 22 (John 16:1-33; 17:1-26)
August 23 (John 18:1-40)
August 24 (John 19:1-42)
August 25 (John 20:1-31; 21:1-25)
August 26 (Acts 1:1-26)
August 27 (Acts 2:1-47)
August 28 (Acts 3:1-26; 4:1-37)
August 29 (Acts 5:1-42)
August 30 (Acts 6:1-15; 7:1-43)
August 31 (Acts 7:44-60; 8:1-40)

I love to read about the life of Jesus, which is what we’ll continue doing this month. Jesus walked on water, healed diseases, saved souls, and lived a life free from all sin. Jesus Christ is the perfect example. We can all enjoy our freedom in Him this month as we read our Bibles in a park, on our front porches, at our work, or anywhere else we desire to read. Turn the pages and imagine you are there—watching the miracles happen, listening to His sermons, and witnessing His unselfish love. Allow the Bible to come alive to you. Read in a quiet place outside and pretend you’re reading where Jesus prayed, walking where Jesus led, and sitting where Jesus taught. Choose to experience the love of Jesus and to let the Bible pierce your heart so you can fully respond to Christ, who chose to die for our sins so that we may live, and enjoy, being free in Him.

Suggested Reading, July 2008

July 01 (Mark 8:1-9:6)
July 02 (Mark 9:7-50)
July 03 (Mark 10:1-40)
July 04 (Mark 10:41-11:33)
July 05 (Mark 12:1-44)
July 06 (Mark 13:1-37)
July 07 (Mark 14:1-42)
July 08 (Mark 14:43-72)
July 09 (Mark 15:1-47)
July 10 Mark (16:1-20)
July 11 (Luke 1:1-45)
July 12 (Luke 1:46-80)
July 13 (Luke 2:1-52)
July 14 (Luke 3:1-38)
July 15 (Luke 4:1-44)
July 16 (Luke 5:1-39)
July 17 (Luke 6:1-49)
July 18 (Luke 7:1-50)
July 19 (Luke 8:1-56)
July 20 (Luke 9:1-45)
July 21(Luke 9:46-10:29)
July 22 (Luke 10:30-11:36)
July 23 (Luke 11:37-12:12)
July 24 (Luke 12:13-59)
July 25 (Luke 13:1-35)
July 26 (Luke 14:1-35)
July 27 (Luke 15:1-32)
July 28 (Luke  16:1-31)
July 29 (Luke 17:1-37)
July 30 (Luke 18:1-43)
July 31 (Luke 19:1-48)

By Davonne Parks

Matthew 12:9-50

13 Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other.

14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.

15 But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all,

16 and warned them not to tell who He was.

17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

18 “BEHOLD, MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN; MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL is WELL-PLEASED; I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM, AND HE SHALL PROCLAIM JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES.

19 “HE WILL NOT QUARREL, NOR CRY OUT; NOR WILL ANYONE HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS.

20 “A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT,
UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY.

21 “AND IN HIS NAME THE GENTILES WILL HOPE.”

The Pharisees Rebuked

22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw.

23 All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?”

24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.”

25 And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.

26 “If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?

27 “If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges.

28 “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

29 “Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.

The Unpardonable Sin

30 “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

31 “Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.

32 “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

Words Reveal Character

33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.

34 “You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

35 “The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.

36 “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.

37 “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

The Desire for Signs

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”

39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet;

40 for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

41 “The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

42 “The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

43 “Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it.

44 “Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order.

45 “Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation.”

Changed Relationships

46 While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him.

47 Someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.”

48 But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?”

49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers!

50 “For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 11

John’s Questions

1 When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.

2 Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples

3 and said to Him, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?”

4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see:

5 the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM.

6 “And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”

Jesus’ Tribute to John

7 As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

8 “But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces!

9 “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.

10 “This is the one about whom it is written,
‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU,
WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’

11 “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.

13 “For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

14 “And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come.

15 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places, who call out to the other children,

17 and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

18 “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’

19 “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

The Unrepenting Cities

20 Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His ^(S)miracles were done, because they did not repent.

21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

22 “Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.

23 “And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day.

24 “Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.”

Come to Me

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.

26 “Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.

27 “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.

30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 12

Sabbath Questions

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat.

2 But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.”

3 But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions,

4 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone?

5 “Or have you not read in the Law, that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and are innocent?

6 “But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here.

7 “But if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.

Lord of the Sabbath

8 “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Did you know that people spend more time reading books about the Bible than they spend actually reading the Bible? Reading books about the Bible are wonderful if you want to study a specific Biblical topic in depth, but books about the Bible don’t replace the Bible. The best way to gain Bible knowledge is to read the Bible! Bible classes, sermons, and Pierce My Heart articles are wonderful, but they are to accompany daily Bible study, not take the place of it.

Whether you are used to reading your Bible every day, or usually don’t even crack it open, this Bible study will be beneficial because if you read the assigned chapters, you will actually read the entire New Testament by the end of this year! We’ll start with Matthew and go all the way through the book of Revelation. There is not very much reading per day, so even if you get behind, you should be able to take extra time and catch back up again. This summer is a wonderful time to get in the habit of regular Bible study because you won’t be tied down with school and homework. If your family is going on vacation, print out extra copies of the reading plan and let everyone take turns reading out loud in the car. (Reading the Bible is a much better way to pass the time than reading license plates!) If you have a summer job, take the reading plan with you and read on your breaks from work. There is no better way to unwind and regroup than to read the Bible and pray! Maybe you’re staying home all summer by yourself while your parents work; make it a habit to do your Bible reading before checking your e-mail, Facebook or Myspace. Our theme this month is “Pierce my heart in the Son,” and we will be reading through the book of Matthew and starting on Mark, which are both records of the life of Jesus. No greater man ever lived than Christ Himself, so learn about Him this summer by digging into your Bible and letting the Word of God pierce your heart!

Suggested Reading, June 2008

June 01 (Matthew 1:1-2:18)
June 02 (Matthew 2:19 – 4:25)
June 03 (Matthew 5:1-42)
June 04 (Matthew 5:43 – 7:6)
June 05 Matthew (7:7 – 8:27)
June 06 (Matthew 8:28 – 9:38)
June 07 (Matthew 10:1 – 10:42)
June 08 (Matthew 11:1 – 12:8)
June 09 (Matthew 12:9 – 12:50)
June 10 (Matthew 13:1 – 13:52)
June 11 (Matthew 13:53 – 14:36)
June 12 (Matthew 15:1 – 16:4)
June 13 (Matthew 16:5 – 17:23)
June 14 (Matthew 17:24 – 18:35)
June 15 (Matthew 19:1 – 20:16)
June 16 (Matthew 20:17 – 21:27)
June 17 (Matthew 21:28 – 22:33)
June 18 (Matthew 22:34 – 23:36)
June 19 (Matthew 23:37 – 24:35)
June 20 (Matthew 24:36 – 25:30)
June 21 (Matthew 25:31 – 26:35)
June 22 (Matthew 26:36 – 27:14)
June 23 (Matthew 27:15 – 27:66)
June 24 (Mark 1:1-28)
June 25 (Mark 1:29 – 2:12)
June 26 (Mark 2:13 – 3:19)
June 27 (Mark 3:20 – 4:34)
June 28 (Mark 4:35 – 5:43)
June 29 (Mark 6:1 – 6:44)
June 30 (Mark 6:45 – 7:37)

by Davonne Parks

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Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(R), Copyright (C) 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Matthew 10

The Twelve Disciples; Instructions for Service

1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;

4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans;

6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.

9 “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts,

10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.

11 “And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city.

12 “As you enter the house, give it your greeting.

13 “If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.

14 “Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.

15 “Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

A Hard Road before Them

16“ Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

17 “But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues;

18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

19 “But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.

20 “For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.

22 “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

23 “But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.

The Meaning of Discipleship

24“ A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.

25 “It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!

26 “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

27“ What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.

28 “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.

30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

32 “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.

33 “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

35 “For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;

36 and A MAN’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.

37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

38 “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

39 “He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.

The Reward of Service

40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

41 “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

42 “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”