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 310 – Sunday, April 27

Acts Chapters 21-23

Read Acts 21:1-26 again.

This passage gives us a glimpse of early Christian community life. They visited one another, prayed with one another and shared news of developments within the community.

Ask God to help us to build strong, caring and discerning faith communities.

Do you see any characteristics of this early Christian community in any group to which you belong? 

Day 311 – Monday, April 28

Acts Chapters 24-26

Read Acts 26:24 again.

In today’s reading, Paul displays much knowledge, as well as public speaking and social skills. In Paul’s life, how much time do you suppose that he had spent reading, studying and learning from highly educated people? Do you think he had ever encountered opposition to his studies by people other than Festus? How did his education help him to teach other people about God?

Ask God to encourage, and to give perseverance, to all those who seek to gain more knowledge and skills with which to serve others.

Can you encourage someone today in their studies?

Day 312 – Tuesday, April 29

Acts Chapters 27-28

Read Acts 28:1-10 again.

In Acts Chapter 27 we read about a shipwreck that took Paul off of his course to Rome and brought him to Malta. In the verses from Chapter 28 we see that Paul took advantage of this detour in his life to minister to the people around him.

Ask God to help us to make the most of our present situations and to be blessings in the lives of those around us, even if we are in places or situations in which we would not choose to be.

Has your life ever taken a dramatic change in direction? Did you resist this change or embrace it?

Day 313 – Wednesday, April 30

Romans Chapters 1-3

Today we begin reading Paul’s letter to the Romans. This letter doesn’t focus as much on the actions of the early Christian community as did the Book of Acts, but focuses more on its beliefs.

Read Romans 3:21-31 again.

What does Romans 3:23 tell us about how we compare to other people? Why do you suppose Paul thought the law was so important, even though he said that faith alone justifies us?

Ask God to help us all to see that we are equal in the eyes of God and to pass laws that make us equal in the eyes of society.

Is this a time in your life when it might be possible for you to get more involved in the political process, for example, joining a political party, to develop a more just and peaceful community?

Day 314 – Thursday, May 1

Romans Chapters 4-6

Read Romans 5:6-8 again. 

Because He loved us, Jesus died for us.

Read John 14:15, and ask God to help us love Him by showing us where, in our lives, we can better keep His commandments. 

How does the fact that Jesus died for our sins affect your desire to avoid sin in your life?

Day 315 – Friday, May 2

Romans Chapters 7-9

Read Romans 7:19, 8:26, and 8:38-39 again.

Romans 7:19 shows that Paul struggled in his attempt to avoid sin. What do you notice about how Paul looked at the sin in his life? What does Romans 8:26 tell us about whether there is help available to us in our own struggles?

Ask God to help us to see any weak areas in our lives through the loving eyes of God and to know that God’s help is always available.

Paul played a major role in the expansion of the Church and is recognized as a saint. Does the fact that he struggled with sin encourage you about anything you are struggling with today?

Day 316 – Saturday, May 3

Romans Chapters 10-11

Read Romans 9:1-3 and 10:12-15 again.

How concerned was Paul that many people did not know about Jesus? How much time did Paul spend teaching people about Him? Do you think that Paul ever had any doubts about his ability to reach other people?