CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Tuesday, May 31^st, 2016
2 Samuel 17:1-29
John 19:23-42
Psalm 119:129-152
Proverbs 16:12-13
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1rvP5hF

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby. – Jn 19:41-42

Joseph and Nicodemus were prominent Jewish leaders. They were both members of the Sanhedrin, and their social standing and livelihood were dependent on the status they held. They both believed in Jesus, but they kept their faith hidden: Joseph was a secret disciple (v 38), and Nicodemus quietly visited Jesus at night (Jn 3:2). Joseph and Nicodemus would have been expelled from the Sanhedrin if they were found out. Yet after the Cross, none of that mattered.

Jesus’ death empowered Joseph and Nicodemus to act boldly. Imagine the scene as Joseph carried Jesus’ dead body to the tomb, and Nicodemus followed with “one hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes” (v 39)! How could they go unnoticed? They would have been declared ceremonially unclean for touching a dead body and carrying Jesus to His temporary resting place; yet they risked their livelihood to request the body of Jesus and anoint Him for burial. Joseph gave up his tomb for Jesus, and Nicodemus spent a fortune on spices. Both men made significant offerings to honor Jesus, and even risked death to lay Him in the tomb, because of everything Jesus had done for them.

God gave everything for you – just as He did for Joseph and Nicodemus. It is a small request, then, for God to ask us to honor Him with our lives, since He has already given His for us! Jesus’ death shouldn’t leave you the same. It should empower you to do things that would otherwise be impossible. Before His death, Joseph and Nicodemus were afraid to act. Yet after His crucifixion, they became so bold that inaction was an impossibility.

Are you willing to risk it all for Jesus?

Prayer:

Father, make me bolder. Make me more courageous. Give me the strength to take courage and call on Your name!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-151-give-it-up/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-151-give-it-up-2/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Monday, May 30^th, 2016
2 Samuel 15:23-16:23
John 18:25-19:22
Psalm 119:113-128
Proverbs 16:10-11
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/a5f31s2d

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. – Ps 119:114

What does hope mean to you? Typically when we hope for something, it means our attitude is, “It would be nice if that happened.” We hope for things that might not happen, and our expectation is tempered by reality. But when God asks us to hope in His word, He demands so much more than simply holding out just in case He comes through.

“Hope” is the Hebrew word yachal (Strong’s H3176), which means to wait with patient expectation. When we hope in God’s word, it means we orient our lives to accommodate His action. We avoid taking matters into our own hands until God can move! We wait with patient confidence, because we know He is going to do something supernatural on our behalf.

Biblical hope is much more than just a desire for something far-fetched to happen. Biblical hope is committed trust that God is going to do what He said He will do!

Prayer:

Father, I will hope in Your word. I have complete confidence that when You make a promise, You mean it! Give me hope, and fill me with confidence in Your word, in Jesus’ name!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-150-point-of-no-return/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-150-secret-action-open-reward/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Sunday, May 29^th, 2016
2 Samuel 14:1-15:22
John 18:1-24
Psalm 119:97-112
Proverbs 16:8-9
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1J6LSgP

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. – Jn 18:6

Judas arrived to arrest Jesus with a detachment of troops. The Greek word for “detachment” is speira (Strong’s G#4686), which means about 600 legionnaires. Why did Judas bring so many men? Wasn’t this an excessive amount of force required to arrest just one man? But Jesus is not just a man; He is God. Judas knew that at a moment’s notice, Jesus could wield all of Heaven’s authority and overtake an army. If Jesus were just a prophet, and He hadn’t really performed all the miracles Scripture describes (as some skeptics claim), would Judas have brought a small army to arrest Him?

In John 18:6, we see the power of God’s declarative word, even against an army of men. Jesus simply said, “I am He,” and the troops, “…fell to the ground” (Jn 18:6). When Jesus confessed His identity, His enemies could no longer stand! What will happen to your enemies when you start declaring “Jesus is Lord” over your life?

No matter what happens, Jesus is Lord. No matter how big the obstacles in front of you, or how numerous your enemies seem to be, Jesus is Lord! Declare that statement over your life, and watch your enemies fall at your feet.

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth… – Phil 2:9-10

Prayer:

Father, thank You for declarative power. I know that whenever I declare Jesus is Lord, my enemies cannot stand! One declaration changes everything, so help me declare that You are Lord of my life early and often!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-149-dreaming-with-god/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-149-big-plans-small-steps/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Saturday, May 28^th, 2016
2 Samuel 13:1-39
John 17:1-26
Psalm 119:81-96
Proverbs 16:6-7
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1nSjGQF

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. – John 17:3

Eternal life is knowing God. To “know” is the Greek word ginosko, which means to intimately become acquainted. Are you intimately acquainted with Jesus?

Many times we confuse knowing Christian doctrine with knowing God; but all the Scriptural knowledge in the world does no good if we don’t know Jesus. Sometimes we confuse religion with knowing God; yet religion and relationship are very different ways of life.

God invites you into relationship with Him! You don’t have to wait until you get to Heaven to meet God. Ask Him for an encounter here and now! Eternal life – perpetual joy – starts the moment you become intimately acquainted with Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Father, I want to know You: to become intimately acquainted with You through Your Son Jesus Christ. I know I can have a restored relationship with You because of the Cross, and I will thank You for it every day!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-148-eternal-life/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-148-come-home/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Friday, May 27^th, 2016
2 Samuel 12:1-31
John 16:1-33
Psalm 119:65-80
Proverbs 16:4-5
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1EwsH88

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. – Jn 16:13

This verse has much to say about the character of God’s Holy Spirit:

1)   The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will guide you into all truth. He won’t drag you or push you. Life with God is an invitation. You can choose to accept it and enjoy the benefits, or reject it and accept the consequences. Shepherds lead, but wolves push. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

2)   The Holy Spirit will not speak to you in a way that disagrees with God’s word. Jesus is the Word (Jn 1:1), and both Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one with the Father. The Holy Spirit will never speak something that does not line up with God’s word. Never.

3)   The Holy Spirit is future-oriented. Satan tries to trap you in your past, but God breaks you free for your future. Any time you are mired in guilt for something you did a long time ago, Satan is at work. Simply confess your sin to God, and trust it is forgiven. Then, focus on the future with full faith that God has forgiven you!

We must know who the Holy Spirit is if we are to be led by Him!

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your Holy Spirit! Thank You that after Jesus ascended into Heaven, You didn’t just leave us to our own devices. You filled us with Your Holy Spirit so we could go out and be like You!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-147-holy-spirit-led-prayer/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-147-protect-the-water-source/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Thursday, May 26^th, 2016
2 Samuel 9:1-11:27
John 15:1-27
Psalm 119:49-64
Proverbs 16:1-3
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/SD8dLg

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, “Mephibosheth?” And he answered, “Here is your servant!” – 2 Sam 9:6

Mephibosheth assumed the worst. David was frantically scavenging for any known living relative of Saul. Mephibosheth assumed David wanted to take vengeance on him because of the way Saul had treated David; but David just wanted to show Mephibosheth kindness!

We often run from God because we assume He will punish us for our past. However, all He ever really wants to do is bless us. David sought out Mephibosheth to invite him to, “…eat bread at [his] table continually” (2 Sam 9:7). David wanted to acknowledge the past, but honor the present and sow for the future. In the same way, “…the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chron 16:9).

Love God, and He will chase you down with blessings.

So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.” – 2 Sam 9:7

Prayer:

Father, I know Your will is to bless me. Even though I don’t deserve Your blessings, I accept them, in Jesus’ name!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-146-covenant-kindness/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-146-the-key-to-answered-prayer/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Wednesday, May 25^th, 2016
2 Samuel 7:1-8:18
John 14:15-31
Psalm 119:33-48
Proverbs 15:33
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1oydZbT

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“Now, O Lord God, the word which You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house, establish it forever and do as You have said…For You, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore Your servant has found it in his heart to pray this prayer to You.” – 2 Sam 7:25-27

God didn’t need David’s approval; but He did desire his participation. It might seem unnecessary – or even a little presumptuous – of David to ask God to, “…do as You have said” (v 25). However, this is exactly what God wants from us in prayer. It is neither unnecessary nor presumptuous; it is Biblical.

God told David what to pray, and David prayed it back to Him. God declared His promise to set up David’s family as permanent royalty, and David proclaimed God’s promise back to Him. When we repeat God’s word back to Him, it is established. Transformation takes place when we agree with God by opening our mouths and boldly declaring His word – out loud.

What has God spoken to you in prayer? What promises do you see in His word? Participate in prayer. Come into agreement and alignment with God by inviting Him to do what He said. When you agree with Him, it is done!

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. – Is 55:11

Prayer:

Father, I know Your promises are true. Establish me according to Your word. Put me where You need me, and do what You want with my life. Reveal Your plans to me so I can pray them back to You!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-145-hearing-from-god/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-145-loving-jesus/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Tuesday, May 24^th, 2016
2 Samuel 4:1-6:23
John 13:31-14:14
Psalm 119:17-32
Proverbs 15:31-32
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1nBgxVi

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel. – 2 Sam 5:3

David was thirty years old when he began to reign. But Biblical scholars estimate he had been anointed king over Israel when he was as young as 12! All those years, he refused to promote himself. All those years, he waited patiently while God brought about victory after victory in his life. And when he became king, he realized that all those years…were worth the wait.

God’s anointing is different from His appointing. Even if He has anointed you to do something great, it may not yet be the appointed time to step into His promise. For David, the interim between the anointing and the appointing was a critical period in which his character was continually refined. He knew his destiny, but he refused to be discouraged as Saul chased him all over Israel. David had to wait as many as 18 years to fulfill his destiny; but then he ruled for over twice that long!

There is no such thing as wasted time with God. You might feel like you’re just waiting, but God is cultivating you. He is curating and allowing you to grow into your destiny at a safe pace, according to His timing. Your appointing is coming. Do not lose hope!

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your perfect timing. I know I am right on schedule, because You don’t mess up. Thank You!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-144-wait-for-it/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-144-promises-take-time/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Monday, May 23^rd, 2016
2 Samuel 2:12-3:39
John 13:1-30
Psalm 119:1-16
Proverbs 15:29-30
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/SsTDWt

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. – Prov 15:29

God hears your prayers! “He hears the prayer of the righteous” does not mean you have to be perfect to be heard. We are righteous by faith, because we believe in Jesus Christ. So, when you believe in Jesus and pray in His name, God treats your prayers as if Jesus Himself prayed them! You are hidden in Jesus (Col 3:3), and God receives your prayers as He receives His!

When you pray, God bows his ear (Ps 31:2, Ps 86:1). That means He doesn’t just listen to your prayers because He has to; He listens to your prayers because He wants to! Enter into prayer – all day, every day – with confidence that God is listening.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. – 1 Jn 5:14-15

Prayer:

Father, thank You for always hearing my prayers. I know I might not always get the answer I expect, but I know You are always listening!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-143-love-looks-like-something/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-143-in-advance/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Sunday, May 22^nd, 2016
2 Samuel 1:1-2:11
John 12:20-50
Psalm 118:19-29
Proverbs 15:27-28
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1jXw91i

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” – Jn 12:28-29

When Jesus prayed, God answered! When Jesus talked to God, God responded! This is the model of what prayer is supposed to look like. Prayer is not a monologue; it is a dialogue. Prayer is a conversation. God created us to talk with Him, and not just at Him. When you pray, do you expect God to answer?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for powerful prayer. I have full confidence that whenever I pray, You hear me. I will pray in full expectation that when I do, You will respond – not because You have to, but because You love to!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-142-gaining-perspective/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-142-the-choice/

© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.