AME Christian Education - Into God's Word

Daily Spiritual Vitamin

Remembering Jesus’ Sacrifice // Matthew 26:17–30

Thursday, March 31, 2011
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins..” Matthew 26:26-28

Our Savior // Titus 3:1–7

Wednesday, March 30, 2011
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:1–4

Descended from David // Romans 1:1–7

Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God--the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to faith and obedience for his name's sake. Romans 1:1–5

Raised from the Dead // Acts 3:11–16

Monday, March 28, 2011
You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Acts 3:14–16

Duties toward Believers // 1 Timothy 5:1–8, 17–22

Sunday, March 27, 2011
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "Workers deserve their wages.” Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 1 Timothy 5:1–8, 17–20

Assisting Widows // 1 Timothy 5:9–16

Saturday, March 26, 2011
No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord's people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 1 Timothy 5:9–11

A Widow’s Gift // Mark 12:41–44

Friday, March 25, 2011
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put, and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41–44

Honoring Elders // Leviticus 19:31–37

Thursday, March 24, 2011
Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:32

Support for Parents // Mark 7:9–13

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions. And he continued, You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, 'Honor your father and mother, and, 'Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death. But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God) -- then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus, you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that. Mark 7:9–13

Served by the Master // Luke 12:35–40

Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Luke 12:35, 40

Chosen to Serve // Acts 6:1–6

Monday, March 21, 2011
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." Acts 6:1–4

Guidance for Faithful Leaders // 1 Timothy 4:6–16

Sunday, March 20, 2011
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. 1 Timothy 4:8–11

Pursue Love // 1 Corinthians 13:1—14:1

Saturday, March 19, 2011
If I speak in human or angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Taught and Led by God // Psalm 25:1–10

Friday, March 18, 2011
Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Psalm 25:4-6, 9

God’s Words in Your Heart // Deuteronomy 11:13–21

Thursday, March 17, 2011
So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today--to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Deuteronomy 11:13, 18

Single-minded in Purpose // 1 Chronicles 29:18–25

Wednesday, March 16, 2011
And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided." 1 Chronicles 29:19

Trustworthy Service // Luke 19:12–23

Tuesday, March 15, 2011
So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.” He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. "The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.” "Well done, my good servant!” his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.” Luke 19:13,15–17

Stand Firm in the Lord // Philippians 3:17—4:1

Monday, March 14, 2011
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Philippians 3:17, 4:1

Qualifications for Leaders // 1 Timothy 3:1–13

Sunday, March 13, 2011
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 1 Timothy 3:1–4

Good Stewards of God’s Grace // 1 Peter 4:7–11

Saturday, March 12, 2011
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:7–10

Obey Your Leaders // Hebrews 13:17–25

Friday, March 11, 2011
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17

Imitate Your Leaders’ Faith // Hebrews 13:1–7

Thursday, March 10, 2011
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can human beings do to me?" Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:5–7

Leaders as God’s Stewards // Titus 1:5–9

Wednesday, March 9, 2011
An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God's household, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:6–9

Leading God’s People Astray // Isaiah 9:13–17

Tuesday, March 8, 2011
But the people have not returned to him who struck them, nor have they sought the LORD Almighty. So the LORD will cut off from Israel both head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day; the elders and dignitaries are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail. Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray. Isaiah 9:13–16

Tending the Flock of God // 1 Peter 5:1–5

Monday, March 7, 2011
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2-3

The Great Mystery // 1 Timothy 2:1–6; 3:14–16

Sunday, March 6, 2011
For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6

The Goal of Instruction // 1 Timothy 1:1–7

Saturday, March 5, 2011
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:1–7

Instructions on Prayer // Luke 11:1–13

Friday, March 4, 2011
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Luke 11:1–2

The Spirit’s Intercession // Romans 8:22–27

Thursday, March 3, 2011
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26–27

Prayer and Supplication // Ephesians 6:18–24

Wednesday, March 2, 2011
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Ephesians 6:18

Worship and Thanksgiving // Psalm 95:1–7

Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. Psalm 95:1, 6