Several verses of Psalm 118 point the reader to Jesus. Read Psalm 118 this week, as well as the mentioned Gospel Scriptures, and meditate on how Jesus Christ is revealed to us in both testaments of the Bible.

Psalm 98 celebrates Jesus’s first coming and anticipates a day when we will celebrate his second coming. Read Psalm 98 this week, and listen to a traditional choral rendition of “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts. Meditate on both. Is Jesus’s second coming a joyful thing or a fearful thing for you?

Jesus is the ultimate man of righteousness. Read through Psalm 1 again, thinking of it as a description of Jesus. Which of Jesus’s good habits described there can you let rub off on you this week?

Jesus Christ is both Priest and King. Identify the areas of your life that you consider “your own,” the areas that you like to have control over. In what ways can you surrender these areas of control to Christ the King?

The gospel redefines what makes us successful. Ultimately, our success is found in Jesus and his work, not in what we accomplish.

Joy is an integral part of worship. What can you do to make worship a time of joyful anticipation?

Nehemiah and Ezra experience opposition as they try to enact God’s will. Do not be surprised by opposition to your faith, but when you encounter it, use it as an opportunity to trust God.

Nehemiah and Ezra experience opposition as they try to enact God’s will. Do not be surprised by opposition to your faith, but when you encounter it, use it as an opportunity to trust God.

Sacrifice and service are characteristics of God’s people. Evaluate your attitude and behavior toward manual labor. Is there any job you consider beneath you? What is an action you can take this week to engage in humble service?

Ezra and Nehemiah show us important characteristics of a leader. Prayerfully consider where you may need to speak a hard truth to the community of faith.