You Need To Let Go. Proverbs 3:1-8

There is something about following the Lord, and trusting his path, that releases us from fear, worry and stress. You don't have to know where you're going in order to be free of worry. You just have to be with someone that does know where you're going. If we follow the Lord, trust his direction and lean on him, we'll always be going in the right direction and always arrive at the right location.

Proverbs 3:1-8
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

Questions
1. Why do you think God wants us to trust him?
2. When do you find it most difficult to trust God?
3. What does reading the Bible have to do with trusting God?
4. What did you like most about this passage?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Soak It In. Psalm 8

I want to encourage you to take a minute today and allow yourself to be consumed with the goodness of our God. Try to set the concerns of the day aside and take a look at the creation; the work of His hands. Breathe, eat and drink today in recognition that it is God who provides air, food and water. Our God is a good God!

Psalm 8
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Questions
1. Why do you think God created us?
2. What's the most amazing thing you've seen in God's creation?
3. What will you take with you today from this passage?

2+2=5 Romans 16:17-19; 25-27

Have you ever heard anything that just didn't sound right? There are all kinds of people teaching all kinds of things, and some that even teach in the name of Christianity. I'm sorry to say that some of the things being taught are just flat wrong.

The challenge from this passage to to guard ourselves from deception and to hold on tightly to the teaching we know to be true. If you're saying to yourself, "How do I know what is true," the answer is simple. Does the teaching of scripture confirm it? Is it based off of the word of God or what people might want to hear? This is why it's so important to know the word of God, because this is how we protect ourselves from "smooth talk and flattery."

Romans 16:17-19;25-27
17I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil...

25Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— 27to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Questions
1. What do you do when someone teaches from a scripture, but what they're saying still sounds wrong?
2. What are some other ways knowing scripture helps?
3. Can you think of any teaching you've heard that sounds more like "smooth talk"?
4. What's encouraging about this passage?
5. What will stick with you today from this passage?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Are You Worried? Luke 12:22-31

Have you ever found yourself worrying about money, clothes or your future? I caught myself worrying about money today and was reminded of this passage. It's embarrassing to catch yourself in those situations because our God promises supply all our needs. And he is able to do it.

It's tempting to get caught up in the concerns that this world would like to put on our backs. Is social security going to be around in 30 years? Are you going to get into the right school? Will you get the right job? Jesus says, "That's none of your business, let me worry about that." Seek him and he'll take care of you. That's a promise.

Luke 12:22-31
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Questions
1. What do you worry about most?
2. What are some practical benefits of trusting God?
3. How is worrying connected to faith?
4. Have you ever had a need that was not provided?
5. What will stick with you about this passage?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Is It Worth It? 2 Corinthians 6:3-10

As a follower of Christ this is such an encouraging passage. We follow the same God as the apostle Paul did. The God we follow is worth every imprisonment and beating that one may face. It's worth losing your life to know Jesus Christ as Lord.

In the middle of the passage is the phrase "In the Holy Spirit and in sincere love." This is the power and motivation that we have to have behind everything we do. We cannot function without them. How do we face severe trials? By the power of the Holy Spirit. Why do we face severe trials? Because of the sincere love we have for God and people.

2 Corinthians 6:3-10
3We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything!

Questions
1. Do you think you could withstand any of the things on this list?
2. Do you fear anything in life? What?
3. How do you think knowing God helps remove fears?
4. What does it mean to be a servant of God?
5. What part of this passage will stick with you today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Could You Spare Some Love? Romans 13:8-14

Sometimes we make things more complicated than they have to be. A previous post talked about throwing away the rules; some of that applies here. Paul explains that the only thing we should owe to one another is love. All the commandments are summed up in the one - love one another.

The spirit behind all the laws is one of love. In fact to live by the Spirit is to walk in love. If you are refraining from stealing because you want to be good, you've missed the point. We should not steal because we love the person from whom we would be stealing.

Romans 13:8-14
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet,"[a] and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."[b] 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.[c]

Questions
1. What is your motivation for not breaking the law (like stealing)?
2. Does life ever feel like a battle?
3. What do you think it means to "clothe yourself with..Jesus"?
4. How well do you do at paying off your debt of love?
5. What part of this passage made the strongest impact on you today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Have Mercy. James 2:1-13

The man (or woman) that understands how much mercy has been shown to him (or her) will not hesitate to show mercy to others. If you have a hard time being gracious, forgiving or merciful to others pray that God would open your eyes to how gracious he's been to you.

Favortism is one area where this lack of appreciation rears its head. It's nothing short of evil to treat a person better because of the way s/he is dressed. I wonder how attractive we were to God, all covered up in sin. I'm glad he didn't ignore us because we were filthy.

James 2:1-13
1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Questions
1. Havy you ever treated someone poorly because of how they looked?
2. How does that make you feel in light of how Jesus treated us?
3. What are some ways you show favortism?
4. Would you want God to be as merciful to you as you are to others?
5. What part of this passage will stick with you today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Do It. James 1:19-27

It's difficult to resist the evil in the world. The key to doing so is to be firmly planted in the word of God. So often we stress the need to read God's word, however, it's possible to read the Bible every day and then go act worldly. James gives a very simple, but overlooked command..."Do what it (the word) says."

I'm not going to ever tell anyone that Christianity is simple, but sometimes we make it a lot harder than it has to be. We struggle with questions about what we're supposed to do with our lives and how we're supposed to act in certain situations. Some of these answers are pretty clear if we just read the Bible. The difficult part is doing it. It's possible though; I promise. The Spirit of God lives in us and empowers us to do the good work, to resist evil.

James 1:19-27
19My dear brothers (and sisters), take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Questions
1. What do you find to be the most difficult thing about Christianity?
2. What is the easiest thing?
3. Have you ever had a problem controlling what you say?
4. How damaging can words be?
5. What will stick with you from this passage?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Throw Away the Rules - Galatians 5:16-26

Too often we make a list of rules to live by that make us feel like we're doing ok as Christians. This passage is an appeal to throw away the rules and instead live by the Spirit of God. If you do, certain attitudes will become characteristic of your life. It's a little bit harder work, but it's so much more rewarding than a list of rules.

Galatians 5:16-26
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Questions
1. What rules do you think some "religious" people have that aren't biblical?
2. What sounds like more fun - rule living or Spirit living?
3. What fruits of the Spirit do you see in your life?
4. Do you see anything from the bad list in your life?
5. What part of the passage will you take with you today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Is That Love? Acts 3:13-20

I wonder if we will ever truly be able to understand the magnificent love Jesus has for us. Here's Peter, explaining to the Jews standing around that the reason the beggar was healed was because of Jesus. Jesus who happens to be the Christ, the son of God. This is the Jesus they killed, nailing him to the cross. Here's the kicker, you thought you were taking Jesus' life when all along he was laying it down for you, his murderers! He was dying for you! Now, not only can this egregious sin be wiped out, but all of your sins can be wiped out if you put your faith in him.

Forget about heart balloons and teddy bears holding chocolates...that is true love. The God-man, Jesus, who I nailed to the cross rose again and instead of bringing judgment offers life to all who will believe in him.

Acts 3:13-20
13The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16By 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 given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

17"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ[a] would suffer. 19Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

NEW Questions
1. Is it difficult to imagine being responsible for Jesus' death?
2. How does this love compare to our culture's definition of love?
3. What did you learn about Jesus through this passage?
4. What does it make you feel like doing?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Let My People Go! Exodus 9:13-26

The Israelites, God's people, are enslaved to the Egyptians. They have cried out to God and he has heard their cries. God sends Moses, along with his brother Aaron, to confront the Pharaoh of the Egyptians and demand that he let the Israelites go. The Israelites, however, are very valuable to Egypt as slaves so Pharaoh refuses. God sends ten different plagues over Egypt and the hailstorm is the sixth one. Each time Pharaoh is shaken up a little, but in the end his heart is hardened and he will not yield to God.

It's tempting to think God was mocked in these exchanges, but through it all God was having his way with Pharaoh. God received glory through Pharaoh. Because Pharaoh would not yield to God, God was able to demonstrate his mighty power through the plagues he sent upon Egypt. This is a reminder that we will all bring glory to God one way or another. God will be glorified by showing he is a just, righteous and powerful God, as he showed toward the Egyptians, or He will be glorified by showing his grace mercy and deliverance, as he did with the Israelites.

Exodus 9:13-26
13 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Get up early in the morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, 'This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me, 14 or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 15 For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. 16 But I have raised you up [a] for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 17 You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go. 18 Therefore, at this time tomorrow I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded till now. 19 Give an order now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every man and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die.' "
20 Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. 21 But those who ignored the word of the LORD left their slaves and livestock in the field.

22 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that hail will fall all over Egypt—on men and animals and on everything growing in the fields of Egypt." 23 When Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning flashed down to the ground. So the LORD rained hail on the land of Egypt; 24 hail fell and lightning flashed back and forth. It was the worst storm in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation. 25 Throughout Egypt hail struck everything in the fields—both men and animals; it beat down everything growing in the fields and stripped every tree. 26 The only place it did not hail was the land of Goshen, where the Israelites were.

Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

A Mighty God! Joshua 5:13-6:20

The God that delivered Jericho to the Israelites is the same God we serve today. He is still mighty to save. His hands are not too weak to deliver the nations over for His glory. Perhaps, like Joshua, we are asking the wrong question of the Lord - is He for us or against us? He is neither. He is for Himself and allows us the opportunity to join with Him in His story.

Let us never settle for mediocrity in our Christian lives, for our God is not a mediocre God. Our God is a God who tears down walls, builds nations, brings floods that destroy and rains that heal. He is the beginning and the end, all things were made by Him and for Him. This is the God that has allowed us to be involved in His story! Seize it.

Joshua 5:13-6:20
13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
14 "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord [d] have for his servant?"

15 The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.

1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.

2 Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."

6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant of the LORD and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it." 7 And he ordered the people, "Advance! March around the city, with the armed guard going ahead of the ark of the LORD."

8 When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the LORD went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the LORD's covenant followed them. 9 The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 10 But Joshua had commanded the people, "Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!" 11 So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. Then the people returned to camp and spent the night there.

12 Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. 13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the LORD and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets kept sounding. 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.

15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted [a] to the LORD. Only Rahab the prostitute [b] and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the LORD and must go into his treasury."

20 When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.


Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Seeing Through Social Barriers - John 4:27-38

This passage comes right on the heels of one of Jesus' more controversial interactions recorded. He's talking to a Samaritan women! Jews and Samaritans did not mix well, so it came as quite a shock to the disciples that he was having this conversation at all. Jesus has just told the lady that he is the Christ and she believed him. He changed her life in just a few minutes. If you read on past this story, John tells of how many Samaritans came to follow Jesus because of her testimony.

Jesus saw the opportunity to minister to a woman that an upstanding Jewish man would never even make eye contact with. Jesus saw not just the opportunity with the woman, but knew that she could reach her whole town with the gospel. He didn't let her status get in the way of fulfilling the will of God, which was to minister to her in that moment. Maybe this passage will encourage us to see past social barriers that might ordinarily keep us from ministering to the people God puts in our paths. The fields are still ripe for the harvest.

John 4:27-38
27Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"
28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ[b]?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

31Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."

32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."

33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"

34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Forget the Apple...Go for the Proverbs - Proverbs 1:1-19

This is part of the opening chapter of the Proverbs in the Bible. It's a wonderful source to all sorts of wisdom that is still very useful and valuable today. The Proverbs are probably the most often quoted and cross-stitched verses in the Bible. Also they are nicely divided into thirty-one chapters, which just so happens to be the amount of days in seven of our months. Proverbs every day keep the doctor away? Maybe.

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools [a] despise wisdom and discipline.
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
9 They will be a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, "Come along with us;
let's lie in wait for someone's blood,
let's waylay some harmless soul;
12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave, [b]
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot with us,
and we will share a common purse"-
15 my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into sin,
they are swift to shed blood.
17 How useless to spread a net
in full view of all the birds!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they waylay only themselves!
19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the lives of those who get it.


Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Make a U-Turn - Joel 2:12--27

The chapter and a half prior to this passage in Joel describes how the land of the Israelites, God's chosen people, has been laid waste from the "army" of locusts God sent to destroy the land. The Lord reassures the people that this is nothing compared to the judgement that they are facing because they already stand condemned. Then comes this word. A word from the Lord that says even though you don't deserve it, if you return to me I will heal your land and I will take you as my people again. Drop what you're doing, He says, and repent.

Sometimes the storms in life come as a result of our flagrant disobedience to the Lord. Thankfully, the Lord is patient and kind, slow to anger and quick in mercy. Turn your heart back toward the Lord today if you find yourself far from him, for his is full of grace and mercy.

Joel 2:12-27
12 "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.14 Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God.15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.16 Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.17 Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'

18 Then the LORD will be jealous for his land and take pity on his people.19 The LORD will reply [a] to them: "I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations. 20 "I will drive the northern army far from you, pushing it into a parched and barren land, with its front columns going into the eastern sea [b] and those in the rear into the western sea. [c] And its stench will go up; its smell will rise." Surely he has done great things. [d]21 Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. Surely the LORD has done great things.22 Be not afraid, O wild animals, for the open pastures are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.23 Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. [e] He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.25 "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm [f]— my great army that I sent among you.26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.27 Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed.

Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

A Prayer - Ephesians 3:14-31

Have you ever felt stuck about what to pray or how to pray? The Bible is filled with great words to pray for yourself, for others and for the church. There's often nothing better than to pray scripture over one another. A great way to ensure that you're praying in the Spirit is to pray the very words the Spirit inspired in the biblical authors. Here's a great example of what I'm talking about.

Ephesians 3:14-21
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

Can We Question God? Job 40:1-14; 42:1-6

The easy answer to the question above is yes. Yes we can question God, and not all questioning of God is bad. Read through the Psalms and see how often the Psalmists question God about different things. In fact, by our questioning we assume God has control over the situation. There is something very appropriate about coming to God as a father and asking him, "Why?"

The other easy answer to the question is no. No we can't question God. God is the maker of the universe, he is the righteous judge and he does what he will do. Far be it for a man to question his maker. Can a pot say to the potter, "Why did you make me like this?" Of course not. It's nothing short of arrogance to come before God and suggest he owes us an explanation.

Whatever the situation, this much is clear. We must not come to God with any pride or arrogance in our heart. The prideful man has not recognized that God is God and so sets himself in opposition to his maker. The man who has seen God will always say, like Job, "I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

40:1 The LORD said to Job:
2 "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!"
3 Then Job answered the LORD :
4 "I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.
5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more."
6 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:
7 "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.
8 "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?
9 Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his?
10 Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.
11 Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low,
12 look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand.
13 Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave.
14 Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you...
42:1 Then Job replied to the LORD :
2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.
3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.'
5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.
6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Need a Friend? Psalm 119:25-32

Sometimes the word of God is the best friend you can have, because it always says the right thing. You know that it will be both honest and encouraging. It will always point you in the right direction, and it is always faithful. In times of sorrow there may not be anywhere better to rest than in the Psalms. Over and over again they have become my prayers. They are prayers for deliverance, for repentance, for comfort and much more. If you find yourself in need, you can find your refuge in the Lord and in his word. It truly is good.

Psalm 119:25-32
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.

Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.

In His Joy! Matthew 13:44

Rarely, and maybe never again, will you see one lone verse for the daily post. This verse is the perfect follow-up for yesterday's post (go read it if you haven't already), and beautifully explains what Jesus means by finding your life.

The man who finds the kingdom of heaven in Jesus Christ has no less joy than the man who finds a treasure. He is willing to give up everything for this treasure. He will sell his possessions, endure riducule from his family and friends, run the risk of losing his job and everything else he may value. And he will do it all with great joy, for the treasure he has found far outweighs any earthly possession or relationship.

In his joy he bought the field!

Matthew 13:44
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field!

Questions
1. What do you like in this passage?
2. What is difficult about this passage?
3. What did you learn about God?
4. What is He leading you to do?
5. What part will you take with you and think about today?

Want to read more? Click here for the rest of the chapter.