August 26

Today's Reading

Job. Zophar tells Job that the wicked always get taken down in the end. "Not true," says Job. "Haven't you seen how many of the wicked are buried in lavish tombs? They never paid!" (Of course they pay -- in eternity!) So Eliphaz takes the wealth subject and tells Job THAT must be Job's sin: misusing his great wealth! Notice how the only answer these friends can give is, "God caught you with your hand in the cookie jar, Job!" I hope for better comforters when I'm suffering!

2 Corinthians was written some time after the first letter to the Corinth church. In that letter, Paul challenged them to correct a number of problems that existed. This letter seems to be one of comfort as they faced the pain that comes with walking God's way. Sufferings are part of the standard gear for those who will deeply know Christ. Paul's introduction to this letter really spoke to me today. I hope it does to you, also.

Psalms. "But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you." He is the Wellspring! He is the source of the water of life. It is found in no other!

Proverbs. It is painful to hear the stories of people who didn't prepare for future troubles. On the other hand, these verses might seem to applaud living the safest life possible, avoiding all trouble at all costs. Jesus lived with a certain amount of danger; so did His early followers. We are missing the the Gospel if we think our highest priority is simply to stay safe.

What speaks to you today?