October 22

Today's Reading

Jeremiah. All it would have taken to receive God's protection during those dark days was the willingness to be under the rule of Babylon. Even so, they rebelled against the established authority and against God. They would face judgment. In the meantime, Jeremiah stayed in the place where the judgment would fall. God still had a purpose for him there -- to warn the people to turn back to God.

This first chapter of 2 Timothy has some great truths that jump out at us. God called us to Himself because He valued us -- not because we earned it. Our gratitude should be such that we are not ashamed to share it. It should be such that we carefully guard this treasure of salvation which we have received. I have, at times, been remiss in both areas, but I keep wanting to get better!

Psalms. I read these words sitting in a hotel room in a large city. I imagined that, in all the ages of time, it has been only a city for a tiny season. God was here back then, before all the people came. When this was nothing but desolate land, He was the Refuge. He still is!

Proverbs. People may spite us and speak evil of us. But, if we are innocent of their accusations, the words will roll off and do us no harm.

What have these passages said to you today?