October 5

Today's Reading

Jeremiah described, in today's reading, the conditions of the people of his nation. He foresaw an enemy coming down from "the north." What he prophesied in these early chapters took place before his prophetic work was completed. And God left him there to endure the judgment right along with everyone else.

Colossians. I'm sure that most of you are like me. At times you struggle with sins -- at least in your thoughts and attitudes. It's during those times that I feel so disconnected from God. Therefore, I was comforted today by these words: "Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault." Our standing before God isn't based on our own works, but on trusting the finished work of Christ.

Psalms. In difficult times it's important to think about the goodness of God. Joy will come in the morning.

Proverbs. Sitting in judgment is a difficult job. May God give us His wisdom when we must judge.

What speaks to you today? What challenges you? What ministers to your deepest needs?