August 25

Today's Reading

The latter part of Job today shows that he has begun to acknowledge God's ultimate victory and is glad for it. Still, though, Job is not settled in his heart. He is wrestling with what's going on. He is upset at his friends. Life isn't what he thinks it should be so he is not at peace. I know the feeling sometimes.

Paul closes this letter of 1 Corinthians with his special love for their city and their church. He wants to spend a length of time there. He wants them to know that they are not alone. He wants them to respect their spiritual leaders. All are important reminders for a church with so many problems. His final words are telling: those who don't love Christ are cursed, but Paul wants grace and love to permeate God's people.

Psalm 40. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned and heard my cry." Amen!

Proverbs. It takes years to earn a good name and one dumb mistake to destroy it. May we live in such a way that people will see our good words and glorify the Father in heaven!

What have you noticed today?

August 24

Today's Reading

Job. In his initial response to suffering, Job seemed to simply question, "Why?" All the while, he maintained his innocence. He seems to turn a corner today, getting a bit frustrated with his "friends" who keep trying to add guilt to Job's woes. Job even gets direct with God: "23 Tell me, what have I done wrong?
Show me my rebellion and my sin.
24 Why do you turn away from me?
Why do you treat me as your enemy?" Eliphaz comes back with his second speech, a further accusation that it must be sin causing Job's problems.

1 Corinthians. "Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength." That didn't mean much to me when I was younger. I understand it more and more. What about you?

Psalms. It is often in my trials that I am reminded -- my only hope is in God. Then my heart is able to settle down and I can rest.

Proverbs. Ultimately our lives are in God's hands. He is faithful with us and accomplishes His plans.

What are you grateful for today?

August 23

Today's Reading

Job. Today we meet the second and third of Job's friends who were anything but comforting during Job's pain. (I have heard that Bildad the Shoe-height was the shortest man in the Bible.) Job's cry includes these words: "33 If only there were a mediator between us,
someone who could bring us together." In 1 John (New Testament) we are told that Jesus Christ is the mediator between us and God. What a wonderful answer to our dilemma!
In the last part of Job today, Zophar flew into Job like a buzz saw. He added condemnation to the pain Job was already experiencing. Not unlike people who approach a Christian with cancer and say, "If you had faith, God would heal you." Then the cancer victim feels guilty in addition to the physical ailment.

1 Corinthians. Our hope is built on nothing less than the resurrected Christ. Praise God for Him!

Psalms. Every pain and every sorrow we experience was experienced by the writers of these words. That's why they are a great way to express our feelings to God.

Proverbs. It is far better to simply speak the truth than to try and bluff your way through life.

What do you think?

August 22

Today's Reading
This longest section of Job reads like an ancient drama or an epic poem. His friends, beginning today with Eliphaz, each try to convince Job that his problems are because of some hidden or unconfessed sin. Job denies it and wonders why God abandoned him. Have you ever felt forgotten by God? I have! It's part of life's struggle. A few seasons of trouble that didn't come as a result from our own sin can make us less likely to criticize others going through difficulty.

Part of the purpose of 1 Corinthians was to address certain areas that were out of balance among the Corinth church. For instance, their worship services could be positively chaotic. Paul brings them back to the purposes of certain things in worship and warns them that they need to make some changes.

Psalms. It is tempting to take a momentary snapshot of the wicked and believe that wickedness pays off. Not so! In the end, they always fall. When you compare and contrast this to the message of Job, you notice that God DOES notice and it matters how we live. Not every trouble is because of sin, but we still reap what we sow!

Proverbs. Always, always, always God looks at our hearts. We need to search out our own motives for what we do.

What thoughts do you have today?

August 21

Today's Reading

We begin Job today, the account of a man whose struggles and trials defy our imaginations. What do you think of the word picture of the "heavenly court" with Satan coming before God along with the rest of the heavenly beings? What about how God allowed him to put Job to the test?

1 Corinthians 14 highlights one of the more controversial topics in the New Testament, that of speaking in tongues. No doubt our readers will include various points of view on this topic. All I will say is, watch out for extremes on either side of the issue. Those who say that this is a dead gift and God doesn't work like this anymore, do so in the face of significant evidence to the contrary. Those who say that everyone MUST do this in order to achieve a mature faith are ignoring similar significant evidence to the contrary. Somewhere between those extremes lies some great truths to help us in our walk with God.

Psalms. This latter part of Psalm 37 reveals a part of the cry of my own heart. Seek God, humble yourself before Him. You may stumble and you will make mistakes, but He is there to lift you up and care for you.

Proverbs. "26 Some people are always greedy for more,
but the godly love to give!" The heart of a giver is constantly overflowing. The heart of a greedy person feels like it never has enough.

How do you see yourself in the light of today's passages?

August 20

Today's Reading

Esther. God gave Esther and Mordecai great favor with the king. They used to to help protect their people. What do you think of their actions? What about their refusal to plunder those they defeated?

1 Corinthians. We live in a culture that makes heroes out of the rich, the famous, the talented, the gifted. Many of those icons are self-centered, hard to get along with, and mean. If you want true friends, model your life on 1 Corinthians 13.

Psalms. I'm grateful for a rekindled conversation about "life verses." What is your life verse(s)? What verses anchor your souls and help you keep moving in the right direction. Mine are found in this Chapter. I like them in the New American Standard: Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday. (Psalm 37:3, 6 NASB)

Proverbs. "23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,
and you will stay out of trouble." Someone said, "The abrasive are never persuasive." I like that.

What are your thoughts today?

August 19

Today's Reading

Esther today is another reminder of how different some cultures are from others. The brutality of impaling someone on a 75-foot pole baffles us. However, in parts of the world such violence is normal. What do you think of Mordecai's challenge: "If you don't help, God will make another way and your family will be judged." That was pretty bold, considering that Mordecai was part of her family.

1 Corinthians. Each of us is different. We are each designed with a calling and purpose from God. He makes no mistakes, even when His call seems as impossible to us as Moses' call seemed to him. When we take steps of faith to follow God's lead, it is the most fulfilling way to live. What does that mean to you?

Psalms. God's unfailing love. I am overwhelmed by it! I need it! And you?

Proverbs. Verse 21 says, "Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor." What a great "Amen!" to today's Psalm.

What have you noticed today?

August 18

Today's Reading

Esther. A simple Jewish girl becomes queen and discovers that she was created "for such a time as this." God created you and me for this time that we live in. What does that mean to you?

Paul uses this part of his 1 Corinthians letter to clarify the purpose and power of the Lord's Supper. Communion is -- foremost -- recalling Christ's death. We must not take it lightly. God intended it to be a time when we renew our intimacy with Him.

Psalms. Remember that, according to Ephesians 6, our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. Satan, the archenemy, is surrounded by other beings who help him try to bring us down. When you apply this Psalm to them, it makes more sense.

Proverbs. Which of today's verses do you need the most? Apply it!

What thoughts do you have?

August 17

Today's Reading

Today's Nehemiah reading begins with the grandeur of the wall dedication service. I can almost see it and rejoice with them. Then the account turns to difficulty. Nehemiah had returned to Persia (Babylon had been conquered by the Persians) and stayed there for a time. When he returned again to Jerusalem, he found the signs of spiritual erosion already taking hold, like rust beginning to oxidize on metal. Specifically, Tobiah (the constant enemy in this book) was actually using God's Temple for his own purposes and he was the enemy of the God of Israel! Also, the people had stopped bringing their promised financial support to the Temple, they were again forgetting the Sabbath and they were allowing intermarriage with non-Jews. What a mess!

1 Corinthians. So, what do you think of the custom women keeping their hair long? I think it was just that -- a cultural custom. While God has a unique design for men and a unique design for women, I don't think their hair length idea was meant to be taken as a permanent law. We can celebrate the differences in how God made us or fight them. The problem is that sin has so warped the perspective of our culture that we sound insensitive or insane when we honor God's pattern.

Psalms. David's example seems to be that of praying for his enemies well-being and, when they keep coming after him, praying that God would judge them. I think it's a pretty good plan. How about you?

Proverbs. It is always best to humble ourselves before God. He will take care of us.

Your insights? Any questions today?

August 16

Today's Reading

Nehemiah today does what we have seen in some other Old Testament Books. He details what amounts to a census and an organizational chart. These records were important for his time and remind us of the importance of some structure and organization to carry out God's work. Organization isn't life and it can't reproduce, but it sure can help manage the life of God among His people. I like to think of it as something akin to a tree. It needs food and water and pruning and trimming, but none of those "make" it grow. It grows because God gave it life. All those elements of care can help enhance and manage the growth, though.

1 Corinthians. Freedom in Christ is amazing. But we must watch the temptation to abuse it. Our personal freedom should always be tamed by the highest law -- love!

Psalms. Oh, how God longs for us to be brokenhearted before Him because of our sins. Then He is free to turn on the blessing spigot!

Proverbs. The truth is hardest for those who don't want to live by it, but to the godly it brings ultimate joy.

And what have you noticed today?

August 15

Today's Reading

Nehemiah continues with a prayerful acknowledgement that the nation had lost so much, not because of military failure, but because of spiritual malaise. The people then confessed and repented, seeking God's provision and blessing. That's a great lesson for us personally and in the church.

1 Corinthians. Paul was very focused. He worked hard to stay spiritually, emotionally and physically fit. He also refused detente with the devil; NO temptation has the power to overwhelm us because God is faithful. When we stumble (and I do), we are responsible. That's the time to approach God with a broken and contrite heart.

Psalms. "6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him." Is that a great promise, or what? I think we might pray more if we were desperate more.

Proverbs. I have worked around genuinely poor people. They are humble and seek little. We ought to have a heart to help them. We also need wisdom to let God use them in the strengths they have that we need to experience.

What do you see today?

August 14

Today's Reading

Nehemiah. Experiencing God's mercy often makes us aware of just how sinful we are. When we think we are just "good people" that God can't help but love, we don't see the depths of our need. However, when we start to see our own sinfulness, we can become overwhelmed by it, as the Israelites did in today's passage. I love the prayer that was prayed by their leaders.

In 1 Corinthians today, Paul is obviously dealing with a complaint he had heard. Some of the people -- his "fans" -- called him an apostle and said that the church should support him. Others argued against any of "my money" going to him. He set the record straight and also taught a great lesson to churches throughout the centuries. His final statement, "I never demand my rights when I preach..." is an equally great lesson for pastors.

Psalms. "18 But the Lord watches over those who fear him,
those who rely on his unfailing love.
19 He rescues them from death
and keeps them alive in times of famine." These words offer some hope in this season of economic uncertainties. One time I read this on the day after two more people in our church had lost their jobs. As a pastor, that feels overwhelming to me. However, I know that God is faithful to His Words and will care for them.

Proverbs. God knows; God cares; God will handle it. But He might not step in until we take our hands off it. He might not intervene until we diligently seek Him in prayer.

What speaks to you today?

August 13

Today's Reading
Nehemiah begins today with what seems to be a parenthetical remark. He speaks of his twelve years as governor. Remember how he had asked the king for permission to go rebuild the wall? Then the king asked him how long it would take and Nehemiah gave him an answer. Nehemiah was a careful leader and a good planner. No doubt he went back to the king after the allotted time and reported what happened. It's obvious that, sometime later, the king extended further trust to Nehemiah and sent him back to Jerusalem as governor.
Meanwhile, back at the wall... Completed in 52 days! So much for, "They said it couldn't be done!" But notice how much opposition they had. Even some of the Jewish leaders were helping the opposition because of inter-marriages. God had warned somewhere about that, hadn't he?
1 Corinthians. It's hard for us to imagine a culture where meat was scarce. We just head to WalMart and buy it to our heart's content. Not so in Corinth 2,000 years ago. Some of the best meat wasn't available in the markets or served in the public places. It was taken to be offered as sacrifices to pagan gods. After it was given as an offering, it was available for sale. Paul's discussion of how to handle this is an example we have used many times in church life today.
Psalms.Many who follow Christ are growing deeply disturbed about the spiritual and moral condition of our nation. The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations
and thwarts all their schemes.
But the Lord 's plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken. (Psalm 33:10, 11 NLT) Do you want to see God change things? It's time to humble ourselves in prayer!

Proverbs. Evil people desire evil. What do I desire?
How about you? What are your thoughts, questions and comments for today?

August 12

Today's Reading

Nehemiah was a warrior at heart. First he attacked the problem of the Wall. Then he began to deal with the spiritual blight upon his fellow Jews. I'm not sure which victory was more important, but I would probably choose the one in the peoples' hearts.

This chapter in 1 Corinthians is like a Christian user's guide to marriage. It is full of wisdom. You will notice that Paul seems very convinced that our time on this planet is short. You might think he made a mistake on that one, given that he wrote this almost 2,000 years ago. However, anyone who is getting into their older years will tell you: "Life flies by. Invest it carefully."

Psalms. As a boy, I would often stand rigid during altar calls at church. I knew in my heart that I needed to set some things right with God, but I didn't do it. Only when I finally gave in and fully yielded myself to God did I find peace. That was many years ago and I still have to be careful of that same rigid attitude.

Proverbs. "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty." That's one of life's great lessons. Some people take action too quickly and fail the "good planning" step. Others wait for everything to be perfect and never take the "hard work" step.

What steps do you need to take today? What in today's reading speaks to your heart?

August 11

Today's Reading

Nehemiah. During the days recorded in Ezra, when the Temple was being restored, God raised up another servant-leader to take on a different challenge. Ezra, the priest and scribe, was naturally concerned for the Temple. The problem that still remained was that Jerusalem was unprotected defensively. The wall was a shambles. God placed it on the heart of Nehemiah, the "cupbearer" (he tasted the food and drank the wine before the king to make sure it wasn't poison) to go back to the home of his ancestors and lead the wall-building project. Nehemiah was skilled to be a planner, thorough and meticulous. He has had the necessary diligence to see the job through to completion.

1 Corinthians. As Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about living as followers of Christ, he needed to cover the subject of marriage. This chapter is one I refer to often. Please take note of it so you can get back to it as needed.

Psalms. I want to, in the end, always be loyal to God. I need His presence so much. How about you?

Proverbs. When I read this verse today, I had to confess my "proud heart." God placed it in the same category as the others -- sin.

What speaks to you?

August 10

Today's Reading

Ezra. I have found that one of the most sure ways to see God's Spirit bring conviction on others is to allow Him to break my heart first. It's not fun at the moment, but He uses it to accomplish His purposes.

1 Corinthians. "Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that?" In this nation where we have been taught to fight for our rights, this one is hard; even for us Christians.

Psalms. 14 But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
15 My future is in your hands.
Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. This is a far better way to respond when our rights are trampled on. He will intervene and send help.

Proverbs. In the end, God is always after my heart. He wants to conform me to the image of Christ and He loves it when my heart is submissive and pliable toward Him.

What speaks to you today?

August 9

Today's Reading

Ezra. Notice how much gold and silver they were transporting. It was common in those days (and today in parts of the world) for caravans to be attacked by bandits. The decision to fast and rely upon God's protection was a bold witness to Artaxerxes and the members of his inner circle. God honored the faith of the Israelis. When they arrived in Jerusalem, Ezra was appalled by the intermarriage of the spiritual leaders. Like Solomon before them, they had married wives from other religions and allowed them to bring their idolatry into the marriage with them.

1 Corinthians parallels Ezra today. It was known that a man in the church was living in sin with his father's wife. Nothing was being done and Paul demanded that the take action before the work of the Gospel was destroyed. Note this man is mentioned again in 2 Corinthians and he had repented. Hallelujah! Church discipline is painful and often messy, but it has to be done.

Psalms. As I write this, I think about someone I know who seems to be suffering deeply at the hand of enemies. I found comfort in this prayer.

Proverbs. It is easy to rail against leaders with whom we disagree. May we all grow to deeply believe Proverbs 21:1.

How have today's passages spoken to you? Any thoughts for us?

August 8

Today's Reading

Ezra. Today we "meet" the man whose name is attached to this book. He is obviously the one who wrote down this part of their history and it was preserved. He was a "priest and a scribe." He was from the priestly tribe of Levi and a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses. His job as priest was representing God to the people and vice versa. As a scribe, he was a man who meticulously wrote down such things as this book that bears his name. He would also, most likely, have been at times tasked with making copies of the scrolls that chronicled the interactions of God and His people over the years.

I was struck by this sentence: "I found that not one Levite had volunteered to come along." Why? Why didn't the spiritual leaders want to go back to the place which God had established for the Temple? A few verses later, some of the Levites DID come and it seems that God specifically ordained some to make the journey. I don't want to be guilty of going along with the crowd when God's call comes!

1 Corinthians. Paul made two things clear in today's passage. First, he didn't want the people to praise him or look to him as provider of their spiritual riches. Second, he wanted them to imitate him in his passion to find and do God's will. As a leader, I appreciate the clarification he made here.

I have lived this Psalm. When things are going well, I feel invincible. When they are not going well, I wonder if I can even survive. Do you share my experience?

Proverbs. Leaders who use fear and intimidation may seem successful -- for a while. But great leadership helps people take action based on the highest motive of all: love.

What insights have you received today? Do you have questions?

August 7

Today's Reading

It's beautiful and amazing that, in Ezra today, the people re-started the work on the Temple based on the prophetic word they received. Then, after they started by faith, God allowed "sight" to catch up. First, they faced opposition, then received the surprise support of King Darius. They probably didn't know that, on the other end of this communication was a king who had received great help from God's wisdom through a man named Daniel. Even during opposition, Daniel remained faithful and Darius rejoiced when he came in the morning to the den of lions and found Daniel alive. God knows how to accomplish His purposes!

I once read this passage the day after a U.S. District Court Judge overturned the voters of California and legalized same-sex marriages. The Ezra passage yesterday told of the delay that happened when an appeal was made to a new king and he stopped the construction of the Temple. God, though, wanted that Temple built and Darius cleared the way. Never doubt God's power to ultimately accomplish His purposes.

1 Corinthians. Paul made it clear that the people needed to learn to follow Christ. It is both an honor and a source of godly fear on the part of a leader to discover that people want to follow him/her. Godly leaders want people to turn their faith to God, for only He can meet their deepest needs.

Psalms. Anyone who has lived through a tornado or a hurricane and who reads this Psalm, will have awe over the great "voice of the Lord."

Proverbs. I have noticed that sometimes my motives are hidden even from me. God has a way of purifying us by heating up our lives and showing us what is in our hearts. Then, I can confess my wrong heart and let God cleanse me and help me reflect the light of Jesus more clearly."

What do you notice today? Questions?

August 6

Today's Reading

Ezra. The people began to face opposition to rebuilding the Temple. It went on for years. Even though God orchestrated their return to The Land, the enemy was doing everything possible to keep them from completing their work. Life can be a struggle. Those who commit themselves to God end up on the winning side, though.

1 Corinthians. It's a mystery how people who are born again get awakened to the truths of God's Spirit. The Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, is alive! We can squeeze God out, though, as it says in Chapter 3. The term "sinful nature" in this translation is really not accurate. The accurate word is "flesh." I like it from another translation which calls them people "of a secular mindset." What mindset do you have? I would love to say mine is always on the Spirit, but it's not.

Psalms. When we walk with God, we must always be aware that some people will smile at our faces while looking for us to stumble.

Proverbs. We will never understand everything. We must learn to seek wisdom, yet move out in faith even when we don't have all the answers.

Your thoughts? Questions?