"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." -- Romans 15:5-6

Today, the divisiveness of religion and politics has spilled into the marketplace in a dramatic fashion.  And while the world fights and bickers and sanctions one another economically, Christians are caught up in the flood and the frenzy.  And Paul's prayer for unity pierces through all the noise and calls our attention to the importance of being of one mind.  But how do we do that with such different beliefs?  We do that by respecting one another, agreeing to disagree, and by seeking to build on that which we share in common:  a love for God, and accordingly, a love for each other.  Resist throwing stones at one another when you don't like what someone says.  Instead, share your perspective and extend the hand of friendship despite your differences.  Sometimes it takes years to work them out.  Those years don't have to be filled with anger, hatred, and war.  There is another way... the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Readings: 2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21; Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 20:13-15 

"Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the Lord has made them both." -- Proverbs 20:12

In an age where we are becoming more and more inundated with stimulating sounds and images, it's important to take time each day to push them all aside to just listen and to look for the things that God has placed in our surroundings.  How can you see God's amazing creation when your eyes remain stuck in screens all the time?  How can you hear what God is trying to say when you have earbuds in your ears throughout the day?  The discipline of prayer and meditation is critical to strong spiritual health.  Take time today to remove the noise and distractions of your world.  Open your ears, and open your eyes... that's what God made them to do. 

Readings:  2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Romans 14:1-23; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 20:12

The 23rd Psalm (NIV). Read this prayerfully today.

"The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever."

"Who can say, 'I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin'"? -- Proverbs 20:9

I often speak of the difference of the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian New Testament... they are poles apart in terms of theology, and I often oversimplify by saying one is a testament of law, the other of grace.  But here in this proverb, we clearly see the recognition of the sinful state of all people.  While seeking perfection through righteousness (through obedience of the law) is a recurring theme of the OT, it is refreshing to see that long before Jesus came about, there was a humility in understanding that we are all sinners.  No matter how hard you try, you fail.  That's why the good news is for you, too.  The Christian teaching this informs most is to not be judgmental, for in judgment, you reveal your hypocrisy.  You can judge the action, but be slower to judge the person.  You are forgiven.  Forgive others in the same way.

Readings:  2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28; Romans 12:1-21; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10

"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" -- Romans 11:34-35

We tend to forget that we are not God.  We are not all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present.  We are mortal.  We are the created.  And yet we live sometimes as though we have God all figured out.  Instead of living as creatures that he created in his image, we create God in our own image, and box him up until we need him.  We confuse God with an imaginary genie.  We forget that it is we who owe him, and it is we who should live for him.  Be humble people of God.  Be humble, that you might remember from where you came, and serve the one who gave you breath.

Readings:  2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21; Romans 11:13-36; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 20:7

"A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing." -- Proverbs 20:4

In Ecclesiastes, we read that there is a time for every purpose... but distractions are a challenge.  We have hopes, dreams, and intentions... but the worries of the day keep them as such.  Because we choose not to act on our ideas, they forever remain elusive.  It's startling to see others, reaping rewards for the diligent hard work they put in for years, while we still intend to do something one day.  Whether that for you is getting that degree, starting that business, reading that Bible, or saying what you need to say to that person for healing to occur... when you say "I'm going to do that", you run the risk of not doing it at all.  If you are really going to do that, schedule it.  And then ACT.  If you can act even before scheduling, do so.  You will not reach your goals if you do not place the stones of action before them.  The harvesters will be all around you.  Be one of them.

Readings:  2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37; Romans 10:14-11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6

"It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." -- Proverbs 20:3

Conflict is a curious thing.  We walk a fine line in our relationships between avoiding conflict and being in conflict too much.  Some of us will avoid at all costs.  Others of us seem to look for a fight wherever we can find it.  But a wise person finds their way in the middle.  Careful to select which battles they take on in their life, they assess the cost risk and the benefit potential before entering into a fight.  Conflict can be harmful to relationships if not dealt with adequately and appropriately.  It is important to address points of contention early, otherwise they'll fester into a wound that will be open and vulnerable.  These can infect and destroy the relaitonship.  Remember, pick your fights wisely.  Don't destroy relationships over trivial things.  Let peace reign in your life and your relationships.

Readings:  2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:22-10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3