"To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure." -- Titus 1:15

When you live your life in a way that is authentic and perfectly aligned with your values, there is peace.  When you act in a way counter to your values, there is dis-comfort, dis-chord, and dis-ease... There is righteousness that is dictated by the culture (dress codes, social conduct, etc.), and then there is righteousness that is governed by the universal moral law.  Seek to live according to the latter-- the law Jesus taught and modeled-- and you will find the way to a pure and beautiful way of life.

Readings:  Jeremiah 49:23-50:46; Titus 1:1-16; Psalm 97:1-98:9; Proverbs 26:13-16

"Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day." -- Psalm 96:1-2

When I speak to my children about their days, I'm always excited to hear what they have to share, as my heart warms whenever I hear of a new discovery or new learning in their life.  To them, I'm sure I stay the same... I'm the guy that always asks those same dull questions.  And maybe they feel their own life is static to some degree... but I know better.  They're growing by leaps and bounds.  While the changes may be more subtle now than when they were babies and toddlers, they're still changing, and it brings me joy to watch them grow.  If that's how we feel about our children, perhaps that's how God feels about us.  So sing a new song to the Lord and let him rejoice in all the ways you're growing. 

Readings:  Jeremiah 48:1-49:22; 2 Timothy 4:1-22; Psalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 26:9-12

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." -- 2 Timothy 2:23

In the United States, we are quickly approaching an election day that will impact our country for the next four years.  It is a country divided, and the tension from the hostility of both sides at times is palpable.  What is the believer's role in this?  The debates have been substantive, but the internet water cooler clashes have been much less civil.  They have been petty and even ludicrous at times.  As we lend our voice to the democratic process, let's keep in mind the teachings of our faith.  If you're going to argue and debate, do so in a way that preserves relationship. No need to fight, as we're all on the same team.

Readings:  Jeremiah 44:24-47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17; Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 26:6-8

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." -- 2 Timothy 2:1-21

Junk in = junk out.  What do you fill your mind with each day?  What do you watch, listen to, devote time and attention to?  From this letter to Timothy, we hear the importance of filling our lives with worthy endeavors and valuable relationships.  Is it time to do an inventory of your life and its contents?  What junk do you need to clean out of your closet?  What do you need to bring into your life that's not currently there?  Much to think and pray about...

Readings:  Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." -- Psalm 91:1

It's said that the body is the temple that houses the soul.  Our homes house our bodies.  But what beyond that?  When we consider shelter, we are thinking of protection from the elements.  Our homes can protect our bodies from the physical forces of nature and keep us dry and warm, but our bodies don't have the same utility on our souls, for bodies cannot offer protection against countering spiritual forces.  As spiritual beings, we must dwell in the presence of God in the context of our relationship with him.  When we do so, we firmly establish ourselves on high ground away from the raging forces of spiritual destruction.

Readings:  Jeremiah 39:1-41:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Psalms 90:1-91:16; Proverbs 26:1-2 

"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." -- Proverbs 25:28

One of the strongest predictors of success in life involves the ability to control one's self.  Those who can master the art of delayed gratification often live more fulfilling and richer lives.  The one who lives by impulse often finds life to be a struggle and seems to always be behind the curve.  Establishing things that last in life takes time.  We see it in nature... a weed will grow quickly, but does not last beyond a season.  An oak tree grows slowly but becomes a majestic figure in the landscape.  Would you like to be more like a week or an oak tree?

Readings:  Jeremiah 37:1-38:28; 1 Timothy 6:1-21; Psalm 89:38-52; Proverbs 25:28

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long." -- Psalm 89:15

Have you recently seen a child-- a young child-- who walks without a care in the world because they know their mother or father is near?  The child is happy, confident, and safe.  But when the child turns a corner and mom and dad are out of sight, on the child's face is only fear.  The tears well up and the lip quivers.  Not happy nor confident, because they have been separated.  But the parent hasn't left, the child has just taken a turn and can't see them for a moment.  The child quickly turns back and right away, everything's okay, because the parent is right there.

We are like that child.  When we walk closely with God, in a place of trust, we walk with confidence and full of joy.  When we separate ourselves from God, we get lost, and life makes little sense.  We react to things out of fear and a need for self-preservation.  And yet God is near.  Turn back, and you'll see him again.

Readings:  Jeremiah 35:1-36:32; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 25:25-27