"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." -- Hebrews 10:24

I consider veterans today and give thanks for their service and sacrifice.  I wonder what it is like to be in battle.  I wonder what it's like to have to charge forward while the enemy is shooting at you.  I don't know what that's like, and I pray I never do.  I am sorry anyone has to know what that's like.

If I were to find myself in battle though, one thing I know is that I wouldn't want to go it alone.  I would want competent people around me who believed they could prevail.  I would want men and women who lifted me up, encouraged me, and challenged me to be better.  I would want people who shared my values and were fighting for the right reasons.

In many ways, I suppose we are in a constant battle.  A battle to survive, and a battle to thrive.  But often, the enemy is unseen.  It has no face or name.  And yet, like Good, this enemy called Evil seems to be present at every turn.  We can't fight this battle alone.  I want God to surround me with people who fight the good fight.  I pray you do too.

Readings:  Ezekiel 23:1-49; Hebrews 10:18-39; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 27:13

"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." -- Proverbs 27:12

I've heard that insanity can be defined as doing the same thing over again, but expecting different results.  Take a moment to think of the things you do again and again that lead to the same outcome... why do you do it?  Consider the habits that we take on in our lives that are destructive to our physical bodies and pocket books... like smoking... why do we do these?  It's not that we don't know better... the smoker certainly knows that smoking can lead to cancer and death... but smokes anyway.  Knowledge isn't enough.  There has to be will associated for change to occur.  The prudent see the danger and adjust their course to avoid it.  The simple might see the same, but hope for the best.  Do you live your life hoping for change or acting toward it?

Readings:  Ezekiel 21:1-22:31; Hebrews 10:1-17; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 27:12

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." -- Psalm 107:1

In the US, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to count our blessings.  I know some who are keeping gratitude journals, marking daily something for which they are thankful.  When we do this, perspective is found and our appreciation for life itself is enhanced.  The psalmist knew this long ago.  When we give thanks, who are we thanking?  It's more than just a nod of appreciation that we offer.  It's a deep and heartfelt expression of gratitude.  Identify 5 things today that you are thankful for and thank God for them, for he is good and his love endures forever.  That right there is something we should all be thankful for.

Readings:  Ezekiel 20:1-49; Hebrews 9:11-28; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 27:11

"Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you-- better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away." -- Proverbs 27:10

It's said that "blood is thicker than water"... that when it comes right down to it, family is really all we have in this world.  But in the body of Christ, who is family?  Are we not all brothers and sisters?  And if so, what would the world look like if we lived with our neighbors in a way we lived with family?  We might disagree on things, but we all want what's best for our families.  Is that realistically possible?  I would argue that it is.  What do you think?

Readings:  Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; Hebrews 9:1-10; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 27:10

"I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me..." -- Hebrews 8:11

It is a special experience to work with a team of trained and competent professionals where everybody knows their job and they execute at a tremendously high level of excellence.  They are able to do that because they no longer need to be taught.  They have learned, and they work together applying their knowledge to action with ease.  What will it be when that day comes when we, the body of Christ, can function like that?  When will we be One and no longer quarrel over petty matters of interpretation and doctrine, but instead pour energy into doing the right thing because it is our instinct to do that together?  How long until that day comes?  When will we need to teach no more?  The yoke of Jesus is easy.  Take it on and learn from him.  It doesn't take long to understand.

Readings:  Ezekiel 16:43-17:24; Hebrews 8:1-13; Psalm 106:13-31; Proverbs 27:7-9

"Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right." -- Psalm 106:3

Today in the United States, it is election day.  We pray today that the leaders that are chosen to lead our nation submit to the leadership of Jesus Christ and that they govern in a way that is guided and directed by faith.  And by doing so, they will be doing what is right in the eyes of God.  Take time today to pray for the United States and for the world, that we might all work toward justice and peace together.

Readings:  Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; Hebrews 9:1-10; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 27:10

"Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both." -- Proverbs 27:3

We all have our "buttons"... those sensitive spots that when they are poked or prodded evoke a response in us that causes us to snap just a little bit.  That button might be pushed during the day while we're at work, and that evening we find ourselves still "snappy"...  Often, the phrase or action that triggers our response and "pushes our button" is done with no malicious intent.  But for whatever reason, to nobody's benefit, we react.   What we have just allowed to occur is a robbery of our well-being.  So how do we stop it?  First, recognize that we react so strongly because we feel attacked.  So step back and consider if you're really being attacked or not.  If not, seek to understand what the person is trying to communicate and walk in their shoes for a bit.  Second, if they are attacking you, determine what they are attacking-- is it something substantial like a belief, an action, something said?  Or is it something frivilous and based on ignorance (the color of your hair, the fact that you're a Steelers fan, or that you like to watch reality tv)?  If the latter, don't surrender your well-being and emotion to the fool.  Let the fool make noise, but don't make noise back.  They just want commotion.  Be gentle in spirit, and smile and change the subject.

Readings:  Ezekiel 12:1-14:11; Hebrews 7:1-17; Psalm 105:37-45; Proverbs 27:3