"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." -- 1 John 1:8

"Oh no, not me... I don't claim to be without sin... we all have sin and we're all sinners..."

This is the claim I hear so often when it's said as a prelude to the point the person wishes to make about the wrongs committed by someone else.  It goes like this, "I'm not perfect, and I'm a sinner too, but..." and then they proceed to tell me all about the other person in a way that suggests they've put a lot of thought and study into that person and their behavior.  What could their life be like if they'd put that much effort into examining their own self?

Take the log out of your own eye before worrying about the speck in another's.

Readings:  Daniel 6:1-28; 2 Peter 3:1-18; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 28:21-22 

"He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty." -- Proverbs 28:19

So few of us have land to work these days.  Our food comes from the store we go to in order to trade our hard-earned paper money for the goods that fuel us.  What would happen if there were no grocery stores from which to buy your food?  What if there were no cars to transport us?  How would we live?

While most don't have the resources to grow their own food, the act of gardening and growing has a powerful effect on one's well-being.  Today, you don't need acreage, but only a window or a grow light in order to grow food in your space.  It's an endeavor worthy of anyone's time.  If you don't grow anything, try doing so this season.  Even if it's mint in a small pot by a window, when you taste the mint you grew from seed, you will taste and be connected to God's miracle of creation and its wonder.

Readings:  Daniel 5:1-31; 2 Peter 2:1-22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 6:1-28

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." -- Psalm 119:105

Everyone has standards they live by.  Each person has limits to their behavior where self-regulation kicks in when those limits are reached.  While some may claim morality is relative, I say it's not.  Every major religion has different laws it abides by, but one is consistent across them all: "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  It is a universal moral law, and it is taught to us in Scriputre. 

In our scriptures, we have presented to us the laws of our faith.  These are the laws that govern and guide us as we maneuver through space and time while we are here.  These are what light our paths along the way.  When you feel as though you're losing your center, and things seem dark or murky, return to God's word, and get your footing again.  It's a gift from God that is to be used.

Readings:  Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Peter 1:1-21; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 28:17-18 

"A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life." -- Proverbs 28:16

If it's power you seek, for what do you seek it?  If your desire is to control others, what would you have them do?  If you wish to gain the world, do you wish it enough to stake your soul?  I pray I do not speak of you, but know there are many out there whose appetite for power and control is never satisfied.  We need good leaders in this world, but not leaders who want it for themselves.  Check the powers that be in your circles.  Support those who are wise and use good judgment.

Readings:  Daniel 2:24-3:30; 1 Peter 4:7-5:14; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 28:15-16

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." -- 1 Peter 3:3-9

We have in these two verses great and timeless advice.  Read through these verses slowly.  Memorize them if you'd like.  Just make sure to internalize them in a way that resonates deeply so that in every word you say, in every act you make, in every thought you conceive, these words guide the way you live.  If each of us did this, what a world it could be.  What a world!

Readings:  Daniel 1:1-2:23; 1 Peter 3:8-4:6; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 28:14

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." -- Proverbs 28:13

We all sin.  We all fall.  We are all broken, because we are human.  When we deceive ourselves in believing that we are immune to the power of sin in our lives, we become blind to its real threat.  Instead of focusing on our own spiritual growth and development, we perch ourselves at a distance from others where we can see clearly everything they are doing wrong, but keep ourselves far enough that we can't be seen.  This creates a barrier to relationship.  It prevents us from being authentic, and in our righteousness, we miss out on deep and abiding friendships.  Instead, we present a facade that pushes people away and our sin isolates us.  Life's too short to live that way.  Find someone to be accountable to and release that which weighs you down and keeps you from living the life God wants for you.

Readings:  Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; 1 Peter 2:11-3:7; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 28:12-13

"Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart." -- Psalm 119:34

A child grows to resent the parent who when asked why they have to do something hears the response, "because I told you so".  But there are times when "because I told you so" has to be enough.  In the military, soldiers are taught to follow orders without question.  It's a practice that can very well save their lives in a battle situation.

Nevertheless, the Psalmist speaks to the need for understanding when it comes to the rules.  He even makes it a condition for the following of God's decrees.  When Jesus entered history, he saw that we had lost understanding of the law, and so taught us the purpose of it.

So seek understanding without shame, examine the laws of God and ask their purpose.  You will find that they have their place and their purpose for making our lives better.

Readings:  Ezekiel 45:13-46:24; 1 Peter 1:13-2:10; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 28:11