"Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath." -- Psalm 62:9

The rich, the poor; the strong, the weak; the brilliant, the slow:  all are the same.  The psalmist says weighed on a scale, they are nothing.  It's curious the way we humans have this tendency to judge people and prejudice ourselves toward certain "types".  We put such emphasis on the importance of some people over others.  And here, I'm not referring to individuals who are presidents and world leaders who make decisions that impact millions of people.  I'm speaking generally of groups of people who regard themselves (or who are regarded by others) as better or worse than other groups.  The caste system is alive and well in our world today.  But beware how you treat others.  Do not consider someone with disdain because they have more or less than you do.  Do not place eternal worth on a person based on their temporal acquisitions or achievements.  We come into the world by the grace of God for just a while.  We return to ashes in time.  We all do-- every one of us.  Truth is, we're all in this together.  Let's live together, and work together with that knowledge.

Readings:  Numbers 28:16-29:40; Luke 3:23-38; Psalm 62:1-12; Proverbs 11:18-19

"John answered them all, 'I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.'" -- Luke 3:16

In this scene, baptism had become the mark of belonging to this religious community.  John is a prophet who sees clearly the implications of Christ's coming into the picture... he shares that his baptism with water is nothing compared to what the one who is coming will do... baptize with the Holy Spirit.  As Christians, we are baptized with water to symbolize what has already been done through Christ.  It is still to this day the mark of belonging.  Some believe that you have to be baptized by water to be "saved".  This language is troublesome, because it takes away from the whole point of baptism.  By viewing it as a saving act, don't we take the power of Christ and put it into our own hands?  You see, we don't go to the water to get to the fire, we go to the water because we've already been touched by the fire.  We don't save ourselves; God saves us.

Readings:  Numbers 26:52-28:15; Luke 3:1-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 11:16-17

"He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe." -- Proverbs 11:15

In a world where unpaid debt was handled mafia-style, to cosign on someone's behalf to a loan-shark was dangerous business.  That's true even today.  But the loan-sharks now aren't just the shady ones in the shadows, but they are the ones in every strip mall that are represented by bright signs on their buildings, and slick advertising.  They are the predatory lenders who target the poor and capitalize on their hard times.  They are the ones who are more than happy to loan money to someone who needs it, but at exorbitant interest.  When a family member or close friend is in a bind with a proposition to cosign for a loan like that, it would be better to just give them the money outright.  Be careful not to enable though, and most of all-- don't get caught in someone else's snare.  The writer of the Proverbs repeatedly teaches us that.

Readings:  Numbers 26:1-51; Luke 2:36-52; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 11:15

"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure." -- Proverbs 11:14

While I'm not a fan of doing everything by committee, the proverb is right in its advice.  When power and control rests with one person alone, they become blind when there is no one to consult in making decisions for a people.  When speaking of a nation, it takes many to represent the variety and diversity that exists across the millions of citizens.  While this proverb was written in times before democracy, it still speaks to the importance of humility on the part of a leader.  The leader must recognize that they don't know everything... that they cannot be the expert on all that the people struggle with... and that they can't be on the front line and a strategist in the war room at the same time.  To be a great leader, one must be open and humble, listening to counsel from all sides.  Then that leader must have the wisdom and discernment to know which path to take from the many choices that come from the multiple advisers.  Leadership is not a solo act.  It requires a circle of trusted friends and colleagues who are willing to engage and to help that leader lead.

Readings:  Numbers 24:1-25:18; Luke 2:1-35; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 11:14

"His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 'Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.'"-- Luke 1:67-68

The father referred to here is that of John the Baptist.  Zechariah was an elderly priest married to Elizabeth.  Elizabeth was Mary's (mother of Jesus) relative... we assume cousin.  When Gabriel appeared to Zechariah to tell him they would have a baby, he didn't believe it.  As a consequence for not believing what an angel of God told him, he was struck mute.  The verse quoted above were the first words from Zechariah's mouth months later after John was born.  He prophesied that through this birth, God would redeem Israel.  It was this baby, John the Baptist who would later baptize Jesus and pave the way for his ministry to begin.  It was also this baby who would one day meet his death in a senseless beheading.   It's a wonder how God uses people to fulfill his purposes.  Who knows... maybe God is using you to pave the way for someone else who will one day change the world for the better.  If you ever find yourself feeling worthless or useless, trust in God, knowing that through your faithfulness, you are being employed for his work.  You matter.  Believe it!

Readings:  Numbers 22:21-23:30; Luke 1:57-80; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 11:12-13 

"With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape." -- Proverbs 11:9

One thing we must learn when moving from childhood to adulthood is when not to speak.  While there are countless times when it is appropriate to speak up, speak out, and speak loud when doing so, we must come to understand the finesse that is called for in human interaction.  There is an old military saying-- "loose lips sink ships".  It's a good one not just for covert military operations, but life itself.  When we have something good and constructive to share with others, let the lips be free.  When our hearts want to share hurtful and destructive things, we need to tighten up.  How many of the relational problems you've encountered over your life have dealt with ways of speaking (or not speaking) to the people who are important to you?  We don't always behave godly.  That's why this Psalm pertains to all of us.  Know when to speak and what to say when you do.  Know when to be silent.  That will help you escape the relational destruction of life.

Readings:  Numbers 21:1-22:20; Luke 1:26-56; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 11:9-11

"In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise-- in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" -- Psalm 56:10-11

Remember Psalms were songs.  The collection of them comprised the hymnal for all of Israel.  Every song has a story.  For this one, we're not sure of all the details, but we do know that the writer of this Psalm had been seized by the Philistines and was captive.  So what did he do?  He sang.  He took a tune he already knew and put words to it.  And the words he chose were ones that fit the occasion.  What did the song do for him?  My guess is that it calmed him, kept him clear, and spiritually strong.  It reminded him of who he was, and who God was.

Think to a time when music was used in your life when it warranted an emotional or physical response.  When you watch professional sports, does the music get you going?  When you watch a movie, how flat would it be without the music?  Consider the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King, Jr. when hundreds were arrested at once and all thrown in jail.   What did they do?  They sang hymns.  Music is a powerful, powerful thing.  We don't understand why, only that it is.  Some physicists who are "string theorists" believe that the smallest, most basic structure to all living things is made up of strings. What happens when strings vibrate?  They make sound.  If that's the case, then are we all living, breathing, music?  And is our uniqueness found in that everyone has their own sound?  What music will you make with your sound?   What story will your song tell?

Readings:  Numbers 19:1-20:29; Luke 1:1-25; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 11:8