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

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." -- Psalm 19:14

This is a great prayer to have on your lips at all times. Imagine the world if everyone constantly prayed this prayer... it would be kinder, gentler, healthier, and more peaceful. Maybe we can't get the whole world saying this prayer at once, but why don't you and I start and see how our own lives change? Readings: 2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14; Romans 9:1-21; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 20:1

JULY 24th: "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." -- Romans 8:26

When the pain is too much to bear, when the joy too great to express, or the situation too complex to make any sense of it, you can still pray. When you have no words, you can still pray. Even when you can't construct a thought, you can still pray. And maybe that's where prayer should begin anyway... before we even have a thought. With a posture, a breath, or an "inward groan" that says to God, "I seek you". In that seeking, he finds you. Don't worry as to what to say next. Just be with God, and be yourself. Readings: 2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22; Romans 8:22-39; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 19:27-29