"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge — God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you." -- 1 Corinthians 1:4-6

I cannot imagine trying to do this faith thing alone.  I'm not sure it's even possible, as the primary way to experience God's love is through each other.  Paul certainly knew what it was like to be in the minority as a Jesus follower, and today, we face that possiblity as the culture becomes more and more secular.  We have been a spoiled people for a long time in terms of the acceptance of our faith in our cultures (with some exceptions of course).  The days will be challenging ahead.  Stay true to the Truth, and find others to stay true with.  We need each other on this journey.  Give thanks for the people of faith in your life today.  Hang on to them!

Readings:  2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23; 1 Corinthians 1:1-17; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 20:20-21

"Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth." -- Psalm 26:2-3

Do you live your life in such a way that you call on God to test you?  This verse terrifies me.  I say, "don't test me God," because I would fail.  I seek to walk continually, but I stumble, trip, and stop.  I seek to do the right things, but find my efforts often go against me.  And though I cannot stand before God a perfect man, I can stand before him a broken one in need of him.  To stand righteous before God is to stand honest before God.  Don't try to hide, don't deny, and don't pretend you're someone you're not.  God meets you where you are.  So why even ask God to test you?  Just show up and be in God's company.  That passes the test.

Readings:   2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33; Romans 16:8-27; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 20:19

"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins." -- Psalm 25:16-22

This very personal prayer that was written by the psalmist models for us the reliance upon God we are free to have in our relationship with him. Dark times in our lives warrant our reaching out to him.  When you're down, call out, cry out, and receive the comfort God has to offer.   But don't wait until you are down-- pray along the way.  Desperation for God need not be a reality in your life.  By living prayerfully and communing with God regularly, you know God is close in every step.  Walk with confidence knowing you don't walk alone.

Readings:  2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13; Romans 15:23-16:17; Psalm 25:16-22;  Proverbs 20:16-18

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." -- Romans 15:5-6

Today, the divisiveness of religion and politics has spilled into the marketplace in a dramatic fashion.  And while the world fights and bickers and sanctions one another economically, Christians are caught up in the flood and the frenzy.  And Paul's prayer for unity pierces through all the noise and calls our attention to the importance of being of one mind.  But how do we do that with such different beliefs?  We do that by respecting one another, agreeing to disagree, and by seeking to build on that which we share in common:  a love for God, and accordingly, a love for each other.  Resist throwing stones at one another when you don't like what someone says.  Instead, share your perspective and extend the hand of friendship despite your differences.  Sometimes it takes years to work them out.  Those years don't have to be filled with anger, hatred, and war.  There is another way... the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Readings: 2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21; Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 20:13-15 

"Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the Lord has made them both." -- Proverbs 20:12

In an age where we are becoming more and more inundated with stimulating sounds and images, it's important to take time each day to push them all aside to just listen and to look for the things that God has placed in our surroundings.  How can you see God's amazing creation when your eyes remain stuck in screens all the time?  How can you hear what God is trying to say when you have earbuds in your ears throughout the day?  The discipline of prayer and meditation is critical to strong spiritual health.  Take time today to remove the noise and distractions of your world.  Open your ears, and open your eyes... that's what God made them to do. 

Readings:  2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Romans 14:1-23; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 20:12

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