"Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart." -- Proverbs 25:20

I am one who loves humor.  Without it the world would be a dreadful place.  I consume it and use it as I can.  I respect people with quick wit and a humility that allows them to not be afraid to look a little foolish at times.  But I also know that there is a time and a place for everything.  Sometimes, lightness is not what a situation calls for.  When your friend is in sorrow and pain, you can be a light presence, but don't make light of the circumstances.  You can bring a sense of levity, but don't call for it from the heavy-hearted.  When someone loses a loved one, don't point out "the bright side"... even when there is one, unless they draw attention to it first.  One of the best things you can do as a friend for someone who is grieving is to grieve with them.  Honor their loss with your tears too.

Readings:  Jeremiah 31:27-32:44; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Psalm 88:1-18; Proverbs 25:20-22

"Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble." -- Proverbs 25:19

When you need to know someone will be there, you turn to the ones who have always been there before.  It is the case that the greatest predictor of future behavior is past behavior.  Do an inventory of the people in your life.  Who are your "go-to's" who have been faithful all along?  Treat them well and be loyal to them.  Additionally, be one who is faithful as a witness to God's call to be faithful.  When you are faithful to God, you are more inclined to be faithful to others.  Something for those considering marriage to think about...

Readings:  Jeremiah 30:1-31:26; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Psalm 87:1-7; Proverbs 25:18-19

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm." -- 1 Timothy1:5-7

Read carefully today the passage from 1 Timothy.  Paul had a point that was lost to many of his followers and is lost to many today.   What would be a contemporary example of this?

Readings:  Jeremiah 28:1-29:32; 1 Timothy 1:1-20; Psalm 86:1-17; Proverbs 25:17

"If a man will not work, he shall not eat." -- 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Did Paul start the tea party?  He parts with Jesus here in terms of being concerned about survival.  Jesus says basically not to worry-- God will take care of that.  Paul, on the other hand, conditions survival on the participation in the work force.  But some context is in order here.  It was important to Paul to make sure that the churches that were collecting offerings for his ministry understood that it was not to pad his pockets.  Rather, it was to support the mission of spreading the gospel, in which he worked tirelessly.  In addition to working at that, he was also a tent maker, earning more money to support himself and the cause.  He was not above work, and wanted to make sure his church members followed that model. 

Readings:  Jeremiah 26:1-27:22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 25:16

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere..." -- Psalm 84:10

This verse inspired one of the most sung contemporary worship songs around.  Listen, meditate, worship.

Peace.

Readings:  Jeremiah 23:21-25:38; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 25:15

"Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord." -- Jeremiah 23:16

Who can you believe these days?  News outlets are unashamedly biased.  Religious leaders come in all flavors and interpret Scripture differently.  Corporations spin their messaging through conglomerated media.  New scientific findings come out regularly, debunking old science that had long been established as "sound".  We are losing our grip on our ability to trust and wonder now who the authorities are.  And so no longer is it okay to go along with the crowd and assume that what you're told is truth.  You have to do your own work and discover it for yourself.  And just when you think you have it, it will elude you once again.  Now that's the truth.

Readings:  Jeremiah 22:1-23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14

"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you..." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:12

Conduct is born of the mind first.  Actions are often preceded by thoughts.  Great ideas lead to great changes, but there are two things that can botch the realization of a great idea: acting on the idea too soon, and not acting on it at all.

Say you want to start a business.  It can be any business.  You have no plan, no clients, no sure idea of what your business would be, and no savings built up to cover your living expenses while you launch it.  To quit your job to work on it would be a bad idea.  It's too soon.  It's not time.  You need to plan before you execute.  The other side of the coin is not to act at all.  Say you have tons of ideas... and they're great ideas... but that's all they ever remain because you never act on them.   Our deeds determine our outcomes.

I believe God inspires us to not just think certain ways, but to act in certain ways.  The trick is knowing the right time to act and then having the courage to step out and act at that right time.  One of the best ways to go about that is to set realistic goals and plan out the action steps to those goals that will get you there.  Then you go about taking small achievable steps EVERY DAY toward turning your ideas and God's inspirations to realities in your life.  Plan your deeds and be diligent in their execution.

Readings:  Jeremiah 19:1-21:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-19; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 25:7b-10