"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." -- James 1:5

Wisdom is found when we realize our ignorance and when we have more questions than answers.  It's very different from knowledge, which is about storing facts and data.  Wisdom sees beyond the data.  It concerns itself less with the answer than it does the question.  As we become more and more inundated with facts, figures, and forecasts, it's important for us to be wise and discerning and examine the roots and motives of it all.  Seek to be wise.  It's the smart thing to do.

Readings:  Ezekiel 35:1-36:38; James 1:1-18; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 27:23-27

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." -- Psalm 115:1

When we are strong, sometimes we feel like we can do anything.  When we have power, we feel that we cannot fall.  When we have resources at our disposal, we feel as though we can influence anyone.  And this all leads to hubris, which has fallen many great men and women throughout time.  When your thinking is warped to believe that you are the center of the universe, you have lost your way.  Remember it's not you who created the universe, but God.  So seek to glorify him, and not yourself, that you might know spiritual riches beyond any you can generate yourself.

Readings:  Ezekiel 33:1-34:31; Hebrews 13:1-25; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 27:21-22

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." -- Hebrews 12:14

Holiness is a loaded word.  Some believe to be holy, you have to be perfect.  But holiness is not perfection, it's more about being devout in your pursuit of God and God's will for your life.  If you seek holiness, you see that which is of God.  Too many dismiss the path of holiness because they say, "I'm not holy... I'm a sinner."  Well we are all sinners.  We are all human,  and thus we all fall.  But it doesn't mean we can't devote our lives to seeking to love God and others with all our hearts, minds, and spirits.  What is it you are seeking in your life?

Readings:  Ezekiel 31:1-32:32; Hebrews 12:14-29; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 27:18-20

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." -- Proverbs 27:17

Who makes up your inner circle?  Who are those people that you would go to for help, advice, and guidance?   Who do you hang out with for fun?

The people we allow into our life influences us more than anything else I can think of.  If you surround yourself with people you look up to, then you will reach toward new heights.  If you hang out with people you don't respect, then you will reach for nothing, but instead stagnate or even stoop.  Hang around the people who you wish to be like.  They will hold you accountable and make you better.

Readings:  Ezekiel 29:1-30:26; Hebrews 11:32-12:13; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 27:17

"A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand." -- Proverbs 27:15-16

Oh my how times have changed!  This proverb clearly displays a cultural dynamic that was in play thousands of years ago.  It was a time when women and children were property of the husband and father.  They had no vote, no say in policy or politics.  But they had power... and they used it in the context of their relationships.

Today, the proverb should not read in a way unique to women.  It should read "quarrelsome people"... because it takes two to tango, and relationships are never one-sided.  So men and women-- husbands and wives-- be kind to each other.  When you disagree, debate around the issue and protect one another's dignity and guard each one's pride.  You'll be stronger for it.

Readings:  Ezekiel 27:1-28:26; Hebrews 11:17-31; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 27:15-16

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." -- Hebrews 11:1

If we know something, what faith is required of us?  But then I can ask, "what do we really know?"  Couples get married every day knowing that they will be together forever, but the divorce rate is about 50%.  Children are born to parents who know that their child will be raised to be a certain way, and 15 years later scratch their heads wondering what they could have done differently.  We know the sky is blue, but what if that's just our perception?  All I'm saying is that knowing is overrated, and if we were to examine it, we would find that we live by faith most of our waking hours.  We depend on others to come through for us, and we count on our relationships to be stable and longstanding.  So "faith", according to the writer of Hebrews, is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  When we live our lives with this certainty and this sureness, we live faithfully and fully.  When relationships are wrought with insecurety, they are fragile with little hope for surviving.  But when we live with confidence in our relationships, especially in our relationship with God, we live our lives reinforced by a spiritual strength that can weather almost any storm.  So today, step out and live by faith.

Readings:  Ezekiel 24:1-26:21; Hebrews 11:1-16; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 27:14

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." -- Hebrews 10:24

I consider veterans today and give thanks for their service and sacrifice.  I wonder what it is like to be in battle.  I wonder what it's like to have to charge forward while the enemy is shooting at you.  I don't know what that's like, and I pray I never do.  I am sorry anyone has to know what that's like.

If I were to find myself in battle though, one thing I know is that I wouldn't want to go it alone.  I would want competent people around me who believed they could prevail.  I would want men and women who lifted me up, encouraged me, and challenged me to be better.  I would want people who shared my values and were fighting for the right reasons.

In many ways, I suppose we are in a constant battle.  A battle to survive, and a battle to thrive.  But often, the enemy is unseen.  It has no face or name.  And yet, like Good, this enemy called Evil seems to be present at every turn.  We can't fight this battle alone.  I want God to surround me with people who fight the good fight.  I pray you do too.

Readings:  Ezekiel 23:1-49; Hebrews 10:18-39; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 27:13