"Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse." -- Proverbs 28:6

In our culture, for one to win, it is often required that another lose.  To succeed in business is to gain market share for the product or service that you are selling.  That means a competitor loses that market share.  Competition is healthy, for it makes us better when we race to improve our offerings.  But to compete in a way that brings harm to another is wrong.  To lie, cheat, and steal your way to the top robs the cheat of a life worth living.  To them, they have no sense of those things that make life beautiful.  Their view is warped by the desire for power and wealth.  In that case, Scripture tells us that it's better to be poor.

Readings:  Ezekiel 42:1-43:27; James 5:1-20; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 28:6-7

"Come near to God and he will come near to you." -- James 4:8

I believe God is near to each of us.  Nearer than we can imagine.  I believe that he speaks to us, but we must be open to hear him.  Sometimes when life is difficult, I wonder where God is...  before asking myself his whereabouts, I felt he was absent, but then in that moment of asking, I sense his presence. It's not that God went away... I did.  It's like standing in the shade on a cool day and saying it's cold, only to step out into the sun and feel warm again.  If you want to experience God, step out of the shadows.

Readings:  Ezekiel 40:28-41:26; James 4:1-17; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 28:3-5

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." -- James 3:17-18

Peace is the mark of heavenly wisdom.  When we itch to raise our battle cries, we should give pause and consider the way God would have us go.  For the words describing his peace are pure, peace-loving, considerate, etc.  Think about the passage above in terms of each word and what it represents.  Would it be a description of you?  Do you have wisdom?

Readings:  Ezekiel 39:1-40:27; James 2:18-3:18; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 28:2

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right." -- James 1:19

So what are we to do in this age where so many of the instructions found in Scripture seem disconnected and even irrelevant?  The law is simple.  Love God and love others.  Here, James reminds us that if we are doing this, then we are doing right.  Easier said than done I'd say.

Readings:  Ezekiel 37:1-38:23; James 1:29-2:17; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 28:1

"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