"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." -- Psalm 119:105

Everyone has standards they live by.  Each person has limits to their behavior where self-regulation kicks in when those limits are reached.  While some may claim morality is relative, I say it's not.  Every major religion has different laws it abides by, but one is consistent across them all: "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  It is a universal moral law, and it is taught to us in Scriputre. 

In our scriptures, we have presented to us the laws of our faith.  These are the laws that govern and guide us as we maneuver through space and time while we are here.  These are what light our paths along the way.  When you feel as though you're losing your center, and things seem dark or murky, return to God's word, and get your footing again.  It's a gift from God that is to be used.

Readings:  Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Peter 1:1-21; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 28:17-18 

"A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life." -- Proverbs 28:16

If it's power you seek, for what do you seek it?  If your desire is to control others, what would you have them do?  If you wish to gain the world, do you wish it enough to stake your soul?  I pray I do not speak of you, but know there are many out there whose appetite for power and control is never satisfied.  We need good leaders in this world, but not leaders who want it for themselves.  Check the powers that be in your circles.  Support those who are wise and use good judgment.

Readings:  Daniel 2:24-3:30; 1 Peter 4:7-5:14; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 28:15-16

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." -- 1 Peter 3:3-9

We have in these two verses great and timeless advice.  Read through these verses slowly.  Memorize them if you'd like.  Just make sure to internalize them in a way that resonates deeply so that in every word you say, in every act you make, in every thought you conceive, these words guide the way you live.  If each of us did this, what a world it could be.  What a world!

Readings:  Daniel 1:1-2:23; 1 Peter 3:8-4:6; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 28:14

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." -- Proverbs 28:13

We all sin.  We all fall.  We are all broken, because we are human.  When we deceive ourselves in believing that we are immune to the power of sin in our lives, we become blind to its real threat.  Instead of focusing on our own spiritual growth and development, we perch ourselves at a distance from others where we can see clearly everything they are doing wrong, but keep ourselves far enough that we can't be seen.  This creates a barrier to relationship.  It prevents us from being authentic, and in our righteousness, we miss out on deep and abiding friendships.  Instead, we present a facade that pushes people away and our sin isolates us.  Life's too short to live that way.  Find someone to be accountable to and release that which weighs you down and keeps you from living the life God wants for you.

Readings:  Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; 1 Peter 2:11-3:7; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 28:12-13

"Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart." -- Psalm 119:34

A child grows to resent the parent who when asked why they have to do something hears the response, "because I told you so".  But there are times when "because I told you so" has to be enough.  In the military, soldiers are taught to follow orders without question.  It's a practice that can very well save their lives in a battle situation.

Nevertheless, the Psalmist speaks to the need for understanding when it comes to the rules.  He even makes it a condition for the following of God's decrees.  When Jesus entered history, he saw that we had lost understanding of the law, and so taught us the purpose of it.

So seek understanding without shame, examine the laws of God and ask their purpose.  You will find that they have their place and their purpose for making our lives better.

Readings:  Ezekiel 45:13-46:24; 1 Peter 1:13-2:10; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 28:11

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perich, spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power..." -- 1 Peter 1:3-5a

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  What are you most thankful for?  Remember to give thanks to God for the life you have come to know in Jesus Christ.  Where is life to be found outside of him?  Please tell me, for I have not found it.

Thanks be to God for all his blessings!  Thanks be to God for God himself!

Readings:  Ezekiel 44:1-45:12; 1 Peter 1:1-12; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 28:8-10

"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