"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." -- Psalm 107:1

In the US, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to count our blessings.  I know some who are keeping gratitude journals, marking daily something for which they are thankful.  When we do this, perspective is found and our appreciation for life itself is enhanced.  The psalmist knew this long ago.  When we give thanks, who are we thanking?  It's more than just a nod of appreciation that we offer.  It's a deep and heartfelt expression of gratitude.  Identify 5 things today that you are thankful for and thank God for them, for he is good and his love endures forever.  That right there is something we should all be thankful for.

Readings:  Ezekiel 20:1-49; Hebrews 9:11-28; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 27:11

"Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you-- better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away." -- Proverbs 27:10

It's said that "blood is thicker than water"... that when it comes right down to it, family is really all we have in this world.  But in the body of Christ, who is family?  Are we not all brothers and sisters?  And if so, what would the world look like if we lived with our neighbors in a way we lived with family?  We might disagree on things, but we all want what's best for our families.  Is that realistically possible?  I would argue that it is.  What do you think?

Readings:  Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; Hebrews 9:1-10; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 27:10

"I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me..." -- Hebrews 8:11

It is a special experience to work with a team of trained and competent professionals where everybody knows their job and they execute at a tremendously high level of excellence.  They are able to do that because they no longer need to be taught.  They have learned, and they work together applying their knowledge to action with ease.  What will it be when that day comes when we, the body of Christ, can function like that?  When will we be One and no longer quarrel over petty matters of interpretation and doctrine, but instead pour energy into doing the right thing because it is our instinct to do that together?  How long until that day comes?  When will we need to teach no more?  The yoke of Jesus is easy.  Take it on and learn from him.  It doesn't take long to understand.

Readings:  Ezekiel 16:43-17:24; Hebrews 8:1-13; Psalm 106:13-31; Proverbs 27:7-9

"Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right." -- Psalm 106:3

Today in the United States, it is election day.  We pray today that the leaders that are chosen to lead our nation submit to the leadership of Jesus Christ and that they govern in a way that is guided and directed by faith.  And by doing so, they will be doing what is right in the eyes of God.  Take time today to pray for the United States and for the world, that we might all work toward justice and peace together.

Readings:  Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; Hebrews 9:1-10; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 27:10

"Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both." -- Proverbs 27:3

We all have our "buttons"... those sensitive spots that when they are poked or prodded evoke a response in us that causes us to snap just a little bit.  That button might be pushed during the day while we're at work, and that evening we find ourselves still "snappy"...  Often, the phrase or action that triggers our response and "pushes our button" is done with no malicious intent.  But for whatever reason, to nobody's benefit, we react.   What we have just allowed to occur is a robbery of our well-being.  So how do we stop it?  First, recognize that we react so strongly because we feel attacked.  So step back and consider if you're really being attacked or not.  If not, seek to understand what the person is trying to communicate and walk in their shoes for a bit.  Second, if they are attacking you, determine what they are attacking-- is it something substantial like a belief, an action, something said?  Or is it something frivilous and based on ignorance (the color of your hair, the fact that you're a Steelers fan, or that you like to watch reality tv)?  If the latter, don't surrender your well-being and emotion to the fool.  Let the fool make noise, but don't make noise back.  They just want commotion.  Be gentle in spirit, and smile and change the subject.

Readings:  Ezekiel 12:1-14:11; Hebrews 7:1-17; Psalm 105:37-45; Proverbs 27:3

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." -- Proverbs 27:1

I remember the days of my youth when I lived with an expectation that I would be rich, successful, and happy all of my life.  I didn't know what I was going to do with my life, but I was sure it would make lots of money... man, was I in for a surprise!  There is an ancient saying that says "don't count your chickens before they hatch..."  We have that tendency it seems.

Too often, we try to jump ahead of what's in front of us.  We get anxious and impatient, and so we take a short cut, or forgo a process that by its design, gets us to where we want to be.  And worse, we miss the moment.  As we live this day, consider that it is a day that we have never lived before.  Stop looking ahead, or you'll miss the gift God gives you in the now.  It's not what you're going to do about tomorrow... it's about what you're going to do with today.

Readings:  Ezekiel 10:1-11:25; Hebrews 6:1-20; Psalm 105:16-36; Proverbs 27:1-2

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Disaster! An unheard-of disaster is coming. The end has come! The end has come!" -- Ezekiel 7:5-6

When does the end come?  The question has lingered throughout history.  Ezekiel's vision was for Israel, but it wasn't the end for Israel.  Each generation has claimed the message for their time-- that they are the last.  And even still now, we cry out the end is near... global terror, global warming, increased population... wars and rumors of wars... is this the end?  And let's not forget the Mayan's and their calendar and December 2012... it's almost here... and what about Sandy?

The truth is, the end comes for each of us.  Whether all at once, or one at a time, we all go.  So the question isn't "is this the generation that will see the end?"  For the answer is already "yes".  Just as every generation of those which have passed saw the end.  The question shouldn't be about how and when  we will die, but instead, more about how and when we will live.

Readings:  Ezekiel 7:1-9:11; Hebrews 5:1-14; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 26:28