"When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way." -- Psalm 142:3a

There are times in our life when we have done all we can do.  We find ourselves depleted of mental, emotional, and spiritual energy.  We find ourselves running on empty, and we are lost as to how and in which direction to take our next step.  But there is a next step.  When you can't see it, trust and know that God has one for you.  If you need to, take a period of rest in order to discern God's desire.  Through prayer and supplication, your way will be made known to you.  Don't act with haste in your exhaustion, as it could lead to regret.  

Readings:  Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Revelation 14:1-20; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 30:21-23

"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." -- Psalm 141:3

Consider for a moment the number of fights that would not have occurred in the world had harsh and hasty words not been said.  Think how many relationships might still be intact if words had not been let loose.  Once we say something, it cannot be unsaid.  So when you are stressed, tired, or otherwise compromised in your patience and tolerance, pray extra hard that God guard your lips and keep your words aligned with his spirit.

Readings:  Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 13:1b-18; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 30:18-20

"Proclaim further: This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.'" -- Zechariah 1:17

According to the Mayans, this is the day that the world was to end.  If the prophecy had been one of faith long ago, the faithful would have attributed the fact that we were still here to God's mercy.  So I say that we live by the grace of God, and while on this earth, we each have an opportunity to live a life that honors God by working to fulfill his purpose for us, or we live a life that rejects God and God's gift of life to us.  If you're reading this, that means you're still here and have some life left to live.  What will you do with this gift God has given you?

Readings:  Zechariah 1:1-21; Revelation 12:1-13:1a; Psalm 140:1-13; Proverbs 30:17

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." -- Psalm 139:13-14a

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?  Do you see someone fearfully and wonderfully made?  Do you see someone that is beautiful in the eyes of God?  Sadly, our culture has conditioned us to view our reflection in terms of just our physical appearance.  But this tells us little.  If we were made in the image of God, we should think less of looking like the model in the magazine and more of reflecting God to others.  Next time you look in the mirror, instead of asking "who do I look like"? Ask, "how will I reflect God to others today?"  That beauty comes from the heart and the spirit, not clear skin and shiny hair.

Readings:  Haggai 1:1-2:23; Revelation 11:1-19; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 30:15-16

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." -- Zephaniah 1:1-3:20

A New Day.  Remember God's desire for you, and remember that you are loved.

Readings:  Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Revelation 10:1-11; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 30:11-14

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." -- Habakkuk 3:17-18

It is hard to rejoice in the midst of pain and sadness.  It is hard to feel the joy of Christmas when we know families are grieving.  It is hard to celebrate in the midst of suffering, and yet, we can find strength and joy (which is not the same as happiness) in the company of God.  In times of need, I have been so grateful to those friends and family who have been there for me.  In my pain and sadness, their company did not take it away, but it sure made it more bearable.  God did not create us for isolation.  And even when we are alone, he is with us.  May you find comfort in him today.

Readings:  Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Revelation 9:1-21; Psalm 137:1-9; Proverbs 30:10

"Two things I ask of you, O Lord... Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." -- Proverbs 30:7-9

I am challenged by the second request of this text.  It's not that I want riches, though I think I'd probably like to be tested in that way... It's not that I fear losing sight of God if I were rich or poor.  I'm challenged because if I were to be granted two wishes, I don't know what they would be.  The two requests this proverb writer gives shows wisdom far beyond mine.

So if you had two wishes, what would they be?

Readings:  Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 30:7-9