March 5 -- "Ritual vs Righteousness"

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 21 

"Ritual vs Righteousness"

The way you behave in your dealings with others means far more to God than your religious performance. It seems that there is no shortage of people who are ready to do their religious duty on Sundays, but show no signs of a godly life the rest of the week. They meticulously make the “sacrifices” of attending church services, paying their tithes, saying their prayers, following their liturgy, singing their songs, and performing their rituals – but there is no attempt to live a righteous life before God. They just don’t get that God is more interested in their seeking to be righteous, just, and merciful than He is in them coming and offering such “sacrifices” to Him. 

David the Psalmist recognized this truth in Psalm 51 – “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” God is far more interested in matters of the heart than He is in our religious ceremony. Having this type of broken spirit and repentant heart will result in living the type of life that God finds acceptable and pleasing – a life of faith, mercy, kindness, justice, and righteousness.

Yahweh was very blunt about this truth with the prophet Isaiah when He questioned him about religious duty:

“’What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?’ says the Lord.
‘I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle.
I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony?
Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me!
As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting—they are all sinful and false.
I want no more of your pious meetings.’” (Isaiah 1:11-13)

The reality is that if our heart isn’t in it, God isn’t interested in our religion. He is seeking those with a humble and contrite heart who recognize their need for His grace and forgiveness and commit themselves to living righteously, justly, and mercifully through the power of His indwelling Spirit. The way you behave in your dealings with others means far more to God than your religious performance.  

March 4 -- "Wine is a Mocker"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 20

"Wine is a Mocker"

Can we be completely honest here? As you know, the drinking of wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages is an accepted practice in our culture. In fact, you could say it is not only acceptable, but is expected and encouraged by nearly everyone. It is simply our “way of life.” But, is it consistent with God’s “way of life?”

The reality is – and here comes the honesty – the Bible consistently and strongly advises against the consumption of wine and strong drink. It is true that the Bible sometimes refers to wine in positive ways when describing something satisfying (“Your mouth is like the best wine.” -  Song of Songs 7:9), or celebratory (“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart” - Ecclesiastes 9:7), but it also strongly warns of the dangers of drinking.

Here in Proverbs 20, we read that “wine is a mocker” and that “strong drink (or beer) is a brawler” and that “whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” A mocker is somebody who is hostile to a life of righteousness and ridicules all who disagree with him. This statement is a warning against the harmful ways a person is affected by consuming too much wine.  Consuming too much wine (or any alcoholic beverage) negatively affects one’s thinking and behavior, which could lead to actions, words, or attitudes unpleasing to the Lord. Those who consume too much wine give themselves over to its influence and allow it to control them. In a sense, then, the wine “mocks” their lack of self-control.

The book of Proverbs provides instructions for living a wise and virtuous life—by avoiding actions that end up harming oneself and others. In Proverbs 20:1 specifically, wine and beer are described as enemies of wisdom. Whoever is led astray by alcohol is not wise.

While small quantities of wine and other alcoholic beverages can be safely consumed without leading to sin, we should pay close attention to the Bible’s strong warnings against excessive consumption. Alcohol has a way of leading us away from the righteous and virtuous life God calls us to live.

Bottom line: The Bible does not strictly forbid drinking, but it does strongly discourage it and forbids drinking in excess, leading to drunkenness. If a Christian chooses to consume alcohol, they must do so with moderation, restraint, and self-control. If you cannot drink without such restraint, then you must avoid alcohol altogether. Whoever is led astray by alcohol is not wise. Check your heart on this matter. Have you adopted your culture’s values when it comes to drinking? Or, have you internalized God’s values and chosen to live above society’s “norm”?  

March 3 -- "Man's Plans. God's Purpose."

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 19 

"Man's Plans. God's Purpose."

In today’s verse, we encounter a profound truth about the sovereignty of God in the affairs of our lives. The verse declares, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Here, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, reminds us that human intentions and designs often collide with the divine will.

This truth resonates deeply with Christ followers today. Despite our best efforts and meticulous planning, we often encounter unexpected twists and turns in life. Jobs change, relationships shift, and circumstances evolve. In the face of such uncertainty, Proverbs 19:21 serves as a comforting reminder that God's purpose ultimately prevails. It invites us to surrender our plans to His sovereign will and trust in His perfect timing and wisdom.

Consider the example of the apostle Paul. Despite meticulously planning his missionary journeys, he encountered numerous obstacles and detours. Yet, Paul remained steadfast in his faith, trusting that God's purpose would prevail through every trial and setback.

Armed with the understanding that God's purpose supersedes our plans, we are called to embrace a posture of surrender and obedience. Instead of clinging stubbornly to our agendas, we should seek God's guidance and direction in every aspect of our lives.

Practically, this means cultivating a spirit of flexibility and openness to God's leading. It involves daily surrendering our plans to Him and allowing His purposes to shape our decisions and priorities. Let us be like the Apostle Paul, who, despite facing imprisonments and hardships, remained steadfast in his commitment to advancing God's kingdom.

As we navigate the uncertainties of life, may we find comfort and confidence in the unchanging nature of God's purpose. Let us rest in the assurance that His plans for us are good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2).

March 2 -- "The Forerunner of Ruin"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 18

"The Forerunner of Ruin"

One of the principles that is often repeated in the Bible is this: A proud person will soon be ruined – a humble person will soon be honored. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Ultimately, God brings low the proud and raises the humble. 

It seems counter-intuitive — that putting ourselves low will raise us up, while putting ourselves first will end up with us last. But that’s exactly what the Bible says. Repeatedly. Proverbs 11:12 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Haughtiness, pride, arrogance is the forerunner of ruin.

The call to follow Christ is a call to forsake pride, arrogance, haughtiness, and self-praise and to pursue humility from a sincere heart. We need to drop our pride because pride comes before a fall. Many proverbs warn that the sin of pride is a dangerous offense. Pride is the sin most likely to keep a person from crying out for a Savior.

Pride in the context of these verses refers to an arrogant attitude that manifests itself as self-reliance (haughtiness) and lack of dependence upon God. To be humble and thus avoid the pride that goes before a fall is to respect, reverence, and submit to the Lord in every area of your life. When we fear the Lord, we acknowledge our desperate need for God because He is infinitely wiser than we are. The proud person pursues his or her own way, but the humble one obeys God’s Word. Doing so makes us sure-footed so that we will not slip or stagger: “The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” (Psalm 37:23)

As seriously dangerous as pride is, it’s equally hard to spot. When it comes to diagnosing our hearts, those of us who have the disease of pride have a challenging time identifying our sickness. Some of the symptoms of pride include fault-finding, a harsh spirit, superficiality, defensiveness, taking God for granted, hunger for attention, and neglect of others. Do you see any of these symptoms in your life? Then you must repent, forsaking your pride and humbling yourself before God. If you do, God will honor your humbleness. If you don’t – watch out! Ruin in some form or another awaits you.

“For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” (Galatians 6:3)

March 1 -- "No God Like Our God"

 Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6

"No God Like Our God"

As the opening ceremonies of the Temple reached their climax, King Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire community of Israel, and he lifted his hands in prayer. Then he knelt in front of the entire community of Israel and lifted his hands toward heaven. He prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.”

The prayer that follows is one of the most heartfelt compilations of praises and petitions in the entire Bible. Solomon’s prayer culminated with this request, “O my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to all the prayers made to you in this place.”

Solomon longed for this Temple to be a place that was alive with the presence of the ever-living God. A place where people could connect with God. A place where prayers would be heard, people would be healed, sins would be forgiven, and lives would be changed. He desired that “God’s house” would be the center of community and national life for all of Israel.

Can you picture it? The political and military leader of the nation bowing in deep reverence with words of praise unto the Lord.  Solomon’s words ring true today just as they did that day. There is no God like Yahweh. He is the only true and living God. No matter how far you go – throughout heaven and earth – or how intently you search, you will never find anyone even remotely like Him. He is a God of His word – who always keeps His promises and covenants. He does this because of His “steadfast love” for His servants – those who have bowed the knee to Him as their Master and Lord.

What an amazing day this was. One of the highlights of human history for sure! And what an amazing God we serve! There is no God like Him in the skies above or on the earth below, who unswervingly keeps covenant with his servants and unfailingly loves them while they sincerely live in obedience to His ways. Praise be to God!

February 29 – "Foretaste of Glory Divine"

 Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 5

"Foretaste of Glory Divine"

The Ark of the Covenant, the Cherubim, and the Holy of Holies hold profound symbolic significance in the Old Testament, offering rich layers of meaning that resonate throughout Scripture and into our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity.

For Christ followers today, the symbolism of the Ark, the Cherubim, and the Holy of Holies holds profound spiritual significance and practical application in our lives.

Presence of God: Just as the Ark represented God's tangible presence among the Israelites, Christians have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within them. Our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), signifying that God's presence resides within us. This reality underscores the intimacy and closeness of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Holiness and Reverence: The imagery of the Cherubim guarding the Ark reminds us of God's holiness and the reverence with which we should approach Him. As Christians, we are called to live holy and set-apart lives, honoring God in all that we do (1 Peter 1:15-16). Our reverence for God acknowledges His sovereignty, majesty, and authority over our lives.

Covenant Relationship: Just as the Ark symbolized God's covenant relationship with Israel, Christians are partakers of the new covenant sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20). This covenant promises forgiveness of sins, adoption into God's family, and eternal life with Him. Our relationship with God is built on His faithfulness and promises, demonstrating His unending love and grace toward us.

In essence, the Ark, the Cherubim, and the Holy of Holies provide a foretaste of the heavenly realities awaiting believers. They point to a future where God's presence, holiness, worship, and covenant promises will be fully realized in the eternal kingdom of Heaven, where believers will experience perfect communion with their Creator for all eternity. Oh, what a day that will be!

February 28 -- "Concealing Offenses"

 Today’s Reading: Proverbs 17

"Concealing Offenses"

Personal relationships are delicate things. To maintain healthy friendships takes an intentional effort. Depending on your experience, you may wonder if healthy relationships are even possible. There’s a lot of brokenness in the world. Are good, solid, joy-filled relationships even possible? Yes. The Bible makes that very clear. When God created human beings, He made them relational beings. His intent was for us to have wonderful, God-honoring relationships.

Every good relationship requires love, humility, service, patience, acceptance, affection, and forgiveness. Unfortunately, every one of us is infected with the disease of sin. As a result of our sinful nature, we can veer off the course of healthy relationships and can, at times, cause offense to others – even those we are closest to. This is where Proverbs 17:9 comes in – teaching us that in a true, healthy relationship, the loving person will “cover” the offense of the one they love. The word “cover” in this verse means to conceal; hide; cover up. The lesson here is that there is virtue in keeping someone else’s sins to yourself rather than “repeating” them to others. Being a telltale gossip does nothing but degrade relationships and end friendships.

The greatest example of this type of love is found in our Heavenly Father. He, out of His deep love for us, has chosen to cover our offenses and sins. Psalm 32:1 says, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” This is the same Hebrew word for “covered” that we find in today’s verse. Think about that! God has chosen to conceal and cover up your sin with the blood of Christ rather than allowing you to be separated from Him! Oh, what love the Father has for us.

God covers your offenses because He seeks love and a relationship built on love with you. And it is our call as His children to do the same for others in our lives. Is there someone who has offended you? Is there a relationship that has been spoiled by another person’s sin or mistake? Do you know someone whom you should forgive? Do it now. Take a moment in God’s presence and bring that person (or persons) to His attention. Tell Him you want to be like Him, forgiving transgressions and covering past sins. Then, from your heart, forgive that person.

If you’ve furthered the damage to your relationship by repeating the matter to others, take another moment to ask God to forgive you. If you ask, He will grant it. Then, if the situation warrants, go to your friend and ask for their forgiveness as well.  Whoever covers an offense seeks love.