Tag: wisdom

June 6, 2024

June 6th, 2024

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 1 John 1

Highlight Verse:

“We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is one of those chapters that is so full of good verses that it’s tough to pick just one.

Then I realized that this verse establishes who is writing this.

It’s not just some leader from the early church.

This was John, Jesus’ best friend.

He heard everything that Jesus taught and saw all that he had done during his ministry years.

We should pay attention here.

Of course, pay attention to the whole Bible but here is one who has firsthand knowledge of Jesus.

He’s got some especially good insight.

Which verse(s) in this chapter stood out to you?
Why?
June 4, 2024

June 4th, 2024

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Numbers 11-12

Highlight Verse:

“But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!””
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

On Sunday we were bumped from a flight.

No warning. No explanation. Just a “your flight information has changed.”

Granted, the new flight was a direct instead of connecting.

Still, we would be home and hour and a half later and were already at the airport where then had to wait for nearly 9 hours.

Do I sound like I’m whining?

Kinda like the Israelites were doing in today’s reading.

In the last hour of waiting for our new nearly on time direct flight, we heard the boarding announcement for our previous flight, over 4 hours late. We would have been stuck in Dallas with no connection.

Instead, the airline provided us with the best way home given the circumstances.

God was providing the best for the Israelites but the didn’t like it. So, he gave in to their demands.

They didn’t like that so much either.

God provides what’s best for us through the opportunities he places in our path.

We would do well to accept those opportunities, make the most of them, and be thankful in the midst of them.

On a side note, I feel like I should mention that I don’t believe that abusive situations are God’s best for anyone. In that sort of situation, I believe it is best to ask (beg) God for a way out and to seize that way out when it arises.

What plans has God changed for you that seemed bad at first but turned out good?
In what ways have you provided God’s answer for those in bad situations?
June 1, 2024

June 1st, 2024

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-14

Highlight Verse:

“As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.”
‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My kids know better than to tell me they’re bored.

Typically, my reply will be, “There’s plenty of weeds to be pulled.” Or “Mom’s van needs washing.”

Boredom is not something that I typically experience.

I have more than enough on my plate and usually have to force myself to relax (like I’m doing now on vacation).

But my summer schedule is often less busy, and I may find times of boredom.

In those times it may prove useful to remind myself of this verse.

There are many ways to be “doing good.”

It could be a simple as posting an encouraging note on Facebook or writing a thank you note.

It could be as complicated as getting involved with a good organization that can use your volunteer time.

I’m not saying to neglect the much needed times of rest.

I am saying that most of us could step beyond our comfort zones to do more good.

What are effective ways you have found to do more good?
Do you have any innovative ideas that go beyond the normal ideas of “doing good?”
May 31, 2024

May 31st, 2024

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Hosea 13-14

Highlight Verses:

“I took care of you in the wilderness, in that dry and thirsty land. But when you had eaten and were satisfied, you became proud and forgot me.”
‭‭Hosea‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My times of deepest faith came when things were the hardest.

Those days when I had no idea how I would make the rent or mortgage, much less buy food, forced me to rely on God completely.

A handful of times in my life, I have been to the point where I have had to say, “It’s all up to you, God. I’ve got nothing left.”

And every single time…

Not most of the time,

Every Single Time –

God came through.

Then, when I’m cruising through life and everything is going well, I tend not to think about where those blessings are coming from.

Worse, I tend to think about how well I’m doing at work or how good the budgeting is going.

I’m not saying those are bad things.

I am saying that all those blessings and opportunities ultimately have their source in the grace of God.

I need to keep that in mind and keep Him first, thanking Him for each and every blessing.

Have you learned to rely on God during the tough times?
Have you kept Him first in the good times as well?
Feel free to share stories of how God has blessed you in both the easy and the tough times.
May 30, 2024

May 30th, 2024
Thursday – Letters

Reading – 2 Peter 1-3

Highlight Verse:

“But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we are traveling and we just got settled into our rental at nearly 2am (1am at home), I will let you guys make the points today.

Simply discuss these questions:
- How can you tell if someone is a false teacher?
- Is it possible for a sincere teacher to become a false teacher (I would say yes)?
- If so, how do you keep from teaching falsely?
May 29, 2024

May 29th, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Chronicles 25-27

Highlight Verse:

“Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭27‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I can’t believe I never noticed this before!

The Chronicler is listing off all these important officials and advisors to King David.

And then there’s Hushai the Arkite –

the king’s friend.

I love that!

All too often, people in leadership become isolated.

They get put on a platform of untouchability. Whether that’s from their own pride or because people fear getting too close. It varies from person to person.

I know of one pastor (I’m sure there are at least several more) of a large church who, in his isolation, let sin creep in and take over his life to the point where he lost everything. One true friend could have kept him on the right path.

If you are a leader and find people shying away from you, don’t be afraid to let down your guard and be friends with those around you.

If you happen to be acquainted with a leader that people respect so much that they shy away from friendship, offer your friendship with respect and honesty.

You could save someone’s life.

If you are a leader, have you experienced isolation? Have you escaped that isolation? How?
Are you a friend of a leader who might otherwise have been isolated? How did that friendship start?
May 25, 2024

May 25th, 2024

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – 2 Samuel 19:1-8

Highlight Verse:

“Now go out there and congratulate your troops, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than ever before.””
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I had lunch yesterday with a man who had served in the Air Force in the early ‘80s.

It was a time not far enough removed from the Vietnam War and the social unrest of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

The political climate in our country at the time did not afford much respect to our military.

He was treated poorly both in the service and when he got out.

It was a demoralizing time to serve.

While today’s members of the armed services are treated with more respect, we can once again see that pendulum swinging toward discouragement.

We would do well to remember that this weekend is not about the start of Summer or an excuse for barbecue.

It is a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect ours; to pay respects to those who won and protected our freedom; and to honor those who continue to do so.

Our flag graces the front of our home this weekend.

Our prayers go out to protect those who are protecting us.

Our respect goes to all who have served.

If that’s you, let me extend a sincere thank you!

What are your plans this weekend?
How will you honor those who gave all for your freedom this weekend?
May 22, 2024

May 22nd, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Chronicles 22-24

Highlight Verse:

“But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭22‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One could question why David appointed Solomon to be the next king. He was far from the first born.

That question is settled when one realizes that it was God Himself who planned to make Solomon the King who would preside over a peaceful era of Israel.

Like David when he was anointed to be king, Solomon was far from the oldest or strongest, but He was the one that God had selected.

Unlike his father,

David cooperated with God right from the beginning by giving him a name that means peace.

He continued this cooperation by agreeing to make him the next king and teaching him what he needed to know.

Solomon became the great king of peace in part due to his God given wisdom,

but also because of the foundation that his father David set for him.

I have tried to set the foundations for success for my kids. They are still relatively young so the results are yet to be seen.

But I continue to pray for them, encourage them, and believe the best for them.

How do we pass on a legacy of success in the Lord to our kids?
What steps have you taken to ensure their success in the Lord?
May 15, 2024

May 15th, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Chronicles 19-21

Highlight Verse:

“But David was not able to go there to inquire of God, because he was terrified by the drawn sword of the angel of the Lord.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭21‬:‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today, this seems like an irrational fear.

After all, David was a “man after God’s own heart.” What did he have to fear?

Well, there was the little matter of 70 thousand people who just died in a plague because of his poor decision.

I might be a little freaked out too.

It’s easy to judge others when they have what seem to be irrational fears.

Perhaps it would be best to look at things from their perspective.

Maybe then we would understand.

But then, sometimes we don’t understand our own fears.

Do you tend to judge people for their irrational fears? (Guilty here)
How would it be different if you could see through their eyes?
May 14, 2024

May 14th, 2024

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Numbers 5-6

Highlight Verse:

“‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This little section is called the Aaronic benediction.

It’s a beautiful poetic blessing in the middle of the book of Numbers.

The contrast makes it all the more powerful.

I remember a pastor who would end every service with this blessing and I would always leave church feeling like I had been truly blessed.

Try it on for size.

Bless those around you.

Then see if you feel blessed as well.

Have you ever made a practice of blessing those around you?
Can you think of occasions when this or a similar blessing would be appropriate?

Tag: wisdom

This is one of those chapters that is so full of good verses that it’s tough to pick just one.

This was John, Jesus’ best friend.

He’s got some especially good insight.

Do I sound like I’m whining?

God provides what’s best for us through the opportunities he places in our path.

My kids know better than to tell me they’re bored.

In those times it may prove useful to remind myself of this verse.

There are many ways to be “doing good.”

My times of deepest faith came when things were the hardest.

Every Single Time –

God came through.

I need to keep that in mind and keep Him first, thanking Him for each and every blessing.

I can’t believe I never noticed this before!

the king’s friend.

You could save someone’s life.

It was a demoralizing time to serve.

We would do well to remember that this weekend is not about the start of Summer or an excuse for barbecue.

If that’s you, let me extend a sincere thank you!

David cooperated with God right from the beginning by giving him a name that means peace.

but also because of the foundation that his father David set for him.

But I continue to pray for them, encourage them, and believe the best for them.

Today, this seems like an irrational fear.

Perhaps it would be best to look at things from their perspective.

But then, sometimes we don’t understand our own fears.

It’s a beautiful poetic blessing in the middle of the book of Numbers.

Bless those around you.