Title: What Does Love Look Like?/Topic: Love

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 16; Proverbs 17; Proverbs 18; Romans 12

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Observation: Poems, stories, songs and prose have all extolled the virtues and heartaches of love, but these verses tell us what love looks like when lived out in a practical manner by people of faith. I want to focus on just a few items out of the lengthy description in this section. Part of love is to hate what is evil (v.9). Not all behavior is accepted or tolerated. Another aspect of love is the responsibility I have to keep my spiritual fervor or zeal (v.11). If I see myself getting apathetic spiritually, I am not demonstrating God's love in my life and need to repent and stir up the gifts within me. Love recognizes that even with my best efforts, it may not be possible to live peaceably with everyone (v.18) but that I must make all effort to do so. Love doesn't take revenge but let's God have control of doling out judgment (v.19).

Application: It would be good to read this section of the Word often to see if my behavior is lining up with this practical and full-orbed definition of love. If we all adhered to such a way of life there would be no wars in the world, prisons would be empty and families would be whole and happy.

Prayer: Father, help me to be one who puts “flesh” on love in the way described in these verses. May I honor you by showing forth your goodness. I leave it to you to repay evil and judge the guilty. Help me to be one who overcomes evil with good.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Protecting My Heart/Topic: Hope

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 13; Proverbs 14; Proverbs 15; Romans 11

Scripture: Proverbs 13:12
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Observation/ Application: How true this verse is! But how does this knowledge help us to improve our lives and grow spiritually? I have experienced the truth of this verse very recently and reading this makes me ponder what I should be hoping for. It is God's will that we have joy. The Word says that “the joy of the Lord is your strength”. Therefore, if I am focusing on a hope that is not coming to pass and it is making my heart sick, I must need to change the hope that I am focusing on to something that is sure to be fulfilled. I can focus on the hope of my salvation, the hope of eternity with Jesus, the hope of the Spirit using me to bless others, etc. When my hope is focused first on God and what he will do (and is doing) in my life my heart can rejoice. If my greatest hopes are pinned on other people or circumstances I run a great risk of having a sick heart.

Prayer: Father, help me to place my hopes on you, who are the same yesterday, today and forever. May I pray for other people and circumstances to be what they ought to be without having the focus of my hopes on them. You never disappoint. By the power of the Spirit, teach me to bring every thought to you and make it obedient to Christ my Lord. Thank you for your goodness and grace to me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: What's My Inheritance?/Topic: Consequences

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 10; Proverbs 11; Proverbs 12; Romans 10

Scripture: Proverbs 11:29
29 He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

Observation: A son who brings shame on his family or is disrespectful and ungrateful to his parents is likely to be cut out of the will completely and inherit nothing. Another verse in Proverbs 17:2 echoes this stating, "A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers". Even though this verse is talking about human relationships, I think there is an application to the Jews and their relationship to God as his “chosen people”. They rejected their heavenly Father and so opened up the way for the Gentiles to receive their inheritance as sons of God. Romans 10 says as much . If this is so, we must be careful not to despise the grace and love that has been shown to us by God. We can lose our inheritance through disrespect and ungratefulness just as we could if we behaved that way toward our earthly parents.

Application: I need to always consider my behavior and how it reflects upon God. Am I bringing shame and disgrace on his name by how I behave? Am I bringing him joy or heartache? My love, respect and gratitude toward him must be evident by my words and my actions.

Prayer: Father, may I always be a daughter who brings you joy and who honors the name you have given me by adopting me into your family. Thank you for all you have given to me and for your love, care and concern for me. I want to thank you by living in a way that pleases you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Available to All/Topic: Wisdom

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 7; Proverbs 8; Proverbs 9; Romans 9

Scripture: Proverbs 8:1-4
1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:
4 "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

Observation: God is a just God. These verses declare that he has made his wisdom available to all mankind. Not every culture and people group has heard about Jesus, yet godly wisdom is available to all who will look for it. It is not hard to find. Notice that wisdom calls out from places where people gather and will often be; along pathways, crossroads, and city gates. God desires wisdom to be easily accessible.

Application: There is no excuse for foolish, sinful behavior. Even in places where there is no Bible there is a basic knowledge of good and evil, right and wrong that is accepted and known by everyone. Wrong actions are the result of choices we make. We cannot claim ignorance.

Prayer: Father, I praise you for making your basic laws known to all men. I'm so glad that you have not given your wisdom in an arbitrary manner. May I embrace and live by the wisdom you so graciously give, and may I receive all the blessings that you say will be given to a wise person.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: I Know What I'm Talking About/Topic: Parental Wisdom

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 4; Proverbs 5; Proverbs 6; Romans 8

Scripture: Proverbs 4:20-23
20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Observation: Here is a father telling his son, “Hey, I know what I'm talking about. Listen up! I have your best interest at heart and if you pay attention to what I say you will have a great life!”. This father ends with the admonition to “guard your heart”. Lusts of all kinds can ruin a person's life. Lust for things, but even more, lust involving romantic entanglements with others of loose morals sexually. This father, especially, should know; he himself was brought to ruin by his own sexual lust for women who did not serve God. So listening to a father's advice is important even if the father hasn't lived perfectly in congruence with his own words of wisdom.

Application: A wise son or daughter will live a blessed life if they listen to the instructions of their parents. The wisdom of parents is “life and health” to their children. I need to choose to be a person who receives and clings to the wisdom I am taught and also be one who passes that along to my children. I cannot make them choose to listen and heed my wisdom; that is their responsibility, but I must speak it to them so that they have the best chance for a happy and productive life.

Prayer: Father, I pray that the words of wisdom that I have spoken to my children will be heeded. Where they have not been, I pray you would bring them to their senses and help them get on the right track again. Do what you need to do to humble them so that they will listen and do the same for me. I want to be teachable and increase my wisdom until the day I die.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Purpose of Proverbs/Topic: Instruction

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 1; Proverbs 2; Proverbs 3; Romans 7

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-
6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools [a] despise wisdom and discipline.

Observation: The opening verses of Proverbs (my favorite book) tell us what the purpose of the book is; for gaining wisdom, understanding and insight, acquiring discipline, discretion and learning to do what is right and just. Sounds like something to pay close attention to! The young in age are mentioned as a special target audience. The ending verse tells us how to tell the difference between a wise person and a fool. The wise person fears the Lord but a fool sees no value in wisdom or in discipline. The difference between the wise and the foolish is a major theme in Proverbs. We will se that contrast over and over again.

Application: I think going through the book of Proverbs for ourselves and for our children on a regular basis is a huge key to developing mature, successful adults who have godly integrity and character. It is the one book that tells us it exists for the purpose of imparting those attributes to us. Let us pay close attention and read from it often with our children.

Prayer: Help me to pay close attention to your words of wisdom, Lord, and to not just read them but to assimilate them into my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Dangerous Liaisons/Topic: Devotion

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 10; 1 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6

Scripture: 1 Kings 11:1-6
1 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. 2 They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. 4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 5 He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech [a] the detestable god of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.

Observation: How could this be? How could a man who had been so devoted to God come down to such a level? Sex is a powerful force. God created it to be so, which is why he commanded that the Israelites only marry people who served Him. The New Testament also gives warning to God's people to not be unequally yoked to an unbeliever. Our closest relationships need to be reserved for others who believe as we do.

Application: We need to instruct our children to marry within the Christian faith; but that alone is not enough. We must help them to be discerning. It is vital to their own spiritual growth and development that they marry believers who are passionate about God. If they marry worldly Christians who are lukewarm spiritually, they will be in danger of becoming worldly as well. In tug-of-war games the team that stays lower to ground usually wins. It is easier to pull someone down than to lift them up. The same principle that is true in tug-of-war is true in the spiritual realm as well. To maintain victory over sin we must crucify our flesh and be filled with the Spirit. If we are intimate with people who indulge their flesh, we are likely to do so as well.

Prayer: Father, help us to disciple our children in this truth. It is the only way for our families to remain strong. And help us to be vigilant about who we hold close in friendship, business partnerships, as well as marriage. May we heed your warnings and honor you in all we do.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Once for All/Topic: Redemption

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5

Scripture: Romans 5:6-11
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Observation: Jesus died for everyone. He took upon himself all the sins of all mankind once and for all. He did this while we were still his enemies, so that we could be reconciled to him. This is one act of unconditional love. But the one act of unconditional love must then be received by those for whom it was done. We must receive the reconciliation to God provided for us by the death of Jesus. Other verses make it clear that if we do not humble ourselves and receive this gift, we will be judged according to our actions. The judgment we receive will be based on what we knew of God's grace and the condition of our hearts. Did we repent of sin when we knew we did something wrong? Were we grateful, submissive to God, teachable, humble? All of these things matter.

Application: Thank God for the love of the Father and the Son, who so willingly gave himself so that we could be justified before God! What a precious gift! Now it is my responsibility to honor God forever for the sacrifice he made for me. Just as a child has the responsibility to give respect and honor to parents who gave him life and sacrificed to provide for his needs, so must we, even more, give honor to God for his unbelievably costly sacrifice on our behalf. He provided us with everything we need to have a good life.

Prayer: Father, I want my gratitude to you for all you have done to always be evident to you and to others. May I honor you before men by the way I live. May others see in me a reflection of your goodness, grace and love. May I forgive those who offend me so that they will see in me an example of what you did for them on the cross. May my life cause others to be drawn to you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Promise and a Responsibility/Topic: Intercession

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6; 2 Chronicles 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Observation: This is a wonderful promise from the Lord and a grave responsibility for the Church. God promises his people that he will heal their land IF they will humble themselves, pray, AND turn from their wicked ways. This is the people of God being spoken to here. Society cannot be healed unless the Church is willing to forsake sin and embrace righteous living.

Application: Are we willing to take on the responsibility of interceding for our society in a way that will make a difference? Just praying intercessory prayers is not enough. We have to forsake our wicked ways too. We must keep each other accountable to live a righteous life. Our world needs us to be good! The well-being of our world depends on us.

Prayer: Father, help us to understand how important our personal holiness is; not just for our own blessing and fulfillment in life but to bless our entire society. May we take our responsibility to intercede and to live submitted to your precepts seriously.A
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: With or Without the Word/Topic: Judgment

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4; Psalm 98; Romans 2

Scripture: Romans 2:12-16,
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
26 If those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

Observation: These verses give me pause. I will always proclaim Jesus to anyone I meet as being the only way to salvation, for that is the truth. However, these verses indicate that God has a way of judging those who have never been taught about Jesus that is fair and just based on what they do know. Paul is writing this to Jews and convincing them that God accepts Gentile believers, even though they don't follow all the Mosaic law. However, I think there is clear implication in these verses that Paul thinks God ha a way of dealing with people who have never heard the gospel message by judging them by what they do know to be true from what God has put in the conscience and heart of every man.

Application: We need to be careful about judging the eternal state of those who have died but didn't follow our system of belief. Will a Buddhist go to hell if he dies never having heard the Word that would allow him to accept Jesus as his personal Savior? Or does God have a way of looking into his heart and determining that he repented when he knew he had sinned and offended his conscience? Since Jesus died once, purchasing forgiveness for all men, is there a way God judges those who have never heard of Jesus but who keep the law's requirements in their hearts? The questions raised by a thoughtful probing of these scriptures should at least give me pause and keep me from an arrogant assertion that I have all the answers to such things. I know Jesus is the way to salvation and I know that the Judge of all the earth will do the right thing in his judgment. Anything beyond that puts me on ground that is not firm.

Prayer: Teach me your ways O Lord. Lead me in the truth. May I win many people to you, for he who wins souls is wise. But also keep me humble. May I never be arrogant and expound on things I do not understand fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Downward Slide/Topic: Sinfulness

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1

Scripture: Romans 1:28-32
28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Observation: When people consider the knowledge of God to be something unimportant and not worth pursuing (irrelevant), they put themselves in a position of resisting God. This leads to a downward slide into all kinds of sinfulness. The sin can vary from being a gossip, arrogant and boastful to murder. It is important to note that in verse 28, the expression “he (God) gave them over to a depraved mind”, actually means God stops resisting their choices. He stops trying to call them back and lets them have full control over their behavior. It's like a parent whose teenager keeps sneaking out of the house to do wrong things trying to bolt the doors and windows. When the child gets around all these deterrents and demonstrates a determination to do wrong, the parent finally stops driving themselves crazy trying to protect the child and lets him experience the full consequences of their choices.

Application: It is simple. I need to guard my heart from becoming hard, stubborn and rebellious. I am in danger of losing God's protection and His Spirit speaking to me and convicting me of wrong if I don't value the knowledge of God.

Prayer: Father, I will humble myself before you and be grateful when your Spirit convicts me of sin because I know that your purpose for that is to keep me on the path of greatest blessing. Help me to teach others to keep their hearts soft also.A
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Pray for Protection/Topic: Protection

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 4; 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:2, 3
2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Observation: Sometimes things go wrong and the people of the Lord are left questioning why bad things are happening to them. A part of the answer to those questions is contained in these verses. Not everyone has faith. Some men are bent on engaging in wicked activity, and as Paul indicates here, their wicked behavior can affect believers negatively, causing all sorts of problems. That is why he asks the church to pray that they will be delivered from such people.

Application: Sometimes, especially when we have received many blessings from the Lord, we get complacent about praying for God's protection from the evil that is in the world through the choices of wicked men. Paul is asking the Church to be vigilant to pray for protection from those who follow evil ways. We must not forget that we have an enemy, Satan, who inspires men to do wicked things. Paul indicates that if we pray, the Lord is faithful to provide protection.

Prayer: Father, I need to be reminded of this. Help me to be vigilant to pray for the protection of myself, my family and my fellow believers. We need to build a wall, a fortress, of your protection around us. May we leave no “chinks” for the enemy to get through and may we be aware of and take on the responsibility to pray for one another as we ought to. I am sure we all would have many fewer struggles if we were diligent to pray in this manner. Now, Lord, I ask for your protection from all those who are motivated by the enemy of our souls. Deliver us from all the onslaughts of the enemy that we may prosper in all we do, so that your Name will be glorified.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Revealing Question/Topic: Desires of the Heart

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5
5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."

Observation/ Application: Wow! This is much better than a genie in a bottle telling you that he will grant you a wish. The Creator of all the universe told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted most. When we are asleep, as Solomon was when this happened, our subconscious desires come out more easily than when we are awake. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern God's people. God was pleased with his response and gave him what he asked for plus a lot more. If God told me to ask him for whatever I wanted most to receive, what would my response be? It is a revealing question. As I pondered this, I realized that my first thought was not what I wanted most, it was just something I thought I could get fairly easily. It was a good thing, but not my deepest desire. The more deeply I thought about this, the more my heart was laid bare before the Lord. I think this is a question we should all ponder. It will reveal a lot about where we are in life, but it will also help to focus our prayers on what we truly want.

Prayer: Father, I ask you to give me the desires of my heart. You are the only one with the capability to accomplish what is most important to me. Help me to be more focused in my prayer to you. There is so much to pray about that is important, but I do not want to neglect praying for the deepest of my heart's desires. You know all my deepest secrets. Now, Lord, bring glory to your Name and joy to heart by granting what is my core desire. I thank you and praise you for your goodness to me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Linked Together/Topic: Responsibility to Others

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians 1

Scripture: 1 Kings 2:2-4
2 "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, 4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'

Observation: David makes an interesting point in his “farewell” speech to his son, Solomon. David exhorts him to follow and obey God so that he will have a blessed life AND so that the Lord's promises to himself (David) will be fulfilled. Solomon's father is about to die and yet he takes the time to make sure that Solomon understands that how he lives his life, even after his father is dead, will affect whether or not the promises of the Lord come to pass. David lets Solomon know that the fulfillment of God's promises is important to him.

Application: What we do and how we live affects others around us. We are linked together. We may not like the idea that our bad choices can negatively affect others (it can be a lot of guilt to carry) but it is the truth. The Bible affirms this truth: “But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26). We have a responsibility, then, to live a holy life not just for ourselves, but for those around us as well. If we live according to God's law, we bless others as well as ourselves, and if we do not, we damage more than just ourselves.

Prayer: Father, help us all to live well by following your paths. May we be a part of helping every one of our brothers and sisters see all of God's promises to them fulfilled by not hindering your work or bringing shame to the Body of Christ. Let us especially honor those in our families by living well and bringing them joy instead of heartache.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Straight Talk/Topic: Commissioning

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1 Thessalonians 5

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:9,10
9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."

Observation: David gives his son a dose of straight talk and a commissioning to fulfill his duty and call. In no uncertain terms he tells his son to serve the Lord with a wholehearted devotion and willingness (meaning there is no resistance or rebellion on his part). I thought the use of the phrase “acknowledge the God of your father” was interesting. I think David is communicating to Solomon that following the course that is laid out for him by David is the best way to honor his father, in addition to being the only way to succeed. In verse 10, King David commissions his son to the work of building the temple. This was done in front of a lot of people. That made Solomon at least somewhat accountable to them to get the job done and also enlisted their support to help him accomplish the task he had been given.

Application: I believe our young people would fare much better in life if we were to do something like what David did and “commission” them to successful adulthood. The Jewish people still practice Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies to acknowledge their entrance into adulthood. And their young people ca only go through those ceremonies after they have demonstrated a certain level of learning about their faith. It would be good if we followed this example, even if only in our own families.

Prayer: Father, help us to raise our children with focus and purpose. May we pray for direction from you about what they are to do in life and give them “straight talk” about the consequences of willingly obeying you or of choosing their own path. May we give them a sense of being commissioned to achieve something grand in life that we have helped to prepare them for.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Control Yourself!/Topic: Sexual Sin

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 25; 1 Chronicles 26; 1 Chronicles 27; 1 Thessalonians 4

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Observation: This verse certainly needs to be taken to heart in our very lascivious society today. It is interesting to note, however, that this verse was apparently written specifically to men. The phrase “learn to control his own body” has a footnote with it that indicates this phrase meant to “learn to live with his own wife or learn to acquire a wife”. Interesting. And the following reference not wronging or taking advantage of a brother would then refer to not messing with another man's woman (I believe that means whether married or seriously involved with). Adultery is taken so lightly today, as is all sexual sin.

Application: We need to guard our hearts and thoughts in this sexually permissive society that bombards us with sexual images constantly. Though this was written to men, it applies to women too. As women, we need to not dress provocatively and to teach our daughters that their sexual appeal to men is NOT their source of value and personal worth. Wives need to realize that they have a responsibility to provide for their husbands' sexual needs as a help to protect them from the daily onslaught of temptation that they face. We need to raise our sons to control their thoughts and eyes and to respect women, treating them as whole persons and not just sexual objects. It's a difficult world to navigate these days but depending on the Lord and keeping close to him will enable us to be victorious!

Prayer: Father, help us to stay close to you and to honor you by how we treat each other, especially in the area of our sexuality. We cause each other so much damage when we view sex as just a physical act; it is so much more than that. May we honor you with our bodies, thoughts and actions. Help our men to be strong and our women and girls to be wise in how we relate to each other with regard to sex. Give wives compassion for their husbands and give husbands love and tendernes for their wives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Nurturing a Dream/Topic: Guiding Children

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 22; 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 22:8-13
8 But this word of the LORD came to me: 'You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, [a] and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.'
11 "Now, my son, the LORD be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the LORD your God, as he said you would. 12 May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Observation: David did a wonderful thing for his son. He gave him a direction in life. Not only did he give him a direction for his life, but he let Solomon know that he had heard a word from the Lord for him about his future. It wasn't just David giving him guidance, it was God himself. The word from the Lord was specific and it came with a promise of success and a caution to “keep the law of the LORD your God”.

Application: This is such a good example for parents today. I know I often prayed for my children as they were growing up that they would be blessed, protected, and faithful to serve God, but I didn't ever really ask for a word from the Lord as to his particular purpose or mission for them in life. I see so many children grow up without a focus and searching for something to do for a career that they feel “called” to. I think they would love to hear their parents say to them, “I've been asking the Lord for a word your life and here is what I have heard him say...”. It is also important to give them God's conditions for success in what they do: They will be successful if they obey the Lord and follow him.

Prayer: Father, even though my children are all now grown, I ask that you give me a word for them that will encourage and guide them. And help me as a grandparent to instruct them to pray this way for their own children. Help me to be a godly grandparent that is a blessing in the lives of all of my grandchildren. Help me also to teach this wisdom to other young parents as well.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: It Costs Me/Topic: Giving

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalm 30; 1 Thessalonians 2

Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:24
24 But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."

Observation: Araunah offers to give his field and oxen to David to make an offering to the Lord in order that the plage might be stopped. But David insists on paying for it. Why? He understood that when we offer something that costs us nothing, we have little regard for it. It makes no impression in our mind, nor does it affect our attitudes in any way. What is the purpose of giving to God anyway? He is GOD, he certainly doesn't need anything we have! He created everything. He doesn't need us to give, we need us to give. Giving is commanded by God for our benefit, not his. It keeps us focused on the fact that we are not our own source and that God is the one who has given us everything, richly, to enjoy. It helps to keep us from being greedy and selfish. We appreciate God more when we give to him.

Application: I have often had the experience of giving somebody something for free (camp scholarships, seminar fees, etc) and had them not even go when it came time for the event. It ended up being a waste of my money. I've learned through these experiences that if people get something for free and it costs them nothing, they tend not to value it at all. It is why it is important to me, as it was to David, that what I give to God costs me something. The “sacrifice” focuses my attention on God and all he has done for me.

Prayer: I could never “out-give” you, Lord. You graciously give to me until I am overflowing. How could I not show my deep gratitude to you by giving back just a portion of what you have given me? Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have done and continue to do in my life. Bless me abundantly that I may be able to give even more into your kingdom.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Walking in the Light/Topic: Guidance

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 21; 2 Samuel 22; 2 Samuel 23; 1 Thessalonians 1

Scripture: 2 Samuel 22:29
29 You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.

Observation: What a precious truth; what a comfort! The Lord is Light, and he reveals what we cannot see. When the Spirit of the Lord is in us and we ask our heavenly Father to reveal what darkness (spiritual, emotional blockages) is in us, he will do so. It is only when we see what has been hidden in the darkness that we can repent of it ad rid ourselves of it. As we grow spiritually, more and more darkness is turned to light as His Spirit shines on us and we become more free and more good as a result.

Application: Invite the Lord to shine his light into my soul and my spirit. Keep the invitation open.

Prayer: Father, you are love and you are light. Shine your light on me and see if there be any wicked way in me so that I may be cleansed from it. Lead me in the light of your everlasting way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: To Grieve or Not to Grieve/Topic: Choices

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 19; 2 Samuel 20; Psalm 55; Matthew 28

Scripture: 2 Samuel 19:1-7
1 Joab was told, "The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom." 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, "The king is grieving for his son." 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!"
5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, "Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now."

Observation: Most of us have felt the intense pain of grief at one time or another in our lives. Even if a loved one has betrayed and mistreated us, as Absolom had done to David, we can mourn deeply the loss of that person. David's grief is understandable, but Joab was right in the rebuke he gave to David. By giving full reign to his sorrow, David was causing those who had defended him to feel that their service to him had been worthless. David was showing no gratitude to those who had been loyal to him. His grief, at this point, was self-indulgent. It made him more than useless as a leader; it caused those who loved and served him to feel shame for doing the right thing.

Application: I have felt this kind of deep grief in my life and have made the mistake that David made; wallowing in my pain while others who loved me were neglected by me as I grieved. There is a time for grief that is appropriate. But there is also a time that we need to make the choice to stop grieving and get on with life. If we don't make that choice, we become useless to God, others and even ourselves. We may always carry a sorrow in our hearts, but we must make the choice to live as though it weren't there. We must choose to live with joy or we will waste the rest of our years in sadness and self-pity.

Prayer: I know you understand all of our pain, sorrows and sufferings, Lord. You have felt them yourself. You took them all on your shoulders so that you could comfort us with your Spirit and free us from burdens that would destroy us. But it is still our choice whether or not we allow you to take those burdens or whether we choose to hold on to them and own them completely. May we lay all our burdens at your feet and choose to live with love, joy, peace and forgiveness toward others.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Where Is Your Loyalty?/Topic: First Love

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 18; Psalm 56; Matthew 27

Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:5, 14-15
5 The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, "Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake." And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders.

14 Joab said, "I'm not going to wait like this for you." So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom's heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. 15 And ten of Joab's armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him.
Observation: Even though his son was trying to kill him and take his kingdom from him, David didn't want him harmed. But Joab knew that Absolom would only cause problems for the entire nation if he stayed alive. He had already divided the nation and led a rebellion against the king. If left alive, he would only continue to plot secretly against his father and subsequently bring destruction to their society as well. So he did what needed to be done. He dispensed the justice that Absolom deserved.

Application: If we let our emotions of love for an unworthy person (even our own children) override our principles that we know to be true and right, trouble will be sure to follow. This is why Jesus said that in comparison to loving God, we must be willing to “hate” our own family members if we are to be found worthy of the kingdom of God. He certainly wasn't proposing that we hate our families, only that we cannot choose our family over doing the right thing.

Prayer: Father, when the tests come in my life as to where my loyalties lie, may I always be found to have you in the first place in my heart.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Thinking Rich or Poor/Topic: God's Resource

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26

Scripture: Matthew 26:8-13
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9 "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Observation/Application: The disciples' reaction to someone's display of wealth sounds much like that of many Christians I hear today who rail against anyone who they see as being “conspicuously” well-off financially. It seems to be very easy to criticize how a wealthy person spends their money that they have worked hard to earn. It is easy to insist that they should be giving more to charitable causes. I think this attitude comes from a “scarcity” mentality. If you hold that money is hard to get, that there is never enough of it, and that it is a limited and finite resource, then it follows that you would think anyone who has more than you do, has too much and has a responsibility to share with others. God doesn't seem to have that idea. He has an “abundance” mentality. It's built into creation. One seed produces a plant that produces hundreds of seeds. The Bible even uses “seed” as a metaphor for money. There is no limit to the amount of money that can be generated in this world. Instead of judging what others have and what they give, we need to make sure we are using our own financial resources in a way that honors God.

Prayer: Father, help me to understand all of the abundance you have built into this world. Help me to receive all the abundance you have available to me. May all your people thankfully receive from your hand and make this a better world for everyone by what they invest in others. I am grateful that there is no limit to your resource and that you give us all things richly to enjoy.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Fruit of a Bitter Heart/Topic: Unforgiveness

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 15; 2 Samuel 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25

Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:10-12
10 Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, 'Absalom is king in Hebron.' " 11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter. 12 While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom's following kept on increasing.

Observation: Absolom had a bitter heart toward his father. He was bitter about the way his father had handled the rape of his sister and also about how his dad had treated him after he murdered his half-brother Amnon. Instead of seeing any of his own fault (he had murdered someone but had justified his actions to himself), he focused on the fault of his father. If he had forgiven his father, their relationship could have been restored, for David had welcomed his son into his presence again. But Absolom seethed inwardly and plotted against his father for the throne, even deciding to hunt his father down to murder him so he could claim the kingdom for himself.

Application: Get rid of a bitter heart! It rips families apart and is ultimately destructive to the person harboring the bitterness. A person caught up in bitterness cannot see their own faults well at all. They become the victim and blame others around them for their problems. Bitterness prevents them from receiving good counsel and comfort from those around them. Absolom was loved by his father but could receive none of it. He was emotionally distanced by his own bitterness.

Prayer: I forgive, Lord. I choose to forgive all those who have hurt me, whether they realize what they have done to wound me or not. I refuse to live my life bound up by hurt, anger, bitterness or any other negative emotion. I will rejoice in your love for me and in your goodness. Help others to forgive as well so that they may be emotionally free to embrace happiness and joy.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Anger vs. Correction/Topic: Parental Responsibility

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 13; 2 Samuel 14; Matthew 24

Scripture: 2 Samuel 13:21
21 When King David heard all this, he was furious.

Observation: David is furious with his son Amnon for raping his half-sister Tamar. But that is the extent of his dealing with the criminal and sinful behavior of his son. There is no record of his correcting him by giving him any kind of meaningful consequence. He didn't even give him the consequence God had said was appropriate for such a heinous act when He gave the law to Moses. David just got mad. Tamar's brother Absolom hated his half-brother for disgracing his sister and took matters into his own hands by later murdering Amnon. David's inaction wreaked havoc in his family.

Application: James 1:20 says that “the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God”. How often we parents can resort to that instead of effective correction. For the sake of our children, our families and society, we need to make sure we let our children suffer the consequences that their bad choices deserve so that they will hopefully learn to do right when they are older. None of us like to see our kids suffer hardship so we sometimes just vent our displeasure or frustration with them instead of really dealing effectively with the problem. Let us make every effort to do right by them by holding them to a high standard of behavior without reacting in anger.

Prayer: Father help us to use our authority as parents, teachers, and adult mentors to guide our children with effectiveness into the way they should go. May we control our own emotions so as not to give them a reason to disregard what we say to them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Do What They Say, Not What They Do/Topic: Authority

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-4
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Observation: I think it's very interesting that Jesus tells the crowds that they must obey the teachers of the law and the Pharisees because of their position of authority but then proceeds to tell them that these leaders are hypocrites whose example of living should never be followed. Apparently, respect for authority, even unrighteous authority, is important to God. Jesus distinguishes between respect for the position and respect for the person. Is this because order in society is better for everyone than chaos?

Application: Whenever I am unhappy with the political leadership I am living under, I must remember to treat them as Jesus tells me to. Obey the laws and the leaders, but examine whether they have good character and don't be like them if they are unrighteous. Respect keeps society civil with each other, safe and orderly, and functional. It's just as important in the smaller microcosms of society like church and the family.

Prayer: Father, I see such polarization in our country through the last two presidencies. People vehemently hated Clinton and hate Bush. Please heal our land. Even when we disagree may we not divide in ways that create a climate of anarchy and hate for others. It concerns me greatly. May we learn to pray for our leaders and dissent, when we feel that is appropriate, while still having an attitude of respect for the positions that various leaders hold.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Two Primary Principles/Topic: Holiness

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22

Scripture: Matthew 22:36-40
36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Observation: Jesus, God in the flesh, speaks in these verses of what true holiness is. He teaches us that all ten of God's commandments for holy living can be simplified to these two principles: Love God and love people. He mentions nothing about having “correct” doctrine here. Apparently, God is more concerned with our attitudes and actions than he is about us believing the “right thing”.

Application: The point of studying doctrine isn't that we have the ability to debate with someone else who doesn't believe exactly as we do and persuade them of “the truth”, it is that we learn how to personally love God more and love people more. If we aren't applying what we learn so that it serves the latter purpose, our learning will simply make us arrogant (and therefore, unattractive to others). When I study the Bible, I should ask myself, “How will what I have read today help me love God more and love people more?”.

Prayer: Father, help me to be able to ferret out truth that transforms me into a better, more godly person every time I read your Word. I want to understand what you desire me to know about what it means to love you passionately and to love others as myself. I am grateful that you love me so much. May I grow in my ability to show that love to others.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Corrupt Religious Systems/Topic: True Religion

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 8; 2 Samuel 9; 1 Chronicles 18; 1 Chronicles 19; Matthew 21

Scripture: Matthew 21:12, 13, 43
12 Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 "It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'"
43 "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

Observation: The religious leaders of the day had turned temple worship into a way to fleece the people out of money. They were full of greed and arrogance. Jesus offends and angers them by overturning their money tables and then publicly telling parables that point out their corruption (not a good way to win friends and influence people :). In fact, Jesus goes so far as to tell these leaders that prostitutes and tax collectors, who changed their lives when they heard the Word of God taught, would enter the kingdom of heaven and that they would not. Jesus made a distinction between those who acted religious outwardly and those who actually “produced the fruit” of the kingdom of God (had godly character).

Application: What was true in Jesus' day has been true throughout history. Not all people who claim to represent God actually do. We need to be “fruit inspectors”. If a person doesn't demonstrate a commitment to living a life of love and is not growing in joy, peace, patience, goodness, self-control, etc., then his/her spiritual example should not be followed. We who are Christians and claim to follow Jesus also need to examine and guard our own hearts to make sure we are conforming to the character demonstrated by our Lord.

Prayer: I thank you, Lord, for the truth that is revealed in your Word. My desire is to reflect your beautiful character to everyone I meet. Help me to guard my heart against arrogance so that I may receive correction from your Word where my life does not conform to your standard holiness. I am so grateful for your love and grace in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Watching Others be Blessed/Topic: Resentment

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20

Scripture: Matthew 20:13-15
13 "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

Observation: The workers that were hired at the beginning of the day get exactly what they were promised from the landowner who hired them, yet instead of being grateful they are resentful. Why? Others received the same wage they had received even though they had worked a far shorter time. It is hard for them to see others be blessed. The reaction of the workers hired first reminds me of the attitude of the prodigal son's older brother. He resents that he has stayed to work with dad while his brother was out being a “bad boy” and yet when his naughty brother returns home, dad throws a party for him.

Application: Why is it that we seem to have a difficult time watching others be blessed? Instead of focusing on the blessings we have received we seem to focus on what we still don't have, and we tend to envy or resent those that do have it. I think Jesus is warning us in this parable to guard our hearts against attitudes of envy, resentment and ingratitude. They produce a bitter crop in our lives. We need to rejoice with those who are blessed instead of envying them. If we indulge the tendency to envy it will eventually lead us to resent God, just as the first workers resented the landowner who hired them.

Prayer: Keep my heart pure, Lord. I do not want to give the devil a foothold in my life by allowing envy or resentment to enter my thinking. May I always focus on the good you have done for me and all the blessings I have had in my life as a result of your love and grace poured out to me. You are a good God, and I will rejoice when I see your goodness shown to others.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Treat Each Other Right/Topic: Holy Living

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19
Scripture: Matthew 19:16-19
16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
18 "Which ones?" the man inquired.
Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Observation: I find it very interesting that when this man asks Jesus which commandments he has to obey to enter life (the clear inference is that he is referring to eternal life), Jesus responds by quoting the commandments that have to do with how we humans treat each other. Jesus completely leaves out the commandments that have to do with loving and respecting God. We know those commands are important because Jesus says so in other places, but here he is stressing only the ones that govern our interaction with each other. Clearly, how we treat each other is vitally important to God.

Application: The majority of the 10 commandments that God gave to man have to do with how we treat each other. We cannot live a holy life by loving God alone; it is God himself who requires us to love our fellow man as well. He even goes so far as to tell us that we must love our enemies. This is impossible to do without the power of God working in us to enable us to do so.

Prayer: Father, perfect your love in me. My desire is to follow the golden rule at all times and to “do unto others” as I would have them do unto me. I want to honor you by how I treat my fellow man.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Give What You Get/Topic: Rewards and Consequences

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 14; 1 Chronicles 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

Scripture: Matthew 18:23-35
23 "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 "The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
29 "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30 "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Observation: A man was forgiven a huge amount of debt because of the mercy of the king to whom the man owed the money. Then he went out and threw a man into prison for not paying him a very small sum that was due him. He showed his debtor none of the mercy he had been shown. When the king heard about his actions, he was angry, and revoked his forgiveness of the man. Why? By being unmerciful after he had been shown much mercy he demonstrated a severe lack of gratitude for the grace he had received. He legally did nothing wrong; the law of the day allowed a person who was owed money to put his debtor in jail for not paying up. No, the man's sin lay in his judging another harshly for the very crime he had committed himself, only to a greater degree.

Application: It is said, “What goes around, comes around” and, “You get what you give” and there is certainly truth in those words. But Jesus is teaching us that we are to give what we get. We are to treat others as God treats us. If we don't, we will get what we give to others, which is probably not what we want.

Prayer: O Father, may I be rich in grace, mercy, love, patience, gentleness and kindness; all the things you give to me in such overflowing abundance, and may I give all those things to others. I want to give what I get. May I be a conduit for all of your wonderful gifts to mankind.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.