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Central Haywood Church of Christ

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Living Out God’s Deliverance.

Read: Psalms 40-45

Today’s Passage: Psalm 40:2-3.

Many today feel that Psalms 42 and 43 are meant to be read as one cohesive unit because they share themes of longing for God, trust in His deliverance, and confidence in His rewards for godly living. These words should reflect the praise within the hearts of every believer. It could be the song on the lips of all who know Jesus Christ. These words sound like the heart-felt testimony of someone who was lost in sin and through faith saved by the grace of God.

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Trusting in God’s Eternal Promises

Read: Psalm 36-39.

Today’s Passage: Psalm 37:1-3.

The contrast between man’s wickedness and God’s perfections is clear. Lovingkindness, as seen in Psalm 36:7, parallels the concept of grace in the New Testament. Psalm 36:7 states, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” These passages also emphasize the contrast between the lifestyle of the wicked and deceitful versus the righteous and forgiven.

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No Reason to be Ashamed.

Read: Psalm 31-35.

Today’s Passage: Psalm 31:17.

Psalm 31:17 reminds us that we have no reason to be ashamed: “O Lord, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol.”

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Stepping into 2025 with Faith and Courage.

As we step into a new year, it is natural to reflect on where we have been and where we are going. For some, the past year may have been filled with blessings and joy. For others, it might have been marked by challenges and hardships. Whatever the case, we can all agree that each year brings its share of uncertainties. That is why we need faith and courage as we enter 2025.

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Grace, Assurance, and Obedience.

Recently, we’ve been looking at what the Bible says about God’s grace and salvation. We’ve considered how grace gives us assurance of our salvation. In today’s lesson, we’re going to consider receiving God’s grace in vain. In essence, we will deal with what the Bible says about giving up our salvation. This is not a comprehensive list of every passage that deals with this topic, but these will give you a great starting place. As you study and reflect on this topic add your own verses to the list.

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Fear vs. Faith

Read: Psalm 23–30

Today’s passage: Psalm 27:1

David knew what he was talking about. There were many times in David’s life that he had reasons to be afraid. He could have been afraid of Goliath like the rest of the army of Israel. Instead, he trusted in the Lord, declaring, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).

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Trusting in God’s Faithfulness

Read: Psalm 18-22

Today’s Passage: Psalm 18:2-3

From a young age, David understood the power of God in his life. Through various trials, he learned firsthand what God could do when he trusted in Him. David witnessed God’s work in many ways: during his encounters with the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37), and as he faced the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-50). In each situation, God protected him and granted him victory.

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Recognizing the Need for God.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 10–17.

Today’s Verse:

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1)

The psalmist’s words may strike us as severe. To call someone a “fool” for denying God’s existence feels blunt. But the Bible often uses strong language to reveal deeper truths. Here, a “fool” isn’t merely a person who lacks intelligence. Instead, it describes someone who lacks the wisdom that acknowledges God’s reality and authority over creation. This denial of God leaves them vulnerable to poor judgments, leading them down paths that harm themselves and others.

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Walking Wisely.

Read: Psalm 1-9.

Today’s Passage: Psalm 1:1

The Bible is very clear that believers are not to turn to unbelievers for advice or form binding relationships with them, such as in personal or business partnerships. This principle is outlined in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Psalm 1:1 reinforces this point: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”

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When God speaks.

Read: Job 38–40

Today’s passage: Job 38:4-5.

In these chapters, we see a profound shift in the narrative of Job. After the long discourse between Job and his friends, where they accuse him of hidden sin and suggest that his suffering is due to God’s judgment, God Himself finally speaks. The Lord’s response is both humbling and enlightening, not just for Job but for all readers of this ancient text.

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God sees all.

Read: Job 34-37.

Today’s Passage: Job 34:21-22.

Elihu’s speech has continued for several chapters. He feels like he has insights they need to hear, and indeed, Elihu reveals some powerful and important truths for us. One of the important ones comes from today’s passage.

“For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps. There is no gloom or deep darkness where evildoers may hide themselves.”

(Job 34:21-22).

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“True Wisdom: Beyond Age and Anger”

Today’s reading: Job 30-33.

Today’s Passage: Job 32:7-9.

In this section we will encounter Elihu—a younger man who has been silently observing the heated exchanges between Job and his three friends. Elihu, in his respect for their age, initially refrains from speaking, as he believes it’s fitting to allow his elders the first opportunity to offer their wisdom. His restraint demonstrates a principle deeply embedded in the culture of the time and echoed throughout Scripture: respect for elders and an openness to their experience. However, Elihu’s respect does not imply blind acceptance of everything the elders say. This brings up a crucial balance between honoring those older than us and exercising discernment in what we accept from them.

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Hope for Eternity

Hope is an amazing gift. It is one of those things that is hard to find and it’s hard to hold onto, but when we do it gives us the strength and desire to face the struggles of life. In fact, hope makes life a little more bearable. Baker’s Encyclopedia Of The Bible defines it as, “An expectation or belief in the fulfillment of something desired.” As Christians, we hope in something better than just this life.  

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Walking in Integrity

Read: Job 25-29.

Today’s Passage: Job 27:5-6.

In Job 27:5-6, Job declares, “I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live” (NIV).

In this profound statement, Job asserts his commitment to integrity, even in the face of severe suffering and false accusations. His friends have continually pressed him to admit to some hidden sin as the cause of his afflictions, yet Job refuses to compromise. He chooses righteousness over self-preservation or the desire to appease others.

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Faith under Fire.

Read: Job 21-24.

Today’s passage: Job 23:11-12.

The depth and severity of Job’s struggles demand repeating. It’s necessary so that we learn from his life and struggles. He nearly lost everything of value to him—he lost all of family except his wife, his servants, and wealth. Even his health was taken from him and was brought to the very edge of death’s door. Considering all that he suffered, his faith was surprisingly strong. Most would have given up or questioned God’s love for us.

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