Read: Isaiah 10-14.
Today’s Passage: Isaiah 11:1-2
Isaiah gives us a beautiful picture of hope in the midst of difficulty. Chapters 10 through 14 are Messianic in nature, meaning they point us to Jesus, the promised Messiah. In these passages, God reminds His people that no matter how bleak things may seem, His plan of salvation will stand.
Continue reading “The Branch and the Root”
Read: Isaiah 5-9
Today’s Passage: Isaiah 6:5-8
In Isaiah chapters 5 through 9, we see God speaking and working powerfully through His prophet. In chapter 5, God addresses His vineyard for bearing wild grapes. In chapter 6, Isaiah stands in the holy presence of God. In chapter 7, Ahaz is given a sign and prophecy about Jesus. In chapter 8, God warns of the coming Assyrian invasion and challenges His people to wait and trust Him. Finally, in chapter 9, we are given the prophecy of a child being born for us—the promised Messiah.
Continue reading “A Cleansed Heart and Forgiven Sins”
Read: Isaiah 1-4
Today’s Passage: Isaiah 4:4
Many times, when we read verses about God’s judgment, our minds go straight to punishment and wrath. Some see God as a harsh taskmaster, giving impossible rules just to watch us fail, ready to strike with an iron fist. These ideas lead people to misunderstand His character, often pointing to natural disasters, or historical events, as proof of a cruel God. They ask, “How could a loving God do such things?”
Continue reading “God’s Justice and Love”
Read: Ecclesiastes 9-12
Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:5
Often, we believe that what we know about life, the world, and even God is complete and absolute. Some even try to explain the nature of God as if they have Him all figured out. Even worse, some try to dictate what God will and will not do based simply on what makes sense to them. The truth is, we do not know God or the mind of God apart from He tells us. Scripture teaches that we cannot fully comprehend God or His ways. As Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
Continue reading “Knowing About God vs. Truly Knowing Him”
Read: Ecclesiastes 5-8
Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 5:15
People live for many different things. Throughout life, we are constantly encouraged to set goals and make plans. People form dreams and work tirelessly to see them fulfilled. For some, life is about climbing the ladder of success, achieving recognition, and leaving behind a legacy. Others focus on providing for their families or finding happiness through fun and leisure. These pursuits can give temporary satisfaction, but Solomon reminds us that ultimately, all earthly things fade away.
Continue reading “What Are You Living For?”
Read: Ecclesiastes 1-4.
Today’s Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Continue reading “Stronger Together”
When you look around, it’s clear: people are carrying heavy burdens. Some struggles are new to our generation, while others are as old as mankind. From a Christian perspective, these struggles remind us that the world is broken, but Christ offers hope and healing.
Continue reading “What Are People Struggling With Today?”
Read: Prov. 27–31
Today’s Passage: Proverbs 30:5–6
This passage is more than a statement about the Word of God—it’s a reminder of where we place our trust. It speaks to our confidence in God’s truthfulness, His trustworthiness, and His care for those who cling to His Word. When we open the Bible, we’re not just reading ink on a page; we are encountering the very heart of God—His revealed will and His promises that have never failed. From Genesis to Revelation, every word is intentional and carries His divine authority.
Continue reading “Every Word of God Is Pure”
Read: Proverbs 23–26
Today’s Passage: Proverbs 25:9–10
The book of Proverbs continues with valuable insights from the wise. In chapters 23 and 24, we find the thirty sayings of the wise (Prov. 23:1–24:22), including a strong warning about the problems of too much wine (Prov. 23:29–35). Proverbs 24:23–34 offers more sayings of the wise, and chapters 25–26 contain additional proverbs compiled by the men of Hezekiah from the wisdom of Solomon (Prov. 25:1–26:28).
Continue reading “Guarding Against Gossip”
Read: Proverbs 20-22.
Today’s Passage: Proverbs 22:28.
“Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.” (ESV)
This brief verse from Proverbs carries more weight than it might first seem. In its original context, it refers to the physical boundaries of land and inheritance—borders that marked the possession of families and tribes. These boundaries were sacred, often set generations before and intended to remain fixed. Moving them was not only dishonest but a serious crime (see Deut. 27:17).
Continue reading “Do Not Move the Ancient Landmarks”
Read: Proverbs 16–19
Today’s Passage: Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)
As believers, we are called to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. This is not a minor suggestion in Scripture, it’s a repeated and consistent theme. From the Law and the Prophets to the teachings of Jesus and the early church, we are reminded that caring for the poor reflects the heart of God. Giving to the needy isn’t just an act of charity; it’s part of what it means to live a Christ-like life.
Continue reading “Called to Serve the Needy”
Read: Prov. 12-15
Today’s Passage: Prov. 12:22
Church, as we this week’s reading, we find a wealth of practical wisdom for everyday life. These chapters help us discern what is good, what is harmful, and how we can live in a way that honors God. Today, let’s focus on one key truth that Proverbs 12:22 touches on: the lasting impact of our words.
Continue reading “The Lasting Impact of Our Words”
Read: Proverbs 8–11
Highlights:
The creation activities of Jesus are intermingled with the voice of wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God”; Colossians 2:3, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”). We are told to praise wisdom and avoid folly.
Continue reading “Living with Wisdom and Fear of the Lord”
Read: Proverbs 4–7
How many times have we heard someone ask, “If you knew then what you know now, would you change anything?” Proverbs tells us that the instructions of a father (4:1) can spare us heartache and misery. We could avoid the pitfalls of a wicked life, bad company, immorality, and temptation if we learned from wisdom. Don’t miss the right way to live (4:18, 20–22). Learn the seven things God hates (6:16–19). Once again, Proverbs shows us the way of the simple and how it leads to their downfall (7:7, 24–27).
Continue reading “The Right Path Is Clear”
Read: Proverbs 1–3.
Today’s passage: Proverbs 3:27–28
The theme of Proverbs is wisdom. It serves as a kind of explanation of Matthew 7:24–27, using simple differences and similarities to teach life’s lessons. Knowledge refers to learning facts, but wisdom is the ability to use and apply those facts well (2:1–6). Those who seek wisdom are protected and kept safe by it (2:8; 3:5–6), while those who are careless, foolish, or reject wisdom (1:4, 7; 3:34) will face the results of their choices.
Continue reading “Proverbs: Practical wisdom for life.”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 