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.”
Read: Psalm 144–150
Today’s Passage: Psalm 144:3–4 (ESV)
“O Lord, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.”
The psalmist asks a question that stirs the heart: Why would God value us so highly? From a purely human point of view, it’s easy to see our limitations. Life is short. Our days fly by and often feel futile. As James 4:14 reminds us, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
Continue reading “You Are Worth That Much”
Reading: Psalm 139–143
Today’s Reading: Psalm 139:23–24
Psalm 139 proclaims God’s universal presence and infinite knowledge, showing how He knows our every thought, word, and deed. These words could have been spoken by any one of us praying for help. The closing prayer in this section is among the most powerful and necessary in the Bible. The last four psalms are David’s heartfelt pleas for protection. They reveal the struggles of a heart seeking to stay close to God while surrounded by adversity. David did not pretend to be perfect—his words are raw, vulnerable, and deeply honest. That honesty is what makes the Psalms so relatable and powerful for us today.
Continue reading “Search Me, O God”
Read: Psalm 132–138
Today’s passage: Psalm 136:1–3
How many times did the Lord rescue David? It’s hard to say—we don’t even read of a single battle he lost. Repeatedly, the Lord showed up in David’s life, shielding him in every struggle. What stands out in these psalms is David’s deep trust and love for God. This love wasn’t born out of convenience but out of intentional reflection. David noticed the blessings. He paused to consider them. And that shaped his heart of gratitude.
Continue reading “God’s Enduring Mercy and Our Grateful Response”
Read: Psalm 120–131
Today’s Passage: Psalm 121:1–2
Today’s reading comes from a section of the Psalms referred to as Hallel Psalms. The Hallel Psalms were sung by God’s people as they ascended to Jerusalem for worship during the great feasts. These songs were more than tradition—they were one step as they Prepared for worship. Singing them helped turn their hearts and minds toward the Lord. Among these rich songs of faith, certain verses stand out with special encouragement: Psalm 121:1, 122:6, 125:2, 126:6, and 131:3. They speak of God’s presence, His protection, and His faithfulness.
Continue reading “Our Help Comes from the Lord”
Read: Psalm 119
Today’s Passage: Psalm 119:97-99
Psalm 119 is not only the longest chapter in the Bible; it’s also filled with deep truths that help us better understand God’s heart. It continually emphasizes important themes such as grace, mercy, love, holiness, and forgiveness. Each message builds on the previous one, making sure the lessons God wants to teach us stick clearly in our minds.
Continue reading “Guided by God’s Word”
Read: Psalm 108-118
Today’s Passage: Psalm 118:22-24.
In today’s reading from Psalm 118:22-24, we encounter a powerful image: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Continue reading “The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone”
Read: Psalm 106–107
Today’s passage: Psalm 106:39–41 (ESV)
“Thus they became unclean by their acts, and played the whore in their deeds. Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage; he gave them into the hand of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them.”
Continue reading “When Sin Rules Over Us”
Read: Psalm 101-105.
Today’s passage: Psalm 105:8-10.
The covenant God made with Abraham is not just a promise—it is an agreement that has shaped history. God’s promises cannot be broken. He does not lie, and there is no deception in anything He says. When He speaks, His word is dependable, and His promises will come true exactly as He said they would. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that “The Lord is not slow to keep His promise, as some might think. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to be lost, but for all to come to repentance.” Even when it feels like God’s promises will never happen, they are still true, and in His perfect timing, they will be fulfilled.
Continue reading “God’s Unfailing Promise.”
I read a story some time ago about a young girl who, in the excitement of the arcade, misunderstood her dad’s instructions. She had been given a twenty-dollar bill and instructed to get change in the amount of one ten and two fives. She mistakenly took the change and used it for quarters.
Continue reading “Making It Clear”
Read: Psalm 88-91
Today’s Passage: Psalm 89:6-8
Alright, let’s dive into this passage from Psalm 89. The writer here is really doing something profound. He’s praising God, but he’s doing it in a way that makes you stop and think. He’s not just listing off God’s attributes; he’s drawing us into a conversation, and that’s a powerful way to get us engaged. He’s asking questions, and they aren’t just any questions; they’re rhetorical.
Continue reading “The Incomparable God”
Read: Psalm 81-87.
In Psalm 85:2-4, we see an important moment when Israel starts returning to God. Earlier, the psalmist asked God to help Israel find their way back. It seems God answered these prayers because He started blessing Israel again. The psalms we’re looking at today are full of praise and thanks for God’s kindness and the good things He is doing.
Continue reading “Coming Back to God”
Psalms 78-80
As I read through Psalms 78 to 80 this week, I was reminded of how quickly we forget God’s goodness. In times of trouble, the people of Israel cried out to be saved and restored. They made promises to stay faithful from that point forward. But those promises faded as soon as life became easier. How often have we done the same? We cry out to God in desperation, but as soon as things settle down, we drift. Psalm 78:34-42 and 80:4 reveal this pattern. And if we’re honest, it’s still true in the church today. We’re quick to ask for God’s help but slow to remain faithful when life feels comfortable.
Continue reading “Turning Back to God”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 