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Central Haywood Church of Christ

Serving God from the mountains of North Carolina

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Jeff Arnette

What Are You Living For?

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.

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Stronger Together

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.”

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What Are People Struggling With Today?

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.

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Every Word of God Is Pure

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.

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Guarding Against Gossip

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).

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Do Not Move the Ancient Landmarks

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).

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Called to Serve the Needy

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.

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The Lasting Impact of Our Words

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.

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Living with Wisdom and Fear of the Lord

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.

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The Right Path Is Clear

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).

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Proverbs: Practical wisdom for life.

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.

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You Are Worth That Much

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.”

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Search Me, O God

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.

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God’s Enduring Mercy and Our Grateful Response

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.

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Our Help Comes from the Lord

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.

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