For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

    A society becomes stable and strong through the righteous acts of the godly. Wickedness only results in ever-increasing instability. God shows favor to those who do good and condemnation to those who plot evil.

    Wealth and bounty will become a snare to those who lose sight of God and His will, those who do not have pity on the suffering of others. God does not desire our offerings out of our excess. He desires for us to praise His name and honour Him. God hears the cries of those in need and will come to their aid. If we are in need we can rely on His aid. If we are not in need, let us be the hands by which that aid is delivered.

    I have talked about how the parable of the sower always makes me fear that I am the third type of soil. It feels so much like I allow the concerns about this life crowd out the word of God. Am I truly producing a bountiful harvest for God? Or has the word of God been crowded out by the cares and pleasures of this life?
    I realized one thing today as I read the parable of the lamp. If God’s light is lit on our hearts, we may try to hide it, but God will take away the bowl which we may try to place ourselves in. He will come and get us out from under the bed. He will place us on a table, or a lamp-stand, so that everyone who comes by will see out light. I will resist the temptation to turn down the lamp inside me when I find myself in public view.

    When we receive good things from God, let us remember that our success is not because we are such good people. If we turn from God and behave wickedly, He will take these good things from us. Let us not forget our sins and rebellion against God. God is a great God and He will not show partiality. I will dedicate myself to doing as God requires of me (even though I know that I will only succeed through His grace and Spirit). I will love Him and serve Him with all of my heart, soul, and being. I will strive to imitate God by showing love to the foreigners who live amongst us, meeting their needs to the best of my ability (as God gives me the strength and guides my hand).