January 25, 2023

Wednesday

Keeping Your Balance

2 Corinthians 9: 6-8

⁹ Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:”

Proverbs 3:9

Someone said, “Old bookkeepers never die; they just lose their balance.” When it comes to keeping our books, we need a balanced perspective. On the one hand, the Bible tells us to be like the ant, which “provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:8). Proverbs 13:11 says, “Whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow”. The wise woman in Proverbs 31 considered a field and bought it (verse 16).

On the other hand, Jesus spoke of the rich fool who hoarded his wealth and laid up treasure for himself but was not rich toward God (Luke 12:21).

When we work hard and save wisely, our actions can honor God. When we share with others and freely give our tithes and offerings to God, these actions honor Him too. The guiding principle is found in Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty.” In other words, honor God with your money and with the first part of all your income, then you’ll better appreciate the blessings He pours into your life.

A point to ponder…

If we don’t faithfully give to the Lord, we don’t really trust the Lord.

Warren Wiersbe in Be Skillful

Read the Bible through in a year

Exodus 22-24

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

January 24, 2023

Tuesday

Words Like Honey

Romans 14:19

²⁴ Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

Proverbs 16:24

For thousands of years, humans have enjoyed the sweet delights of honey. Bees collect nectar from flowers and return to their hive where they store it in wax honeycombs. They create honey as a food source for themselves during the winter, but excess honey has graced human tables for ages.

Honey is a source of glucose like cane sugar and other sweeteners. For that reason, it has long satisfied the human “sweet tooth.” And honey served as an illustration of the power of words in the Old Testament. Just as honey brings delight and satisfaction, so can pleasant and edifying words. Just as nutritious foods help to build human health, so wise and loving words can build up the spiritual and emotional health of people. Building up others (“edifying” is the biblical word) is a major responsibility of Christians. Paul told the Romans to pursue “the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19)—and that certainly includes our words.

Look for a way today to build up and encourage another person by the words you speak to them. Let your words be like honey to their soul.

A point to ponder…

Whatever moves the heart wags the tongue.

C. T. Studd

Read the Bible through in a year

Exodus 19-21

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© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

January 23, 2023

Monday

Fuel for the Fire

Proverbs 26: 20-21

¹⁹ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

Proverbs 10:19

Anyone who has spent time camping knows what it takes to keep a fire going at night to keep curious wildlife at bay: a good supply of firewood! And when it’s time to break camp, removing all combustible fuel from the fire is mandatory (along with putting water and dirt on the coals). The book of Proverbs makes use of this imagery related to speech.

In Proverbs 26:20, the metaphor is clear: “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” And Proverbs 10:19 says that the more we talk (the more wood we put on the fire), the more likely the fire of sin is to blaze up. That’s why James 1:19 says to be “slow to speak.” Regardless of what we have to say, “A prudent man conceals knowledge” (Proverbs 12:23). That is, the more we speak the more likely we are to say something hurtful or harmful.

Words can hurt, and words can heal. Ask God to give you speech that is considered and weighed as to its outcome before you speak—words that bless and build up others.

A point to ponder…

A sanctified heart is better than a silver tongue.

Thomas Brooks

Read the Bible through in a year

Exodus 16-18

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

January 21– January 22, 2023

Standing with the Fallen

² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”

James 3:2

Maybe you’ve noticed one or two flaws in a few of the Christians around you. (Just maybe.)

But that’s not really so surprising, right? After all, we’ve got a few flaws ourselves.

If the church is supposed to be a place where hope abounds--even with sin hanging around as an all too frequent visitor--our responses to one another in these inevitable moments of unworthiness are crucially important. If all we do is stand back and register our critique and frustration, rather than apply ourselves to our brother or sister’s improvement, we only cause more damage in an already destructive situation.

Scripture counsels us to take a more hopeful approach.

1) See the person in process. God isn’t finished with anybody. “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). And since Jesus hasn’t come back yet, that’s all the proof we need that He hasn’t abandoned the job of completing this “good work” He started. He hasn’t decided that the one who stumbles is a lost cause--and if He hasn’t, we certainly shouldn’t. Allow one who’s struggling room for being a work in progress.

2) Cover them. Notice I didn’t say cover for them. Enabling people to escape consequences or feel entitled to their sin is not a functional equivalent of love. But to cover the individual--being discreet about the matter, keeping to a minimum the people who need to know what’s going on--is a loving expression of both grace and protection. “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9). This doesn’t keep us from perhaps needing to talk straight with the person in private, but it does keep us from widening their public exposure to unhelpful rumor and ridicule.

3) Give mercy. Grace means getting what we don’t deserve (the forgiving favor of God); mercy means not getting what we do deserve (an eternity separated from Him in hell). Our most logical, reflexive response to someone whose ways are running counter to the faith they profess--especially someone close to us--is to bring down the hammer with heavy authority. But be wary of such a quick-strike approach, even if for no other reason than your own self-protection. “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

4) Examine yourself. “Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Even if we’re not the one stumbling at the moment, we’ve stumbled before, and we’ll stumble again. That’s why every Christian, when noticing a brother or sister struggling, always needs to know where to find the nearest mirror. Examining ourselves first will help us watch more carefully what we do and say to them.

As long as we’re in close proximity to other believers--and they with us--there will be ample opportunity to notice each other’s flaws. But let’s take these opportunities to help make each other better, spreading hope instead of gossip.

Points to ponder…

• What’s usually your first thought when seeing or hearing about another Christian’s unwise, undisciplined behavior?
• If someone else had practiced these four hopeful responses toward you at a time when you fell, how much different might your path of repentance and change have been?

Saturday’s Reading

Exodus 10-12

Sunday’s Reading

 Exodus 13-15

 I love you!!!

© 2000-2021 B. Michael Goerlich

January 20, 2023

Friday

Sneak Peek

Romans 5

² Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

³ Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”

Isaiah 12:2-3

Do you ever flip to the back of a book to find out the ending? Perhaps you are hoping to discover if the main character survives a life-threatening surgery, or if the love story has a happy ending? Reading the end of a story can bring peace to the reading journey, even though the exact unfolding of the events is unknown.

When we come to Christ, the end of our story is written and secure. Salvation is both deliverance from the penalty of sin and an open invitation into the presence of God, for eternity and today. Regardless of the circumstances of this moment and any discouragement weighing you down, the well of salvation is deep. We can approach God with joy to receive the strength and song of Christ’s sacrifice and affection. Nothing can snatch us from His hand.

A point to ponder…

It is not thy hold on Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not the joy in Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not even the faith in Christ, though it be thy instrument; it is Christ’s blood and merit.

Charles Spurgeon

Read the Bible through in a year

Exodus 7-9

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

January 19, 2023

Thursday

New Leaves: Social Media Time

1 Corinthians 9: 19-23

²² To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

1 Corinthians 9:22

The average person spends more than 5 years of his or her life on social media, and the average teen spends 9 hours a day using social media.¹ To appreciate the generational shift that is occurring, consider this: People older than 50 spend 50 hours a week watching television, but people between 25 and 34 watch a “mere” 26.5 hours a week. They’re looking at smaller screens instead.²

None of us can afford to give that much time to social media. Turn over a new leaf this year and figure out ways to reduce the time you and your children spend online. Reduce the number of apps you use. Adopt more productive hobbies so you’ll have less time to waste.

But when you are on social media sites, think of 1 Corinthians 9:22, where Paul said he used “all means” to share Christ. We have new platforms now for quoting Scripture, for testifying, for pointing others to the Lord. We can share insights and links that advance the Kingdom.     

Turn your social media into social ministry, and let’s use “all means” to save some.

Point to ponder…

Turn a new leaf for me, Father I pray; / Turn a new leaf in my life-book today; / Pardon me graciously, Deal with me wondrously, / Turn a new leaf in my life-book today.
Hymnist Eliza Hewitt

Read the Bible through in a year

Exodus 4-6

I love you!!!

1.https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/306136

2. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/business/media/nielsen-survey-media-viewing.html

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

January 18, 2023

Wednesday

Great Communicators

Proverbs 15: 1-7

6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Colossians 4:6

One summer while staying in a vacation cottage, Rich DeVos noticed the garbage collector making his rounds. This man showed up precisely at 6:30 a.m. once a week, moving from cottage to cottage carefully so as not to awaken people. The man was graceful in how he stashed the garbage in his vehicle, and he kept the neighborhood tidy. One morning, DeVos went out and told him, “You’re doing a great job. I came out to tell you that I really appreciate the good job you’re doing.” The man replied that in twelve years of hauling garbage, no one had ever said a kind word to him, including his boss.¹

Great communicators don’t just give speeches or deliver sermons. They know how to say a kind word to those they meet along the way. Today you can say a kind word to someone who hasn’t heard one for a while. A kind word is never wasted.

Let Christ’s loyal love for you set the standard for how you love others. Be the friend who sticks closer than a brother.

A point to ponder…

Without my Christian faith, I would have fallen apart and given up. But with Christ strengthening me, I had the will to go on…. My faith in God gave me hope.²

Rich DeVos

Read the Bible through in a year

Exodus 1-3

I love you!!!

¹ Rich DeVos, Hope From My Heart (Nashville: J Countryman, 2000), 58-59.

² Rich DeVos, Hope From My Heart (Nashville: J Countryman, 2000), 99.

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

January 17, 2023

Tuesday

A True Friend

John 15: 13-15 

“…and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24b

Jesse, the father of King David, had eight sons, David being the youngest (1 Samuel 16:10-11; 17:12). But there is no record in the Old Testament of David being particularly close to any of his brothers. In fact, one of his older brothers acted harshly toward David (1 Samuel 17:28). David found a friend who epitomized the words of Solomon in Proverbs 18:24, “A friend who sticks closer than a brother.” That friend was Jonathan, the son of Saul.

Friend had a covenant connotation. Jonathan and David made a mutual covenant between them; Abraham was the covenant friend of God. What did that mean? Loyalty, provision, protection, and sacrificial love—these were not something always found in brothers by birth. It should come as no surprise that Jesus, during His last meeting with His disciples, declared them to be His “friends” (John 15:13-15) by displaying the most telling trait of true friends: a willingness to lay down one’s life for another. All who walk in covenant with Jesus Christ are assured of His loyalty, provision, protection, and sacrificial love.

Let Christ’s loyal love for you set the standard for how you love others. Be the friend who sticks closer than a brother.

A point to ponder…

Jesus takes to heart the sufferings of His friends.

William Hendriksen

Read the Bible through in a year

Genesis 48-50

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

January 16, 2023

Monday

Start Early

Deuteronomy 6: 4-9

⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Gardeners stake their tomato plants and trellis their cucumbers when the plants are young. People begin training a puppy in the ways of the home when it is young. Many musicians testify that they started playing an instrument when they were young. Proverbs 22:6 is a piece of ancient wisdom that reflects that general principle: Setting a child on the path of righteousness early in life is the best way to ensure that the child will walk that path as an adult. Proverbs 22:6 is not a guarantee, but it is a general rule.

The phrase “train up” in this verse is used often in the Old Testament to refer to dedication or consecration—altars, the temple, city walls, and so on. A dedicated person was one who was trained and experienced in his assigned task (Genesis 14:14). Therefore, with children, training begins with parents dedicating, or committing, their children to God with the goal that the children will become trained, or experienced, in godly living.

Dedication, and the resulting training, happens daily. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is Scripture’s best illustration of that process.

A point to ponder…

The secret of home rule is self-rule, first being ourselves what we want our children to be.

Andrew Murray

Read the Bible through in a year

Genesis 46-47

I love you!!!

© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich

Weekend Wisdom

January 14 – January 15, 2023

Saved from A Sinking Distraction

When [Peter] saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me” 

Matthew 14:30

Picture the scene. A raging storm, giant waves crashing against a first-century fishing boat, and the disciples on the Sea of Galilee. Imagine their terror-filled eyes as water poured over the sides, negating their efforts to bail. Then God shows up.

Appearing at the least likely moment, Jesus walked toward them on the churning sea with a calm assurance. “It is I. Do not be afraid” (v. 27). Twelve jaws must have dropped as the disciples, who had been totally focused on survival, were riveted by this supernatural sight.

Hearing Jesus’ voice, Peter didn’t hold back: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (v. 28). So over the edge Peter climbed and—incredibly, miraculously—began to walk on top of the rolling waves. Until he sank.

The passage tells us why: “When he saw the wind, he was afraid.” Peter got distracted. In crisis his priority had rightly shifted from the raging storm to Jesus, but it didn’t stay there. Almost immediately Peter’s focus returned to his circumstances—and the consequences came in an instant.

Like Peter, the moment we take our eyes off of the Lord we sink. When our attention drifts, we lose our ability to hear His voice. The same wind and waves that jolt us into crying out to God one moment can distract us from Him in the next.

Here are a few common distractions that may be hindering your ability to focus on Jesus.

The Comparison Distraction: Have you been prompted to compare other people or circumstances against God’s provision for your life? Is your sense of fairness obscuring your perception of His good desires for you?

The Pride Distraction: Have you allowed an offense to become an obstacle in the path of restoring a relationship? Are your strong opinions getting in the way of being open to God’s plans?

The Bitterness Distraction: Are you bent on making someone pay for the pain they’ve caused, instead of leaving it in the Lord’s hands? Rather than pursuing peace, are you nurturing a minor matter into a major rift?

If any of those resonate, you’ve been distracted. If you can’t remember the last time you’ve looked to the Lord to direct your steps—you’ve been distracted. You’re going under. Your eyes have gotten off of Jesus and onto something else. Confess it for the sin it is. Cry out like Peter, “Lord, save me”! And believe that He will.

Today is an opportunity not to sink into distraction, but to focus on the Lord and what He’s teaching you. To trust Him to handle the hard situations. To release your pain and bitterness. To forgive as He has forgiven you.

This is what life should be for growing followers of Christ: looking to God for wisdom and responding with obedience, even in the face of what may seem impossible. All the while, keeping our eyes on Jesus.

Points to ponder…

• What is distracting you from being focused on the Lord?
• If there was one change you made to your daily routine or thought life that could help your eyes stay fixed on Jesus, what would it be?

Saturday’s Reading

Genesis 41-42

Sunday’s Reading

Genesis 43-45

 I love you!!!

 © 2000-2026 B. Michael Goerlich