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God, You are in control. And because You are in control, I am safe. I am Your child. And because nothing can separate me from You, I can run to You when I face troubles of any kind. Thank You for being my Anchor. Remind my soul of what is true, and comfort me as I face hardships that are too big for me to handle. Fill me with joy as I trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAILY BIBLE READING: LEVITICUS 6-7 MATTHEW 25:1-30 SINS REQUIRING A GUILT OFFERING FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BURNT OFFERING Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out. FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GRAIN OFFERING PROCEDURES FOR THE ORDINATION OFFERING FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SIN OFFERING FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GUILT OFFERING FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PEACE OFFERING THE FORBIDDEN BLOOD AND FAT A PORTION FOR THE PRIESTS PARABLE OF THE TEN BRIDESMAIDS Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ 13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. PARABLE OF THE THREE SERVANTS He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. 5 bags - Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! 2 bags - ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 1 bag - ‘You wicked and lazy servant! why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

PROVERBS 18:1-12 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. 10The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. INSIGHT These dozen verses weave the strands of pride, speech, and foolishness into a cohesive idea. A proud person “pursues selfish ends” (Proverbs 18:1) and refuses to seek “understanding” (v. 2). Our words can be “deep waters” (v. 4), but “wisdom” provides “a rushing stream” (v. 4) if we will drink from it. The speech of a fool creates “strife” (v. 6), and the very words of fools “are their undoing” (v. 7). Similarly, gossip poisons everyone affected, as it’s “like choice morsels” (v. 8) that tempt the naïve while damaging the target of the rumors. And it’s “the righteous” who find that “the name of the Lord is a fortified tower” (v. 10).

By: Tim Gustafson

HOW THE PROUD FALL John Taylor was a British eye surgeon in the 1700s who, driven by arrogance, fabricated a prestigious reputation. He pursued celebrities and became the personal eye doctor for King George II. Taylor traveled the country performing medical shows that promised miracle cures, often escaping towns under the cover of night carrying bags overflowing with villagers’ cash. However, records suggest Taylor was a charlatan and likely blinded hundreds of patients. History remembers him not as a medical luminary but as the man who destroyed the eyesight of two of the century’s greatest composers: Bach and Händel.

Taylor craved reputation and acclaim, but his legacy declares his lies, and the embarrassment and hurt he caused. Proverbs explains how egotistical addictions lead to devastation. “Before a downfall,” we read, “the heart is haughty” (18:12). Taylor’s disgrace warns us of how arrogance can ruin our lives, but one’s foolishness often harms others too (vv. 6-7). The “downfall” is great indeed.

While a proud heart destroys us and others, a humble heart leads toward a life of meaning and joy. “Humility comes before honor,” the proverb says (v. 12). If we selfishly pursue only self-interests (v. 1), we’ll never find what we crave. If we yield our heart to God and serve others, however, we honor Him and reflect His goodness.

By: Winn Collier

REFLECT AND PRAY How have you seen pride lead to a downfall? How have you seen humility lead to honor?

Dear God, please give me a humble heart and help me reject a haughty, arrogant spirit. in Jesus' name, Amen.

ALL THE FEELS-LEADING OUR EMOTIONS DESIRE Desire can be a wonderful thing if led and tethered to God’s design for our lives.

We are created to have an intimate desire for our spouse in the context of marriage, a drive towards working hard or excelling in an area of gifting and a passion for the purposes God has placed within us. The challenging part about desire is if we let it lead us, it can take us to places that are actually harmful even if they are desirable.

The world says, 'follow your heart' and 'do what feels right to you' but that is opposite of what God’s Word says. The Bible reminds us to guard our hearts and not go after whatever we want. Jesus says, “…whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, NIV)

As you study and reflect on today’s Scriptures, consider if there is any area of desire that is pulling you away from the godly life God has designed for you.

MATTHEW 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.

MARK 8:34 Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.

PROVERBS 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

PROVERBS 5:1-23 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. 2Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.

JAMES 1:13-15 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

PSALMS 40:8 8I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”

SONG OF SONGS 7:10 I am my lover’s, and he claims me as his own.

PROVERBS 19:2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.