Things might be going wrong for us. This is to be expected - whether we have purposefully acted wickedly, or even just as a result of the Fall. However, God's dealings with us are always righteous! When we cannot explain what's going on, we can know the God we serve!

To the people who did not know God, the twelve stones that the Israelites set up after crossing the Jordan meant nothing. To the people of God, they stood as a reminder of God's love and faithfulness. Now, Christ is our everlasting reminder that God loves us, forgives us, and has relationship with us!

A loving word here and there, be it encouragement or rebuke, is enough to restore a brother or sister in Christ. We are His instruments on earth; let's do our best to love and serve one another, and to help one another back onto the straight and narrow!

This Prayer of Jabez is little known outside of Bruce Wilkinson's book's namesake. However, this is not a charismatic calling card to prosperity. The prayer of Jabez is found in a much deeper context of living righteously and living for God. Let's explore this prayer in more detail!

Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another. This is the beautiful accountability system that we have from God. When we submit to Him, we can be freed from the grip that sin has over our lives. When we submit to Him, we can pray powerful, effective prayers because He will do powerful things according to His will!

The Pharisees' pride and arrogance is on full display in this portion. Their attitude towards the common people and even Nicodemus when he argues for common sense is mockery. When dealing with others, especially those with whom we disagree, we should always begin from a point of total humility and submission to the Word; not from a point of offense.

This is an often confusing story. Taking a census was not inherently wrong, but David's motivations for doing so were. When David was confronted with his sin, he was given options for punishment. His response is essentially this: let the Lord do what He will for He is merciful.

In whatever situation you find yourself today, take it to the Lord in prayer! When we are left to our sinful nature, it will always lead to discouragement and conflict with one another. Rather, let's focus on God and living in His Kingdom with His people

Of all the kings of Judah, none was as upright and righteous as Josiah. When the Book of Law was found (lost in the Temple..!), Josiah right away jumped into action to bring the people of Israel back into line with God's covenant to them. He was one man who did the right thing when he was in the right position to do so. Will we be like Josiah where God has placed us?

Jesus presents another invitation: if anyone is thirsty, go to Him and drink. He was speaking about the Holy Spirit being given and the Living Water which now flows from the sanctuary of our hearts. When the crowd heard His words, there was instant division and arguing; everyone had an opinion. For we who have drunk of this water, His words are wonderful words of life!