People can proclaim peace all day long, but if they do not know Jesus, they will not find peace in this broken world, just shattered pieces of our hope. As the saying goes, Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.

Bible Reading: Philemon

Verse of the day: Philemon 1:3, "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace."

Word of the day: Peace. It is the Greek word: εἰρήνη (i-ray'-nay).

Death is a 100% proposition no one can avoid in a fallen world. But Jesus' death removes death's sting and shows us how to truly live.

Bible Reading: John 21

Verse of the day: John 21:14, "This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead."

Word of the day: Dead. It is the Greek word: νεκρός (nek-ros').

Foolishness is applauded in a culture that is void of character. But the one who is willing to give up what the culture prizes is no fool.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 26

Verse of the day: Proverbs 26:4, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him."

Word of the day: Fool. It is the Hebrew word: כְּסִיל (kes-eel').

Ugh. Being someone's target is no fun at all. Especially when hatred or jealousy are at the root. But when we are surrounded by enemies, we are also surrounded by God, Who defends us.

Bible Reading: Psalms 108-110

Verse of the day: Psalm 109:3, "They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause."

Word of the day: Surrounded. It is the Hebrew word: סָבַב (saw-bab').

"Be careful—You might get what you ask for." Whenever I hear this phrase, I am grateful to realize that nothing happens to us apart from God's sovereign, perfect will. God knows what we need before we do and He knows what we don't need. Answered prayers might not always look like what we hoped for, but they are just what we need.

Bible Reading: Jonah

Verse of the day: Jonah 2:2, "...In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry."

Word of the day: Answered. It is the Hebrew word: עָנָה (aw-naw').

People are yearning for security in a world that cannot provide it. But when God establishes us, we don't have to strive or fear.

Bible Reading: 2 Chr. 1-5

Verse of the day: 2 Chronicles 1:1, "Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great."

Word of the day: Established. It is the Hebrew word: חָזַק khaw-zak' אָמַן (aw-man'

Discouragement is a by-product of living in a world that cannot satisfy. But we who are in Christ must seek to encourage one another in what truly satisfies: knowing God and His word.

Bible Reading: Num. 29-32

Verse of the day: Numbers 32:7, "Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land that the LORD has given them?"

Word of the day: Discourage (ing). It is the Hebrew word: לֵב נוֹא (noo) – heart = labe).

Sound doctrine is more than just teaching a belief system. It is the core of our faith. Holding onto sound doctrine matters lest we become errant in what we believe.

Bible Reading: Titus

Verse of the day: Titus 1:9, "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

Word of the day: Doctrine. It is the Greek word: διδασκαλία (did-as-kal-ee'-ah).

I used to recite a poem about diligence with my children when they were little. The end line was, "things done by halves are never done right." Leaving a job half done is not complete at all. We are fulfilled when we seek to fulfill God's purposes and will in our lives, living fully for Him.

Bible Reading: John 19-20

Verse of the day: John 19:28, "Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, 'I am thirsty.'"

Word of the day: Fulfill. It is the Greek word: τελειόω (tel-i-o'-o).

Jealousy and comparison lead to a lot of unnecessary drama. God is the one who positions people for His glory. Being envious is a sure sign that we are not satisfied with God's portion for us.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 24-25

Verse of the day: Proverbs 24:1, "Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them."

Word of the day: Envious. It is the Hebrew word: קָנָא (kaw-naw').