Tag: Foundation

Posted on

Righteousness

Daily Reading

Jeremiah 23-25

Daily Thought

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” ~Jeremiah 23:5-6

Jeremiah prophesies of Jesus and it is good that God will make him king because we would never elect him. Not with that slogan! Browse our bumper stickers and web banners and you will find words such as hope and peace and love and justice, but never righteousness. We do not think much of righteousness. 

But we should.

Debbie and I bought our first home and it needed a retaining wall in the backyard, so I headed to Home Depot with the measurements. I gave the clerk the height and length of the wall and he sold me the blocks. Too many blocks I thought, and I questioned him and discovered an additional row of blocks called the footer must be buried underground. I did not like to pay for a row of blocks that would never be seen, but the wall will not stand without it. 

That is what righteousness is. It is not for show (“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them,” Matthew 6:1) and it comes with a cost (“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” Matthew 5:10). Righteousness must be the buried bedrock of a nation, of a family, of a person, for hope and peace and love and justice will not stand without it. 

Daily Prayer

My Heavenly Father, Your Word is good, it fills me and keeps me going. It is what I live on. That’s what Jesus said, more than bread, every word from Your mouth gives me a life that is full and vibrant.

May I feast on what the right food, what brings light and life into my world, rather than the dark and empty words that waste to nothing. May I fill myself with words of hope and faith and love, grace and truth, justice and righteousness.

Amen

Daily Question

Where do you find righteousness pursued in our world today?

Posted on

The Depth of Character

Daily Reading

1Timothy 1-6

Daily Thought

Paul prepared Timothy to lead the church in Ephesus, even though Timothy was younger than many of the people. Paul challenged him, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1Timothy 4:12). Paul knew if Timothy took the time to dig deep into God’s Word and paid close attention to his character, he would build a solid foundation for a godly life and a strong church. “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1Timothy 4:16).

It is not unlike the retaining wall I built in my backyard, 40 feet long, 36 inches high was my first measurement. Each block weighed 50 pounds and each block was surprisingly expensive, and I did the math. Then my landscaper explained, “You’ll need to put one row below ground as a foundation.” 40 feet long, 36 inches high, and 6 inches deep.

“I have to spend money and effort on a row of blocks that will never be seen?” I complained.

“Oh, you will know they are there–ten years from now, when the wall is still standing.”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ~2Timothy 4:7

Our strength is measured not by the height we attain, but the depth of our character. 

Daily Prayer

Almighty God, You won. You beat Satan on the cross and removed the sting of death. You rose from the dead and now You bring life, a full life that will stand on the firm foundation of the work of Your Son.

I place my trust in Your foundation, knowing that nothing can move me as long as I depend fully and solely on You. Not by my strength, but by Yours will I live victoriously in this world.

And the next.

Amen