Daily Challenges Archive

I have an old friend who used to say, “You can never fully trust yourself.” Over the years, I’ve come to realize just how true that is. On my very best day, my opinion is still clouded; my understanding of the facts is still influenced by so many ...

I recently heard about a friend who is thinking about becoming a life coach. Over the past decade, this has become a very popular career move for counselors and a frequently sought-after resource for business leaders and others. I’m certainly a fa...

It’s amazing how often our own stupidity results in a less-than-desirable outcome—and we blame God. I once picked up a young man from the police department (read: jail) on behalf of his parents. As we talked on the way to his house, he mentioned t...

I was once asked how, after more than 15 years of writing a daily devotion from Proverbs, I can still find a fresh thought to share. That’s actually a very good question—one that has, more than once, made me wonder if it was time to stop or at lea...

Peter clearly knew the Proverbs. In chapter 4 of 1st Peter, he says almost the same thing Solomon does in the first half of this verse. Jesus Himself spoke often about love. The Greek word agape “signifies a deep, selfless, and sacrificial love, o...

This verse gives us two clear takeaways. First, fools do not benefit from discipline. That’s a shame. Imagine going through discipline and it being wasted. To not learn from discipline is a double form of foolishness. You endure the correction, bu...

Growing up, I was involved in a religion that taught many sacraments or religious duties. I worked really hard to do them all—and to do them perfectly. I never could. God gave the law to Moses so that the Jewish nation would never doubt their need...

Bill Engvall is a fun comedian. He does a routine about stupid people and thinks it would be helpful to society if they wore a sign so we could easily identify them. As I read this part of today’s Proverb, I was reminded of Engvall’s humor as I co...

I am continually encouraged by the consistency of themes and truths between Solomon and Jesus. I shouldn’t be, but the amazing and supernatural unity of the Bible—from the first words to the last—is a powerful reinforcement of the legitimacy of Go...

Over the years, I have found myself in need of removing a tree stump from my yard. It has often been a daunting task. Older, well-established stumps typically have extensive root systems. Paying a removal service can cost hundreds of dollars—a hug...

Several individuals are recognized for actions that prevented major catastrophes, effectively “saving the day” in significant ways. These include figures like “Stanislav Petrov, who averted a potential nuclear war, and Norman Borlaug, credited wit...

I’ve spent the last two days at my dad’s side as liver cancer finishes its work. At 92, he’s had what Solomon calls “length of life.” Over the years, I’ve learned much from him. I carry no debt—thanks to his example—long before Dave Ramsey ever sh...