VERSE:
   "Woe to him who builds his realm by unjust gain to set his nest
on high, to escape the clutches of ruin!" 
    -- Habakkuk 2:9

THOUGHT:
   In our "dog eat dog" world, in our race to get to the top and
leave all our rivals in a heap at the bottom, God tells us both
"Whoa!" and "Woe!" He tells us to stop and realize that Kingdom
values are different from worldly values - that there is no
success without service. He also warns us that he will bring us to
ruin if we ignore his values by placing ourselves above the
well-being of others or pursuing our own success at the cost of our
ethics.

PRAYER:
   Gracious, almighty, and righteous God, please strengthen me so
that I can resist the temptation to exploit, cheat, and lie to get
ahead. Dear Father, I truly want to be a person of integrity,
character, and blessing. Please help me to see any duplicity in my
own heart and to treat others graciously, just as you have so
graciously treated me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.