Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Memory of the Month: Proverbs 15:1-A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Today's reading: PROVERBS 13-15 2 CORINTHIANS 5
What Else Will We Miss Today?
As I read through our daily reading in Proverbs 13, 14, and 15, I was amazed, as always, at the number of sayings in such a short piece-sayings that have found their way into life under some other entity taking credit.
From Proverbs 13
10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
(But from whom do we take 'good' advice? Try everything by scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:21-but test everything; hold fast what is good.)
11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.
24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
Proverbs 14:
1 The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.
12 There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
23 All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people.
Proverbs 15
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.
33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,
and humility comes before honor.
It took ten minutes to read the daily Old Testament reading so these verses above are only a sample. There is a word from the Lord for everyone everyday-everyday. What has that word been for you? Oh, you did not read the daily reading-well, you have a lot of company(not saying it's right, just saying...
If you have not been in God's word today, where will you get the word He has for you? Oh, you read several of these devotionals from several people? That is a good practice, but how do you know they are following the scripture if you, yourself are not that familiar.
Believe, me please, none of us are that familiar with the word of God that we simply take a 'famous Bible teacher's word' for it. Why would we do that?
The Lord's mercies are new every morning, Lamentations 3:22-23. If His mercies are new every morning what does that mean? Does it mean we are automatically showered with mercy every morning? Yes, it does-but-how do we know?
We know because we have spent time with God and in His word and He has opened up His world of mercies to us because we have taken up our individual crosses and are following in Faith.
Folks, please listen-you may be one who God always just pours His wisdom down on without effort on your part--but the rest of us need all the work and effort from our greatest commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. It has never 'just happened' to me. Be truthful, without deep circumstances of hurt, trial, or grief, has God ever revealed anything to you when you were not paying attention to Him? What does God say to you when all is well and it is time to celebrate?
God's heart is always open to us but we are not always open to hear and see.
Practice God's presence. Practice His humbling power. Practice His loving embrace. Do not shield His power of conviction and act as if you do not hear.
What else will you miss today? What else is God trying to teach you today?
We miss so much...but God is so patient.
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Have mercy on me for my sin of everyday omission. I am in Your light, teach me.
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