DEVOTIONS

What’s Your Greatest Challenge?
December 6, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 30:1-4
 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Agur begins by acknowledging that he is not the brightest of men to walk the planet, which is a stark contrast to the words of Solomon, who, though he may not personally claim it, was called the wisest man to ever live (1 Kings 3:12). Yet Agur makes an interesting observation in verse four. When anyone draws close to God and begins to perceive His infinite power, wisdom, and grace, we all start to appear a little less intelligent.

    There’s a humorous anecdote about Satan challenging God, claiming he could create a man just as God could. God agreed to the challenge, saying, “Okay, let’s both make a man then.” Satan reached down to take a handful of dirt to start his creation, but God stopped him and asked, “What are you doing?” Satan replied, “I am going to make a man out of dirt just like you did.” To which God responded, “Start by making your own dirt.”

    The absolute awesomeness of God surpasses our wildest imaginations. Our finite minds, bound by time limitations, cannot truly comprehend an infinite and timeless God. However, if you take just a few minutes to contemplate all that God can do, it should lead you to a place of humility before Him. That’s where Agur began, and my friends, that’s where we all need to begin as well.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Take a moment to contemplate the power that God possesses. What can He accomplish if He so desires? Could He effortlessly control the wind and waves? Such feats are mere child’s play for the Creator of all. Is it within His capability to command the sun and moon to stand still? It only takes a thought for what seems impossible to our finite minds to become a reality with God. Now, ask yourself, what is my greatest challenge? Then remind yourself, He can handle it.

What is your greatest challenge
that you might entrust to God today?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: December 6, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Ephesians
  Proverbs 30:1 – 4

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Hosea 1-4
  2 John

Simply Aim Higher
December 5, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 29:26-27
 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    You simply cannot please everyone, no matter how hard you try; it’s an inherent challenge. The reason for this is articulated in our verses today.

    When someone who does not know and love the Lord as their Saviour gains rule or authority, those who do love the Lord are often dissatisfied. The desires of an unjust person frequently do not align with scripture, making a believer in Christ uncomfortable.

    Conversely, if a Christian attains a position of authority, the world may hold animosity towards them. This is because followers of Christ often oppose much of what the world seeks to do.

    We witness this dynamic daily in the United States of America, where major political disputes revolve around Biblical issues like abortion, gay and transgender rights, and the Home School vs. Public School debate, regarding what should be taught to our children. Even in publicly funded schools, there is often disagreement over the curriculum. For instance, in 2003, Judge Roy Moore was instructed to remove a Ten Commandments statue from a public courthouse rotunda as it was deemed unconstitutional, citing that not everyone adhered to those beliefs. The phrase “One nation under God” in the United States pledge has also faced debate and near removal. Coins bearing the inscription “In God We Trust” are under scrutiny in courtrooms for potentially violating someone’s rights and being in need of alteration.

    In Solomon’s concluding words in these 29 Proverbs, he makes a simple yet enduring observation. “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.”

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    So, how do we know what to do? Verse 26 offers a clue: we shouldn’t seek the favor of men. True wisdom in every matter and right judgment come from the Lord. Let’s aim higher and strive to please God.

Who are you aiming to please with your life?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: December 5, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Galatians
  Proverbs 29:26 – 27

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Daniel 11-12
  1 John 5

Jesus Is My Snare
December 4, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 29:22-25
 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    The word “fear” in the Bible often refers to having reverence or respect for something or someone, indicating your belief in and honor for what you trust. For example, if you say, “I fear that is true,” you are conveying, “I believe that is true.” In today’s passage, that is how the word “fear” is used. What a person places their trust in can become a snare in life.

    Some people put their trust in money, desiring it so intensely that they spend their entire lives doing whatever it takes to earn it. Sadly, it often seems that there is never enough money to satisfy them. The more wealth they accumulate, the more they feel they need. Finally, toward the end of their lives, when years of labor have granted them some practical wisdom, they often discover that all their work and toil for wealth never brought them genuine happiness.

    Others seek fame, going to great lengths to capture people’s attention. Yet, when people do begin to notice them, they invest significant time and money in regaining a modicum of privacy. They strive to hide from the very people they wished would notice them just a short time ago.

    Getting what we want isn’t always the same as getting what we need. However, those who place their trust in God always find a sweet and secure place to dwell—not just for a few years here on earth but for eternity.     

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Money is not evil unless it controls your life. Being popular is not wrong if God has directed it to be so. However, the only place we should ever put our trust is in Jesus. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

How might God be able to use you
to accomplish His will?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: December 4, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  2 Corinthians 8 – 1 Corinthians 13
  Proverbs 29:22 – 25

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Daniel 9-10
  1 John 4

Choosing Our Words Carefully
December 3, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 29:19-21
 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” Today, this same warning is conveyed through phrases such as “Watch out for a Fast-Talking Salesperson” or “Beware of Mr. Smooth Talker.” These warnings may give us the impression that the problem lies in what is being said. However, the real issue is not in the speech itself but in the character of the speaker. Pride and arrogance often accompany such individuals, as they have a fondness for themselves and believe they are right even when proven wrong.

    This is part of our society’s challenge today. We desire everyone to have a strong sense of self-esteem. Please do not misunderstand; we should acknowledge that God created us and loves us for who He made us to be. However, He also repeatedly cautions us against thinking too highly of ourselves.

    So why do our Smooth Fast Talkers encounter such difficulties? It’s because they are more focused on telling you what they think rather than taking the time to consider what God thinks. Jesus warned the disciples in Matthew 10:19 not to worry about what they would say because it would be provided to them. Similarly, in Matthew 13:11, they were informed that the Holy Spirit would guide their speech.

    When asked about your opinion on a world crisis, you often have a quick response. However, if questioned about what God’s Word says on the same matter, you must pause and contemplate. The Holy Spirit then brings verses to mind, and you begin to think as God thinks. Often, the two opinions diverge. So, which opinion do you believe is more accurate: yours alone or yours combined with the counsel of God’s Word?

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Isaiah 31:2 states that God never retracts His Words. Psalms 12:6 tells us that His Words are as pure as the purest silver. God’s Words are always correct when applied in the context they are given. If you want to speak safely, consider what God says and use His words.

How often do you use God’s Word as you speak?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: December 3, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  2 Corinthians 1 – 2 Corinthians 7
  Proverbs 29:19 – 21

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Daniel 7-8
  1 John 3

Whose Vision Is It?
December 2, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 29:16-18
 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    A vision! It sounds like someone closed their eyes and somehow received this vision. It brings to mind Bible stories where God conveyed information through prophets via visions. I have heard preachers speak of their vision for new buildings or schools. Missionaries discuss their vision for the mission field and the people of another land. Evangelists share a vision for America and the church. Some use this verse to support the importance of this vision and need. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The problem is they stopped quoting to soon.

    The vision mentioned in this verse is not meant to be our own vision; it is meant to be God’s vision. In this context, the word “vision” signifies “prophetic revelation.” The second part of that verse says, “but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” We no longer require God to implant visions in us for the future because the Bible serves as our complete “Prophetic Revelation.” God does not need another messenger with a new message; He requires messengers to carry out the timeless message that transforms people into new creations in Him.

    I believe that the pastors, evangelists, and missionaries who referenced this passage were sincere. I believe that God works within us, instilling burdens in our hearts for places of service. I also believe that ministry-related visions genuinely stem from time spent in the Word and understanding God’s calling on their lives. God imparts wisdom in the hearts of individuals to fulfill these earthly visions.

    Nevertheless, it’s crucial to ensure we understand Scripture as it is written. Without a vision, people perish. Without a Word from God, people will perish. How do we receive that Word? By reading the Bible daily and sharing it frequently.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    A song proclaims, “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.” In our prayers, we may implore: “Rescue us, O Lord, from perishing without your Word. Help us, Father, to navigate life with prophetic guidance from your Holy Word, so that we may not perish without your vision. Amen.”

Who’s vision are following?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: December 2, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  1 Corinthians 15 – 1 Corinthians 16
  Proverbs 29:16 – 18

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Daniel 5-6
  1 John 1-2