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Post by Unmerited on May 15, 2023 4:39:31 GMT -8
Marvelously Made
Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both.
Proverbs 20:12
Our bodies are marvelously made, which means we have a marvelous Maker. How could such precision and complexity exist without a supreme Creator in Christ? The human body is grand evidence for Almighty God. We are created by God, and we are created for God. The Almighty is the architect of our flesh, so our actions reflect Him. “Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?” (Psalm 94:9).
Our feet are designed to walk by faith down familiar and unfamiliar paths of righteousness. Our eyes look to eternity, always aware of our accountability before the Almighty. Our ears listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and obey His commands. Our hands are quick to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. Your body is a billboard for belief in the Lord, so take care to present Christ with correct and consistent conduct.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well (Psalm 139:14).
Every muscle, nerve, and fiber of our being is bold to proclaim praise to its Creator for His creation. In wonder and awe, we worship God and give thanks for His grand plan, the body. As you witness the gestation of life in the womb of a loved one, your instincts feel instructed by God. He originates life and determines death. My heavenly Father has fashioned and formed all the parts of my frame.
Therefore, exclaim with adoration and thanksgiving to God for the beauty of His beings. Your body is a testament to the truth of His existence. Use it to point others to Jesus. Abuse it, and you poorly manage your Maker’s physical phenomena. Your body is a bold exclamation of eternal consequences.
Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear (Matthew 13:16).
How can I use my body in a way that helps others better understand Christ? Does my body take me to places and people that are pleasing to Him?
Related Readings
Psalm 119:18; Proverbs 18:15; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:17-18
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 16, 2023 4:29:48 GMT -8
Marvelously Made
Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both.
Proverbs 20:12
Our bodies are marvelously made, which means we have a marvelous Maker. How could such precision and complexity exist without a supreme Creator in Christ? The human body is grand evidence for Almighty God. We are created by God, and we are created for God. The Almighty is the architect of our flesh, so our actions reflect Him. “Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?” (Psalm 94:9).
Our feet are designed to walk by faith down familiar and unfamiliar paths of righteousness. Our eyes look to eternity, always aware of our accountability before the Almighty. Our ears listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and obey His commands. Our hands are quick to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. Your body is a billboard for belief in the Lord, so take care to present Christ with correct and consistent conduct.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well (Psalm 139:14).
Every muscle, nerve, and fiber of our being is bold to proclaim praise to its Creator for His creation. In wonder and awe, we worship God and give thanks for His grand plan, the body. As you witness the gestation of life in the womb of a loved one, your instincts feel instructed by God. He originates life and determines death. My heavenly Father has fashioned and formed all the parts of my frame.
Therefore, exclaim with adoration and thanksgiving to God for the beauty of His beings. Your body is a testament to the truth of His existence. Use it to point others to Jesus. Abuse it, and you poorly manage your Maker’s physical phenomena. Your body is a bold exclamation of eternal consequences.
Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear (Matthew 13:16).
How can I use my body in a way that helps others better understand Christ? Does my body take me to places and people that are pleasing to Him?
Related Readings
Psalm 119:18; Proverbs 18:15; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:17-18
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 17, 2023 4:32:22 GMT -8
Words of Worth
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Proverbs 20:15
Words of worth are rare jewels, waiting to be discovered by prayerful souls. God has placed some people in your life whose language is laced with His instructions. These trusting, tried-and-true servants of Christ are the ones you need to hear from often. They may be your parents, grandparents, teachers, clergy, sibling, spouse, child, or mentors, and their insights and understanding are at your disposal. Do you take the time to mine truth from their minds?
Avoid those whose trivial pursuit is primarily shallow conversations around current events. Instead, hang out with insightful saints who have a hold on heaven. Your mind and heart become rich in the resources of God when you obtain knowledge from His humble and wise followers. They do not announce their presence with fanfare, but you know they have been in the presence of the Father because their words are rich and robust.
Carriers of knowledge can be rich or poor, young or old, minority or majority, city or country, educated or uneducated.
Valuable speech is more than just a transfer of information. It is transformational truth spoken from a humble heart and a teachable mind. Words grow in their worth with those who remain students. So seek out learners who lean on the Lord and not their own understanding. The Holy Spirit instructs hungry hearts.
Use your own words to encourage, instruct, correct, and rebuke those you influence. Pray daily for a seeking soul you can generously give a gold nugget of wisdom, a ruby of reality, or a pearl of perception. Words are not to be wasted in worry. They are an investment from intimacy with God and instruction with man.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).
Whose wise words can I learn from today? To whom can I extend kindness and knowledge today?
Related Readings
Job 28:12-19; Proverbs 25:12; Ecclesiastes 12:9-11; Romans 10:17-18
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 18, 2023 4:38:26 GMT -8
Divinely Directed
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
Proverbs 21:1 ESV
The Lord’s hand directs the heart of a man or woman as if He were tracing the curvy course of a river. The ride may seem rough at times and even feel dangerous, but Providence leads wherever He pleases. Enjoy the ride and don’t be overwhelmed by circumstances out of your control. The Lord’s leadership in your life is a great adventure full of faith and uncertainty. The Holy Spirit is your guide, so go with Him, and you will travel well.
You may be depending on someone else to facilitate an opportunity for advancement. You don’t have to fret, because God has their heart in the palm of His hand. Artaxerxes, king of Persia, asked his Jewish servant Nehemiah what he needed, and through this faithless but powerful and resourceful leader the Lord provided everything Nehemiah required to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests” (Nehemiah 2:8).
You can be at peace with God’s provision. It may not originate where you expect, but you can be certain nothing can cease the supply of Christ’s endless endowment. Your eternal resources never run their course. When you live in the will of God, you will receive everything you need to carry out His assignment. Pray for favor from an influencer over the area in which you need assistance. Show up when asked, and then speak boldly on behalf of God. “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).
Lastly, look to the Lord, who can change men’s minds to serve His purposes. In your own strength, you feel powerless to affect much-needed outcomes, but in His power the results are staggering. Waiting on God’s directive is better than striving without Him.
The LORD longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him! (Isaiah 30:18).
Whom can I pray for, that the Lord will direct their heart? And what does God want to place in my heart for His purposes?
Related Readings
Ezra 7:27; Proverbs 20:24; Acts 7:10; Revelation 17:17
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 19, 2023 4:45:24 GMT -8
A Season of Separation
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
Proverbs 21:9
Sometimes a husband and wife need a season of separation, working toward reconciliation as the ultimate outcome. Things have gotten so bad that hatred has a hold on the home. Couples who do not communicate and who chronically agitate one another are not healthy. Love and respect have been lost at the altar of anger and ego. They need a revival of their original marriage vows to love unselfishly, for love “does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5).
You may be tolerating one another while the children are home, but covertly you both have an exit strategy once you have an empty nest. Do you really want to live this way? Is this honoring to the Lord, your children, and your marriage? If your relationship suffers from the cancer of caustic conversation, take measures now to remove its deadly influence. If you ignore this disease, it will eat away your character, influence, peace, and joy.
Pride is the largest single contributor to a contentious relationship. Neither party wants to take responsibility for their role in the marriage. Blame never rebuilt a marriage. But words like these can go a long way: “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “I was wrong,” “Let’s work this out.”
Separation is meant to give you space to experience God’s grace and then relentlessly extend it back to your spouse. “Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control” (1 Corinthians 7:5).
Satan would like to take you from separation to divorce, but your Savior specializes in reconciliation. Each of you is to humble yourself and come clean with Christ so you can be reunited in love and forgiveness. Allow the Lord to love you so you can love like Him, bold and beautiful. Wounded couples can rebuild a home of humility and happiness.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2).
Am I willing to let go of my demands and replace them with acceptance and love?
Related Readings
Proverbs 12:4; 15:17; Acts 10:9; 1 John 4:11
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 20, 2023 4:58:28 GMT -8
The Pursuit of Pleasure
Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.
Proverbs 21:17
The pursuit of pleasure leads to poverty. When people search for pleasure without considering eternal values, they become poorly principled, poor with people, poor in soul, and poor managers of God’s provision. Pleasure without a greater purpose produces a lame life. However, earthly enjoyments wed with God’s will open up the windows of heaven. “He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ” (Ephesians 1:9). His pleasure is good.
Pleasure is not evil, but when it overshadows our devotion to Christ, it is downright dangerous. The apostle Paul said we will live with this tension in the last days.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
The Lord is not suggesting a both/and approach to loving Him and pursuing pleasure, but rather an either/or outlook. We choose to love Christ or to amuse ourselves to death. Luxurious living without the Lord is vain and unfulfilling. Make pleasure subservient to serving your Savior, and you will find fulfillment and peace. For example, retreat to the beach or mountains to find pleasure in God’s creation while enjoying Him and those you love. To enjoy your temporal life on earth to the fullest, focus on obeying heaven’s eternal expectations.
Find pleasure where your heavenly Father finds pleasure. “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love” (Psalm 147:10-11). His pleasure is for us to do His good pleasure, which includes humble trust and submission to Him (Matthew 11:25-27). Therefore, take pleasure in Him.
How can I pursue the Lord’s pleasures?
Related Readings
Proverbs 10:23; Ephesians 1:5; 1 Timothy 5:6; Hebrews 11:25
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 21, 2023 6:29:07 GMT -8
A Good Name
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1
Are you willing to sacrifice your good name for the gain of great riches? Is a pile of money worth diluting your influence and soiling your reputation? What price can you put on your good name? It is invaluable because it says you are not willing to sell out at any price. A noble name is a like a rare gold coin from antiquity, priceless and desirable. Like David, let your actions speak for themselves. “David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed” (1 Samuel 18:30).
What is a good name? It is given by God, for God. Those with a good name make sure to give God the glory for their good deeds. Their fortress is the fear of the Lord, which keeps out unwanted influences. Those with a good name follow through with what they say. They are neither passive-aggressive nor aggressively passive, for they are forthright in both speech and motives. When you have a good name, you are willing to stand for something good and to suffer loss for what’s right. You believe God blesses obedience and not manipulation for personal gain.
How do you keep your good name intact? Humility and honor are twin pillars that support a respectable reputation. For example, when you experience success, you are quick to share the limelight with the Lord and those who contributed to your good fortune. When we take credit for what we have received, we discredit our leadership. By giving to others, we grow our good name.
Honor turns on the hinge of humility. Honor God and man, and your name will be honored. Respect is reciprocal. For example, will you honor a contract even when circumstances change? Are you willing to lose a new lease because you promised your tenant a 30-day notice? The Lord blesses landlords who keep their word and long to do the right thing. Indeed, your honor and good name depend on God.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge (Psalm 62:7).
Is my goal to grow my good name or to gain wealth? Do I honor God and people in the process? How valuable is my good name?
Related Readings
1 Kings 1:47; Ecclesiasties 7:1; Luke 2:52; Acts 10:22
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 22, 2023 6:19:19 GMT -8
Remove Troublemakers
Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.
Proverbs 22:10
Some people seem determined to set others on edge with their uncaring actions. Their goal is to get under their victims’ skin and gain control. You know they are in charge when they can manipulate your emotions. They prey on good people. Chronic troublemakers listen only to what they want to hear and will not reason. They mock authority and use gossip to oppress others through fear.
Their approach may be passive or active, but the result is the same—strife, quarrels, and insults. Their influence in a situation wrecks the relationships involved. Why doesn’t someone stand up to their intimidation tactics? Perhaps people are afraid of conflict or are not confident to challenge such a persuasive persona. Left alone, mockers will scoff and scorn until they get their way. They are ungracious and abusive.
So what is the leader to do? How do you respond to someone who sows discord within your organization? Ignoring them is not an option because their intensity will only increase. It’s up to the leader to lead, and in this case to clearly define expectations with verbal and written communication. Perhaps another party is prodding the mocker. If so, make sure to include them in the conversation.
Make clear that if their shenanigans do not cease, they will need to transition out of the business or ministry. It is imperative you do not allow one or two people to spoil the spirit of an entire team or company. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough” (Galatians 5:9). The Lord does not tolerate troublemakers.
No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure (Psalm 101:5 NASB).
Will I be bold and confront pride and arrogance? Am I willing to make the hard decision for the team’s sake?
Related Readings
Nehemiah 4:1-3; Proverbs 26:20-21; Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:5-6
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 23, 2023 4:46:00 GMT -8
Easily Angered
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered.
Proverbs 22:24
What’s behind a short-fused temper? Why do some people fly off in rage for ridiculous reasons? Anger brings out the worst in everyone. Displays of anger are often obvious, but the root cause can be insidious. It can usually be traced to a lack of trust in God—angst in the soul. It is the expression of a faith-starved heart. Mistreatment, abandonment, rejection, and loss all contribute to anger. Anger is ugly.
It is wise to avoid the angry, lest you become like them. There is no worse feeling than being drawn into the downward spiral of someone else’s fury and rage. Anger is an annoyance that no one wants to be around. It is unattractive and immature. Resentful people are so concerned for themselves, they are unable to care for others. They are caught in a cycle of self-pity and self-indulgence. But the secret to their freedom is right before their eyes—a lifestyle of serving others.
How do you avoid being drawn in by others’ anger? Perhaps you start by not being intimidated by them. Do not fear the fury of the unfaithful. Moses learned this lesson. “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). Begin by faith to put these irritating individuals in God’s hands. God can handle them. Don’t try to change them, for they will only increase in anger. Instead, intercede to Christ on their behalf, asking that His patience and forgiveness will fill their souls. Angry hearts can be healed only by grace.
If anger controls your actions, repent and ask Jesus to set you free. A disposition of anger is not a badge of honor, but a sign of unresolved sin. Let the Lord love on you and draw you into His mercy. The Lord loves you and forgives you. He understands the proper use of anger. Ask Christ to channel your energy into eternal initiatives, such as building a church, feeding the poor, and serving your family. Be an activist for Almighty God. Passion prompted by the Holy Spirit is a mighty weapon in the hands of heaven.
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19-20).
Where can I channel my energies for Christ? Whose angry outbursts and destructive behavior do I need to avoid?
Related Readings
Proverbs 29:22; Jonah 4:1-9; Ephesians 4:26-31; 1 Timothy 2:8
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 24, 2023 8:40:10 GMT -8
Responsible Eating
When you sit to dine with a ruler; note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
Proverbs 23:1-3
Responsible eating is one indicator of responsible living. When we show discipline around the dinner table, we tend to exercise discipline in other areas of life. On the other hand, when we indulge our appetite, we harm our bodies. Generally, our portions should decrease as our age increases. When we eat responsibly, we can enjoy a delicious meal without gorging ourselves. We can please our palate without giving in to gluttony.
Easy access to good food can lead to cravings that spin out of control. An abundance of delicious meals makes us all overweight unless we limit our intake and exercise consistently. To enjoy a nice meal with friends and family is entertaining and relationally fulfilling, but wisdom adds temperance and moderation. An undisciplined appetite is destructive and unacceptable to the Lord.
Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things (Philippians 3:19).
On the other hand, the fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:23).
How can we in good conscience eat excessively when most of the world goes to bed hungry? A careful stewardship of food will protect my body from excessive weight and will enable undernourished bodies to gain weight. How much I eat matters to my health and to the health of others. Let’s not waste food while others waste away. We can eat less so others can eat more.
With this mindset, we can responsibly enjoy the blessing of delicious meals. Dine with an eye on healthy food in smaller portions. Plan menus in order to eat the right food and avoid fast food. Your body will thank you for making food your friend and not your enemy.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Do I eat responsibly? Am I careful to control my cravings for food?
Related Readings
Deuteronomy 21:20; Proverbs 25:16; 1 Corinthians 9:25-27; 2 Peter 1:6
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 25, 2023 6:42:06 GMT -8
A Waste of Time
Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.
Proverbs 23:9
Some people do not regard wise words as worthy of attention. They may even scorn the wisdom of your words. They are intimidated by truth. Why the foolish see the truth as an enemy is dumbfounding. When others show disdain and contempt for wisdom, we need not coddle their immaturity. We need to invest our energy and attention wisely. Avoid wasting time on the foolhardy and disrespectful.
Jesus said it this way. “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you” (Matthew 7:6 NLT). We must use discernment with our allocation of limited resources. It is better to help one grateful and genuine disciple than nine others who have no intention to change for the better. Be careful not to be deceived by hypocrites. Their goal is to bring you down to their level of cynical living.
Our Lord tenderly cares for us and protects us. He does not want us to needlessly expose ourselves to the ridicule and reproach of rascals. Do not be discouraged when people reject your wisdom. As in the parable of the soils, some hearts are not ready to receive the Word of God, so we wait for the right time.
The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced (Matthew 13:22 NLT).
Pray for people to find the way of wisdom, but when their minds are closed, don’t waste time trying to reason with them. Let the Holy Spirit do His work of conviction and change. Hold your relationships with an open hand and trust the Lord to fill people’s lean souls with love. Foolish pride eventually falls, and then the wisdom of your words will ring true and help to heal broken hearts.
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1:1 NKJV).
Whom do I need to release to God and stop trying to persuade with my own words?
Related Readings
Proverbs 9:7-8; 26:4-5; Luke 16:14-15; Acts 13:45-46
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 26, 2023 5:01:59 GMT -8
The Right Path
Listen my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path.
Proverbs 23:19
There is a path that leads to life and a path that leads to death. The right path does not envy sinners, but is zealous for the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 23:17). The right path does not engage in excessive drinking and eating, but is modest and responsible (verses 20-21). The right path reflects Christ and His commands. You can keep your heart on the right path by receiving and applying wisdom from God.
For example, the right path honors parents even in disagreements (verse 22). Respectful children recognize their parents’ God-given authority in their lives. So they listen with longsuffering to their aging parents who repeat themselves as their minds become a bit muddled. Respectful children love their parents for who they are, not for what the children can get from them. Respectful children are motivated to listen and learn.
Those who walk on the right path reach out for direction from the Lord. They look up for His leadership, just as the psalmists did. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). People on the right path experience joy and contentment as they move toward middle age. They are steady and secure as they follow their Savior’s steps. “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled” (Psalm 17:5). The right path leads to the blessing of right results.
So Providence is your Pathfinder. God is your Guide. Christ is your Compass. Even as your path zigzags, stay focused on your faith in the Lord. The road may be rocky with unforeseen obstacles or bumpy with potholes of disappointment, but don’t stray away. The right path fills your soul with gallons of God’s grace. He will fuel your faith to move forward with no fear.
Our hearts had not turned back;
our feet had not strayed from your path (Psalm 44:18).
What path is Jesus traveling? Is my heart on the right path with Him?
Related Readings
Psalm 119:32-35; Proverbs 4:10-23; Luke 3:4; Romans 11:33
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 27, 2023 5:41:27 GMT -8
Advisers and Guidance
Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.
Proverbs 24:6
Acquiring godly advice takes time, but it saves you time in the long run. We are battling for our faith, our families, and our finances, so we are wise to engage wise counselors. These men and women are not perfect but have learned from their mistakes. They know how to process life with a principled paradigm. Godly guidance is a gift that keeps on giving. You pay it forward to friends and family, who benefit as well.
Who have you invited to hold you accountable? Who speaks to your spirit with words crafted in prayer, based on the Bible, and produced from a pure heart? If we are to engage the enemy effectively, we need many advisers with credible answers. As you ask for their input, listen for a theme to emerge from their counsel. This is the truth to follow. It will help you identify the dangers ahead and receive God’s blessings. Wise counsel wins out.
Godly guidance gives you the grace to go far by faith. Your growth in grace allows you to understand what’s best. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Insight from others is the benefit you receive from their intimacy with Christ. Go to those who have been with Jesus, and you will hear from Jesus. He speaks through prayerful people.
Ask people you respect to pray that you will receive God’s perspective. “We have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Colossians 1:9). God’s guidance gives you everything you need to move forward by faith. There is victory in Jesus, so engage in spiritual warfare alongside your Savior and the advisers He places in your life.
Whom can I seek out for wisdom and guidance? Am I listening with a humble heart to wise advisors?
Related Readings
Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; Luke 14:31; 1 Timothy 6:11-12
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 28, 2023 5:38:13 GMT -8
Lifeguard
If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?
Proverbs 24:12
The Lord guards our lives. This does not mean trouble does not frequent our comings and goings, but it does mean God is always there for us. His presence is our protector, but not to the point of precluding our free will. His guard is meant to be a reminder of righteous living and wise choices. “Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 97:10).
As our Lifeguard, He lets us choose where to swim—in safe waters or riskier depths. We are wise if we stay close to Him rather than floating away from His will. Wrong choices lead to unpleasant consequences. Right choices steer us toward God’s blessings. Indeed, His angels are available to serve our needs, just as they served Jesus in the wilderness. “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” (Matthew 4:11). Angels are waiting to attend to your body and soul.
Your life is precious to your heavenly Father. He longs for you to love Him and learn of His ways. His heart hurts when His children rebel or worry over the cares of this world. Perhaps your work has you wringing your hands. You have done everything you know to do. You have cut costs, become extremely creative, even shortened workweeks, but the future is still uncertain. In your economic instability, you can be certain that He who guards your life also guards your livelihood. Money may go, but not His provision.
As God guards your life, He empowers you to help guard others’ lives. People are your greatest asset, and hard times give you the opportunity to make hard choices that validate your care for your employees. Don’t give in to the fear of finances, but remain faithful to do what’s right, and God will provide in His good time. Leaders learn more about leadership in lean times than in times of plenty. During difficult days, put into practice the values you discussed during the days of abundance. The Lord is your Lifeguard. Follow His example as you care for others.
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14).
Am I at peace with the Lord’s protection? Do those in my care know I have their backs?
Related Readings
Psalm 44:21; Proverbs 5:21; Luke 4:10; Philippians 4:7
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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Post by Unmerited on May 29, 2023 4:09:45 GMT -8
Keep Showing Up
For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Proverbs 24:16
Do you ever struggle with stamina? Do you sometimes need extra motivation to keep showing up at work, to continue being truly present in relationships, and to maintain your commitment to serve? Do you ask yourself, “Is it really worth it? Will things ever change?” I struggle with this and sometimes wonder if I am in God’s will. I occasionally pause and ponder the thought of moving on from the mess in front of me. But if Christ has called me to this mission, I am compelled to complete the task. I show up because this is my Savior’s expectation.
We keep showing up and remain faithful because our heavenly Father never promised that this life would be without problems and challenges. “A righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19). The cares of this world will try to choke His Word out of our hearts, but we can withstand the pressure through prayer. This is our relief valve that vents frustrations. Our Father in heaven understands. Don’t lie in self-pity, but reach out to the Lord and let Him lift you up.
We will fall down and scrape our soul, bruise our pride, and arouse our anger. However, a disciple of Christ is determined to remain faithful. Keep showing up when others let you down. Keep showing up when your finances fade. Keep showing up when you are treated unfairly. Keep showing up when you are sad and uncertain. Keep showing up, and God’s grace will break in and fill you with peace. He blesses righteous resilience.
Rise from your fall into sin and face your Savior with remorse and repentance. Rise from your fall under the sin of others and face your enemies with forgiveness and grace. Rise from your financial free fall and face life with faith and generosity. Jesus showed up for you on the old rugged cross amid the world’s injustice and His own brokenness. He still shows up, ever interceding on your behalf.
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (Romans 8:33-35).
Do I regularly thank the Lord for showing up for me? Will I show up on behalf of others?
Related Readings
Psalm 37:24; Micah 7:8-10; Matthew 18:21-22; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10
Boyd Bailey, Two Minutes in the Bible through Proverbs: A 90-Day Devotional
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