Proverbs 3
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
12because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”—
when you now have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason—
when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways,
32 for the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools he holds up to shame.
I have been acting foolishly. The reason why I’m saying this is because I haven’t put Christ as the center of my life…(work, family, church, teaching, ministry, etc.) I put him on the side.
Work: I need to learn how to show love and compassion to everyone that comes in and that I keep in contact with. I feel like I just go with it and forget that I am talking with the majority of brothers and sisters in Christ. Even if people are rude to me, I should not repay with rudeness. I should repay with as much kindness and courtesy. I need to pray for my co-workers, especially Julie since she’s gone for a while. I need to pray on how to continually take care of two positions at this point.
Family: Jason and I have been doing great, but I know I’ve been less supportive in the things that he enjoys. He really shows a lot of Christ’s love towards me, but I know I lack in reciprocating it to him. We need to pray more as a couple and maybe even read a book together.
Church: With this organic church issue that was just recently brought up, I feel like I can have a million things to say to criticize it. I do not agree with it, but I need to pray for the leaders of Cornerstone for them to be in God’s wisdom. I need to pray for Jason as he studies this issue. I feel that a lot fo my criticism comes from my bitterness towards some of the people who are a part of it. I also feel like people are just chasing the excitement of the topic rather than God. I need to unpack this more later today.
Teaching: O my word, I need to pray for my students. I found out recently two of my students are struggling with certain issues. I feel like I’ve been giving them a bunch of worksheets, games, etc but nothing for them to really chew on to. I feel that my lack of prayer for each and every one of them has brought this to me. I need to pray to have joy in what I teach.
Ministry: Rooted ministry is becoming a tough ministry. We haven’t met since the Christmas party situation. I’m still trying to figure out what will be the best for this group. I don’t know the direction to go and it’s because I haven’t organized or planned this out with God. I just reacted.
Man…being wise is to be actively in praying while organizing the mess.
I need a lot of wisdom.
