Daily Dose 2-7-11

Proverbs 8:10-11 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

This section of Proverbs is called “Wisdom’s Call.” We read in scripture where God promises wisdom to those who ask. This is a beautiful picture of wisdom pursuing us. The image is almost like wisdom saying, “Pick me!” There are many requests we make of God to rectify situations or improve circumstances. Often things we are requesting may have already been taken care of it we had approached them with Godly wisdom in the first place. Try a new prayer request. Instead of asking God to intervene in a situation, ask Him to supply you with His wisdom for that purpose. In those moments when you know what to do, your faith will be increased and you can share the Glory of God in praising Him to others.

All Wise Father, So often I want You to fix things when You want to strengthen my faith by giving me Your wisdom to handle my circumstances. Give me Your wisdom to prevent future challenges and fix current situations. Reveal to me – and make it very clear through Your Word – to discern between Your wisdom and being wise in my own eyes. Amen

Daily Dose 1-24-11

Proverbs 4:20-27 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 
Keep your mouth free of perversity keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Proverbs is a manual for living out a Godly life. Wisdom is a trait we should all beg for, just as King Solomon did. This particular scripture again focuses on the heart as the source of who we are and how we act and react in situations. God knows that it is best for us to live intentional lives for Him. When we are focused on His plan and His will, we will not stray; we will not fall. It is when we are distracted by the choices and demands of life that our paths become cluttered and complicated. Focus on the eyes of Jesus to maintain the compass for your life. He will help you manage the potholes and difficult trails on life’s journey!

Dear God of All Wisdom, Give me Your wisdom! Soften my heart to do Your will so that my journey in life will be a direct path to Your heart. Fix my yes upon Jesus and shield them form the distractions that pop along the way. I love that You will not ever let me walk alone! Amen

Daily Dose 1-14-11

Matthew 10:16-17a “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard…”

When Jesus spoke, He was never thinking just of that moment or just those He was addressing…He spoke for ALL to hear. The apostles were entering communities where people knew about a Messiah to come. They had an image of what he would look like, and it didn’t look like Jesus – there was sure to be resistance. Jesus warned them – as He does us – to be on guard. He was concerned for their safety, but He was also concerned about their mission. In order to be effective messengers of the Messiah, they had to be wise to the ways of the world and respond appropriately. Our situation is different. The early Jews had envisioned a powerful, political figure as their Messiah. In our circles today, most people see Jesus as loving kindness, gentle and wise, willing to help or serve. Every day we move through different communities of people through work, school, associations or just those we bump into in everyday occurrences. Why do many people resist or reject Jesus today? They have an image of what He should look like and how He would react. When they see people around them who profess to be Christians, yet act no differently than others, they choose to remain without Jesus. When people see you, do they see their “vision” of Jesus?

Father, Help me today to have open eyes for opportunities to share my faith with Your lost ones. Give me wisdom to avoid any snares satan may put in my way. Help me respond in gentleness to any challenges so that others may be drawn to Jesus through me. Amen

Daily Dose 1-8-11

Proverbs 2:6-8 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 
He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

We all want success, especially if it is “our” definition of success. We all want protection and guidance. But often we only seek protection and guidance from and through situations of which we are aware. Do we consider the protection and guidance God is giving us through our unknowns? If you read promises from God for success, yet have not attained specific goals by which you measure success, does that mean God has let you down? There are two ways to look at this scripture. First, review your life against what is expected to receive those promises – upright, blameless, just and faithful. God knows we will never maintain perfection. He does not expect it. He does however expect us to walk honestly with Him in a spirit of humility and seeking His will at all times. If you are doing your best in those areas and in that relationship with Him, maybe your definition of success is not God’s definition of your success. What you see as failure to achieve may be God’s protection and guidance over an unknown situation your “success” may bring. Seek God’s will and He will grant you His view of your success.

Dear Holy One, Please help me remember the only job that will determine my success is to walk humbly and obediently with You. I love You and stand on Your promises. Amen