Daily Devotion, May 31, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 8:1-17.

Before I highlight specific verses, it is helpful to remember that Paul is writing this as a letter (without chapters or verses) to the beloved people of the church in Rome. There is a more natural flow to this writing, if we will read it as a letter which we might receive from someone who cares deeply for us to have the GIFT OF LIFE from God’s Spirit offered to us through Christ.

The transitional question and sentences are found in Romans 7:24-25, “Who will help me to escape the bondage and power of sin in my life? “Thanks be to God for our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Here in Chapter 8, Paul transitions the focus from the bondage of human sin to the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. The word “Spirit” hasn’t been mentioned since Romans 1:4. Now in Romans 8, the Spirit is referred to twenty-one times! Paul wants to make perfectly clear that God’s gift is the transforming and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit! This gift is from God’s own initiative, in sending Christ, to be the “sin-offering”. Therefore, those who are in Christ no longer live under the condemnation of sin.

Verses 5-8 compare the pathways of life from the mind set on the sinful nature which leads to death, versus the pathways of the mind set on what the Spirit desires, which leads to life!

Verses 9-11 declare that if we belong to Christ, the Spirit lives within us, and will give us the powerful gift of life! This is the gift of life both in the present tense and the future tense! We are alive through the righteousness of Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit! (This is a power beyond what we can imagine!)

Verses 12-17 teach us the lesson that we have an obligation to live according to this tremendous gift of the Spirit of God. This Spirit does not make us a slave to fear, but it makes possible the relationship with God such that “we can cry, Abba, Father and realize we are children, heirs of God and co-heirs of Christ, called to share in the sufferings so that we may also share in his glory.” This word-phrase, “Abba-Father” is the more intimate familial language as Mark 14:36 records Jesus from his prayer in Gethsemane.

Personal Worship Option:

Read this passage again from The Message. Romans 8:1-17. Thanks be to God for our Lord Jesus Christ, and the GIFT OF LIFE and the leading of God’s Holy Spirit to your next adventure!

Daily Devotion, May 30, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 6:1-11, 23.

Romans 6 begins with a question. “Is it okay to keep sinning since God will just keep forgiving us?” It’s the “license to sin” mentality. Paul answers with a resounding, “No!” He reminds us that when we give our hearts to Christ, we are leaving our old life behind and living a new life in Christ so our pattern of sin is supposed to end.

A form of the word “die” is used 13 times in these verses, and a form of the word “life” appears 7 times. Paul clearly wants to contrast death to sin and life in Christ. Paul stresses that our old sins were crucified with Christ and sin no longer has a hold on us. Instead, we have the power of Christ within us helping us to reject a life filled with sin. While we still may have sinful desires and may give in to temptation, we have the power of Christ in us to help us “die” to sin and live with the joy of Christ in our lives.

We are called to a new life, a new hope, a new mindset. We are called to live in the image of the one who made us. When we fully commit to the life Christ promises us, we no longer want to let sin control us.

Be encouraged today that Christ provides us a place of freedom from sin, a place of abundant life, and a place of joy and peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Whenever you feel the call of your former home, your former life, a life of sin, remember to thank God for new life and ask him for the power to reject the old.

Daily Devotion, May 29, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 5:1-11.

Most of us love it when someone knows our name, and this becomes more special when the person is someone in an important position. In our graduation ceremony from college, as is customary, the president of the university handed our leatherbound diplomas to us as we walked across the stage. Embossed in gold letters on the diploma cover was my name…first name, middle initial, and last name. The president smiled warmly, shook my hand, congratulated me, and called me by my middle name. No notes, no prompting, just like that! I never forgot that he knew me and that he knew the middle name by which I am always called.

We understandably think of God in a multitude of ways, and many of those reflect our awe of God and our humility of the Almighty. In this passage, we are reminded that through our faith in Christ, we have been saved through grace. Our understanding of God as judge is valid, but we no longer need to fear or dread God’s punishment. We now live in a personal relationship with God, and God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. God knows your name!

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today that, through the love of God expressed in the life and death of God’s Son, we have been saved. Smile and celebrate that God knows you and desires to have a personal relationship with you. Open your heart to drawing closer to God in a real and personal way.

Daily Devotion, May 28, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 2:1-8, 14, 40-41.

The Day of Pentecost was an annual Jewish festival that brought many people from many places to Jerusalem. Jesus’ apostles and other disciples had been following his instructions for over a month, waiting in the city for God to empower them to begin their continuation of Jesus’ mission. On that day, suddenly and miraculously, the Holy Spirit came to them and gifted them with the ability to speak the languages of all the various people who were gathered nearby. The crowd was amazed at what they were hearing, but many were also skeptical about the experience.

That’s when Peter felt led to step up. His story was already amazing as well. Jesus had nurtured and guided him into a position of leadership among the apostles. Although he had failed his Lord on the night Jesus was arrested, Jesus had restored him. After Jesus ascended back to heaven, Peter had continued his role as leader and now it was time to do so again. He offers a history lesson and explanation of what just happened and challenged everyone there to change their ways and follow Jesus. And around 3,000 people did just that!

Still today, as the people of Christ, we are reminded to be receptive and alert to the work of the Holy Spirit and to let others know that this same Spirit wants to connect with and guide their life. The Spirit is still very much at work and wants to work through you!

Personal Worship Option:

Consider this prayer or one like it in your own words: “Holy Spirit, I celebrate and give thanks for your work in the lives of many people. Help me to always be open and receptive to what you want to do through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Daily Devotion, May 27, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 15:12-21, 30-35.

This meeting in Jerusalem was a key turning point in the early spread of the good news of Jesus Christ. Both Peter and Paul had witnessed the activity of the Holy Spirit in the Gentiles and knew that God was guiding them into new understandings. Being in a right relationship with God was being offered by God as a gift to everyone, not from keeping all the rules of the Law. But that message was not accepted by many of the Jewish leaders of that time. So, they would come in behind Jesus’ messengers and tell people they had to follow all the rituals and rules before they could be saved. Much confusion developed and that prompted the meeting in Jerusalem. After hearing from both Peter and Paul about what God was doing, the leaders discerned what the key requirements should be for being the people of Christ and sent a letter of blessing and affirmation.

It is no different in our day and time. As the people of Christ, we are to always be paying attention to where the Holy Spirit is at work in the lives of others and follow the guidance of the Spirit. We have to be wary about placing our personal understandings on others which are not fundamental to representing our Lord.

Peter summed it up best in the verse just before our reading for today: “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” Offering God’s gift of grace to everyone was the core message then and it still is.

Personal Worship Option:

Who are the “outsiders” (Gentiles) you know who need to hear about God’s gift of grace? How might you best communicate that gift with them?

Daily Devotion, May 26, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 15:1-11.

The early Church faced their first major test at this point. Peter summed up well (in verse 11) the conclusion they came to, based on Jesus’ teaching and their own experience with the Spirit: we are saved by the grace of God. The Jerusalem Council decided that only God’s grace and individual faith in Jesus were necessary for salvation. The law can never save you. It points out the need for salvation. God is the only one who saves by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This was a decisive moment for the church as they fully embraced Gentiles into the church without their first having to become Jews. 

How do you react to Christians whose worship style is different from your own? Just remember, God’s gift of eternal life is free and for everybody, whatever the color, race, or worship preference. We are called to have the same gracious attitude toward others that Jesus had.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on God’s grace. Receive God’s grace today and pass it along to those you meet.

Daily Devotion, May 25, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 13:32-44.

In the synagogue Paul was preaching to Jews and Gentiles. Those gathered kept increasing as they were interested in the reasoning that Paul was using and how he was tying it back to the written law. He said they were there to share the Good News. Paul reminded them that the promise was made to our ancestors, and God had now fulfilled it for all of us and our descendants, by raising Jesus.

This is what the second Psalm says about Jesus: You are my Son. Today I have become your Father. For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave as was the custom. So, the reference here to raising the body was to Jesus.

Beginning with the law of Moses, the prophets, and the writings, Paul would show how God fulfilled Scripture in a specific event. In this case the crucifixion and his ultimate triumph over all his enemies through the resurrection were the events. Believers in the first century often used Psalm 2 as a great psalm that referenced Jesus the Messiah. We also can take comfort and find assurance in Jesus as our Savior since his life on earth and his resurrection fulfilled God's plan.

Personal Worship Option:

O Father, I do believe you prophesied about Jesus and his victory over every human adversary as well as his triumph over sin and death. I want my life and my future held tight to Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 24, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 11:19-26.

Wait, Pause. There’s so much within these 7 verses! These verses pick up the unwoven threads of Acts 8:4 in regard to the beginnings of the church’s mission beyond Jerusalem to fulfill Jesus’ prophecy of Acts 1:8, that the apostles with the power of the Holy Spirit would reach the ends of the earth!

Who, Where, When?

The Holy Spirit’s power was working through the unnamed fugitives (frightened because of the persecution Stephen had received) to bring the good news about Jesus to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch (of Syria), but their message was only being given to the Jewish people.

The Holy Spirit continued to work and led some from Cyprus and Cyrene to share the message with the Greeks also! Then Barnabas, who lived in Jerusalem, heard about the church’s growth and traveled to Antioch. There were so many people that Barnabas traveled to Tarsus to look for Saul to go back with him to Antioch to help!

Wait, Pause. Antioch of Syria, by land, is approximately 300 miles from Jerusalem. Walking 20 miles a day, it would take 15 days to get there! No wonder, once Barnabas and Saul arrived in Antioch, that they stayed a whole year!

All of this was happening during the reign of Claudius and during the time when King Herod was arresting and prosecuting some who belonged to the church! This gives testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit and the witness of Jesus Christ that even during times of persecution, the church was growing! This is where the origin of the title, “Christian” is given!

What, How, to Whom and Why?

The Holy Spirit was giving them power to share the “Good news about the Lord Jesus!” And the Holy Spirit was giving evidence to Barnabas, through all of the people “of the grace of God”. (vs.22) In Acts 10, and here in Acts 11, the good news of Jesus Christ is offered not only to the Jews but to others considered, “outsiders” as well! The “why” is that “out of God’s love for the whole world, Jesus, God’s only Son, was given to live, die and to be raised from the dead to offer all people forgiveness of sins and new life!”

Personal Worship Option:

Sometimes, the Holy Spirit calls us to move forward quickly and sometimes, we are called to wait, pause and open ourselves to new people to whom the Holy Spirit is leading us.

Daily Devotion, May 23, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 11:1-18.

Have you ever been absolutely sure you are right about something? You know you are right. Nothing could change your mind. But then something happens that you did not expect, and you find out that you were wrong. The early Christians had some wrong thinking, and God needed to help them make some changes.

The early believers thought that Jesus meant for them to go and preach to Jews who were scattered all over the world. The thought of preaching the gospel to pagan Gentiles without them first becoming religious Jews was simply unthinkable.

When Peter brought the news of Cornelius’s conversion back to Jerusalem, the believers were shocked that Peter had entered the home of a Gentile and eaten with him.

Peter’s defense for eating with Gentiles was a simple restatement of what had happened. He brought six witnesses with him to back him up, and then he quoted Jesus’ promise about the coming of the Holy Spirit. These Gentiles’ lives had been changed, and that was all the evidence Peter and the other believers needed. Changed lives are an equally powerful evidence of God’s work in people’s lives today.

We can draw lessons from this passage both as a church, and also as individuals on how we can help break down the barriers that can divide people. And Jesus is the example that we follow. It comes down simply to one command, and that is to love people, the way God loves us. If we are committed to living this way, not only will it prevent barriers being erected in the first place, but it will help break down those we find, just as God has broken down the barriers that once separated us from him.

Personal Worship Option:

Ask God to reveal any wrong thinking that you might have or any barriers you may have or any barriers you may have erected. Then ask God to show you ways to love the way he loves.

Daily Devotion, May 22, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 10:27-33.

This is the story of two people being led by the Holy Spirit to do something they otherwise would not have done. Without the Holy Spirit’s direction, Peter, a devout Jew, would not have gone to the home of a Roman centurion to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Peter had considered all Gentiles unclean; but through a vision, God had shown Peter that all people are created by God and that none of God’s creatures should be considered impure.

Cornelius was a righteous man who worshiped God and was respected by the Jews. His Roman governor had sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion, and fellow Roman soldiers had carried out the order. Now the Holy Spirit had guided Cornelius to send for Peter, the leader of the followers of Jesus, to come into his house and tell him and his household about this Jesus.

Peter’s going to Cornelius’ house and witnessing to them about Christ was a pivotal event, as it opened the door for Gentiles to receive God’s message and become Christian. The Holy Spirit is still leading us to do things we otherwise would not do.

Personal Worship Option:

Sometimes in worship we sing, “Holy Spirit, you are welcome here. Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for…to be overcome by your presence, Lord.” As we sing these words, let us open our hearts and be led by the Spirit, even to do things we otherwise might not do.

Daily Devotion, May 21, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 24:44-49.

This scene takes place on the evening of Easter, according to Luke. Earlier in the chapter, we read about two of Jesus’ followers encountering him after walking with him to the village of Emmaus. And as they are reporting about this to the disciples back in Jerusalem, suddenly Jesus appeared to them. As we pick up the story with our verses for today, he reminds them of what he had been telling them all along was going to happen and closes by giving them their mission.

However, before they embark on that mission, they are to wait for power from God to be sent to them. It is a good reminder to his followers of the twenty-first century as well: we are only to go serve God’s mission when we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit. We do not go in our own strength or understanding. We go depending on the Spirit to guide us. We go depending on the Spirit to empower us. Otherwise, we will get lost and depleted. In our own understanding and power, we will inevitably come to a point of being ready to quit.

Jesus says wait. But wait expectantly (as we saw in our lesson from yesterday). When the guidance and power comes, be ready to go!

Personal Worship Option:

Yesterday, I shared the chorus of the hymn written by Clara Scott. Here is the last verse (that is to be our prayer and the result of it):

Open my mouth and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere;

Open my heart and let me prepare love with thy children thus to share.

Daily Devotion, May 20, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 1:1-5, 12-14.

Tomorrow in worship, we will be looking at some of the last verses of “The Gospel According to Luke” in which Jesus is telling his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they receive power from God to fulfill the mission on which he is sending them. In our verses for today, he is opening his follow-up book with that same scene (much like you might see in a sequel to a movie).

 

Verse 14 lets us know they were not passive in their waiting: “They all joined together constantly in prayer…” They were seeking. They were asking. They were intentional about staying connected with the God they had experienced through Jesus Christ.

We all face circumstances and seasons in our life when we are not sure what next step God wants us to take. There are times when we are also called to wait on God. We don’t have answers in those times. We don’t have a clear sense of direction. But like those apostles and the other followers of Jesus who were with them, it is important for us to remain connected with the Holy Spirit and expectant that the guidance we seek will come.

Personal Worship Option:

My favorite prayer hymn for this lesson was written by Clara Scott in 1895. Here is the chorus of it:

Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see.

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Daily Devotion, May 19, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Joshua 6:1-5.

Before advancing on the city of Jericho, Joshua was given instructions on a period of waiting and preparation. The Israelites had to fully commit to the plan, even if it didn’t make sense to them. God was making it very clear that the battle would depend on Him and not on Israel’s weapons and expertise. This is why the priest carrying the Ark, not soldiers, led the Israelites into battle. All these instructions may have been a test of their faith and their willingness to follow God completely.

Sometimes what God asks you to do may make no sense to you. It is during those times that waiting and listening to God is paramount.

Personal Worship Option:

What seemingly impossible task lies ahead of you? Spend time with God sharing your ideas, fears, and worries. Follow God’s plan.

Daily Devotion, May 18, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Numbers 14:39-45.

The Lord brought the children of Israel out of their long captivity in Egypt in a miraculous way. God intended to lead them directly into the land of promise; however, the people's disobedience hindered this. The previous chapter 13 records the people's decision to send spies into the land. These twelve spies, except for Joshua and Caleb, returned with a report of lies. Because of the spies' evil report, the Israelites were afraid to enter the land.

God was very disappointed in their lack of faith so he said they would die in the wilderness with the exception of the faithful two. The people decided to take matters into their own hands. They were ready to go into battle and take the land, but the Lord was no longer with them. This battle, which could have been easily won with the Lord's help, was lost because of disobedience (or untimely, slow obedience). Trusting in God and being faithful means being obedient in God’s time and God’s way. If we constantly doubt, we can miss the opportunity to serve God in the way He desired.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, we often do not listen to you when you are calling us into action and obedience. Help us trust you with our lives and help us grow in our faith to follow you, even when we doubt. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 17, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 8:18-24.

This Simon is different from the Simon Peter of the gospels. This story actually begins in verse 9 and Simon describes himself as “Simon, the Great”. The people followed him because, “he had amazed them with his magic.” (vs.11)

Simon is contrasted with Philip who “preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.” (vs.12) Men and women followed Philip and were baptized. Simon, too, believed and was baptized!

But Simon’s eyes were not yet opened to the true power and purpose of Philip’s mission and message. Phillip’s message was spreading so far and wide among the people of Samaria that Peter and John were sent to help. Simon wanted the same ability that Peter and John had! He wanted this ability so badly that he offered them money!

Simon wanted to advance his own personal position, reputation, and sense of power. But Simon was totally missing that this is God’s gift for the greater good for the kingdom of God and in the name of Jesus Christ! Peter recognized Simon’s motives from his heart were terribly misguided and quickly corrected him! He teaches Simon an important lesson: you do not seek God’s power for selfish reasons, but you only do God’s work when sent and empowered by God.

For the gospel’s sake, Peter and John did not receive the money! And Peter instructed Simon to repent and pray for forgiveness. Perhaps the eyes of Simon’s heart were beginning to be opened to the difficult truth he held within; that he was consumed with serving himself.

The commentaries refer back to Acts 5: 1-10. Ananias and Sapphira sold some land and then lied to the apostles that the money they were giving was all that they had received. This story and Simon’s story demonstrate desires to possess and manipulate for self “money and power”, to the extent that the community is completely disregarded.

We too, can want so badly for our own success that our eyes are closed to the truth of our hearts and justify any means necessary to serve self, and self alone.

Personal Worship Option:

“Their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.” (Psalm 78:37-38b) This is good news! Let us also examine our hearts, repent and receive God’s gifts of mercy and forgiveness. 

Daily Devotion, May 16, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Jeremiah 1:1-10.

God provides such hope and encouragement in his call of Jeremiah. God assures him that he has prepared him for the work ahead.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”

He tells him in essence: “I started getting you ready, and the world ready for you, long before you were born. I worked through your father and your mother, your grandfathers and grandmothers, your great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers. For generations back I have been preparing you.”

And when Jeremiah says he’s too young and doesn’t speak well, God reassures him.

“I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there. I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it.

Don’t be afraid of a soul. I’ll be right there, looking after you.”

God has a purpose for each of us. Our general purpose as a believer is to Glorify God and to love and help others. In addition, he asks us to use our gifts, skills, and talents to serve him. As he called Jeremiah, he also calls us to a purpose, and he gives us the tools to accomplish what he asks us to do.

God never sends us out alone. He is always with us, and we can call on him for help and strength and wisdom. Because he loves us and holds us up, we can do the difficult jobs we face—one step at a time, supported by him.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Father, help me when I am afraid or don't know what I should do, to call on you for help and strength and wisdom. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 15, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 4:1-9.

Moses had good questions, reflecting valid concerns about what to do if the Israelites did not believe that God had sent him to deliver them. God responded by showing him the special powers God would give him. Scripture is not so much a window into the Biblical characters as it is a mirror in which we can and should see ourselves. Who among us has not been asked to take on a new role in the church or in our careers and wondered whether we had adequate resources?

Dr. Dennis Newman, our senior pastor when we began to raise money for our sanctuary, asked me to lead the Building Fund campaign. My first, second, and third thoughts were “Not me! Who am I to do this, and what skills do I have for this?” I had never raised money for anything in my life! I accepted the assignment only because I knew how important the project was to our continued growth as a church. God had given us the vision for expanded worship services with room to grow, and God had filled me with a passion for seeing it through. I knew and loved the people of the church and was praying that we would reach many more people. With a strong team and a good plan, it turned out that I actually had everything I needed to lead the campaign as if I knew what I was doing. God equipped and used me and patiently worked through me.

Personal Worship Option:

What challenge are you facing that you do not feel equipped to handle? Pray for God to give you the resources. Perhaps it is new skills or courage or strength. Whatever it is, ask God and then be prepared to step out with God’s help.

Daily Devotion, May 14, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20b.

In our early years of life, our parents and other family members teach us much of what we learn. As we grow into being adults, we go out into the world representing our family. For me, I sensed an expectation of that in my family (“Remember, you are representing the Malones in what you say and do.”), it grew to become a desire. I wanted to represent my family well.

Then I joined a much larger family with a much larger responsibility. I became aware that I was part of God’s family and that God had given me and all those who follow Jesus Christ a mission to represent this God in my everyday life. Paul uses the image of an “ambassador” here. Some translations say “representative.” As followers of Christ, we have been given this ministry and message of reconciliation. We are to find ways to help everybody we can understand that God seeks to break down any barriers that keep them away from God or other people.

Be reminded today that you are an “ambassador for Christ.” May we all live in such a way that people know we represent him.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer in your own words: Gracious God, I celebrate and give thanks that you have reconciled me to you through Christ. Help me live with a sense of gratitude and never stop searching for how to best share your message of reconciliation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 13, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 17:1-5.

“Increase our faith!” seems out of place here. Jesus is warning his followers about causing other people to stumble on their faith journey. He points out that one of the primary things that cause people to stumble is not being forgiven. Notice this is with “your brother or sister.” This is about our relationships in the Church. Practicing forgiveness in our life together as the people of Christ is vital to our well-being and health as his body. Wherever it is not practiced, people stumble and fall. Wherever it is practiced, the Church flourishes and grows.

But the disciples knew this was a hard teaching. Notice verse four again: “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” On my own, it is hard to forgive someone for the same offense seven times in a year (maybe a lifetime), but in the same day? As Jesus often did, he offers an extreme example to make his point: forgiveness is to be our way of life with each other.

And so, we all cry out with those first followers, “Increase our faith!” Help us learn how to do this! When we get hurt by others, the offense can sometimes look like a mountain between us. But Jesus lets us know that with even a little bit of trust in him, we can move that mountain.

Personal Worship Option:

In 1972 Carol Owens penned these words and put them to music:

God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name, I’ve born again in Jesus’ name, and in Jesus’ name I come to you, to share his love as he told me to. He said “Freely, freely you have received, freely, freely give. Go in my name and because you believe, others will know that I live.”

Daily Devotion, May 12, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Proverbs 1:1-5.

What the book of Psalms is to prayer and devotional life the book of Proverbs is to everyday life. Proverbs gives practical suggestions for effective living. There is much wisdom in the book known as the Proverbs. Verse 5 here is a great example: “...let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…” 

The book of Proverbs focuses on God: his characters, works and blessings. It tells us how we can live in close relationship with him. One of the best ways of learning from God is to listen and let God guide our thoughts, words, and actions.

Personal Worship Option:

Spend some time in quiet before the LORD. it’s easy to be bombarded with advice - talk show hosts, podcasters, friends, etc. Take time to listen to God rather than to television or podcasts. At the end of the day, assess which words of wisdom you applied (or should have).