May 10
My Thoughts on Proverbs
Beginning with Chapter 10 there is a change in how Solomon presents his thoughts. Here he delivers a collection of independent and miscellaneous maxims that deal with the consequences of right and wrong action. They are in no particular order and cover a wide range of topics. Here I think it becomes interesting reading, because you read Chapter 10 today and maybe verse 12 really speaks to you, tomorrow or next week in might be verse 18.
I guess for me today, verse 28 speaks to my heart; The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. The hope of the righteous is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. There is nothing else like the joy that relationship brings because it brings peace with God. Paul wrote to the Romans: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Romans 5:1).
My Prayer:
Father God,
Once again I come asking that this pandemic end. As I read verse 12: Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. I can’t help but think how much we are divided as a nation that we can’t even unite during a pandemic. That there are those who have politicize this crisis and try to use it for gain. Forgive us Father.
Lord, I pray for wisdom for our leaders. And, I pray for wisdom in how I response to the decisions of those leaders. Lord, help be part of the solution and not the problem.
I pray for my church and family. Verse 22 reads: The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. I thank you Lord, that during the “shelter-in-place” You gave us opportunity to rediscover the blessing of family and the blessing of gather as a church. Show us what busy branches we need to prune. Forgive us for taking these blessings for granted.
And, Lord as I read and reread verse 28: The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. I am reminded of the joy of a reconciled relationship with You. But, I am also reminded that those who do not enjoy the relationship are perishing. So Lord, revive the church that we will spread the gospel. Lord, awaken the hearts of those who need that relationship. Give us, even in these days of separation and isolation, opportunities to share the hope we have.
I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
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