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PRAYER FOR TODAY
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Friday February 28 - Repentance the pathway to life Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make
known to you my teachings. Proverbs 1:23
The reason God rebukes us is to lead us towards a better way of living. God disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12:6), prompting a change of direction and an adjustment in our way of thinking. As a result, God imparts his thoughts, which are his wisdom. 2 Chronicles 16:9 expresses it this way, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” In other words, if I repent and accept God’s discipline, he will empower me, by his Spirit, to walk in righteousness. Scripture is key to this process; 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us it ‘is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness’.
Because we are not yet perfect, our response to Scripture must not simply be to gain head knowledge, but rather to repent, obey God and receive the joy that flows from forgiveness.
This happens at the moment of salvation: “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Repentance, forgiveness and the fulness of the Holy Spirit are integrally bound. Godly wisdom is to know that repentance is not simply the doorway to salvation but the permanent pathway to receiving God’s blessing. This is indeed good news!
Heavenly Father, humbly I come before you asking for forgiveness; please fill me anew so that my life may be lived in honour of your Name. Amen.
Sat March 1 - Disobedience the pathway to calamity
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me... since they would not accept my advice...” Proverbs 1:28,30
This week’s reflections serve as an introduction to the book of Proverbs. Daily, throughout the quarter, you will be offered a pearl of wisdom; wisdom to live life God’s way, according to the Maker’s instruction.
We have considered the essence and benefits of exercising wisdom. The first lines of Walter Smith’s timeless hymn give us the key: ‘Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes...’ We need wisdom imparted from the fount of all wisdom. This chapter closes with the precious promise, ‘whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm’ (v 33).
Throughout, the comparison is set in the context of the wise and the foolish. Today’s text makes clear that those who choose to ignore God’s wisdom by default choose another pathway, that more often than not leads to calamity. So, let’s be wise and seek wisdom!
There are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs, so for any one day of a month there’s an equivalent chapter. At Bible study in prison, the men begin by turning to the day’s chapter and picking out a particular proverb that speaks to their situation. What happens is amazing; the word of God comes alive, bringing insight and inspiration (Hebrews 4:12), imparting wisdom, hope and life. Hallelujah!
Father, I thank you that your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Please give me the wisdom I need today to make good choices. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY