Archive for July, 2009

Read Proverbs 3:5-6

We need to “acknowledge” God in all our ways.

Not some of our ways.

Not even most of our ways.

But all our ways.

Every single one.

And God says that when we do this, in combination with putting our complete trust in Him, that He will make our paths straight, that He will make our paths smooth, that He will make our paths obvious.

So, today and the rest of your life, put your full trust in our Heavenly Father, acknowledge Him in every single area of your life, and watch Him make His will for your life plainly obvious.

Read Proverbs 3:1-4

God wants us to remember and even memorize Scripture.

He even wants us to take Scripture verses with us wherever we go, because “they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity” (v.2)

So there is a sense in which knowing and remembering God’s Word actually helps you live longer.

And honestly, we don’t have good excuses for not memorizing anyway. After all, we remember movie quotes, baseball box scores, and all other kinds of random information.

So, why can’t we memorize Scripture as well? I think I know why.

Our problem is not that we can’t remember.

Our problem is that we won’t remember.

Isn’t that true?

Read Proverbs 2:20-22

This devotion was written by Nathan Fowler (a Southside member and summer intern)

Yesterday, we saw what happens if we don’t heed wisdom. Today, we see the positive outcome of following wisdom’s advice.

“For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it.” (v.21)

Each of us will give an account to God.

When we “keep to the paths of the  righteous”, blessings follow.

And I can’t speak for you, but I long to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Read Proverbs 2:16-19

This devotion was written by Nathan Fowler (a Southside member and summer intern)

Practically, what’s the value of wisdom? We’ve already seen some of the ways. But this passage specifically tells us that wisdom saves us form adultery.

You aren’t immune to temptation. In fact, politicians, pastors, and people just like us fall into sin every day.

So, what kind of wise guidelines do you have in your life?

You know not to sin, but do you have specific boundaries to limit temptation in the first place?

At work?

On the computer?

Facebook is a pretty incredible tool, but sometimes it allows us to stay too connected.

Wisdom says remember the covenant that you made before God and your spouse. Wisdom says, “None who go to [the forbidden woman] return or attain the paths of life.”

Those harsh words are reason enough to install some boundaries to prevent regrets.

Read Proverbs 2:12-15

I don’t know if you noticed or not, but there seems to be a theme of sorts in these first couple of chapters in Proverbs.

The importance of wisdom is emphasized over and over and over again.

It’s almost like the author wants us to know that wisdom is valuable and we need to obtain it.

And once again, in our passage today, Solomon makes the case for pursuing wisdom.

Specifically, he wants us to know that wisdom protects us “from the ways of wicked men”.  He wants us to know that unless we pursue wisdom with our whole heart, that wickedness is not that far away from each one of us.

And once again, the choice up to us.

Will we choose to pursue wisdom?

Are will follow the ways of the wicked?

Read Proverbs 2:6-11

Wisdom comes from God.

You won’t find it in books or on the internet or on the news.

Solomon makes it clear that “…the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

It’s really not that complicated.

Wisdom comes from God.

Father, I desperately need Your wisdom to help me navigate my way through life. I know that noone else can give it to me but You. So, please help me become a wise man. Give me Your wisdom.

Read Proverbs 2:1-5

How badly do you want wisdom?

Are you willing to “call out” or “cry aloud” for it? (v.3)

Is it so important to you that you are looking for it as if you were searching for lost money or “hidden treasure”? (v.4)

You need to know that until you really want wisdom, you’re not going to get it.

And here’s why.

Wisdom doesn’t find you. You have to find her.

You have to pursue her, go after her, chase her until you get her.

So, what are you waiting for?

Start looking! Start pursuing!!

Read Proverbs 1:24-33

I want wisdom.

I really do.

But at the same time, I’ve also been guilty of rejecting it and ignoring it when it’s right there in front of me.

It’s like I don’t really want wisdom.

This is not good.

I have to go after wisdom.

Today.

Now!

Father, here I am again telling you I don’t want to be a fool. Here I am yet again asking you for wisdom. I don’t want to ignore You any more. I want to accept Your rebuke when it comes my way. I want to be open to Your leading. I want to love wisdom.

Read Proverbs 1:15-23

Wisdom is talking to me.

In fact, she’s speaking loudly. Raising her voice. Shouting even.

She calls to me in my car and at my house. She tries to get my attention at the mall and at my desk. Everywhere I go, she goes, trying to convince me to listen to her.

When I actually stop and listen, this is what I hear, “How long…will you love your simple ways?” (v. 22)

I hate that question.

Because it hurts.

But the truth is, I need to stop loving and pursuing the foolish things of this world. And not only that, but I need to start listening to and following the advice of the voice of wisdom as well.

And I’m thinking today would be a good day to start.

Read Proverbs 1:8-14

Father, today and the rest of my life, I will be tempted to do some things I shouldn’t.

I know my options in these moments, but I sometimes still choose poorly.

I want to make the wise choice in these instances.

Every time.

In fact, I don’t want to entertain sin for even a moment.

Please provide me with the wisdom and strength I need to turn my back in each moment of temptation.