God's Wisdom For Today

Get Wisdom Publishing & Michelle Berkey

A number of years ago, IBM predicted that by the year 2020, the amount of knowledge in the world will be doubling every 12 hours. That’s mind-boggling. I don’t know how close we are to that prediction, but we certainly have an overabundance of knowledge. What we need, what we desperately need, in the world today is wisdom. We need to learn how to apply all that knowledge to our everyday lives. The Hebrew word for wisdom means more than mental activity. In our culture we think of wisdom as being smart, but that’s not what it is. It refers primarily to practical knowledge. It’s skillful living. The purpose of Proverbs is to teach us to know wisdom so that we can live well. We tend to treat Proverbs like we do inspirational quotes. We think they’re simply nice sayings. We listen, nod our heads at the clever wisdom and then go on with life. We treat them like sound bites rather than a full meal that will nourish and fuel our lives. That’s a mistake. They’re meant to think deeply about, to chew on and digest to be used for living. Justin S. Holcomb says, “Many of us love the book of Proverbs for its practicality. Every verse seems to provide us with insight—some way to think or be—that will make our lives run just a bit more smoothly. And because the book of Proverbs provides us with a poetic roadmap of how God has designed the world to work, following its practical day-to-day guidance does make our lives more pleasant. But even this will prove a bit hollow in the long run if that’s the only reason we study Proverbs. We don’t want to miss the heart of it—what God is saying to his people through this unique portion of Scripture…. This is a collection of sayings that provide skill in the art of godly living and show us how to reflect God’s glory in the details of our lives and relationships. It’s the difference between going to Proverbs for advice and going to it for wisdom. Seeking wisdom and not just advice requires more heart work, but it’s worth it! That’s because the wisdom found in Proverbs takes us outside of ourselves and our own lives to someone else—our covenant Lord. It teaches us that wisdom is not primarily about what we do but about who God is and what he’s done for us. That’s the heart of the book and the primary reason to study it.” It’s our goal in this podcast to share God’s tools with you for building a better life, to encourage to you fall in love with God’s wisdom, and to help you grow in Christ-likeness. Do you need that? God’s wisdom, God’s help in living a better life, and to grow in Christ-likeness? I know I do! So, join me as we walk through Proverbs each weekday! We’ll be recording during a live broadcast on Facebook and YouTube and making that recording available in this podcast. One more thing I want to mention! We’re making PDF journal pages available each week for free. If you want to follow along with the broadcast and keep a journal of what you learn along the way and have a place to respond to the application questions I ask in each episode, go to www.getwisdom.link/email to sign up. You’ll also find that link in the show notes of every episode. The book of Proverbs is not just good advice, it’s an invitation from God to step into the wisdom of God. It’s a practical roadmap for developing the skill of living. I’d love for you to join me on this journey! www.getwisdompublishing.com www.facebook.com/getwisdompublishing www.instagram.com/getwisdompublishing read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality
Start Here
Why Study Proverbs?
Jun 27 2020
Why Study Proverbs?
“Many of us love the book of Proverbs for its practicality. Every verse seems to provide us with insight—some way to think or be—that will make our lives run just a bit more smoothly.And because the book of Proverbs provides us with a poetic road map of how God has designed the world to work, following its practical day-to-day guidance does make our lives more pleasant. But even this will prove a bit hollow in the long run if that’s the only reason we study Proverbs. We don’t want to miss the heart of it—what God is saying to his people through this unique portion of Scripture….This is a collection of sayings that provide skill in the art of godly living and show us how to reflect God’s glory in the details of our lives and relationships. It’s the difference between going to Proverbs for advice and going to it for wisdom.Seeking wisdom and not just advice requires more heart work, but it’s worth it! That’s because the wisdom found in Proverbs takes us outside of ourselves and our own lives to someone else—our covenant Lord. It teaches us that wisdom is not primarily about what we do but about who God is and what he’s done for us. That’s the heart of the book and the primary reason to study it.”That’s a (really) long quote by Justin S. Holcomb but is a great start to this introduction episode!I'm going to answer a few questions in this episode before we get started with our study.Why study proverbs? Or, wisdom literature at all?Actually...what is wisdom, really? For that matter, what's a proverb and what's important about the language of this book?I’m making a generalization, I realize, but most of us don’t study wisdom literature in the Bible. We study the gospels, the letters, and sometimes books in the old testament too, like Genesis and major books of prophecy, like Daniel, or Isaiah. But there are a few groups of books that we tend to quote selected verses from, but not really dig into.One of those groups is wisdom literature.That's a mistake, because these books have an amazing mixture of practical, useful wisdom delivered with beautiful, powerful language.If you want to follow along with the broadcast and keep a journal of what you learn along the way and have a place to respond to the application questions I ask in each episode, we’re making free PDF journal pages available each week.Go to www.getwisdom.link/email to sign up!
Why Study Proverbs?
Jun 27 2020
Why Study Proverbs?
“Many of us love the book of Proverbs for its practicality. Every verse seems to provide us with insight—some way to think or be—that will make our lives run just a bit more smoothly.And because the book of Proverbs provides us with a poetic road map of how God has designed the world to work, following its practical day-to-day guidance does make our lives more pleasant. But even this will prove a bit hollow in the long run if that’s the only reason we study Proverbs. We don’t want to miss the heart of it—what God is saying to his people through this unique portion of Scripture….This is a collection of sayings that provide skill in the art of godly living and show us how to reflect God’s glory in the details of our lives and relationships. It’s the difference between going to Proverbs for advice and going to it for wisdom.Seeking wisdom and not just advice requires more heart work, but it’s worth it! That’s because the wisdom found in Proverbs takes us outside of ourselves and our own lives to someone else—our covenant Lord. It teaches us that wisdom is not primarily about what we do but about who God is and what he’s done for us. That’s the heart of the book and the primary reason to study it.”That’s a (really) long quote by Justin S. Holcomb but is a great start to this introduction episode!I'm going to answer a few questions in this episode before we get started with our study.Why study proverbs? Or, wisdom literature at all?Actually...what is wisdom, really? For that matter, what's a proverb and what's important about the language of this book?I’m making a generalization, I realize, but most of us don’t study wisdom literature in the Bible. We study the gospels, the letters, and sometimes books in the old testament too, like Genesis and major books of prophecy, like Daniel, or Isaiah. But there are a few groups of books that we tend to quote selected verses from, but not really dig into.One of those groups is wisdom literature.That's a mistake, because these books have an amazing mixture of practical, useful wisdom delivered with beautiful, powerful language.If you want to follow along with the broadcast and keep a journal of what you learn along the way and have a place to respond to the application questions I ask in each episode, we’re making free PDF journal pages available each week.Go to www.getwisdom.link/email to sign up!
Being Receptive to the Word of God: Proverbs 2:1-2
Jun 30 2020
Being Receptive to the Word of God: Proverbs 2:1-2
“It’s a biological principle that you will increasingly value whatever you make it a habit to pursue.”   - Chuck SwindollToday we cover an overview of Proverbs chapter 2 and the big picture for the verses we’ll be looking at this week. Plus we dig in to the verses below.Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:1-2. My son, if you accept my wordsand store up my commands within you,listening closely to wisdomand directing your heart to understanding;  (CSB)Good friend, take to heart what I'm telling you;collect my counsels and guard them with your life.Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom;set your heart on a life of Understanding.  (MSG)Raymond C Ortland Jr says, “Proverbs 2 is one of the most helpful passages in the Bible, because it explains what growth and sanctification and renewal--what all of that feels like. This passage explains the psychology of change.”Today and tomorrow we’ll cover the first four verses which are a series of instructionsJohn Phillips outlines these verses as:We Must Be Receptive (v 1)We Must Be Responsive (v 2-3)We Must Be Resolute (v 4)Chuck Swindoll divides it into four disciplinesDiscipline of the written Word of God (v 1)Discipline of our inner desire (v 2)Discipline of prevailing prayer (v 3)Discipline of daily consistency (v 4)If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Searching For Wisdom Like it's Your Lost Cell Phone: Proverbs 2:3-4
Jun 30 2020
Searching For Wisdom Like it's Your Lost Cell Phone: Proverbs 2:3-4
“Those who earnestly seek heavenly wisdom, will never complain that they have lost their labor; and the freeness of the gift does not do away the necessity of our diligence” - Matthew HenryToday we’ll cover the second half of four verses which are a series of instructions to believers.John Phillips outlines these verses as:We Must Be Receptive (v 1)We Must Be Responsive (v 2-3)We Must Be Resolute (v 4)Chuck Swindoll divides it into four disciplinesDiscipline of the written Word of God (v 1)Discipline of our inner desire (v 2)Discipline of prevailing prayer (v 3)Discipline of daily consistency (v 4)Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:3-4. furthermore, if you call out to insightand lift your voice to understanding,if you seek it like silverand search for it like hidden treasure,  (CSB)That’s right—if you make Insight your priority,    and won’t take no for an answer,Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,    like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,    (MSG)“When Betty Goldstein of Staten Island, New York, entered the hospital, her husband Ron wrapped her 3.5-carat diamond ring in a napkin for safekeeping. But in a forgetful moment, the 63-year-old Goldstein threw the napkin in the trash. When he realized his mistake, he dashed outside, only to see the garbage truck rumbling down the street. So he called the local sanitation department and got permission to follow the truck to a transfer station. Workers began sorting through hundreds of garbage bags and recovered the ring an hour later. The writer of Proverbs urges us to search diligently for something far more precious—wisdom. In Pr 2, a father encourages his son to do whatever is necessary to get insight and wisdom. This strenuous search for wisdom is actually a search for God Himself (Pr 2:3-5). In fact, inner happiness comes when man attains this wisdom (Pr 3:13). He encourages his son to search diligently for this rare jewel because wisdom is not usually discovered by the casual observer. Wisdom is discovered and enjoyed only by those who are diligent, devoted, and determined to seek it. Let us devote our whole being to searching for that rare jewel of wisdom.” —Marvin WilliamsIf you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
The Fear of the Lord & the Knowledge of God: Proverbs 2:5
Jul 1 2020
The Fear of the Lord & the Knowledge of God: Proverbs 2:5
“The person who fears God seeks to live all of life to the glory of God... All the activities of life should be pursued with the aim of glorifying God.” - Jerry BridgesToday we cover the “THEN” portion of the IF/THEN statement in Proverbs 2. The results we’ll get if we take the actions we’ve been talking about the last few days. Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:5. then you will understand the fear of the Lordand discover the knowledge of God.  (CSB)Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God.  (MSG)Other Scriptures Referenced:  Jeremiah 9:23-24   This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,"  declares the LORD.“‘Fear’ and ‘knowledge’ are words of attitude and action, as well as information. They are code terms for the total response in life—worship, obedience, service, love—which God enables those to make who fully commit their ways to Him. They describe an exclusive relation that transforms all other relationships: to ourselves, our neighbors, our things, our work, our world.”  - David Allen HubbardIf you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Where Does Wisdom Come From? [Proverbs 2:6]
Jul 2 2020
Where Does Wisdom Come From? [Proverbs 2:6]
“We must be looking beyond our circumstances to God as our power and wisdom.” - Thomas BearIn this episode we get to the “BECAUSE” of the passage we’ve been studying. Why can we get the results we’re given in verse 5? Because...Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:6. For the Lord gives wisdom;from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  (CSB)For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding.  (TLB)Other Scriptures Referenced:    I have filled him (Bezalell) with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship,  (Ex 31:3)As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams. (Da 1:17)It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding (Da 2:21)To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, For You have given me wisdom and power; Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You, For You have made known to us the king’s matter. (Da 2:23)“What is implicit in all of Proverbs, chapter 2 makes brightly explicit: Wisdom comes from God and no one can enjoy it who does not choose God’s paths.” - Robert HubbardIf you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Benefits of Knowing God [Proverbs 2:7-8]
Jul 3 2020
Benefits of Knowing God [Proverbs 2:7-8]
“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”  -  Gilbert K. ChestertonToday's verses share some of the benefits of knowing God and living in relationship with him. The Way may not be the easy road, but it will never be without reward.Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:7-8. he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;    he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,guarding the paths of justice    and watching over the way of his saints.  (ESV)He's a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well,a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.He keeps his eye on all who live honestly,and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.  (MSG)If you need to be encouraged by the last line of these verses or to have it re-enforced slowly read Psalm 121 which uses the same Hebrew verb six times in eight verses!The benefits of knowing God are that God himself isStoring up practical wisdom for youShielding youGuarding your pathKeeping you, preserving youIf you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Righteousness, Justice, & Integrity [Proverbs 2:9-10]
Jul 6 2020
Righteousness, Justice, & Integrity [Proverbs 2:9-10]
“Our Father is saying in Proverbs 2, ‘If you will seek newness of life in Christ, you will go deep with him, and you will change within yourself, Then you’ll be prepared for life in the real world.’ That is how grace works,” - Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.Today we talk about a new description of wisdom: the “ethical triad” of righteousness, justice, and equity and how it can take up residence in your heart. Which sounds nice and “Christian-ey”, but imagine if the seat of your emotions, understanding, reason, conscience, motives, desires, decision-making, and faith was governed by righteousness, justice, and equity. How would that affect your life?Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:9-10. Then you will understand righteousness and justice    and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart,    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;  (ESV)Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,    and you will find the right way to go.For wisdom will enter your heart,    and knowledge will fill you with joy.  (NLT)If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
What Can Help You Choose the Right Path in Life?
Jul 7 2020
What Can Help You Choose the Right Path in Life?
“I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:two roads diverged in a wood, and I --I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.”- Robert FrostToday we’re talking about one of the temptations a young person will face in life and what protects us from falling victim to it.Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:11-12. discretion will watch over you,    understanding will guard you,delivering you from the way of evil,    from men of perverted speech, (ESV)Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,    Insight will keep an eye out for you.They’ll keep you from making wrong turns,    or following the bad directions  (MSG)In speaking of the men in verse 12, George Lawson says, “They speak contrary things; they pay no regard to truth, but bend their tongue like their bow for lies.” If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
What Happens When We Abandon the Right Path? [Proverbs 2:13-15]
Jul 8 2020
What Happens When We Abandon the Right Path? [Proverbs 2:13-15]
“it's not the darkness that's terrifying, it's what you might find in it.” - J.M. Darhower   Today we’re talking about one of the temptations a young person will face in life - perverse men. These verses describe them.Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:13-15. from those who abandon the right pathsto walk in ways of darkness,from those who enjoy doing eviland celebrate perversion,whose paths are crooked,and whose ways are devious. (CSB)These men turn from the right way    to walk down dark paths.They take pleasure in doing wrong,    and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.Their actions are crooked,    and their ways are wrong.  (NLT)Other Scriptures Mentioned in the episode:And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. (John 3:19)If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. (1 John 1:6)This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. (1 John 1:5)But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom;they don’t know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:19)Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. (John 12:35)John Kitchen says, "the one who has corrupted his conscience with sin finds his deepest being resonating with the call of evil and he finds his feet ready to dance down the path of wickedness. Indeed, his delight is not simply in evil as a concept or philosophy, but in ‘doing’ it"If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Flattery & Unfaithfulness [Proverbs 2:16-19]
Jul 9 2020
Flattery & Unfaithfulness [Proverbs 2:16-19]
“The trouble with most of us is that we'd rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.”  ― Norman Vincent Peale Today we’re talking about the second of the temptations a father warns his son about, an unfaithful woman.Henry Morris writes, “The "strange woman" ("alien woman") is named as such no less than ten times in Proverbs, with both literal and figurative applications. Foreign women, with different gods and moral standards than those of Israel, often led God's people into sin, including Solomon himself (1Ki 11:1-8). This situation also represents spiritual adultery, with the Israelites not only consorting with strange women but also worshipping strange gods. This is suggested in the next verse, ‘forgets the covenant of her god’”Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:16-19. It will rescue you from a forbidden woman,from a wayward woman with her flattering talk,who abandons the companion of her youthand forgets the covenant of her God;for her house sinks down to deathand her ways to the land of the departed spirits.None return who go to her;none reach the paths of life.  (CSB)Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman,    from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.She has abandoned her husband    and ignores the covenant she made before God.Entering her house leads to death;    it is the road to the grave.The man who visits her is doomed.    He will never reach the paths of life. (NLT)Other Scriptures Mentioned in the episode:But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:14–15)Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21)If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
A Promise & A Warning [Proverbs 2:20-22]
Jul 10 2020
A Promise & A Warning [Proverbs 2:20-22]
“The whole passage is meant to position us in that place of blessing and protection. We need it.”  ― Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.Today we conclude chapter two with a contrast between the future of the upright and the wicked.John Kitchen says, “The primary intent of wisdom, however, is not simply avoiding evil, but seeking the good. The former must happen as an application of wisdom, but it is not the primary purpose. Wisdom is not first of all about refraining from bad things, but about pursuing God’s best things. The orientation of wisdom is not primarily negative, but positive.”Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 2:20-22. So follow the way of the good,and keep to the paths of the righteous.For the upright will inhabit the land,and those of integrity will remain in it;but the wicked will be cut off from the land,and the treacherous ripped out of it.  (CSB)So follow the steps of the good,    and stay on the paths of the righteous.For only the godly will live in the land,    and those with integrity will remain in it.But the wicked will be removed from the land,    and the treacherous will be uprooted. (NLT)If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
What Brings a Life of Peace?
Jul 13 2020
What Brings a Life of Peace?
“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”  -- C. S. LewisWe’re beginning chapter three today and looking at the first of 12 verses of a rhythm of instruction and incentive. This is God in the tone of a father instructing his children on what will foster a good life.Raymond C Ortlund Jr., says, “The wisdom of chapter 2 offered to deliver us from evil. It offered protection. But this glowing chapter 3 is so positive. It is an education of life at its best--how to live well in every area, at home, at work, all around. ...he is coaching us in how we can be fully alive, for his glory.”Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 3:1-2. My son, do not forget my teaching,    but let your heart keep my commandments,for length of days and years of life    and peace they will add to you.  (ESV)Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;    take to heart my commands.They’ll help you live a long, long time,    a long life lived full and well. (MSG)David Guzik, a Bible commentator says about verse 1:“Deciding to not forget God’s word is more than a mental exercise of memory. It is also connected to a life of obedience, one that does keep the commands of God. If one mentally remembers God’s Word yet fails to obey it, we could rightly say he or she has forgotten God’s commands. We note also that this obedience is one of the heart. Our goal in obedience is not mere outward conformity to God’s will, but a heart that loves and obeys Him. ‘The heart is the first thing that wanders away from God, and it is also the first thing that returns to God.’”Other verses mentioned in the episode:“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (Ephesians 2:14)If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Every Breath and Every Heartbeat
Jul 14 2020
Every Breath and Every Heartbeat
"Beware what you set your heart upon. For it surely shall be yours." - Ralph Waldo Emerson Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 3:3. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;    bind them around your neck;    write them on the tablet of your heart.  (ESV)Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.    Write them deep within your heart. (NLT)“The binding to the neck and the writing upon the heart express the fact that God desires His commands to be the very life of His people-every breath they breathe and every beat of their hearts.” - The Preachers Outline and Sermon Bible CommentaryOther verses mentioned in the episode:Hear, my son, your father's instruction,    and forsake not your mother's teaching,for they are a graceful garland for your head    and pendants for your neck.  (Proverbs 1:8-9)All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,    for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psalms 25:10)He will send from heaven and save me;    he will put to shame him who tramples on me.God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!  (Psalm 57:3 )Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel,    for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land.There is no faithfulness or steadfast love,    and no knowledge of God in the land;  (Hosea 4:1)Here we see Israel condemned for exactly what today’s verse is telling us not to do: not to forsake steadfast love and faithfulnessIf you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
A Good Reputation and the Favor of God [Proverbs 3:4]
Jul 15 2020
A Good Reputation and the Favor of God [Proverbs 3:4]
"You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do" - Henry Ford“As Christians, our number-one priority is to represent Christ well to this lost and broken world (Acts 1:8). Because Jesus is honest, kind, loyal, and honorable, we should strive to be those things as well (Ephesians 5:1), and all of those qualities contribute to a good reputation. People evaluate the worthiness of our message based on our reputations as people of character. If we have poor reputations, our message is tainted as well. Dishonesty, gossip, and hypocrisy damage our testimonies and do not reflect the character of Jesus. Many will not heed our words when our reputations do not match what we claim to believe.”Today’s Scripture:  Proverbs 3:4. So you will find favor and good success    in the sight of God and man.  (ESV)Earn a reputation for living well    in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. (MSG)Other verses mentioned in the episode:“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8)A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,    and favor is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1)Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. (Luke 2:52)If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Who Are You Leaning On?
Jul 16 2020
Who Are You Leaning On?
"Pseudo-faith always arranges a way out to serve in case God fails it. Real faith only knows one way and gladly allows itself to be stripped of any second way or makeshift substitutes….And not since Adam stood up on the earth has God failed a single man or woman who trusted him. " - A. W. Tozer“When we enthrone God's law in our hearts, our priorities are dictated and our paths are directed.” - John PhillipsToday’s Scripture:  Proverbs 3:4. Trust in the Lord with all your heart,    and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him,    and he will make straight your paths.  (ESV)Trust God from the bottom of your heart;    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;    he’s the one who will keep you on track. (MSG)Other verses mentioned in the episode:I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; (Psalm 37:23)Adam Clarke says, “Self-sufficiency and self-dependence have been the ruin of mankind ever since the fall of Adam. The grand sin of the human race is their continual endeavor to live independently of God.”If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Three Things that Make our Life Count
Jul 17 2020
Three Things that Make our Life Count
"If you want your life to count now and forever for Christ, here is all you need to do. Fear the Lord. Turn away from evil. Do that alone and your life will be magnificent." - Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in your own eyes;  fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (ESV)Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.  Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  (MSG)Other verses mentioned in the episode:Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (Romans 12:16)Woe to those who are wise in their own eyesAnd clever in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:21)The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7) [[ theme verse]]Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;They will seek me diligently but they will not find me,Because they hated knowledgeAnd did not choose the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 1:28-29)Then you will discern the fear of the LordAnd discover the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5)Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. says, “Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Yes, it’s a simple thing to say. But we need to be told, because it is radical. The first of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses was this: Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ in saying, “Repent, “ intended that the whole life of believers should be repentance. You probably have a to do list for this coming week. Here are the priorities God wants at the top of your list in terms of urgency. #1: Fear the Lord. #2: Turn away from evil. #3: As time permits, breathe. That is the urgency of your life this week. It will add greatness to your life. It will add life to your life. It will save you from a wasted life.”If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study: www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Spiritual Health Affects Our Physical Health
Jul 20 2020
Spiritual Health Affects Our Physical Health
“Sometimes I cannot say much about why I go to church other than what people who go to the gym say: I always feel better once I'm there; I feel better after; it is always good for me, not good in a take-your-vitamins way, in a chidingly moralistic way, but in a palpable way.” - Lauren F. WinnerToday’s Scripture:  Proverbs 3:8 This will be healing for your bodyand strengthening for your bones.  (CSB)Your body will glow with health,your very bones will vibrate with life!   (MSG)Other verses mentioned in the episode:My heart is broken within me,and all my bones tremble.  (Jeremiah 23:9a)All my bones shall say,    “O Lord, who is like you,delivering the poor    from him who is too strong for him,    the poor and needy from him who robs him?” (Psalm 35:10)A Forbes article quoting a Mayo clinic publication:“Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and health-related quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide. Several studies have shown that addressing the spiritual needs of the patient may enhance recovery from illness.”If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
Yep, It’s the Money Thing & Generosity [Proverbs 3:9-10]
Jul 21 2020
Yep, It’s the Money Thing & Generosity [Proverbs 3:9-10]
“No one has ever become poor by giving.”  Anne FrankToday’s Scripture:  Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealth    and with the firstfruits of all your produce;then your barns will be filled with plenty,    and your vats will be bursting with wine.  (ESV)Honor God with everything you own;give him the first and the best.Your barns will burst,your wine vats will brim over.   (MSG)Other verses mentioned in the episode:“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com
All Kids Get Disciplined...And That’s a Good Thing!
Jul 22 2020
All Kids Get Disciplined...And That’s a Good Thing!
“No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.  - Harry Emerson FosdickToday’s Scripture:  Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline    or be weary of his reproof,for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,    as a father the son in whom he delights.  (ESV)But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;    don’t sulk under his loving correction.It’s the child he loves that God corrects;    a father’s delight is behind all this.   (MSG)Other verses mentioned in the episode:And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightlyor lose heart when you are reproved by him,for the Lord disciplines the one he lovesand punishes every son he receives. (Hebrews 12:5-6)“As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline.” (Revelation 3:19a)See how happy is the person whom God corrects;so do not reject the discipline of the Almighty. (Job 5:17)Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead. (Hebrews 12:7-13)Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. says, “when we suffer, it isn’t God angrily taking from us, it is God lovingly reinvesting in us.”CR Wood makes this conclusion about these verses “The pain of suffering sometimes keeps us from seeing what God is doing in our lives. Sometimes He melts us in the furnace so He can stamp us with His own image. He wants us to partake of His holiness so we can partake of His happiness. If we compare our chastening with our sin, is it not a marvel that it is not heavier?”Ortlund says, “Our wise pathway through suffering is to accept it and wait while God fulfills his purpose. If you are suffering right now, you are probably being tempted in two opposite ways. Both are here in verse 11--either to despise the Lord’s discipline, which is the active response of anger, or to be weary of his reproof, which is the passive response of despair. What is your only path forward? ‘Be trained by it’” If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/email
#Blessed [Proverbs 3:13-14]
Jul 23 2020
#Blessed [Proverbs 3:13-14]
“Thankful, grateful, blessed”  - every Christian social media account in the worldToday’s Scripture:  Proverbs 3:13-14 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,    and the one who gets understanding,for the gain from her is better than gain from silver    and her profit better than gold.  (ESV)Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,    the one who gains understanding.For wisdom is more profitable than silver,    and her wages are better than gold.  (NLT)Other verses mentioned in the episode:Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)One commentary said “But Jesus used the term blessed in the framework of the Beatitudes to describe the inner quality of a faithful servant of God. This blessedness is a spiritual state of well-being and prosperity—a deep, joy-filled contentment that cannot be shaken by poverty, grief, famine, persecution, war, or any other trial or tragedy we face in life. In human terms, the situations depicted in the Beatitudes are far from blessings, but because God is present with us through these difficult times, we are actually blessed by Him in them.”Vaneetha Rendall Risner says, “What is blessing, then? Scripture shows that blessing is anything God gives that makes us fully satisfied in him. Anything that draws us closer to Jesus. Anything that helps us relinquish the temporal and hold on more tightly to the eternal. And often it is the struggles and trials, the aching disappointments and the unfulfilled longings that best enable us to do that.”If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study:  www.getwisdom.link/emailwww.getwisdompublishing.comwww.graceandthegravelroad.com