Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Proverbs 8:32-36 (NRSV)
“And now, my children, listen to me:
happy are those who keep my ways.
Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
Happy is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the LORD;
but those who miss me injure themselves;
all who hate me love death.”

 

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Reflect

“For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord,” (vs 35) A good portion of the Book of Proverbs refers to this search for wisdom. If finding wisdom brings life and God’s favor, searching for it makes perfect sense. However, to search for it we must know what it is. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary wisdom has some particular qualities. Among them are good judgment, insight, and knowledge.

Searching for wisdom indicates effort, time and persistence. All of which we need to develop wisdom. Although God often gives us special insight through the Holy Spirit, we must take action to develop the kind of wisdom God favors. Wisdom develops over time as we listen and learn and choose and observe. It often grows through mistakes we make as well as when we get it right. Rather than finding wisdom like we do our car keys, it is born within us and develops over time.

 

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Pray

Dear Lord,
Help me consciously seek your wisdom as I encounter the challenges of daily life. Give me your strength to work hard and your mind to develop understanding. Show me how to use the wisdom I have to serve others.

 

Go with God!