Recently I've started to read a chapter from Proverbs each day. In the midst of work, family, parenthood and ministry...I want to know practically how God wants me to live. I want to gain insight into God's wisdom, I want 'on-earth-as-it-is-in- heaven everyday living.'
I made it to Chapter 14 yesterday and Chapter 15today, God has highlighted several verses;
"Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding, a quick tempered person stockpiles stupidity," (14:29),
"A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire," (15:1),
"Moral dropouts won't listen to their elders, welcoming correction is a mark of good sense," (15:5),
"Hot tempers start fights, a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace," (15:18),
It struck me that this is advice that requires humility to receive, it could be difficult to take from a friend or someone in our family...but what incredible advice our God has given us! He convicts us, in love.
As I read these verses I was thinking WRITE THESE DOWN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!!
I made a mental note to refer to these on a daily basis in all of my relationships and interactions! I read on, Verse 33 says,
"Fear-of-God is a school in skilled living- first you learn humility, then you experience glory."
To fear God is to be in awe and respect of Him, when we focus on Him, in awe and seek his wisdom, we learn skilled living. God's way. But wisdom alone is no use if we can't humble ourselves into a state of humility before God, to accept what he asks us to do and how he asks us to live. When we do that, the Word says we will experience God's glory.
Today I'm making the choice to refer to God's word for wisdom and to be open to what He wants to minister to me, what he wants to change in me and equip me with so that I can experience life in its fullness!