Daily Devotional

In our recent sermon series, “Wisdom that Makes a Difference: The Book of Proverbs,” we have encountered a common phrase that can be troubling for people of faith. Proverbs 1:7 reads, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The word that is troubling is “fear.” Why should we fear God?

In the mission ministry I am lucky to have a front row seat to see good things happening every day. I come to work and talk to people who want to find new ways to serve, I receive emails and calls from all sorts of folks who are just looking for ways to plug in and help. A common phrase is, “I have some time. Where can I serve?”

Summer is a wonderful time of the year. Yes, I know that it is hot, but great things happen during the summer. One of my favorite things is attending summer church camp and mission trips.

Several years ago, my Dad encouraged me to begin a habit that has stuck with me. He pointed out that there are 150 Psalms and 31 Proverbs in the Bible. He encouraged me to read 5 Psalms and 1 Proverb each day, and in one month’s time, I’d read completely through both books.

My full-time work in the church began in youth ministry. Youth ministry is an amazing and challenging ministry that I deeply enjoyed. One part of that ministry that I loved was the many trips our group took together. Camps, retreats, and mission trips were just a small part of the adventures we often embarked upon.

Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. I, wisdom, dwell in prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I beseech thee, save my life!”

Hanging in a small kitchen, just over a hotplate used for cooking, in a small town in France, was a small painting depicting the mocking of Christ before his crucifixion. It was a nice piece of art, but the owner thought it was just an old icon with little to no value. One day, a visitor to the house suggested she have the art evaluated.

Gratitude inspires us to be generous. When we understand that we have all that we need and are grateful for all that we have, we grow in our willingness to bless others. Gratitude helps to look beyond our struggles to see that we have been blessed. We have so much to. Be grateful for. When we live a life of gratitude, our actions will be a blessing to others.

Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley stirred controversy when his 1993 Nike commercial said athletes shouldn’t be held up as role models.