Daily Devotional

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.

The Book of Proverbs can best be described as a collection of wisdom. It was not written by one person. It is a collection of teachings that impart knowledge and help the reader grow in their character.

One of life’s challenging struggles is the struggle to draw closer to God. Throughout history, humanity has worked so hard to get close to God. We’ve developed religious practices, listened to sermons, read devotionals, and sang hymns and praise songs. These are all good and right things to do; however, we often feel like we have not grown closer to God, even after all our striving.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.