Scripture:
Proverbs 12:11 “Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time.”
Observation:
I am such an idler. If not under pressure through a timeline or a mountain of work, my default is to idle. Any sort of “maintenance” work is a chore for me to do. There are projects all over my house that are 90% done because I’ve done the hard/fun part. There are projects at work that sit undone because they’re not new, different, or particularly difficult, but they still need to be done.
Application:
I need to be intentional about setting timelines for myself. Despite not really being a list person, I know they help me plow through projects without a due date. Then I need to stay razor-focused on that list.
Prayer:
Lord, I submit my time to you. Help me stay focused on getting projects done and making the most of my time.
Scripture:
Romans 9:20-21 “Who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?” (NIV)
Observation:
This passage is such an assault on my view of God. Of course my questioning it is exactly what Paul is challenging. I have such a hard time believing this to be true – would God make “throw-away” people? The NLT says “doesn’t he have the right to … make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?” I think I could accept this if we didn’t have eternal souls, but to create something with the full intention of causing not just a lifetime, but an eternity of suffering? I know I would never do that – am I more loving, more kind than God?! I think not.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for being a god of eternal love. I submit my life to you, help me to see and joyfully fulfill the purpose for which you made me.
Scripture:
Proverbs 4:24 “Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.” (Message)
Observation:
I’m not typically a fan of The Message, but I think it nails this verse. Others interpret this as “perverse and corrupt talk” – the NASB says “deceitful” and “devious.” Interesting that “perverse” tends to be inserted … I wonder what the greek says, though I suspect the NASB is pretty accurate. Interpretation aside, corrupt, devious, careless banter is what jumps out at me. Every time I read through Proverbs it inclines me to talk less.
Application:
Careless banter … in my life, I think that looks like course joking, complaining and sewing seeds of discontent, or even being inattentive to another’s life situation or needs. Every time I engage in conversation, I have the opportunity to edify the person I’m talking to, about, or to edify God. I can’t help but wonder which would outweigh the other if I piled up my edifying talk verses my “devious” or “corrupt” talk. I’m afraid it might be the latter. Whether or not this is the case, I know I need to be less care-less, and more care-full in my speech.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for correction – please help me keep watch over my tongue.
Scripture:
Proverbs 2:12 “Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the flattery of the adulterous woman.”
Observation:
Paul says it great in Romans 7:15 “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” What man at the beginning of his marriage plans on an adulterous relationship? And yet a symphony of foolishness comes together to fell all sorts of men. Solomon was able to circumvent this particular tempation by marrying any woman who peaked his fancy – an option most don’t have – so he leaves this advice: be wise.
Application:
I know that foolishness could easily lead me down this path and that preventative wisdom is my best ally. I suspect any “wisdom” would fail or go un-heeded if I traveled too far down this path. I’m lucky Nicole knows my schedule, that we spend our free time together, and that the glue and commitment of our marriage isn’t just love and emotion, but dedication to Christ.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for offering wisdom and for guarding my life. Please give me wisdom and guide me to safety.
Scripture:
Romans 6:16 “Whatever you choose to obey becomes your master. You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval.”
Observation:
Half of this chapter describes our relationship with sin as “dead,” which is not how I would describe sin in my life. The other half says we are “free” from it, which really doesn’t describe how I feel either. Temptation is always there, always seeking to hinder my relationship with God and my relationship with others. Ultimately though, “whatever you choose to obey becomes your master.” We live in a culture of obeying yourself – be true to yourself, follow yourself … and then you’re your own master. It strikes me how many people want to be lead despite this paradigm. I think people know that they can’t lead themselves – we all have a master, and we all want a master, but which will we choose?
