Be Still… – Page 336 – Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart

Proverbs 4:1-9 – Got Wisdom?

Why is it parents get wiser as the years go by? As a young child, those parents can do no wrong. And then, something happens in the teen years. A bit of rebellion perhaps as we seek our independence and realize we have a voice, too. Our parents don’t seem to be as wise, and we often turn to other sources (friends and the world) for our advice and counsel. At some point, we return to our senses realizing our parents, though flawed in their own ways, were always wise.

In today’s reading we see a father remembering his own instruction and giving the same to his children. Wisdom is something we can and should encourage our children to seek, too. Wisdom is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s not like you have it once and then lose it. But it is something to be sought after and nurtured.

Luke 2:8-20 – Be Like The Shepherds

Read Luke 2:8-20

If you’re like me, you’ve heard the Christmas story over and over again since you were a little child. You may have played an angel, a shepherd, or a wise man in a pageant or two. In my case, I don’t have that childhood memory because our church didn’t do that. I sang in a choir instead. Choir robes weren’t the same as a costume! I suppose that’s why as an adult, and as a children’s ministry director, I was so excited to bring this tradition to hundreds of children. Those are definitely memories I treasure.

Do we really understand the shepherds in the story? You know, the lowly ones left to tend to their flocks day and night. In the culture of the day, shepherds were not the admired ones in society. Little boys did not dream of being a shepherd. Of course, if you came from a family of shepherds, you would probably be a shepherd by default. It’s easy for us to look down on them because of how they were viewed by the rest of the population, but God didn’t. God gave them a very special gift.

Proverbs 3:21-35 – Be God-like in Your Actions

Read Proverbs 3:21-35

Up to now, we have been reading in Proverbs about the importance of wisdom in our lives. Wisdom comes from God and is full of benefits. Wisdom makes us look good, gives life, keeps us safe, gives us security. According to Solomon, wisdom is fearing God and living a life pleasing to Him. Today’s reading takes us a step further by giving us some concrete examples.

In today’s reading, we are seeing what God-like behavior looks like when it comes to interacting with others. We should have a generous heart ready to serve others now, and not put it off. Even praying for one another can fit in here. How many times have you told someone you’d pray for them? Later comes and hopefully you remember to pray. Why not just pray right there, in the midst of their need?

Proverbs 3:9-20 – Honoring God

Read Proverbs 3:9-20

There are a lot of nuggets in today’s passage. Which one really resonated with you? The one about wealth, the Lord’s discipline, the familiar lyrics of a song? Wisdom has been with God since creation. And blessed are men who find wisdom. The book of Proverbs is already whetting our appetites to know more, to truly seek wisdom, to be blessed.

Yet, how many of us will read this text and then return to business as usual? Do we really let what we read soak in? Are there things we can do differently in our lives because we are on a mission for wisdom?

Proverbs 3:1-8 – Trust in the Lord

Read Proverbs 3:1-8

When I think of Proverbs, I always think of Chapter 3, verses 5 and 6. I have clung to this truth many times in my life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Brilliant. It’s a verse I should plaster all over the house, including my morning affirmations. My other life verse, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is equally powerful to me.

Do you have your own favorite Bible passages that have given you support, hope, encouragement, solace over the years?

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