The Life Devotional

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, because the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Go Deeper – Take some time this week to think about a present or recent difficulty. Think about what brought on the difficult circumstances. No matter the source, think about how God is pouring out His love and grace in your circumstances.

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“Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”

Go Deeper—Gather with some friends or family and draw a long “T” on a piece of paper. On the left side list some worldly platitudes. On the right side, list godly instructions from the Bible. Do they correlate? If not, discuss why.

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“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Go Deeper — Do you find yourself in situations where you cannot control your emotions and you wish that you could? Close your eyes, take several deep breaths, say a prayer, or repeat Bible verses you have memorized about being at peace. Research other relaxation techniques until it becomes second nature to not let your surroundings control you.

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“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.”

Go Deeper — Where does lack of self-control show up in your life? Commit those areas of weakness to God and ask for His strength to make better choices instead of being enticed.

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“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Go Deeper — Ask yourself if you submit to the Lord’s counsel and correction. Read through Proverbs 19, and then consider Solomon’s words as if they were your own. Begin your own life wisdom journal and record your wisdom insights and the Lord’s counsel as you daily surrender and allow God to refine and conform your character to reflect His heart.

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“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”

Go Deeper — Remember that “we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3b-4). For more help with spiritual warfare, memorize Ephesians 6:10-18.

Read Further — Do you feel pressures pressing in on you? Read Crushed in Spirit about some Biblical greats who experienced the same thing and received hope.

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“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!”

Go Deeper —Think about the people around you, young or old. How can you be intentional in blessing and encouraging them today?

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“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”

Go Deeper — This week, pay attention to how many times you have to prove you are right. Ask yourself, and God, if you are being quarrelsome or not.

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“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

Go Deeper — Next time you are driving, view each of the road stripes as God’s boundaries. How does each reveal a spiritual truth, such as no passing on a curve, do not switch lanes, etc.?

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“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

Go Deeper — Whether you are a man or a woman, write down the qualities you find in Proverbs 31.10-31, and then ask God to show you specific ways you can exhibit these characteristics in your own life right now.

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