10/20 – 10/26

King Solomon instructs us to “trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight” (Proverbs 3:5 NRSV). We have limited capacities for knowledge and insight as human beings, but God is all-knowing. In the New Testament, James encourages Christians to ask God for wisdom. “If any of you is lacking wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you” (James 1:5 NRSV). Through the Holy Spirit, God can provide the wisdom or insight we need that can only be given by the Lord. Humbly asking God in faith is an important part of the process for gaining wisdom and understanding. As a young king, Solomon asked the Lord for “an understanding mind to govern” God’s people, so that he could “discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9 NRSV). The Lord gave him a “wise and discerning mind” because of his humility and faith in God (1 Kings 3:11 NRSV). As part of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches us to “ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). By continuing to read the book of Proverbs this week as we humbly ask the Lord, we can receive the wisdom revealed within this Old Testament book as the Holy Spirit enables us.

 

The format of this plan is designed for you to use as much or little as you have time to use each day. Below is a guide for the daily use of this devotional:

Each Day

– Read the Psalm

– Spend a few minutes in silence as you wait in the presence of the Lord

– Read The Bible verses for the day

– Listen to and/or Sing a worship song or hymn

– Pray

– Live according to your faith in Christ Jesus

 

DAILY PSALM:

READ PSALM 104 to begin your time set apart to be with and encounter the living God. Consider using the psalmist’s words as an opening prayer.

 

SILENCE & SOLITUDE:

You are encouraged to spend a few minutes quietly alone with God after reading the Psalm. You may find it helpful to sit, kneel, lay down, or walk as the message rolls around in your heart and mind.

 

VIDEO TO WATCH:

If you did not watch it, you are invited to watch the Book of Proverbs Summary video using the link provided. You may also find it helpful to watch the first of the three wisdom series videos that reveal what the book or Proverbs teaches about being good at life:

Book of Proverbs Summary by The Bible Project

 

Proverbs – What It Teaches About Being Good at Life by The Bible Project

 

DAILY BIBLE VERSES:

Sunday – Proverbs 20

 

Monday – Proverbs 21

 

Tuesday – Proverbs 22

 

Wednesday – Proverbs 23

 

Thursday – Proverbs 24

 

Friday – Proverbs 25

 

Saturday – Proverbs 26

 

LISTEN to and/or SING a worship song or hymn to help you respond to God. You may find it helpful to use the same song each day, or a different one on some, or all, of the days because of what the Bible verses bring to mind.

 

PRAY:

You are encouraged to let the Bible verses you read guide your prayer. You may find it helpful to use the daily suggestions as well:

 

Sunday – Pray to receive the grace, love, and fellowship God is offering you. Offer thanks and praises to our God. Pray for the people of Jesus’ Church throughout the world, including Catholics, Orthodox believers, and other Protestants. The “other Protestants” includes the Livingstone Anglican Church.

 

Monday – Thank and praise the Lord. Pray for those who are closest to you, including family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

 

Tuesday – Thank and praise our God. Lift up leaders and those who point others towards God.

 

Wednesday – Thank and praise the Lord. Lift up the worries and concerns you have for the world, people in need, as well as for yourself.

 

Thursday – Offer thanks to God for the many blessings you have been given and continue to receive. You may find it helpful to write them in a journal or somewhere you can read through the list again later.

 

Friday – Thank and praise the Lord our God. Confess your sins and failures and ask for forgiveness as you forgive those who have sinned against you.

 

Saturday – Offer thanks and prayers of praise. You may find it helpful to kneel, lay on the floor, sit with your hands on your legs with palms facing up, or stand raising your arms as an expression of worship as you pray.

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.