11/10 – 11/16

During the month of October, we read Proverbs. King Solomon, Israel’s wisest king, is given credit for the majority of the proverbs within that Old Testament book (1 Kings 3:1-15; Proverbs 1:1). In it Solomon teaches that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7 NRSV). To become wise a person must have a reverential fear of God. We need humility in approaching the Lord as the source of life, knowledge, and wisdom. 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). Humbly asking God in faith is an important part of the process for gaining wisdom and understanding.

 

After reading Proverbs, which is the first book of wisdom literature from the Old Testament, during the past two weeks we have read the second book of wisdom literature known Ecclesiastes. The author of it wants us to know that fully grasping the complexity of life is like holding onto smoke, mist, or fog. It can be seen, but not fully grasped. Perhaps that is why we are reminded by “the Teacher” to enjoy the simple gifts God provides during our lifetime because time marches on, death is part of the journey of life, and there are random occurrences that are out of our control (Ecclesiastes 1:1; 2:24). The book concludes with this summary, “Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NRSV).

 

This week we will begin reading Job, the third and final Old Testament book of wisdom literature. In the New Interpreter’s Study Bible, contributor Lisa Davison shares this, “the book of Job is considered by most scholars to be the finest wisdom text of the Jewish and Christian canons…No other biblical text addresses the question of divine justice (“why bad things happen to good people”) in such a confrontational and artistic way. It is a story that speaks to every generation and to every individual who has known undeserved suffering.” You are encouraged to read the introduction to this unique book within a Study Bible before beginning to read and study it. The Study Bible notes for each verse and chapter will be helpful as well. It is also recommended that you watch the Bible Project videos listed in this devotional before you begin reading Job on Monday.

 

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
• Listen to and/or Sing a worship song or hymn
• Watch the videos before beginning to read on Monday
• Read The Bible verses for the day
• Pray
• Live according to your faith in Christ Jesus, doing no harm

 

 

DAILY PSALM:

READ PSALM 42 or 127 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

VIDEO TO WATCH:

You are invited to watch the third video from the Bible Project Wisdom Literature series using the link provided before reading verses from Job this week. If you did not watch the first two videos of the series about Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, you may want to watch them before watching the video about Job:

Proverbs – What It Teaches About Being Good at Life by The Bible Project: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gab04dPs_uA

 

The Disturbing But Surprising Wisdom of Ecclesiastes by The Bible Project: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeUiuSK81-0&t=8s

 

The Book of Job’s Wisdom on How God Runs the World by The Bible Project: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GswSg2ohqmA&t=36s

 

 

DAILY BIBLE VERSES:

Sunday – Romans 12 (Practical Discipleship: Do No Harm)

 

Monday – Job 1

 

Tuesday – Job 2

 

Wednesday – Job 3-4

 

Thursday – Job 5-6

 

Friday – Job 7-9

 

Saturday – Job 10:1-13:19

 

 

PRAY:

You are encouraged to pray in response to the Lord and what the Holy Spirit revealed to you within the Bible verses. You may find it helpful to use these prayer 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.