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Proverbs 4 – Legacy

Jul31

Good day everyone and welcome to another day of blogging through the bible

Today we look at Proverbs chapter 4.

So much to unpack in this chapter but I felt strongly the Holy Spirit wanted me to focus on the 1st 4 verses for today and I pray it blesses you all.

1Listen to my correction, my sons, for I speak to you as your father.  Let discernment enter your heart and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart. 2My revelation-truth is a gift to you, so remain faithful to my instruction. 3For I, too, was once the delight of my father and cherished by my mother—their beloved child. 4Then my father taught me, saying, “Never forget my words. If you do everything that I teach you, you will reign in life.” (Prov 1-4 TPT)

Just like Solomon was pleading to his child to heed his words and pay attention to his instructions and seek for wisdom like his life depends on it, so does God expect us to introduce our children to an understanding of Him and pass on to them the knowledge of him we have gained and encourage them to seek wisdom. Solomon’s father passed the knowledge to him and now he is urging his son to receive the same knowledge and live by them.

Legacy is important to God. Numerous times in the bible we see mention of generational transfer of the knowledge of God. In Deuteronomy 6:7-9, we see Moses admonishing the children of Isreal to write down Gods law and keep reciting them to their children

7Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates (Deut 6:7-9 NLT)

This scripture here in Deuteronomy is a strategy for parenting our children in the way of the Lord. We have a responsibility as parents to educate our children regarding their identity in Christ, principles for living as followers of God, and practices for deepening their relationship with God…etc. We are to serve as role models by exemplifying wisdom and integrity in our actions.

In Genesis 18:19, God said of Abraham that He knows he will teach his children about Him.

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” (Gen 18:19 NIV)

We see a similar message in 2 Timothy 1:5 where Paul mentioned that he could see in Timothy the same faith that first existed in his grandmother and then in his mother in him.

“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you”. (2Tim 1:5 NLT)

What legacy are you living for your children?

My desire and prayer for us today is that our children whether biological or those we have influence over will see God through us and desire to know Him personally, and that our lives/actions will encourage, not hinder, the next generation from coming to Christ in Jesus name. Amen

If you want to more on Proverbs 4, pls check out my previous post on this chapter here

Proverbs 3 – Long and satisfying life

Jul30

Good day everyone and welcome to another day of blogging through the bible

Today we look at Proverbs chapter 3. I am going to focus on verse 1 – 8.

Do you want a long and Satisfying life? If yes, then the key to having one is found in verse 1 & 2 –

“My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life, never forget the things that I’ve taught you. Follow closely every truth that I’ve given you. Then you will have a full, rewarding life”. (Prov 3: 1-2 TPT)

We need to have Gods word stored within us. And it’s not just enough to have it stored but we need to ensure we allow the word to be what guides and dictates our actions and decisions. This is basically the key to having a full and rewarding life.

Do you want to gain favour with man and God?  Let’s see what verses 3-4 have to say about this.

[3] Hold on to loyal love and don’t let go, and be faithful to all that you’ve been taught. Let your life be shaped by integrity, with truth written upon your heart. [4] That’s how you will find favor and understanding with both God and men— you will gain the reputation of living life well. (Proverbs 3:3-4 TPT)

3Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. [Col 3:9-12] 4So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. [Luke 2:52] (Prov 3:3-4 AMP)

The Amplified version says let mercy and kindness be qualities that define you, bind them securely around your neck. This again is emphasizing the importance of hiding the word of God in us…being faithful to everything we have been taught. It’s one thing to know what the scriptures says and it’s another thing to actually live by them and obey them. If you want favor, then that’s what we need to do. We need to live by the word of God, it has to shape our lives. The TPT translation similarly advises that one’s life should be characterized by integrity—consistently letting one’s “Yes” mean yes and “No” mean no—thereby upholding the standards set forth in scripture.

Verses 5-8 are my absolutely favorite verses in this chapter. I am going to post the verses in TPT and Message version and let them speak for themselves

5Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. 6Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. 7Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong. 8Then you will find the healing refreshment your body and spirit long for.  (Prov 3:5-8 TPT)

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! (Prov 3:5-8 MSG)

We can’t do this life journey on our own, we need God’s guidance. He is the one who has all power and knowledge and created the whole universe so who better to guide us than him.

If you haven’t given him control to guide you, here’s an invitation to open up your heart to him and let him guide you and lead you along the right path for your life.

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for today. Pls help us trust You with all our heart; and to not depend on our own understanding. Help us seek Your will in all we do. Thank You Lord. In Jesus Name we prayed . Amen.