Welcome, if you're visiting from my "Good Choice" devotion published today. I always like to make new cyber-friends, so you've made a good choice by stopping by. :)
Note: If you subscribe to these devotions through Proverbs 31 Ministries and you've noticed extra numbers, spaces, small squares, quote marks or other markings within the text that do not belong there, let me apologize and explain. The ministry changed servers a few weeks ago and automated things to pull the devotion from the P31 devotion blog and send it out to subscribers. However, something is clearly amiss in that process, periodically creating extra marks or spaces in the devotion as it sends it out. We're working to solve that, and would appreciate your grace, patience and prayers.
Solomon's writings are some of my favorite in the Bible - I truly love the book of Proverbs. For a period of time several years ago, I read through Proverbs regularly and found it brought me much insight for living. It helped me with my walk with God, with my relationships, with my thoughts and words, with my money and work ethic - basically with everything! It gave me a clear picture of what kinds of things wise people do and what kinds of mistakes foolish people make. That, in turn, affected my choices and actions, and who I chose to hang out with and invest in as well.
Have you ever read through or studied the book of Proverbs? If so I'd love to hear about it. If not, try reading a Proverb a day for the next month or two. There are 31 proverbs total in the book, so that's one short reading for each day of the month (although Feb. only has 28 days). Try it and see what it does for you. As you read, make note of what it teaches you about wise actions and decision-making.
If you want to you can read it online, here's a link to the book of Proverbs in The Message translation. I also like to read it in the New Living Translation or the NIV. In fact, if you do this for a few months in a row, try switching translations from month to month so you're not tempted to gloss over words that seem familiar since you read them last month.
Finally, if you're in a situation right now where you need wisdom from God, ask Him for it today - believing that HE WILL GUIDE YOU. Feel free to post a comment here and I'll join you in praying that you have the mind of Christ in this matter.
To update, I had a great time in Delaware. Loved the women at this church, and God had plans for these women and this retreat. He knew what He wanted to do with and say to them, and it was my pleasure to be along for the ride as their speaker. I had window seats all the way, and uneventful flights. Well, except for the siren that went off in the Philly airport F terminal, followed by the loudspeaker that told us to evacuate the building and to use the stairs and not the elevators. That was a tiny bit stressful. And no, I do not know what it was all about! I forgot to pack my camera so I don't have any pictures to share this time, but the memories and faces are etched upon my mind and heart.
Have a great day, girls!
I read your Prov.31 devotional today, and it really spoke to me. I have 12 and 8 year-old boys, and boy, do I sure need a dose of God's wisdom:)
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you! Heaven in WI
wow, Rachel, the Lord had me read this devotional today. For some reason, unbenounced to me, I have been deleting the e-devos without even reading. Partly because I have been so busy... I think the other part is satan has really been reeking havock here. Things have been tough for me lately... I have had little to no patience with my children... and two of them are only a year apart and going through the terrible twos all at once... things with my husband have been so rocky... just not communicating. I have been praying "Lord I can't do this anymore... you NEED to step in here, please give me your wisdom and show me your way" ... that was just this morning in the car on the way to dropping my son off to school... then I come home and this is what the Lord had me read. Thank you so much for your words... the Lord has used them in a mighty way to open my eyes a bit more and to penetrate my heart.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
christy
Thank You for your devotion. Rachel is your suggestion to start on Chpt 1 and read each chapter every day? Or just start anywhere?
ReplyDeleteI don't know how long ago you wrote your devotion of "Good Choice" but if it was just recently, I hope this information may be helpful to you. I live in the Phila, PA area and you spoke about having concerns about your daughter babysitting. I put my daughter through the Red Cross babysitting course. When she graduated, I felt confident that she could handle babysitting and made sure that she knew I was no further than a phone call away if she needed help or guidance. Thank you for your devotion and be blessed. Tracy
ReplyDeleteThanks, TRACY, for the tip on the Red Cross babysitter training! I don't live in Philly - was just flying through there recently - but I will look and see if our Red Cross offers it here for my daughter.
ReplyDeleteDEBRA, you don't have to do it this way, but I like to read which ever chapter corresponds to the day of the month it is. So on the 1st I'm reading Proverbs 1, and on the 15th I'm reading Proverbs 15. This helps me keep track and complete the book in a month's time. Notice you can still start anywhere - like start today in chapter 26! If there are only 30 days in the month, I read both Proverbs 30 and 31 on the 30th to complete the book "on time." Hope that helps and I'd LOVE to hear from you when you've completed the book. :)
I loved the devo on wisdom today. I also shared in my blog (www.blueeyedblondies.blogspot.com) some of the verses from last week about praying for our leaders, etc. Thank you for explaining the odd squares, etc...I was wondering about that!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing & inspiring & God Bless! :)
Heather
www.thegiftcloset.blogspot.com
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThank You! I will try my best. I am also doing the Chronological bible reading too!
I always Thank God for all the P31 Women!
Hugs
Good word; I needed to be reminded that wisdom and knowlege are mine to the taking, if I seek them.
ReplyDeleteI read your devo today and know in my heart that thru God all things are possible. But when we ask for wisdom, direction and discernment and aren't getting any answers then what? I doubt my faith as a Christian. I feel like I am doing something wrong and not following like I should. So many doubts. And then I realize that God is not a God of confussion and his ways are not always our ways. But shouldn't I be getting something, some kind of feeling as to what I should be doing??
ReplyDeleteI am just feeling like I'm in a pit and can't climb out.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wise advise!
During a difficult time in my life a number of years ago, I went through the book of Proverbs, a chapter a day as you suggested. A terribly difficult and challenging time became a time of great spritual growth for me. Those precious chapters in my Bible are covered with yellow highliter and side notes that still minister to me.
Also, I went through the book of Psalms - 5 chapters a day. I would read every 30th chapter. For example, on the 14th of the month, I would read Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104 and 134. On the 31st, I would read Psalm 119 because it's so long.
I think it's time to revisit that discipline again.
By the way, my daughter also did the Red Cross training and a class at the local "Y" which gave her both skills and confidence when babysitting. And one night at dinner, my son was eating a mozzarella stick when the cheese ran down his throat blocking his airway. She sprang into action and expertly gave him the Hiemlich! To this day, they tell the story of how she saved his life! So, needless to say, I highly recommend those classes!
Susan
Rachel, Thanks for your devotional today it is just what I needed. At this very moment my husband and I are dealing with a man who is building our home and it has not been going well. He profressed to be a Christian and even prayed during our initial meeting and we put our faith and trust in him being a man of his word. Needless to say, the situation has gone from bad to worse and he has proven to be a man driven by the bottom line, instead of about the agreements that we had in place. We are not sure if we will be able to afford the house when it is done since it is now costing thousands of dollars more than he promised and since we have been living with family for the past 7 months the only thing that has gotten me through...other than the Lord of course has been looking forward to moving into our home.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very dissappointing and stressful time right now and we are not where to turn anymore since we cannot afford to pursue him legally. Thank you for the reminder of where to turn today!
Blessings from Grand Rapids
Yes, Proverbs are rich in truth that fits our lives. It was evident you read them often reading about your exit with the sirens blaring. You did the wise thing of leaving without any more information the cause of the alarms. That's wisdom.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachel for your words. My husband and I have found ourselves in a very unique work situation in which we are EXTREMELY happy in our day to day lives. We absolutely love what we do for a living. It unfortunately came with a major pay cut from what were used to making... money doesnt matter to me but I need God's guidance during this time while we figure out how to make our finances cooperate with our new pay. As well as just guidance on how to keep doing what were doing if it is indeed God's will. I would appreciate any and all prayers that will help.
ReplyDeleteThanks and God bless,
Amanda