Maybe You Should Stop Reading My Devotionals Every Day

​​I enjoy a good spiritual article. I gain something from a well written devotional. I like to be challenged and encouraged by the Biblical thoughts of others. But I also need to just receive the straight Word of God. It is good to be fed by mature Christians. But it is best when the Holy Spirit opens up the Scripture to me.

I actually enjoy writing these daily morning devotionals. But I want to encourage you to read the Bible on its own, without commentary and let the author, God reveal to you what you need to know. You may wonder how to get started. Well, the book of Proverbs (which means 'wise sayings') has 31 chapters. That means there is basically one group of wise saying for each day. You can probably read one chapter in about 3 minutes depending on your reading ability and if you get hung up on certain verses. 

This is September 14. Here is Proverbs chapter 14.

1 A wise woman builds her home,
    but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
2 Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;
    those who take the wrong path despise him.
3 A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
    but the words of the wise keep them safe.
4 Without oxen a stable stays clean,
    but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
5 An honest witness does not lie;
    a false witness breathes lies.
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
    but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
7 Stay away from fools,
    for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
8 The prudent understand where they are going,
    but fools deceive themselves.
9 Fools make fun of guilt,
    but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can fully share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the godly will flourish.
12 There is a path before each person that seems right,
    but it ends in death.
13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,
    but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14 Backsliders get what they deserve;
    good people receive their reward.
15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
    The prudent carefully consider their steps.
16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
17 Short-tempered people do foolish things,
    and schemers are hated.
18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evil people will bow before good people;
    the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors,
    while the rich have many “friends.”
21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;
    blessed are those who help the poor.
22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;
    if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.
23 Work brings profit,
    but mere talk leads to poverty!
24 Wealth is a crown for the wise;
    the effort of fools yields only foolishness.
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a false witness is a traitor.
26 Those who fear the Lord are secure;
    he will be a refuge for their children.
27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;
    it offers escape from the snares of death.
28 A growing population is a king’s glory;
    a prince without subjects has nothing.
29 People with understanding control their anger;
    a hot temper shows great foolishness.
30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
    jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,
    but helping the poor honors him.
32 The wicked are crushed by disaster,
    but the godly have a refuge when they die.
33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;
    wisdom is not found among fools.
34 Godliness makes a nation great,
    but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 A king rejoices in wise servants
    but is angry with those who disgrace him.

​[New Living Translation]

I know... that covers a lot of areas. Did a certain phrase stand out to you? Go back to it and dwell on it. Ask God what He is trying to tell you through it. Ask Him to reveal how you can apply it to your life today.

Now, why don't you copy and paste it to your Facebook and comment on what it means to your life? In this way you will be not only learning from Scripture, but you will be sharing the Word of God with others.

Now this part may seem a little weird, but if you enjoyed reading all of that wisdom straight away, perhaps you should make that your morning devotional practice instead of reading what I write. Tomorrow you could read Proverbs 15, the next day the 16th chapter, and so on. Am I suggesting you stop reading what I write? Well, if you exchange reading my words about the Bible for reading the Bible itself, I'm absolutely cool with that. The goal here is to encourage and challenge you in the things of God. No better place to do that than with God's own words.

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