Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 27, 2015
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen well to my words of insight. Proverbs 5:1
Pay attention to the wise and discerning around you. They have perspective that penetrates your bias and blind spots. If you ignore their admonishments you may miss God’s best, or at worst spend a long time recovering from a raw deal. Wisdom is a watchman that keeps us from entering into unfit relationships. Beware of those who only want you for their own needs with no regard for the needs of others.
Pay attention so you will not be sucked into a situation that requires prolonged effort down an unproductive path. Cut your losses quickly. Leave the consequences in Christ’s hands. For example, say no to an opportunity that does not seem right, even if the promised results are positive. Pay attention to wise counsel so you will not worry later whether you did the right thing. You maintain discretion and preserve knowledge as you take time to listen and learn.
“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you” (Exodus 15:26).
Above all else, pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who is at home in your heart and mind. He is the Almighty’s ambassador in charge of leading you to the way of wisdom. Therefore, watch for His confirmation of right and His conviction of wrong. Pay attention because the Holy Spirit waters wisdom with insight and understanding. Wisdom grows in a life submitted to the guidance of God’s Spirit.
Finally, pay attention to the teaching of your pastor or priest, for they are messengers of the Lord. Their role is to relay to you the truth of God; so make sure to attend church where Christ is worshiped and you are clearly and practically instructed from the Bible. Pastors who are gifted teachers and prayerfully prepare each Sunday present a spiritual smorgasbord so starving souls are satisfied by the wisdom of God. Pay attention to a pastor you respect, who teaches wisdom well, and whom God uses to transform your thinking and behavior.
“For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 2:7 nasb).
Prayer: Who currently has my attention who should not, and whom do I need to listen to more intently with a goal to change?
Related Readings: Genesis 49:2; Mark 4:23; James 1:19; Revelation 2:7–11
Post/Tweet this today: Wisdom grows in a life submitted to the guidance of God’s Spirit. #payattention #wisdomhunters
Taken from Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs: You’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a storehouse of wisdom in your heart. Pre-order Boyd’s newest devotional book coming August 1st! (Learn more about our friends at Harvest House Publishers)
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Comments are closed.
If the minister in a Conservative Church circumlocutes the current situation in the nation, should the Christian accept
this since it is within the predictions in Revelations that cannot be circumvented? Thank you
Need help. A couple of weeks ago your devotional centered on four points of personal identity… I thought I had saved it, but now cannot find it. Can you help.
Love what you do, read it everyday and am blessed and challenged in my personal walk. Have passed it along to other men with whom I deal. Keep up the good work. Want to send donation, what is best address? Phil
Dear Phil,
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I know that Boyd will be blessed by them. And thank for for sharing the devotionals with others.
I will find the devotional you are speaking about and email it to you today.
We appreciate your desire to donate to the Wisdom Hunter’s Ministry. You can send your donation to:
Wisdom Hunters
P.O. Box 800062
Roswell, Georgia 30075
Thank you again, Phil. I will get that devotional to you today.
Thankful for you~
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Dear Smith,
Thank you for your thought-provoking question after reading “Pay Attention”. Great question!
Not having heard what the minister has said, I could not really say. However, what I do know is that the Holy Spirit, our Mighty Counselor, is with you to guide you with His Wisdom and Direction, when asked.
In “Pay Attention”, Boyd states, “Above all else, pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who is at home in your heart and mind.”
He adds, “Therefore, watch for His confirmation of right and His conviction of wrong.”
When I am not sure, I pray and then, pray some more, asking for guidance and discernment.
Smith, we are thankful for you and look forward to hearing from you again. I pray you will reach an answer after time spent with Jesus.
Blessings,
Gwynne
“And this is my prayer:that your love may abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God.”
Philippians 1:9-11