Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 17, 2015
My son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood. Proverbs 1:15–16
Stand alone against the shameful ways of sinful men and women. Perhaps you feel alone because no one else seems to speak up, but your Savior stands with you in your seclusion. It is more convenient to compromise your convictions; however stay strong in what God says and obey. It may be for a season that you stand alone because your perseverance in doing what is right will prod others to do right.
For example, avoid the bar and unseemly clubs on business trips, and others will find the courage to join you. At college pray instead of party, study instead of steal, serve instead of acting silly, and be faithful instead of foolish. Young adults are longing for a reliable friend whom they can trust and learn from, and with whom they can be in a community of accountability. Stand alone, and see God work wonders.
“But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me” (John 8:16).
It is foolish to step into a seductive snare of sin. When you see it coming do not be misled, or you will be like a silly bird whose curiosity leads it into a trap, loss of freedom, and death. The pain of not standing alone is reason enough to remain in the character of Christ. However, there are other benefits. You stand alone so yours is a compelling story of courage you can communicate to your children now and as they grow older. You stand alone so you can look your spouse in the eyes and honestly say you value him or her much more than worldly whims that bring dishonor. You stand alone so the people you serve grow in confidence that you have their very best interest in mind. Most importantly, you stand alone by the grace of God in humility and faith.
Do not become proud of standing alone, or you will fall, suddenly and severely. You stand alone by staying on your knees in desperate dependence on God. Give Him the glory and He will give you the gumption to go it alone when necessary.
“He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart…He who does these things will never be shaken” (Psalm 15:2, 5).
Prayer: Where do I need to stand alone as an encouragement to those who may be holding back for fear of what others might think or do?
Related Readings: Job 23:13; Proverbs 12:7; Luke 21:19; 1 Corinthians 10:12
Post/Tweet this today: Give God the glory, and He will give you the gumption to stand alone when necessary. #standalone #wisdomhunters
Taken from Boyd’s new book: Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs (replaces current Proverb book with 50% newer content) to be released July 1st by Harvest House Publishers. Preorder on Amazon.
Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Rend Collective Experiment: You Are My Vision
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Can’t share link on FB– getting notice of error sharing. 🙁
Dear Trina~
Thank you so much for letting us know. Let me look into this and I will email you back via my email address (gwynne@wisdomhunters.com).
We are so thankful for you and appreciate your desire to share our link through FB.
I will be in touch.
Blessings to you and yours,
Gwynne