Devotion for October 5

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise… Proverbs 13:20

I promised my wife, Christine, that I wouldn’t use an example from nature or the weather for the next e-devotion. She had, quite rightly, pointed out that I had favored such introductions a lot over the past few weeks. I was, frankly, unaware of that. It’s just that, with the change of seasons, the weather has drawn my attention to the wonders of the created world and our Creator God. But, too much of a good thing is still too much.

My wife is a wise woman. I listen to hear a lot. The problem with wisdom though is that it is often most useful when it comes as a word of correction. I don’t mind corrections – but I’d rather be the one who gives the correction than the one who gets it!

On the other hand, if I want to continue to grow spiritually or intellectually, I have to be exposed to new ideas and insights. That means a self-acknowledged lack of wisdom. So, I’m caught between my desire to be wise and my desire to be the one with all the wisdom. Proverbs reminds me that I can’t have it both ways.

To listen to the wise is to continue to learn and grow. Which raises another question: Who do you listen to?

Recently, I have found three prayer partners. These men join with me to pray. We pray for one another and for those we love and care about. We also pray for our church. I am often struck by their wisdom as we share with one another. I am reminded that such fellowship enriches life and adds a layer of spiritual accountability that I need.

I listen to my wife and those three men because I trust them. I seek the counsel of other leaders because I have come to trust them. Such trust is the outcome of experiencing their wisdom for my life. So, I guess I’m getting better at taking wisdom as well as sharing it.

I pray that your life is blessed today with a gift of wisdom to you. And I pray that we will all grow better able to hear and receive them.  Amen

Devotion for January 6

The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Proverbs 19:23  (NIV)

At the beginning of this New Year, I have, once again, set some new year’s resolutions for myself. I usually will select no fewer than three and no more than five resolutions to guide my entry into the coming year. And each year, they are different. I don’t know if that suggests improvement or forgetfulness! Whichever, I am grateful  for the opportunity of personal growth.

This year’s first resolution comes from the above text. I resolve to be content. This is not a passive resolution for me. I have always leaned into the future, striving to attain new goals and face new challenges. My wife suggests that I am a spiritual adventurer – and she is right. So, this will be the spiritual discipline of seeking satisfaction in the life God has given, the achievements of the day and the blessings I receive. As the proverb tells us, this is an exercise of trust (fear) in God.

I have no illusions about this resolution. I know it won’t remove from me the passionate love I have for the church. I do believe that I might see more of the goodness of the people of God. I know it will not eliminate my hopes and concerns for those I love. I only hope it will enable me to see them more completely in that love. And I am confident that each day will bring with it challenges and opportunities galore. I will choose, however, to trust the Lord to give me enough energy, intelligence and confidence in myself and others to meet those that are important – and to let go my anxieties for the rest of them.

Simply said: I have a new ambition to practice serenity. At the end of each day, I hope to look back on it and ask myself if I can rest in the confidence that God has been at work, I have done my best and I have tended to the relationships that matter. Like I said, it will not be easy.

May our God bless you this year with the surprise of contentment.