Michael Harrison's e-devotion

  What about the righteous?  Who are they and what does their life look like?  Good question, and the only way we know this is not by our opinion but by the Word of God. There you find the facts of faith provided by the wisdom of Proverbs.  Another reason I love this book and seek to read it daily is because of the truth God shares that guides our lives.  Chapter 10, the one I read yesterday, overflows with truth about the righteous. Here are some simple one line facts about those who follow Jesus. Proverbs 10  CSB 3 The Lord will not let the righteous go hungry… 6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,… 7 The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing,… 8 A wise heart accepts commands,… 9 The one who lives with integrity lives securely,… 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life… 13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning… 14 The wise store up knowledge,… 16 The reward of the righteo...

  It was more than 30 years ago when a pastor suggested to make Proverbs a part of my every day life.  I have shared this so many times in the e-devotion and with so many people.  It is important that we take in the word of God each and every day. Yesterday I listened to a high school student share how spending time in God’s word every day makes a huge difference in her life.  Last night I was talking with a young man who is incarcerated and how Proverbs has impacted him.  And others have said the same thing I have found true.   Proverbs has 31 chapters and most months have 31 days.  That means reading one chapter per day is a great addition for any of us that make that choice.   People have shared how God’s truth impacts their lives in this way.  This is one of those things that I say loud and proud, “test God.”  His word changes us.  It changes everything. Here are just a few of the verses from Proverbs that stick out in my brain ...

  We need wisdom, the wisdom God.  It is a new year with lots of opportunities, and that is why I remind us all of what God offers and where we can find it.   The key to living with significance and success is to trust God and the foundation He built.  Go even deeper to find truth that this transcends us and own thinking on wisdom.   James 3:17-18  NLT   But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.   Define real wisdom.  Does your thought of what wisdom wisdom change you and the people around us?  I need wisdom.    I have challenged our church family to choose 1.  Choose one meal.  Choose one hour.  Choose one day.  In doing those thing...

  I am going to tell you again about Proverbs.  There are 31 chapters in the book as there are 31 days in most months.  Read it as I do each morning, and I will share some with you from chapter 27, yesterday’s reading.   This book has fed and led me for years, and I believe it will give you several things.  One of those is a love for God’s Word.  Another is the habit of reading God’s Word.  And another is the understanding that God’s ways and wisdom will change our lives.   Spend time today in Proverbs and every day.  This specific Proverbs reminds us to be a friend and help others be stronger.  Here are some verses that spoke to me.   Proverbs 27:2  NLT   Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth— a stranger, not your own lips.   Proverbs 27:6  NLT   Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.   Proverbs 27:9  NLT   The heartfelt counsel of a friend is a...

  There it is once again.  An opportunity to grow, to learn to lean in and hear from God.  As I shared how Scripture speaks to me, I heard my words repeating what James 1:5 says about God’s wisdom for our lives. Then I turn back to the place where I seek to turn everyday.  That would be the book of Proverbs.  The daily challenge to read this book.  Yesterday was July 1st, and that sends us to the beginning of the book once again.  Powerful truth.  31 chapters in 31 days going through the book of wisdom again each month. Go with me again.  Just a few of the verses that stand out and make sense as I lean on Jesus. Proverbs 1 NLT 2-7 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernm...

  It has been almost thirty years since I was first encouraged to read the book of Proverbs every day.  I shared yesterday about the Proverbs challenge, the commitment to read one chapter every day. An older pastor shared what another pastor had challenged him with many years before.  That challenge has stuck with me and been shared by me so many times since.  As Robert Frost said, “and that has made all the difference.”  It has in lots of ways. This week I return to that truth as summer begins.  When you are resting, enjoying life, spending time with family, thinking about what’s going on with you, spend time in Proverbs, and let the wisdom of God permeate every area of home, work and play of your life. An incredible writer I follow is Paul David Tripp.  His books and articles have given me much to think about.  In light of my commitment to read Proverbs every day and the challenge for you to join me, check out Tripp’s word on Proverbs …   P...