Proverbs 3: 1-12

Faith Focus

Greetings friends,

I ask that as we begin our spiritual journey together we begin to take some time daily (if you are not already) to read the Scripture and pray. I thought it would be beneficial for us to focus on the same passage of Scripture for the week. This week, we will focus on Sunday’s texts, of which there are many! (See below) If you were not in present on Sunday and have not yet watched it, I encourage you to do so. We are focusing on the part of the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done.” Think fully surrendering our own will, what we want, what we think should happen, and instead trusting God completely in all areas of our life.

The passage used on Sunday was from the book of Proverbs, which is considered Wisdom Literature and is written in the form of Hebrew Poetry. Scholars have suggested that the reason for it being written in the poetic form as opposed to narrative was the ease of memorization, especially important as material was passed on down through the generations in oral form. Poetry also utilizes imagery, as well as the sounds of words (often missed due to translation from Hebrew), to assist in creating a powerful and persuasive effect. The book of Proverbs is traditionally considered to have been authored by Solomon, as are the books of Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.

Format-this is a repeat from every week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all. It is listed at the bottom for review and for anyone who is new to this exercise. Please remember that it is a suggestion. There is no pressure to do it in the format suggested, to do everything on the days that are listed, or to even to answer all the questions. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. If one question takes up the time because you are moved in your spirit, then stay with it. The idea of this it to spend some intentional time with the Scriptures, in the presence of God, and in prayer and reflection- in whatever way that works for you!

Scriptures:

Proverbs 3:1-12 (NIV version)

1My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.

Other Scriptures referenced:

The story of Gideon is found in Judges 6-8.

The story of Moses being asked to confront Pharaoh is when he encountered the burning bush. That story is found in Exodus 3:1- 4:1-17.

The story of King Saul is found in 1 Samuel 13:1-15, 15.

The story of Jonah the Prophet is found in the book of Jonah! The entire book is only four short chapters, only three pages in my Bible.

DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD: (*for purposes of space, verses will be written in the narrative form and not the poetic form written above)

Monday: v. 1 “Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart” Though this was given by Solomon, “my teaching” is not regarded in Scripture as Solomon’s own personal teaching or commands, but as God’s Word, that Solomon knows because it has been internalized. Consider if the instruction to “not forget” has to do with more than just remembering in our mind. What would it look like if someone did forget the teaching and commandments of God? Why do you think it was necessary to state that one should not forget? How can we keep them in our heart, and why would that be important? Ask God to reveal to you if there are any commandments that you may not have been keeping in your heart, perhaps even forgetting. Was this an intentional choice, and if so, why? Or, was this a slow drifting away from God’s teaching and commands? What are some of the teachings and commands of God that you may find difficult to remember, live out, embrace, keep in your heart, etc? How does all of this relate to obedience? How does it relate to loving God? v.2 “for they [God’s teaching and commands] will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” The NRSV version says, “for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you.” This is a principle and not an absolute promise- following God’s ways will lead to peace, “abundant welfare” (in heart, mind, and soul). The word used in Hebrew is “shalom,” which means completeness, soundness, and wholeness. Godly living, because it does not include participating in sinful acts that will harm us, will therefore lead toward our abundant well-being. “Prosperity” in the NIV text is related to “abundant welfare” and “peace.” This is not what Americans typically regard as “prosperity.” When you first read this passage what thoughts came to mind? What would be the wrong in following God’s teachings and commands for only the purpose of achieving these benefits? Why would that be wrong? Ask God if there are areas in your faith walk where you need to shift your focus.

Tuesday: vv. 3-4 “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” The Hebrew word for “love” here is chesed, which can also be translated as kindness, mercy, goodness, loyalty. The Hebrew word for “faithfulness” is emeth, which can also be translated as truth. The instruction is that these should never leave us, or as in the NRSV, “forsake us,” as in, make sure we live by them. Why do you believe these qualities are so important? What commandments in God’s Word would support this? In what way would they win favor and a good name in the sight of people? How would it be so for God? What does it look like in both instances- is there any difference in actions or attitudes? Does it change depending on what translation of the word is used? Think about the last few days, or even longer, and ask God if there were any times when those qualities were forsaken with you, or with someone you encountered. Ask God to reveal what was really going on, and if there was anything you could have done differently. If necessary, ask for forgiveness. Ask God to speak to you, boldly, loudly, whenever a time arises when you risk having these qualities be forsaken within you. The text says to “bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” This is imagery and not literal. What images does it conjure up for you, and how does that make you feel? What do you believe the author is trying to say? Ask God for clarity, and a way to make this happen for you even more in your life.

Wednesday: vv. 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” What does the word “trust” bring up in you? What do you believe trusting in the Lord entails- what does it look like, what does it live like? Do you find trusting in God to be easy or difficult, and why? Are there areas in your life where it is easier than others? Why do you think the author wrote “with all your heart?” Why would that be important? Ask God if there are any areas in your life where you need to trust God more, to fully surrender to God. Are those areas kept from trusting due to fear, pride, or something else? If necessary, ask for forgiveness and ask for God to enable you to trust more. “Lean not on your own understanding”- why would your “own understanding” be something to not lean upon? How is it different than trusting in the Lord? “In ALL your ways submit to him (God)”- examine your entire life through God’s eyes- relationships, job, finances, etc. Ask God to reveal to you any areas where you are not fully submitted, where you are maintaining control yourself. How are “trust” and “submit” related? Can you have one without the other? “And he (God) will make your paths straight”- the New King James version says, “and he shall direct your paths.” How does this make you feel? Are there paths in your life that you long to have God make straight? Ask God if there is anything blocking that from happening. What comes to mind when you think of a “straight path” in your life? Consider that sometimes a “straight path” is having strength, endurance, and peace of God to get through difficult circumstances. How does that make you feel? Is that in alignment with your understanding of what a “straight path” would look like? How does it change if the translation of “direct your paths” is used? Ask God for greater understanding, acceptance, and willingness to go the path that God leads.

Thursday: vv. 7-8 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” To be “wise in our own eyes” is not only related to “lean not on your own understanding,” but it also has an element of pride, and even conceit, with it. Consider how it is describing how people elevate themselves above God. Can you think of circumstances in the Bible, in the world, and in your own life, where this has been the case? “Fear the Lord” is a phrase used throughout Scripture. To “fear” means to have reverence, respect, and awe, and it also means to fear, acknowledging God’s power. Which of these do you tend to prefer, and why? Do you believe it is possible to have all those terms be present at the same time? Why do you believe God would want us to fear him? What images does that bring up? How does that make you feel? “Shun evil” can also be translated as depart from or avoid evil. Do you believe this could be a result of trusting in God? Why or why not? Ask God if there is any evil present in your life, whether through choosing to sin, or exterior circumstances, or anything else. Evil is present in the world as a real supernatural force. Ask God to empower you to shun any evil in your life, to turn away from willful disobedience, sin, and also for protection from evil. How does trusting in the Lord enable this? In what way do you believe all of this would “bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones”? What do you believe is meant by that? What does the imagery bring to mind in a spiritual sense? How does it make you feel, especially with the expectation of fearing the Lord and shunning evil, and why? Ask God to guide you in understanding and growth.

Friday: vv. 9-10 “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Did you consider skipping this day because it was focused on money? What are your feelings about discussing money through the lens of Scripture? To trust and submit to God in all of our ways includes our finances, a topic that is addressed throughout Scripture and often by Jesus himself. What do you think it means, what does it look like, to “honor the Lord with your wealth”? Consider your own finances- are you honoring the Lord with your wealth? Consider your finances again, this time through God’s eyes- does anything change? Ask God for discernment, and for God to show you anything that is not honoring. “With the firstfruits of all your crops,” “firstfruits” meaning that our giving comes off the top, the first thing we do. Scripture teaches that it is not honoring to God to use all your money and give what is leftover, but to give first, then enjoy your remaining wealth. In fact, “firstfruits” is not only giving first, but the best. Pray about whether your giving is being done in the way that God desires. Ask God how much you should be giving. What attitude does God desire when we consider our finances and how to use them? Is that the attitude you have, and why? Ask for forgiveness if necessary. “Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” is painting images of a result of honoring God with the firstfruits of our wealth. What do you believe the author was trying to say as it relates to our lives now? Is this something to be desired? Do you believe it to be true? Consider giving with anticipation, an expectancy that God will continue to provide and bless. Pray to God for guidance with your finances, and give thanks for the many blessings God has given to you!

Saturday: vv. 11-12 “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Discipline is another topic that people like to avoid, just like money. What does the term “discipline” bring to mind? What does it bring to mind when referring to God’s discipline? Discipline does not always mean punishment. It could mean teaching, a redirect, waiting (like a time-out), etc. It could also come as God either brings or allows discomfort to get our attention. The author says to “not despise the Lord’s discipline”- why do you think it was necessary to say that? What is the author promoting? How would this be beneficial? Have you ever felt as if you were being disciplined by God? What made you think that, or become aware of it? How did you respond? Ask God to show you times of discipline. Ask God to help you discern when something is discipline vs. when it is just something that happened because we are in a fallen world. Ask God to help you receive discipline with the spirit and attitude God desires, that it would have God’s desired result. “Do not resent his rebuke”- a rebuke, or correction, is different than discipline. It happens when the Holy Spirit reveals to you that you are not doing, believing, speaking, etc. the way that God would want. It’s a “check in your spirit” or an awareness of our sin as part of the sanctification process. Reflect upon a time when God made you aware that you were sinning. How did that make you feel? What did you do about it? How does God’s love for us relate to discipline and rebuke? “As a father the son/child he delights in”- How does it make you feel that God delights in you?! Thank God for his love!!

Other items:

Responsive Reading (Psalm 143:8, 10)

L: In the morning let us hear of Your steadfast love

P: for in You we put our trust

L: Teach us the way we should go,

P: for to You we lift up our souls

L: Teach us to do Your will

P: for You are our God!

All: Let Your good Spirit lead us on a level path!

Unison Prayer, The Methodist Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own but yours.
Put me to what you will,
rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing,
put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you,
or laid aside for you,
exalted for you,
or brought low for you;
let me be full,
let me be empty,
let me have all things,
let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.

Format (this is a repeat from last week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all):

Find a quiet place and time to focus on the Word, and to hear from God through it. It doesn’t have to be long, for some it will be longer than others. I encourage you, if possible, to do this practice in the morning. You will then find that God brings it to your mind throughout your day.

For greater impact I encourage you to get some paper and a pen and journal daily what thoughts and impressions God brings to mind. Write out also your own thoughts and your own prayers, making sure to leave space within your time for God’s response. Listen intently, and notice what rises up within you- what you are thinking, feeling, memories that arise and ideas that spring up. It may be something God would want you to address within yourself and/or with others. It may be something God is inspiring you to begin or end. God’s possibilities are infinite! After time, it is often beneficial to go back and read what you have written, and notice how God has been moving in your life (and praise God for it!).

Begin with prayer, quieting yourself within and opening up to hearing what God would like to reveal to you. Praise God for who he is, for loving you, being with you, and more. Then ask God to speak to you; to open your heart and mind to hear his message. (if you are journaling, you could write out the prayer)

Read the Scripture passage over twice; once as a read through, and the second time slowly, meditatively. Notice what God illuminates for you. Notice what words or ideas are “jumping off the page at you,” impacting you from the Scripture. Ask God why that is being highlighted for you. What is God saying to you? What is God asking you to say, do, change, pray about, etc.? What is the application for my life today? **Most importantly- what am I going to do about it? (If you are journaling you could write it all out, which reinforces it in a greater way)

I have put together some daily questions based upon the Scripture. You may use those, but also feel free to deviate away from it if God is leading you there. They are simply offered to prompt contemplation with God. There is much more in this passage, feel free to delve in more!

At the end of your time pray again. I recommend praying throughout, but the ending prayer would include praise, thanking God for revelation, and asking for the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal, bringing to mind God’s will. Ask God for the courage, empowerment, and opportunity to do what you have determined God is asking you to do.