Just Read the Manual
- We are 197 days into reading the Bible this year. Today’s readings are:
- Proverbs 1
- Proverbs 2
- Psalms 128
- Hebrews 13
I was waking up and scrolling through TikTok this morning when I saw a preacher I follow talking about Psalm 128: 1-4. I was pleasantly surprised when one of today’s chapters was Psalms 128.
‘How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him. ‘
Psalms 128:1-4
It’s wild to me how we have this manual for life, and we neglect it—a truly foolish mistake. I see these verses playing out in the church I attend; we have so many great examples of strong fathers who stand firm in their walk with the Lord. Some of us didn’t have dads who feared the Lord, sought wisdom and insight, or walked the right path. If you feel like you’ve fallen behind or missed too many days, do not be discouraged. It’s never too late to start; start by reading the manual. I love how the purpose of Proverbs is perfectly described in verse 2.
‘Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. ‘
Proverbs 1:2
We servant-leaders need wisdom and discipline, now more than ever. We need to be disciplined in our daily habit of prayer and Bible study, seeking God with our whole hearts. One simple way to put this into practice is to set aside just five minutes each morning to pray for insight and understanding for what you are about to read, then read a verse from Proverbs or Psalms, reflect on its meaning, and pray about how to apply it that day. Small, consistent steps like this can help wisdom and discipline take root in our routines.
‘Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. ‘
Proverbs 2:3-5
I wonder what the world would look like if we sought the Lord. Imagine if we actually sought God, wisdom, and insight like hidden treasure. How would we manage our time? Would our goals be different? Holy Spirit, equip us to be treasure hunters today and every day.
‘Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. ‘
Hebrews 13:20-21