READING:
One-year plan: Proverbs 22:17-24:34, 2 Corinthians 12-13
Two-year plan: 2 Samuel 20-21, John 1:29-42
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I am not a parent, but I’ve had the privilege of pouring my life into students for almost three decades. I’ve sought to disciple them the best way I know how. In a few cases, though, they’ve made decisions that brought great grief—ultimately, for both of us. The pain of poor decision-making can be intense at times, and a parent cannot always control the way a son or daughter thinks, chooses, or speaks.
On the other hand, my positive experiences over the years help me to appreciate these words of the writer of Proverbs: “My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice. My innermost being will celebrate when your lips say what is right” (Prov 23:15-16). It’s hard to put into words here how much my heart leaps when someone I’ve discipled makes wise—sometimes quite difficult—decisions that I trust please the Lord. Even if my disciple does not always know how much joy those decisions bring to me, my heart celebrates. Deeply, in fact.
With those thoughts in mind, my prayer is that I as God’s child will choose and speak wisely today – and God my Father will be pleased.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Did your choices and words yesterday honor the Lord?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, make me wise to listen to You today.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Proverbs 25-28, Galatians 1
Two-year plan: 2 Samuel 22, John 1:43-2:12