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Christian Devotional – September 5, 2019
A Father’s Advice. Part of the responsibility of parents is to impart advice to their children. As Solomon continues to write about wisdom, he is reminded of all the advice that his father has given him over the years. Read Proverbs 4. A Father’s Advice: Acquire Wisdom, Proverbs 4:1-13 Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding, For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction. When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, Then he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words;…
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Christian Devotional – September 4, 2019
Discipline. The word has a couple of meanings that both apply here. First, it can refer to the correction that is needed when someone goes off track. Second, it can be the unwavering focus to stay on track in the first place. We’ll see this in Proverbs 3. The Rewards of Wisdom – Proverbs 3:1-10 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor…
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Christian Devotional – September 3, 2019
Saved. People in churches have used this phrase numerous times, but have you ever wondered what people are saved “from”? As we look at day 2 learning about wisdom we see what wisdom will save us from. Read through Proverbs 2. The Benefits of Wisdom – Proverbs 2:1-11 My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the Lord And discover the…
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Christian Devotional – September 2, 2019
31 Days of Wisdom. I’ve spent the last several months diving deep into verses and focusing on only 1-2 verses each day. Over the next month, we’re going to pull up a bit and look at an entire chapter each day as we go through the book of Proverbs. Today, we’re going to focus on Proverbs 1. The Purposeful Appeal for Wisdom – Proverbs 1:1-7 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, A…
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Christian Devotional – September 1, 2019
As we finish up the story of Elijah, we see Elisha pick up the mantle and continue the work. As Elijah did, we are to be preparing the next generation to continue in obedience to God. Read 2 Kings 2:13-14. He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, “Where is the Lord , the God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha crossed over. 2 Kings 2:13-14 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/2ki.2.13-14.NASB…
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Christian Devotional – August 31, 2019
Here and then gone. Elijah was there one minute talking with Elisha, having conversation and sharing who knows what. Then, God sweeps in, and in an instant, Elijah is carried to heaven. Read 2 Kings 2:11-12. As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw Elijah no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 2 Kings 2:11-12 NASB…
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Christian Devotional – August 30, 2019
Don’t blink! Isn’t it interesting that we never seem to have trouble with this until someone tells us not to. Then, it seems like all we want to do is blink. I wonder if Elisha thought that. Read 2 Kings 2:10. He said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so. “ 2 Kings 2:10 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/2ki.2.10.NASB Elisha has just made his request of Elijah and now Elijah responds. This is a difficult thing that he has asked, but as long as he sees Elijah taken up,…
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Christian Devotional – August 29, 2019
What do you want? It’s an interesting question that can sometimes be difficult to answer. For Elisha, this question was asked by Elijah and so Elisha came up with an answer. Read 2 Kings 2:9. When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 2 Kings 2:9 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/2ki.2.9.NASB Elisha wanted to do twice as much as Elijah had done. He asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. All the miracles and wonders that Elijah had demonstrated through God’s power, Elisha wanted…
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Christian Devotional – August 28, 2019
Passage. It was time to cross over the Jordan. God was leading Elijah and Elijah used his mantle to part the waters of the Jordan and cross over on dry ground. This is now the third time that this miracle has been used by God. First was the Red Sea and the Israelites leaving Egypt. Second was the Israelites crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land. And now Elijah crossing the Jordan as he prepares to enter the eternal promise land. Read 2 Kings 2:7-8. Now fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood opposite them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the…
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Christian Devotional – August 27, 2019
The third time. Once again Elijah asks Elisha to stay behind. Once again, Elisha says no. Read 2 Kings 2:5-6. The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be still.” Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” And he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 2 Kings 2:5-6 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/2ki.2.5-6.NASB Elisha still knows what is going…