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What I Learned in my First Year: Prioritize Bible over Talking Points

“Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,  would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices” (Proverbs 1:29–31). “If your people won’t listen to the Bible,  they won’t listen to you.” —Anonymous  I’ve served in varying ministry capacities for a while now. It’s never been in the leading seat though. I’ve seen this play out from afar, watching my leaders navigate through peril and difficulty. Some were like seasoned sailors navigating stormy waters. Some capsized. Still others chugged along trying to get to greater health, greater strength, a more committed holiness, yet still a ways off. Of the healthier “captains” that I’ve served under at the healthier churches, they prioritized Scripture as their charted course and Jesus’ fame as their great North Star. I’ve sought to do that in my first year. Not perfectly executed, of course. First years are...
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Proverb of the Day: 8/23/2024

HEAR Journal


Highlight: Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:17–18).

Explain: Solomon tells me to not become heated (אַל־יְקַנֵּ֣א) because of the fallible/sinful (בַּֽחַטָּאִ֑ים). Stick with the fear of YHWH. Your hopeful expectation will not be rescinded (וְ֝תִקְוָתְךָ֗ לֹ֣א תִכָּרֵֽת). NB: That “rescinded” translation/gloss comes as a result of the use of “covenant.” God won’t un-covenant with his people who fear him.

It’s conditional. Fear God, don’t fear being left out. Revere God, don’t become resentful of what others have. There’s a better day coming.

Apply: Tell your heart to put its expectation in its proper place. The character of God is your hope’s home. And we do this by any means necessary. This really looks like changing the scenery of my heart. Meaning, to be jealous is to fixate on what the wicked have—and what I don’t. Instead, I need to do a 180-degree turn in my heart, looking away from all of that, towards Jesus who provides. Why? Because there’s no end to the hope that he gives. Whereas the material is eaten up and decayed over time (23:5).

Respond: Father, make me quick to about face towards reverence and the source of hope!

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