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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...

Proverb of the Day: 8/24/2024

HEAR Journal


Highlight: Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter (Proverbs 24:11).

Explain: The wise have a moral imperative towards those around them.  Not just that it is a good thing. Rather, Scripture expects it. Rescue/pull out those that death has grasped

(הַ֭צֵּל לְקֻחִ֣ים לַמָּ֑וֶת). Hold back those toddling-to-death

(וּמָטִ֥ים לַ֝הֶ֗רֶג אִם־תַּחְשֽׂוֹךְ). If we (assuming I’m wise) see folks skipping off to their destruction, then we hold back from the flames…or snatch them up even while death has its grip on them.

This makes sense in light of the greatest commandments—loving God and loving neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). It seems like Jude was familiar with Proverbs, as he challenges us to snatch people from the flames (Jude 23). Jesus did this for us. Won’t we do this, too? And the way we do this is through our warnings and rebukes.

Apply: There is an intense amount of courage needed to correct someone. That would be the first step. Gather strength and courage. A wise man has strength (Proverbs 24:5). Tap the Source of strength, wisdom and life, Tim. Meet every day, praying for these three things.

Respond: Father, it’s morally good to call for repentance. Give me strength and wisdom to do it.

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