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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: 8/7/2024

HEAR Journal

 

Highlight: “I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you Proverbs 7:14–15).”

Explain: This is a line about how the prostitute coaxes men away from their beds to sleep in hers. It’s the supposed reason why she ran into the sucker. It’s “providential.” Serendipity. Her running into him was not coincidental; it was planned with malice. Notice also how she was happy to use religion to mask her motives. Religion can become the perfect cover for all sorts of things, especially wickedness.

Apply: I am not above using religious language to cloak my iniquity. Many humans want to hide when they fail or do wrong. I’m not different. Direct, honest ownership is the way of wisdom.

Respond: Father, I’m not better than Pharisees. Would you help me be faithful in speech and heart? I long to represent you well with my mouth and motives.

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