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From: The Message/Remix: Solo, An Uncommon Devotional Day 107

Read

The scripture reading for today is Proverbs 20:22-30.  Here is a link to that passage in an online bible:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2020%3A22-30&version=NRSV

Read this list of statement and instructions, pausing after each one to consider what it says.  Does one stand out to you? Memorize it.

Think

Why does this stand out to you? Let it lead you to ponder your own life.  Try to avoid thinking about other people’s actions and motives; think instead about only your own.  Maybe you’ll be reminded of making an impulsive promise, or perhaps you’ll check your attitude toward “gray hair [giving] prestige” versus “youth … admired for vigor.”

Pray
Invite God into your thoughts.  Tell him what you have been discovering.  Be aware of your feelings while you pray – maybe fear of emptiness at the thought of getting older, joy that God will “settle the score” someday, or sadness over a foolish decision and its consequences.  Be yourself in God’s presence.

Live
Explore your overall experience with this text so far.  Why did you respond the way you did to the wise instruction God is communicating in this passage?  If you didn’t care much, this might tell you that you don’t care much about doing the right thing.  If you anxiously tried to think of ways to improve yourself, perhaps you feel uncomfortable exposing your weakness to God.  Honestly recognize what’s in your heart today – and what that tells you about how you see yourself and how you see God.

Remember that God knows all about you – even the parts of you that are rebellious and don’t care about what’s right – and yet he loves you deeply.  If you struggle to believe this, read Isaiah 43:1-7.

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