From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Agur is writer of Proverbs 30 and seems to be a simple ordinary man who is never mentioned anywhere else in scripture. God still uses ordinary people to do His work because it is not in their own power but through His power that the impossible is made possible.

Like an eagle in the sky, a mighty lion among beasts, or a servant who becomes king; God has made each of us for a purpose. We can know what purpose God has for us by spending time with Him in His word. The ONE who can gather up the wind in His hand or wrap the waters in His cloak will make what seems impossible … possible in our life if we get in tune with Him by beginning each day in His word and in prayer.

Unfortunately, we live in a society that is always unsatisfied and always wants more. A society that is full of material gain, pride and anger. These qualities can never make the amazing possible but committed followers of Christ can because they are satisfied with what they have and who God has made them to be.

Humble servants for the purposes of God can make the impossible possible because the Creator can take what is ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. By following the Way, everything falls into to place. Then as we look back on the amazing past, we are inspired to continue to walk the path towards an amazing future and accomplish what was thought to be impossible for God’s glory.

This day with You God, we are thankful for Your gift of Jesus. Because of believing in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, there is a power that eliminates any doubt. We have direct communication with You through prayer and are no longer limited but set free to be all we can be. Amen.

 

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Chipping Away

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. – Job 23:10 

As brought out in the post “Lighten the Load”, we need to get rid of that extra baggage in order to be all that God want us to be. We need to get rid of negative qualities that weigh us down like anger, pride, fear, and dishonesty. We need to trust in the Lord and lighten the load by being disciplined in His ways. 

This day with God, celebrate the truth because God has started something good in you. As in this song Unfinished by Mandisa points out, His work in you is unfinished but day by day you are chipping away producing a masterpiece for God’s glory.
 

 

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Lighten the Load

Some thoughts after studying Proverbs 29 are that negative character qualities like not listening to advice, pride, and dishonesty adds weight on the shoulders of individuals and societies. On the other hand, following Biblical principles produces a society of people ready to flourish.

Holding others to account or giving discipline may produce a short term unpleasant time but in the long run, it sets up potential for a brighter future. Therefore, let us always seek the approval of God first.

His principles never change so let us work together to understand them and apply them in our life. We may need to look at our daily routine so we can analyze what is holding us back. We may need to cut out bad habits and make adjustments in our life in order to tweak and get in sync with God.

This day with You Lord, we are thankful for discipline gained through reading Your Word and we give praise to You. We pray for direction each day. We may fall short at times but by accepting You in our hearts, our load is lighter and we have greater power. We don’t have to repress our past but simply confess our past and You will transform us because of Your amazing grace. The process has begun and we are taking in Your instructions day by day and stepping ahead on our walk with You. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Proverbs and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection.

Proverbs 29
* What negative qualities observed here do you need to especially get rid of in your life? What is the paradox in verse 23? Do you seek the approval of man or of God?

Proverbs 30
* Who is Agur and what are his emotions as he writes here? In what areas of life have you been foolish? How can you become wise in these areas?

 

 

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

 

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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Joy Even in Trials

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:2-4 

Within the post “Joy and Excellence in the Future” are ideas to building up character. By following God’s plan for us, we have joy and the game plan for a victorious life.

We may not feel good at times, we may feel lonely, we may feel inferior or just physically worn out but these are the things that create resistance and ultimately make us stronger; the resistance like lifting weights to build muscle. The resistance of water as we swim laps to burn extra calories or the hill as we run to the top.

Without resistance, the wings of a plane can’t produce lift and fly through the air. Without resistance to fear, there is no courage. Next time your day is filled with some resistance, smile at it, say thank You God, and keep going.

As in the song Keep Making Me – Sidewalk Prophets let us have the attitude of continuous growth in the ways of God. Even during tough times, there is joy when God is put in control.
 

 

Index of devotionals

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