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Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on Proverbs 21:1-3,5,17,20-21,31 posted June 19, 2013 - Prayer Tents
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In today's passage, I feel led to write on two topics: 1. Importance and benefits of planning, and 2. proper heart of a king—all of us!
1. Planning (v. 5, 17, 20, 31)
Planning is important—As we are led by God, sometimes it may be take one quick action—such as, “go speak with that person” but sometimes, it can be several steps such as “be ready to” share your faith with another person. Certainly, God may prompt you to share your faith with someone at any given time, and will give you the words to speak; but more often, He prompts us to prepare for that feat. When we have that kind of prompting, we need to prepare and plan. This may prompt us to explore within ourselves—what do I really believe in? What is the faith that I would share?
Perhaps this will lead us to a study, perhaps to prayer, or perhaps to speak with other believers. Throughout activities in these set of events, you can ask God as you go along to guide you. These steps are what we call the plan.
Another example that is constantly occurring in our ministry is to reaching out to people outside the church. Certainly, we need God's divine wisdom to teach us how we can do that—and for this, the we ought to pray and find out what God has in mind. As He leads us, we need to share (communicate) and if it seems right to us (we who love God and seek His voice) then we should execute without pushing it off. (Otherwise, we will remain where we are). Note that there are many verses in proverbs directing us to be diligent and not lazy—this is where it comes to play.
2. The Heart of a King—our hearts (v. 1-3, 21).
As with To One Another Ministries' values—we are to be people who are influential. This is what it means to be a king. This passage shares the core values to be such a person.
1. Our hearts desires and pursuits flow just as the Lord directs. We hear the voice of God and move immediately to as He leads us.
2. He speaks to us and guides us—imagine teaching a child how to play a game. If s/he cannot follow step 1, we cannot teach them step 2. When it says God guides us wherever He pleases, it means we are following step 1, step 2, then step 3 so that He can guide us all the way through. (we must remain diligent and pursue His goals)
3. Our hearts are devoted to the Lord (v.2)
4. We DO what is right and just (v. 3). We don't just attend services, do missions, and pay a large offering as if that would please the Lord. We do it rather out of gratitude from our hearts.
5. Righteousness (doing right unto others) and unfailing love (mercy and forgiveness) is the path that God leads us. Let us ask the Lord to transform our hearts so that we may turn away from our selfishness and seek to be to one another.
1The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases. 2People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. 3The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. 5Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. 17Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich. 20The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. 21Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. 31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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