31 Days of Wisdom and Worship – Day 17 – Pastor Ryan Binkley

“A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.”

Proverbs 17:10 NLT

 

Wisdom

 

There are some people who can receive some instruction, guidance, and correction just once, and they immediately respond.  You can exhaust yourself with others because you have to talk with them over and over again about the same matter, and they still come up with excuses on their behavior.  We all need correction, to make adjustments, and admonishment at times.  As such, we simply need to have the mindset that when correction comes, we want to listen and respond in a Godly, wise manner.  I have five children and sometimes it is just beautiful hearing them talk, have fun, and even banter back and forth a bit.  The only part that gets frustrating is when one tells the other “please stop”, meaning someone has crossed the line and they need to pull back.  Unfortunately, there are days when we hear “please stop” not just once, twice, or even three times.  It is rare, but if someone is yelling “stop” over and over it becomes annoying because we know someone is just not listening to the other person.  This happens in real life all the time, except we are not kids arguing, we are adults who just resist listening.  If we will have a listening ear, then we can become a person of understanding.  When one rebuke comes our way, we can take notice and respond accordingly.  What if the world listened and respected each other the first time?  If we did, then there would be no reason for prisons, lawsuits, or divorces. We must learn to listen, care, and love one another and wisdom will rule in our lives.

 

Worship

 

“ Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Interlude”

Psalms 39:4-11 NLT

 

Father, I know that my days here on this earth are brief and short compared to eternity.  Help me to understand that every day that I live is for you and not to take any day for granted.  Our lives are just moments and we need to live them for You every day. Forgive me of my sin and rebellion and bring my heart close to you.  I will listen and respond to your correction.  I receive your guidance for my life and discipline.  Let me live among the wise and thank you for loving me to guide and correct me today.  Amen.