Well, it's 1/11/11...almost as cool a date as 11/11/11 will be. We are reading through the book of Proverbs and I want to share my perspective on getting the most out of a daily reading of proverbs. Most chapters in proverbs are not sequential in thought. What I mean is, the verses do not necessarily carry one idea over to the next. Many times a verse or two in proverbs is its own stand-alone principle. Some proverbs, however, like today's reading in chapter 11, dwell on a topic/theme such as righteousness.
Using the L3 journal sets you up for success because the goal is to prayerfully search for ONE verse that you would meditate on throughout the day. Look for one verse. There's so much to dwell on and to apply that you will get overwhelmed by trying to swallow every morsel. Take that one verse and look at it from different angles starting with how Jesus embodied that truth. For example: my verse today is Prov. 11:25.
"A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
The Jesus angle: Jesus turned water into wine. Jesus fed the 5000. Jesus gave living water to the woman at the well. Jesus let the little children come to Him. Jesus gave up His life. (This is a great practice to think through the Gospels and see how Christ exemplifies your verse.)
The Personal angle: Others have been generous to me. People have taken me fishing. People have fed me (which is always awesome). People have supported me financially. People have prayed for me.
The Observation angle: I've seen people be generous. People have given up vacation time for mission projects. People have lived on full support. People have made baby blankets for CPO. People have sold their home and given the equity to others. People have brought fresh, drinking water to others. People have shared Jesus with their neighbors.
The Application angle: Who can I bless with generosity? Where am I already being generous and experiencing refreshment? Is the Lord asking more of me? What will be a demonstration of generosity of time, energy and resources TODAY?
This requires some thought and prayer. But, this keeps your daily reading from being monotonous and keeps you focused on not only reading God's Word but doing what it says. (James 1:22)
David Hinkle
FBC Small Group & Equipping Pastor
Posted on
Tue, January 11, 2011
by David Hinkle
filed under