27 May 2021 – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

27 May 2021 – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Scripture

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Reflection

When I first became a follower of Christ, I hadn’t learned what “tithing” meant.  Every Sunday when the offering basket came around, I would put what I felt like I could spare from my wallet.  Hey, I’m just a girl fresh out of college who doesn’t make that much money;   I will give more when I am established in my career.  This went on for a couple of years until I heard a sermon where the pastor spoke about tithing.  He said:  “God wants your first fruits.  If how much you tithe is determined by what’s left after tax is deducted and your rent is paid, to whom did you give your first fruits?”  Ouch.  I felt so convicted on the spot, that from that moment on I changed how I tithed, and God has blessed me ever since.   Because I acknowledged God first with my income, I never lacked financially, even during a long period of time that I was unemployed.  I know I can trust God in the area of provision.

But what about other aspects of my life? If I trust God completely with my health, my career, my finances, but don’t seek His counsel when it comes to marriage, then I cannot say that I trust God completely.  We cannot compartmentalize God; He is Lord of ALL.  So many professing Christians pursue relationships outside of God’s will by dating  whoever  seems “right”  to  our eyes.

When we feel bored, lonely, or depressed we will find other means of distraction, sometimes falling into sinful, addictive behavior.  Instead of ruling our thought life and our tongue we act and speak out from the flesh, hurting others and ourselves.  I have committed all of the above at various times in my life, even as a follower of Christ.  Today’s verse is a reminder that trusting and acknowledging God in every area of my life, in every circumstance should be a daily practice.

Whatever that is not of God is only second place at best;  but at worst, it can lead us completely away from Him.  What God has for us is the best; don’t settle for less.  There may be many open doors before us, but if we don’t acknowledge God, how will we recognize which is the door that He wants us to open?

Thoughts for the day

  • Is there anything that you have not trusted God with?  Why or why not?
  • What does it mean for you to “acknowledge” God?  Can you hear His response?
  • What do you particularly need His counsel on today?  What will you do when God responds?

Prayer

Pray this prayer throughout the day, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

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By |2021-05-26T14:31:10+08:00May 27th, 2021|Categories: Week 4|Comments Off on 27 May 2021 – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

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About the Author:

Answering God's call to move to Shanghai in 2006, Eileen did not know that God was calling her into full-time ministry. Having served as the SCF administrator since 2007, it has been a hugely rewarding journey to be part of such a dynamic, discipling making community.