For further reflection:
1. Read Proverbs 21:3: “To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.”
Why do you think it bothers God when we make sacrifices or engage in religious activity but aren’t actively loving our neighbors?
2. The devotional listed three steps to pursuing justice: 1. Understand 2. Show concern 3. Deliver. Why is it important that we engage in all three of these steps?
3. Reflect on how God has shown concern and love for you. What is one way you can show concern and love for someone else? Reflect on how Jesus defends you, proclaiming your worth and value. How can you defend someone else?
Justice
Proverbs: Episode 8
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Proverbs
Fearing God
For further reflection: 1. Read Isaiah 55:8-9: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Then read 1 John 4:16, “God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.” What two different aspects of God’s character do these verses highlight? How does the combination of these two aspects lead us to a fear of the Lord? 2. Read Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Why do you think fear of the Lord cause us to accept his wisdom and instruction? 3. What does fearing God look like in your own life right now? Do you tend to focus more on God’s superiority or God’s love?
Serenity
For further reflection: 1. Read Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.” In this verse, why is trusting in God opposed to leaning on our own understanding? In other words, why can’t we be doing both things at the same time? 2. Read Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” What does it mean to acknowledge God in all our ways? 3. Where in your life are you trusting in your own perceptions instead of trusting in God?