Daily Devotional
Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in
the Bible.
The Wisdom of God
Verses for the Day:
Proverbs 26:3 (KJV):
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
Proverbs
26:3 (AMP): A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a (straight,
slender) rod for the backs of (self-confident) fools.
Thoughts for the Day:
This verse
from Proverbs tells us that some people will only be
persuaded to obey, by receiving their instruction through punishment, like a
horse and a donkey, that only move when a whip or a bridle is applied. Animals
must be trained to obey the commands of their masters through the use of a
bridle and a whip as they are rebellious and fearful. They will not cooperate
until they complete this training. Some horses and donkeys are more sensitive
than others and train more quickly and make better servants than others. The
Bible definition of the word "fool" is one who is rebellious; therefore, t
Some Christians
act like fools when it comes to obeying the Word of God. They would not have to
receive the "rod to their back" for correction, if they would simply obey in the
first place. How does God train and correct His children?
The way God teaches us is by
speaking to us through His Word and by His Holy Spirit. He also uses his
preachers and pastors to teach and correct us. When we fail to respond and hear
His Words of instruction, we leave the door open to the enemy, who then is able
to break in and do His evil work. God is never the author of evil and
destruction. He comes to bring us life and blessing. However, to receive it, we
must choose life and obey His Word. The Bible teaches us that when we leave God
out of our homes, schools, businesses, and government, it allows the enemy
to come in and wreak havoc in our lives. God wants us to turn to Him before we
experience any destruction, not be driven to Him through the destruction (the
rod of correction) that comes as a result of us disobeying Him.
We can learn by two
different methods. The first, is to hear and obey; the second, is to
refuse and be forced by our own rebellion to obey. Forced
obedience is not what the Lord desires. People who obey because they
have to do so in order to escape the pain or destruction they have
brought upon themselves, are not what God is looking for. He wants
obedience from our hearts. God gave us a free will so we can choose to
obey or disobey.
We should obey when God speaks to us and not try to
get God to accept our way of doing things. His ways are higher than our
ways. Our precious Lord would never ask us to do anything that would not
bring a blessing to our lives. Sometimes that blessing is not
immediately seen; yet, if we hold fast and continue to follow in His
ways, we will discover He has a most beautiful plan for our lives. We
must let the Lord work His patient nature into our lives and not always
expect instant answers. This is difficult for us as we are living in an
age in which everything is instant: instant coffee, instant tea, instant
mashed potatoes, etc. The Lord wants us to walk not only in obedience,
but also in faith and trust in Him. We must remember, He is the
creator of the universe so we can trust Him. All of the commandments in
the Bible are for our good and we should obey them and not be as the
horse or the ass who must have the whip and bridle applied. We can
choose not to be as a fool who will bring the rod to his own back by his
rebellion and disobedience.
Prayer for the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am grateful that You have given us the Bible so that we may know and
understand Your ways. Lord, I ask You to forgive me for the times that I have
rebelled against Your Word and have experienced the pain caused by my own
disobedience. Father, give me the grace to obey Your Word. I know
that You have given us Your commandments so that we can be blessed in the earth.
Deliver me from rebellion and all pride that would cause me to do it my way.
I do trust You and I know that by obeying You, I will not suffer the
consequences that sin causes. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
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