Today’s Scripture: When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, Proverbs 23:1 ESV
When you observe carefully do you see the desires of God or are you blinded by your own desires or fears? This 23rd Proverb of wisdom is a warning but today I am sharing an observation of how God speaks to me. Because this is an example I am breaking my normal word count to relay an experience that may help someone who thinks God does not speak.
As I made my way to my prayer closet in the dark this morning I asked God to prepare my heart as He prepared Jesus’ heart for those dark early morning prayers. My legs brushed along some boxes scattered across the darkened room. This clutter has been left in the rush and madness of a crazy season I am in. It occurred to me that Jesus too probably had to be observant of things that could trip Him up as well.
After my quiet time in prayer I “decided” to read the 23rd Proverb on this 23rd day of the month and what is the first verse? “Observe carefully what is before you”. What are you saying God, you passed a “random” thought through my mind earlier and now Your Word speaks specifically to that thought.
A coincidence? I think not as this is an example of what has happened hundreds if not thousands of times over the past seven years for me. Reading the following lines I know this warning is for me today. I have failed to do what God has called me to do because I have toiled to acquire wealth and put off what I know God has been speaking into me.
I will expectantly read the following verses with special attention as I KNOW God is speaking through His Spirit and His truth.
How have you observed God speaking to you?
Today’s Prayer: Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Thank You for giving us our daily bread. Forgive me for toiling for the wrong desires. Help me to toil for Your desires. Lead me not into temptation and deliver me from evil. For You are the kingdom I desire to live for and I trust in Your power, Your glory and Your honor. Thank You for speaking to those willing to observe carefully. Strengthen me to toil for You. Amen
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
It’s 5:00 am time to take the dog out get my coffee and check my I pad to see your new post. I always hurry to wake up see what God has put on your heart to share with others. Can’ wait till we get to the deer camp and share story’s of prays answered and God’s Holy Word!! See you soon.Danny Mc
Amen Danny and thank you for your encouragement and confirmation. God is good and we will share Him in the woods…soon!! Blessings and observing!
“Open my eyes that I might see”..thank you, Tom!
Thank you Meg, your long time presence and confirmation are a blessing to me and an encouragement to observe deeper and longer:) Blessings as you see!
Thank you, Tom! I copied and put your prayer from today so I can see it every day – hope that is ok!?
Great to hear from you Katy. I will be honored to pray with you every day! We will observe the presence of God!
I took a leap of faith this week and accepted a new job – even though it pays less than the job I currently have, which is not a lot to begin with… but when you feel that God is answering a prayer, you have to jump!
Thanks for the blessing you are!
Praying for your new job Katy. I admire your faith and courage to act on God’s leading. Once again you have encouraged me to be a follower of Jesus and live in faith in all things! Blessings as you complete the new work He has for you!
I LOVE this word, and the gentle way you teach, brother Tom–just as Jesus does, I believe (at least to me). Observe carefully what is before me–I’ll be pondering that with Him all day–thank you so much. God bless you BIG–love, sis C
Thank you dear Sis. His Spirit and His Word are made gentle with love all the while cutting between soul and spirit. May we observe and ponder His ways, carefully and boldly. BIG blessings and gratitude.
I love my how He speaks to you, Tom, and how you share that with us. Observing what is before me today and listening for Him. God bless you!
Deb, thank you for confirmation and encouragement. You are a gifted sister devoted to encouragement and I am thankful for you. Blessings and observance.