Redemption Parish LP14

Tuesday 14th July , 2022.

(Proverbs 12:8-17)

Topic: Tell Your Story Authentically

The proverbs for today cover many different subjects, from taking care of animals (v.10) to overlooking insults rather than showing our annoyance at once: ‘Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults’ (v.16,).

There is one proverb that is specifically on today’s theme: ‘A truthful witness gives honest testimony’
(v.17). This, of course, has implications for witnesses in court. But also, all of us are witnesses in the sense that we are all in a position to testify about Jesus.

Whether you are on a night out with friends or speaking at the front of a crowd of people in church or elsewhere, there is something very powerful about a person telling their story truthfully, honestly and from the heart.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to tell my story from my heart, with honesty and authenticity.

Thursday 9th June, 2022.

(Proverbs 11:29-12:7)

Topic: Fruitfulness

Do you want your life to make a difference? Do you realise that your life can be a source of blessing to other people every day?

‘The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life’ (11:30). As we look back at Proverbs 11, we can see all the fruit of the Spirit that the apostle Paul describes in Galatians 5:22:

• Love (Proverbs 11:23)

• Joy (v.10)

• Peace (v.8)

• Patience (v.16)

• Kindness (v.17)

• Goodness (v.17)

• Faithfulness (v.6)

• Gentleness (v.2b)

• Self-control (v.12)

The image of a ‘tree of life’ (v.30) is a beautiful depiction of God’s favour. It re-occurs again and again in Scripture, and is also closely linked to the work of the Spirit in your life (see Ezekiel 47:1–12; Revelation 22:1–2). It is the Spirit who enables and helps you to live the kind of righteous life that is described and to enjoy ‘favour from the Lord’ (Proverbs 12:2).

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for more of the fruit of the Spirit in my life today: more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Wednesday 8th June, 2022.

(Psalm 59:1-8)

Topic: Faith and Opposition

God is your strength in times of difficulty. Belief in God is not the recipe for an easy life. In fact, the reverse is the case. You are likely to face all kinds of opposition.

David’s life was under threat. Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. He finds himself surrounded by ‘enemies... mutineers... dirty tricks... hit men... desperadoes... they’re after me, determined to get me’ (v.1–4, ).

Yet, in the midst of this, David prays, ‘Rescue me...’ (v.1–2, ) and has total confidence that the Lord can and will deliver him (v.8). Later in the psalm, twice David calls on God: ‘O my Strength’
(v.9,17).

He is able to say, ‘I did nothing to deserve this, God, crossed no one, wronged no one’ (v.4, ). David was not perfect (see, for example, 2 Samuel 11). However, sometimes you may face difficulties not because you are doing something wrong but because you are doing something right.

Cry out to God for help in times of personal difficulties. ‘Arise to help me; look on my plight’ (Psalm 59:4). You can also cry out to God for help at times of international crisis. The very next sentence is a prayer for the nation (v.5). At whatever level the opposition appears, ask the Lord for his deliverance, help and intervention.

Prayer:
O my Strength, help me to trust you in times of difficulty and opposition. Deliver us from those who oppose your plans.