Today’s passages in the One Year Bible spoke to me of correction and preparation: Correction that leads to wisdom and preparation that makes way for the Glory of God.
Correction
“He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.” ~ Proverbs 9:7-12
Our lives are built daily by improvements, adjustments, and corrections. Some are major and easy to notice. Other seem insignificant but are just as essential. These changes are progressive and little by little they add up and enrich our lives. In my mind’s eye, I see it as a stone wall of protection.
It is a priceless blessing to have a person or a group of people in your life who will consistently point you in the right direction and help you to stay faithful to the Word of God. Correction is not always pleasant. Sometimes it hurts. But it will not only build you up but it will also shape your life.
Not everyone embraces correction (or rebuke). We tend to get defensive and reject it. We get offended and see it as a personal attack. At times we make up our minds ahead of time and then fail to pause to take advantage of good counsel, and those God has provided in our lives for that purpose – our pastors, our teachers, our mentors, etc. Sometimes we meet their correction with mockery or disrespect. Sometimes we see those that yield to correction as weak.
One of my prayers is for the Lord to give me wisdom, but according to all I have read in the Bible those who seek and obtain wisdom must also embrace Godly correction. Accepting it should never be seen as shameful or weak. Why? Because it is a powerful key to open the door to God’s will. If you are continuously learning and open your heart to the God-provided critique that always lines up with the Word of God, I believe you will find the wisdom you seek, and you will live life strong in the Lord and the power of His might!
Preparation
Along with correction and wisdom, the scriptures passages for today in Exodus and Mark spoke of preparing for the Glory of God. I believe they go hand in hand because preparation for the perfect Glory of God will not be completed without some form of correction by God through His servants, through His Word, or by Him directly. We must have His guidance every step of the way just as Moses did and we stay in places of prayer and the Word as Jesus did. I think we will find that receiving correction is a great part in preparing the way!
Exodus
So Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. ~ Exodus 40:33-34
Mark
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Mark 1:2-3
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. Mark 1:9-13
Prayer
Father, Help me to prepare for Your Glory and Your Glory alone!!! Teach me and show me the necessary details of each step of the process. Teach me through Your Word, Your servants, and through Your own Voice. Lord, surround me with those who will challenge me to stay grounded in truth. Give me a heart that is open Godly correction. Holy Ghost, help me to yield as You correct me of anything and in whatever ways necessary to line my life with You and Your Word. In Jesus Name I ask. Amen!
Complete Daily Scripture Passages were: Exodus 39:1-40:38; Mark 1:1-28; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 9:11-12
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