Proverbs 22 - 10.18.23

Scripture

Proverbs‬ ‭22:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬- “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Observation

We are responsible for raising up our children in the Lord and training them up in righteousness, to fulfill their God given destinies. However, it starts with us as parents; pursuing righteousness and being obedient to the Lord; honoring and respecting Him by choosing to be set apart from the world; choosing to live lives of integrity and choosing to teach our kids to do the same.

Application

Pray for our kids daily.

One of the best parenting advice that I received from my mom was to pray for my kids daily. Whether we are a biological parent, adoptive parent or spiritual parent, let us pray for our kids daily and train them up in the way they should go. Our calling as parents is huge, but we need God’s help with this great responsibility.

Prayer

Dear Lord, You have blessed me with my children. They are truly gifts from You. I pray for Your constant help and wisdom as my husband and I raise them up in You. May our choices lead them to You and not away from You.  We desire for them to fulfill Your calling for their life and with Your help, will commit to doing our part in it. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi

Proverbs 21 - 10.17.23

SCRIPTURE:  Proverbs 21:30  "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."

OBSERVATION:  The prophet, Jeremiah declared:  "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me." 

Even when an evil plan is being devised, God is more wise and more powerful to thwart it!  When people propose a plan that is not in line with God's will, it will not stand!

APPLICATION:  Fear is a powerful enemy of our faith and a strong deterrent to the believer's peace of mind.  Fear of war, terrorist attacks, disease and pollution can rob us of our trust in God, BUT GOD is our shelter and hiding place".  (footnotes: Isaiah 8:11-15 NIV Life Application Bible).

Because we serve the all-wise and most powerful God, we have no reason to fear what the world fears.  The Lord Almighty is the only One we are to fear because He is the One true God, and He alone is able to give us true inner peace, and is able to drive out all inappropriate fear that we may have in our heart's.  No matter what plans the enemy is trying to devise, they can't stand up against the wise plans and purposes of God!  

PRAYER:  Knowing that You are the all-wise and most powerful God gives me the confident assurance that I can go to You in prayer, any time, for any reason, understanding that even when the storms of life come, and troubles seem so overwhelming, and even when it appears that the enemy is winning... You have promised to lead me safely as I wholeheartedly follow after You.     

- Robin Orefice

Daniel 6 - 10.16.23

Scripture‭‭

Daniel‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT

“The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.”

Observation

King Darius’ high officers and administrators were all jealous of the favor Daniel received from the king. So they plotted a way they could bring Daniel down. But Daniel was a trustworthy, responsible, faithful, and God-fearing man. The administrators and high officers had no “dirt” on Daniel. The only way they could bring him down was to make a law that would conflict with Daniel’s religious beliefs. So the high officers and administrators convinced the king to sign a law that would require no one to pray to anyone, divine or human-except King Darius, for the next 30 days. Anyone caught breaking this law would be thrown into a lions’ den. Of course Daniel, being a devout God-fearing man, knew exactly Who he should fear and obey more. So Daniel continued with his life as usual. He continued to pray 3 times a day, giving thanks to God, and asking God for guidance in the circumstance he now found himself in.

Application

God provides His favor and protection to those who fear and obey Him.

God’s favor was with Daniel from the very beginning. God blessed Daniel with wisdom and the ability to interpret dreams. Daniel was able to find favor with the different kings of Babylon because of his talent and abilities. He was even put in high ranking positions and given great responsibilities from the kings; because even the kings would see the favor he received from God.

You think all these newfound blessings would change Daniel and make him prideful? Absolutely not! Daniel knew his gifts and favor came from God. And not even a law that was put in place to trap him, would stop Him from praying and giving thanks to God. Daniel knew He would rather obey God, than people. And because of Daniel’s faith, God blessed and protected him.

I am so encouraged by knowing that today. That even when the world was out to get Daniel, he held strong in his faith. And even when he was thrown into a lions’ den, God rescued him. “Not even a scratch was found on him.”

“My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.” -‭‭Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“If you respect and obey the Lord, that is like a spring of water that gives you life. It will keep you safe from death's traps.” -Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭EASY‬‬

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” -Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” -Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

Father God, thank You for always having my back. Thank You for the favor that You have given me in life. I pray for the strength and courage to use that favor to influence others to know You too. May I be like Daniel, and be able to stand in the midst of lions, having the faith and courage knowing that You are with me, protecting me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi