Good Question - Day 01
Day 01: Monday, April 17
Read Proverbs 1
Highlight
Verse 7 provides the theological foundation of the Book of Proverbs: Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. The “fear of the Lord” is a term used regularly throughout the Bible. It is less about being scared of God and more about being in awe of him and having reverence for him. Tim Keller describes it this way: “When you find yourself in the presence of someone you so revere, someone you are in awe of, you tremble. It is a positive fear. You are afraid you will disappoint, dishonor this person. The positive fear is all about love. It is a joyful fear. This is what the fear of the LORD is.” Therefore, to revere and be in awe of God is the beginning of knowledge & wisdom.
One of my favorite pastors said, “Wisdom is fundamentally choosing the long over the short, or the lasting over the temporary.” This is why the foundation of true knowledge is our relationship with God and nothing else. The things of eternity are the things of God. To be wise is to choose those things over temporary gain. Fools choose the short-term. But the wise know that eternity is long and this life is short. That is the beginning of wisdom!
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Proverbs 1
Highlight
Verse 7 provides the theological foundation of the Book of Proverbs: Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. The “fear of the Lord” is a term used regularly throughout the Bible. It is less about being scared of God and more about being in awe of him and having reverence for him. Tim Keller describes it this way: “When you find yourself in the presence of someone you so revere, someone you are in awe of, you tremble. It is a positive fear. You are afraid you will disappoint, dishonor this person. The positive fear is all about love. It is a joyful fear. This is what the fear of the LORD is.” Therefore, to revere and be in awe of God is the beginning of knowledge & wisdom.
One of my favorite pastors said, “Wisdom is fundamentally choosing the long over the short, or the lasting over the temporary.” This is why the foundation of true knowledge is our relationship with God and nothing else. The things of eternity are the things of God. To be wise is to choose those things over temporary gain. Fools choose the short-term. But the wise know that eternity is long and this life is short. That is the beginning of wisdom!
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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