THE ROD OF CORRECTION

 Scripture: Proverbs 23:7-14

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15 (KJV)

Children are by default, prone to foolish deeds because they have little or no knowledge of the consequences of their actions. It takes the extra effort of good and godly parents to grow young children, especially in this modern era, into responsible and wise adults. One of the ways parents raise good children is through prompt and continuous correction.

THE PAINS OF INACTION

 Scripture: Proverbs 3:27-28

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1 (KJV)

No one feels happy when what is due them is intentionally delayed; yet we often find ourselves doing so to others. Postponement or procrastination of any event that will lead to loss for the next person, with no tangible reason is not a character any Christian should exhibit.

THE DANGER OF INDECISION

 Scripture: James 1:2-15

 “But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” Revelation 3:16 (NLT)

Hesitation, procrastination and distractions are the outcomes of indecision. The Greek word for double-mindedness “dipsuchos”, literally translates as two-minded; that is someone being pulled in two different directions, constantly shifting between decisions. For this person it is impossible to ever steadily commit to anything. Such a man or woman is unstable emotionally, financially and spiritually.

CONFIDENCE IN WISDOM

Scripture: Proverbs 3:21-26

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)

Everyone has, at some point in time, succumbed to fear and many still currently live in constant fear. In an attempt to deal with the fear, some resort to substance abuse while some enter into destructive relationships. They usually end up in a bigger mess than where they started.

BEWARE OF MAN’S PHILOSOPHY

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-8

 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV)

Feedback: Consider the benefits of studying God’s word.

God's word can help shape our mindset and build up our faith in him but philosophy based on the wisdom of men contrary to the knowledge of God can ruin our faith. These principles are built after the tradition of men and the rudiments of the world rather than the word of God. Any philosophy contrary to the word of God is from the devil.

KEEP GOD’S INSTRUCTION

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12

“But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." Luke 11: 28 (KJV)

God's words and principles are timeless truths that do not require any addition or subtraction. Be that as it may, some people are still not receptive and hardhearted towards the Word of God thereby making themselves impossible candidates for the blessings that lie within.

GOD’S WORD

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:8-18

 “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21 (NIV) \

The Bible is the word of God. It is his voice to help and direct us daily. The Bible is an absolute necessity for every believer because it contains everything he needs to be successful in every area of life. This book of wisdom is a detailed manual that contains lessons and instructions for living.

TRUST GOD

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,…” Romans 15:13a (NIV)

There are a lot of smart people everywhere in the world today but just how far can intelligence take anyone? Without total trust in God and surrender to Him, you can only get as far as your brain can comprehend but when you are backed up by the all-knowing God, there is no limit to what you can achieve. (Isaiah 46:10).

PRIORITIZED GIVING

 Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

“Honour the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;” Proverbs 3:9 (NKJV)

The general attitude of many when it comes to giving Tis to bring to God leftovers, after every other need has been met. This is wrong. Every other need, no matter how urgent and important in our consideration and circumstance should take second place after honouring God the giver of all things. Nothing should take God’s place in your giving order.

GODLY ACQUISITION

Scripture: Proverbs 8:17-30

“My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.” Proverbs 8:19 (KJV)

Everyone aspires to live the good life, including Christians. We all want to be rich, live in fine homes, drive good cars, marry and have beautiful children. These are legitimate and godly aspirations. What is critical is how you get the good things of life. To God, the end does not justify the means at all.

ENSLAVE THE MAMMON

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-21

 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)

Money is good and answereth all things. The Church needs money to expand, the Christian needs money to survive on earth, therefore, money itself is not the problem. The problem is the attitude of man towards it. People are ready to go to any length and even sell their souls to be rich.

A FATHER’S INSTRUCTION

 Scripture: Proverbs 4:1-11

“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.” Proverbs 13:1 (KJV)

Feedback: How refreshing was your personal devotion with God?

Fathers are placed over children to guide, protect and provide for them. In order to nurture them in the path of success, fathers always instruct their children from their wealth of experience and wisdom. Some instructions may seem harsh or very difficult but are usually given with the best intentions at heart and the wellbeing of the child as the ultimate focus.

GOD’S ELECT

Scripture: Romans 8:12-17

“Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us (declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself).” Romans 8:33 (AMP)

 I t is quite unfortunate when a child grows up without a father or worse as an orphan, without parental love.Such a child is vulnerable, unguided and most critically “unprotected”. A person is spiritually unprotected until they become God’s own and this is done by simply accepting His Son Jesus Christ in principle and practice.

APPLY DISCRETION

Scripture: Proverbs 2:10-15

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;” Proverbs 4:6 (NIV)

A Christian that lacks the wisdom and understanding to survive in the world today will constantly be pulled down. We should strive to possess the quality of having good judgment and this can only be possible by the help of the Holy Spirit.

A HARD TARGET

 Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (AMP)

 Many people are so “modernized” that they feel the devil does not exist and this is their greatest undoing. The devil will always provoke you with temptations and trials but you must not let him succeed. The day you gave your life to Christ and decided to serve God is the same day you became a prime target of the enemy.

A GOOD NAME

 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:1-12

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Proverbs 22:1 (KJV)

The needs and desires that are synonymous with living on earth can sometimes push people into doing things that will give them a bad name. Even Christians sometimes are caught in this web of deceit that they have to live up to the standards of the world so they sometimes compromise their values to meet up.

FRIENDS OF WEALTH

 Scripture: Proverbs 19:1-8

 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

It is quite common to see sycophants flocking around the rich and powerful, pledging allegiance to them and displaying a high level of loyalty simply because of what they stand to gain. Take away the riches and power and watch them disappear like shadows.

LOYAL TO YOUR FAITH

 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:15-18

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

M any Christians in our present day often give up on people and God during challenging and trying times which actually shows a weakness in their faith and consequently disloyalty to God. It will be folly to give up on your faith when the challenges of life hit and even more dangerous when you start questioning God.

THE HEDGE OF GOD

 Scripture: Job 1:1-10

 “Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household…” Job 1:10a (NKJV)

 Feedback: Consider the divine benefits of sharing the goodnews.

A hedge is a barrier of protection; a common example is the fence around your house. However, there is a higher hedge more superior to any other. It is the hedge of God. The hedge of God is God’s total and perpetual protective covering over a man’s entire life. This hedge does not just protect your house and physical possessions but also surrounds you, your family and loved ones physically and spiritually.

FINANCIAL PRUDENCE

Scripture: Proverbs 21:17,26

“Whoever loves pleasure will become poor...” Proverbs 21:17 (NIV)

Managing finances is a struggle for a lot of people in general and even believers. The bible has provided a guide to mastering the art of financial discipline. It requires self-discipline and control of our desires.