Bible: daily devotion of 20 July
Devotional writing:
Proverbs 21: 5-6 (KJV):
5 The diligent's thoughts tend only towards fullness; but of everyone who is in a hurry only to want.
6 Obtaining treasure from a lying tongue is a vanity thrown back and forth by those seeking death.
Proverbs 21: 5-6 (AMP):
5 Thoughts of the diligent (constantly) tend only to fullness, but anyone who is impatient and hasty hurries only to desire.
6 Securing treasures with a lying tongue is a steam pushed back and forth; those who seek them seek death.
Designed for the day
Verse 5 - Prosperity begins with our life of thought. Negative thinking stuns us and our circumstances, while positive thoughts and good vision make us prosper. The Bible tells us that everything that occurs in our lives has a deeper origin, that is, our hearts (Proverbs 23: 7 AMP). Man is a spirit; has a soul and lives in a body. Thoughts occur in the mind, but it is the spirit-man that influences the mind. The spirit within the diligent person feeds his thoughts and generates creativity. Learn all he can to improve himself and his life. Consider how to work more efficiently and consider practical and serious issues. His thoughts lead to prosperity.
Many non-Christians are extremely diligent, while many Christians are not at all. This shouldn't be. Christians should be diligent in seeking God and walking in his ways, becoming diligent also in practical matters. When we are "reborn", we are given a new nature, thanks to which we have access to the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ. The devil will try to tempt us by putting evil ideas into our minds and tempting us through our old natures. But in him we have the power to repress the imagination and bring our thoughts in captivity to Christ. So let's put the devil to flight (2 Corinthians 10: 3-5).
The Lord told Solomon that he would bless him so that he would have an inheritance for his children if he served God with a perfect heart and a willing mind (1 Chronicles 28: 9). Since we are diligent in following God, He will guide our thoughts so that we thrive in all our ways. Those who are eager to earn wealth only go to poverty. This principle is illustrated by gambling. Gamblers waste their money in an attempt to get rich quickly. Instead of meditating on how to improve themselves, they constantly speculate on new strategies or invest in "rapid enrichment" schemes. They waste money that could have been invested wisely, and therefore end up robbing only themselves.
Verse 6 - Unscrupulous methods of trying to obtain wealth by lying will lead a person to death. The Bible tells us that we will reap what we sow. A modern expression is "what turns, comes." If one person lies, the rest will lie to him. Thieves tend to run with thieves and liars with liars. There is no honor among thieves; since in the end they are looking for their own advantage; and some won't even stop to murder to get their wishes.
Devotional prayer for the day
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your guidelines for each area of our lives. We know that when we follow your ways and keep your commandments we will enjoy blessings in this life. Lord, help us to be honest in all our dealings with money so that we will be blessed. Forgive us when we put money into the wrong things. Lord, forgive those who stole us and took advantage of us. We look at you to restore what has been lost. Help us to be wise and not be led to use our money in wrong ways. We can use our money and resources not only to take care of our responsibilities, but also to give, help others and help spread the gospel to others. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.