Today’s Reading, Proverbs 30-31
Focal Scripture: Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; , he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
Knowing you’re being told the truth is something to hold onto in your life. Being spoken to with pure motives and a pure heart is something else all together. As people we can tell the difference when we are hearing from someone who has pure motives. It comes through in everything that they say, their heart is tender and even when they correct it is with compassion. A person with pure words is truthful but also filled with grace in everything that they do. People like this are not full of deceit or vileness, but instead pursue holiness.
In today’s reading we are told that every word of God is pure. We are also told that he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. So what does this mean? It means that when the Lord speaks we know it’s truthful and compassionate. He wants to engage and build people up at the same time. Simultaneously he protects those who run to him and hide in his presence. God is a tender warrior who protects and provides.
If you are like me you have been hurt by people in your life. Sometimes this hurt is unintentional and other times it comes from evil people who have venom in their heart. These interactions and experiences can make you bitter. They can turn your heart away from the Lord.
The challenge that we have as believers is to trust God and know that what he says is pure, good, and holy. This means that when we are spoken to and treated poorly that is not from the Lord. It comes from people not submitted to God or people who have evil in their heart.
If you have experienced pain in your life from people who do not pursue holiness, know that they are not showing evidence of a believer. God only speaks things that are pure. A person who is being controlled by the spirit will not look or act like the world.
It is time we start normalizing biblical Christianity. This means that people have hearts and lives that have been changed. It infiltrates their thinking, actions and speech. Watch out for people who justify sin with the statement “that is just the way I am.” That shows a heart that is not changed and not pure.
Thankfully, the God we serve is pure, holy, and just. If you do not resemble his character it is time to ask yourself why.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Kings 12-14
