28th. July. 2022.Daily Devotions.

A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. Proverbs 15:5

No one likes to receive discipline, and I think that’s why Solomon brings it up so often in the book of Proverbs. Since the Fall, humans have tended toward foolishness and hard-headedness. Just like Adam and Eve, we think we know best, and so we plough ahead with what we want to do and resent anyone who might suggest we are headed in the wrong direction. That’s the human condition, but Solomon tells us that’s the exact wrong way to live.

Rather than reject, or “spurn,” correction from people God has placed in our lives, Solomon tells us that we should “heed correction,” for that “shows prudence,” or in other words, makes us wise (v. 5). Sin has conditioned us to think that we know what is right and best for us, but we are deceived. And to continue in that deception by rejecting discipline shows that we are more than deceived—we are fools. To turn the ship around, so to speak, we must face the truth about our sin condition and then humbly accept correction and reproof. That’s easier said than done, of course. Seeing ourselves as we really are is not just countercultural, it’s counter-human! We need the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised, to guide and direct our hearts, otherwise we’ll remain fools convinced of our own goodness.

Lord, we know that the consequences of sin unchecked are far worse than the sting of correction! Work in our hearts so we have the humility to accept correction—and even to be thankful for it! Amen.

Loving God, we bring you our thanks for all that has been. We pray for open hearts to receive today as a gift, a new page, a new chapter in the journey of our lives. Fill us with your wonder and your love your gentleness and peace.
Help us to use each moment for your glory and show us how we might be a blessing to others, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dear Father in heaven, Creator of what is good, beautiful, and full of joy so that all may work in harmony with you, we thank you for all the good that comes to us. May we be your children, joined together to serve you. May our life bring joy to others, and may we do good without ceasing through your great, strong love, which moves us, strengthens us, and helps us every day, however hard life may be. May your name be praised throughout the world. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.

Guide and govern your Church, O Lord, that we may walk warily in times of quiet and boldly in times of danger; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Franciscan Breviary (13th century)

Holy God, our experience of pandemic and lockdown has made us rethink the meaning of place. So often we have focused on buildings and how we make others welcome in those places. But the place where we all really need to be is in your arms of love, in your family and in your kingdom. For in your arms, your family, and your kingdom there is not just room for all, but a role for all.
Inspire us with a fresh vision of how we can invite others into that place of encounter with you, offering welcome, forgiveness, grace and joy. Thank you for the promise of a place where each of us belongs and where you dwell among us. Amen.

May God hold you in his love and fill you with his peace today and every day. Amen.