Day ONE of March to Wisdom

Hey, glad to have you along for the ride of our March through Proverbs - I know, it's corny, but hey, it works for me.

Anyway, feel free to post your own insights into Proverbs or just what God hit you with during this month. Posts will be made daily by me with the verse that impacted me during my reading of Proverbs, and with the verse that I am working on memorizing for today. 31 verses of Proverbs in 31 days... I used to be able to do this in the 'old' days - let's hope it is still there...

So, for the first chapter of Proverbs, God spoke to me about making sure I keep my heart open to hear his voice when he rebukes me. In this proverb, "wisdom" is personified and says:

"If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you."
Proverbs 1:23

Am I purposefully, non-defensively listening when I get corrected by others, or the Spirit of God? Am I asking intensely, "God, is this true? Does this person have my best in mind... Is this a word from you? Are you trying to show me something through this rebuke?" Or, if it is just a thought that has come, do I ask, "Is this thought that has come into my mind from you, or is just something that has flown through, brought on by the enemy or my perfectionist tendencies? Does this point me to Jesus, or away from him?"

In other words, do I listen with my heart as hard things are said to me. This does not mean that everyone who says something against me needs to be given a "You're right!" immediately. No, sometimes people say things that are not accurate, or vengeful to us. As a leader, sometimes this is the case. However, what is the "kernal" of truth in what is being said? Am I looking for that like treasure to form me more and more to be like Jesus?

If so, then God promises to "pour out" the heart of wisdom to me, and make the thoughts of wisdom know to me! Very cool!

I'd love to hear what God is speaking to you about Proverbs one. Add your proverb and thoughts in the comments section.

Are you up to the March to Wisdom challenge?

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
~ Proverbs 1:1-6

Proverbs is an incredible book of Scripture. It is filled with the sayings of the wise - principles that, if followed, lead to knowing Christ better, and living a life of integrity. However, it is not a book of promises - in other words, if you do these things you will get rich, or get your health back, etc. It is a gift for us to know how to live life successfully in this murky world.

This March, I would like to challenge our entire church (anyone else who surfs onto this blog) to do something - join me on a “March to Wisdom.” I am going to be reading the book of Proverbs one chapter per day, and would invite everyone (men, women and children) at Hope to join in with me if you would like to. There are 31 chapters of Proverbs and 31 days in March. Perfect! 1 Chapter per day.

After you have read a chapter, I would ask you to pick out one proverb and then either memorize it, put it on a card to meditate on, or just write it in a journal. I’ll be memorizing 31 proverbs and posting my “Journey through Proverbs” online on my blog - www.stevetreichler.blogspot.com. I would invite you all to add your proverb of the day to the comment section each day as well, adding any comments how your proverb has ministered to you.

Seeking wisdom with you this March,
Trike