Way of The Warrior- A Daily Devotional

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18, KJV).

Warrior.

Joel Ryan with Christianity.com, wrote well, when talking about this verse. “The book of Proverbs is one of the most practical books in the Old Testament. With its thought-provoking wisdom and memorable epigrams, the writings of King Solomon have provided inspiration and instruction to generations of God’s followers looking to practice righteousness in every area of life. In fact, many of the principles touched on in Proverbs offer warning, correction, encouragement, and practical steps for godly living.” He goes on to pose a question, that he answers: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PROVERBS? In the first few verses of the book of Proverbs, in the 1^st Chapter of Proverbs, Solomon outlines the purpose of Proverbs, by saying that the Proverbs are written: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are 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 1:2-6).

Leader, the theme of Proverbs is then laid out in the following verse, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). If we are to be WISE, WISDOM COMES FROM GOD, then we must begin the process by having an AWE for God and His WORD! Throughout the Bible, we see that this is part of God’s plan for humanity. He wanted his creation and the jewel of that creation, humanity, to thrive by being in relationship with Him. But in order for that relationship to exist and for us to develop the disciplines required to live the life He wants for us, a life free from sin, we must be equipped with proper knowledge and instruction. This knowledge provides a new vision that allows us to see God and His plan for our lives more clearly. It creates in us a GOS (God operating System). Without this frame, without this VISION, we are left to wander in the dark, down a path that ultimately leads to destruction. Hear the Word of the Lord: “We hope for light, but behold, darkness, for brightness, but we walk in gloom. We grope along the wall like blind men, we grope like those who have no eyes; we stumble at midday as in the twilight, among those who are vigorous we are like dead men” (Isaiah 59:9-10).

Conduit, let us consider what 2 of the greatest Christians of all time; Paul and Jesus had to say about this, about having this VISION, about those who read the Word, follow the WORD, preach the WORD, and LOVE THE WORD! In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (2 Corinthians 4:4, Matthew 15:14) This is one of the purposes of the Bible, so we know, so we are prepared so we: Fear NOT…for I AM…. (Genesis 15:1, Revelation 1:17) This is also why, through His prophets, through Solomon, the New Testament apostles, and from the WORD HIMSELF, His Son, Jesus the Christ, God provided perfect, life-giving instruction, which He expects us to live by. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. (Romans 2:13) He also calls us to, expects us to- SHARE THE WORD with others! Hear the Word of the Lord: And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Then, “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Matthew 28:18-20) VISION begets Wisdom; GET SOME!