New Life Christian Church

Scripture: Proverbs 9

Observation:

I'm not sure why, but this is the second week in a row I have gotten a reading that is all about wisdom. Is God talking to me? Could be. If he is, or isn't, here are some thoughts from Proverbs 9 that I connect with.

So is the writer having some woman issues? Or is he focused on sexual temptation?

In some cities - back in the day - on the highest point would be a temple. Usually not a temple to the God we worship but to gods of that city. And usually as a part of the temple there were prostitutes who hung out for the pleasure of anyone who would be willing to pay for services. This was the way you celebrated our gods and a way the temple paid for itself. Fun for the whole family!

And right in the middle of this scripture, there is this idea of fearing God brings about wisdom. There is a lot of truth in that. The wiser we become to the world around us and the more we fear God in our lives, the greater our chance to make wise decisions - especially when we talk about sexual temptations.

Application:

How am I protecting myself when it comes to temptation? How am I making sure I am being pure? How am I keeping away from the 'temple prostitutes' that may be hovering around me?
I - and you - need to make sure we are running from temptation when we can. When we are weak, the enemy is strong. But God is stronger. Keep reading scripture and learning, keep listening to wise sages in your life, keep praying for God's protection, and RUN when you feel the need!

Prayer:

God, protect me from my temptations - whether they are sexual, or some other area of weakness in my life. Allow me to have the wisdom I need to be who you called me to be. Open my ears to wise words, open my eyes to move in the direction opposite my weakness, and open my heart to you. Amen.