2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:25 ESV, Matthew 1:1-2:12 ESV, Psalm 1:1-6 ESV, Proverbs 1:1-6 ESV
Daily Verse: “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight” (Proverbs 1:2 ESV)
MUCAR: Hebrew root word for INSTRUCTION. “Reproof, warning or instructions; also restraint.” [1]Mucar is discipline, but more. As “discipline” it teaches how to live correctly in the fear of the Lord, so that the wise man learns his lesson before temptation and testing.” [2]
Instruction gives life.
Proverbs, considered a book of wisdom, teaches us how to live. By reading the words written by Solomon, we can avoid temptations and testing. The Bible is the “only ancient religious document that has survived completely intact.” [3] Wise people heed advice; fools ignore it. Solomon’s writings tell the difference between the two.
God gave us an instructional manual for life through the authors of the Bible. Men and women who lived lives of faith recorded their experiences. Their journeys with God help us with ours. We can become wiser by learning from their victories and mistakes. Beginning a new year by dedicating time each day to read the scriptures will help you live your life to the fullest.
Become disciplined.
Mucar requires discipline. We must heed the warnings, doing what God commands. Healthy respect for the Lord’s power means becoming obedient to His ways. Chapter one of Proverbs tells us how to discover God’s plan for our lives by reading the inspired word of God and applying it to our lives.
Today begins a new journey as you engage with your ancestors through their ancient writings. Learn from their relationship with God, those who followed Him, those who didn’t. We can replace any character with “Me.” All of us have fallen short of God’s expectations for us. God knows we aren’t capable of perfection; Jesus stands in the gap for us. With Him, all things are possible. Without Jesus, we have no hope.
Join me on the journey as we venture into a new year. Expect God to do amazing things in your life as you follow His instructions. Become disciplined in spending time with your Creator every day. Live in the hope of Jesus, experience life to the fullest.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Thomas Nelson.
[2] Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Word Study) (p. 658). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
[3] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Thomas Nelson.
