Deep Waters

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 23
NT: Acts 12
W&W: Proverbs 20

Today’s Reflection:
Proverbs 20.5 says, “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” There are three observations I make from this truth:

1. It is my privilege – and even calling – to be a man of understanding to draw out the purposes of others’ hearts. As I get older (and I hope wiser!) I realize how important it is to give back to others what has been given to me through the wisdom and influence of godly men. As God has used many people to help me find my way, I want to be used of God to help others find their way. That does not need to be done in a formal way, but can often be accomplished in day-to-day conversation.
2. I need to have a man of understanding do the same for me. I have blind spots. I sometimes neglect the gifts I have been given. I desire to have Christian relationships that provide feedback, counsel, and encouragement.
3. I should seek to understand myself in order to know the purpose for which God created me. As I meditate and read scripture and pray, God will give me understanding into his purposes for me. Also, I have discovered a great instrument that has helped me become more self-aware – in a God-honoring way. It is called Strengthsfinders©, and it has been developed by Gallup. I would urge you to investigate Strengthsfinders© for yourself.

On one occasion, Jesus told Peter to head out into the deep waters where he would catch some fish. We discover our created purpose in the deep waters of understanding. Take time to do that for yourself and for others.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.