Day 1 | 21-Day Growth Challenge | Foundations for Prosperity God's Way
Proverbs 1:1 (NLT) These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. 5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
INSIGHT:
This 21 Day Growth Challenge is called "Prosperity God's Way: Wisdom from Proverbs." When I think about prosperity, I think about financial wealth. When I think about prosperity God's way, I think about serving Christ from the heart and walking in God's blessings at every level, from the spiritual to the natural, including financially.
John's greeting in his Third Letter, while not intended to establish a doctrine, nevertheless reveals the heart of God for His people, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." 3 John 2 (NKJV)
The clear condition for "outward" prosperity in all things, and in health, was "inward" prosperity of the soul. Many newer Bible versions use a word other than "prosper," maybe for reasons of concern about the so-called "prosperity gospel." Regardless of any error or foolishness that may have been perpetrated related to prosperity, the fact remains: God wants His people to prosper and His people want to prosper!
What we need to do is operate from a biblical perspective, not to get stuff, but to live a godly and excellent life. If we begin at the place were the word of God directs us to begin, we will always place Jesus Christ and godly character ahead of everything else.
So then, "Prosperity God's Way" begins in the soul, which is your mind (what you think), will (what you do) and emotions (how you feel or your disposition) – or your personality and character. The Book of Proverbs was written for the expressed purpose of helping people develop godly character as well as acquire the virtues related to wisdom.
For simplicity of thought, we will mainly use the New Living Translation. For study, I also recommend the New International, New King James versions of the Bible. Daily lessons will only cite a few scriptures, but you should consider reading entire sections and chapters as well.
PRAYER AND ACTIVATION:
(Use comment section below to share your insights. Record sensitive items in your personal journal. You may use your name or remain anonymous.)
- What are 2-3 of your goals for this 21 Day Growth Challenge?
- According to verse 3, what areas in your life require greater discipline?
- After reading Proverbs 1:1-7, what are three specific insights did you gain from this scripture?
- What actions will you take today related to this lesson?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:
Message by Pastor Bryan Hudson (MP3):
Prosperity God's Way: Cultivating a New Attitude
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COMMENT SECTION:
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