October 3rd, 2026
Scripture – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”
Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV
Observation – God says the key to living a long prosperous life, that is filled with peace, is to keep his commands in your heart and to not forget his teaching.
Application – Isn’t this what everyone wants? Long life, prosperity and peace! Think about living into your nineties, flourishing in your endeavors and relationships and living at peace with God and people. You would think, based on this promise, that everyone on the planet would read God’s word everyday, memorize scripture and carefully obey all of God’s commands so they could have a great life. Why do so few come into agreement with God and accept his offer for long life, prosperity and peace. Here is why, Jesus said in Luke 9:23-25 “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” Our ways are not the same as God’s ways. We want a long life, prosperity and peace and Jesus says the path for this life is through death to self and service to God and others. Most decide in the hearts that they have a better plan than God, because God’s plan is hard, and by default replace God with themselves and they make their own decisions and create their own path which leads to the forfeiture of their own souls.
Prayer – Lord God, we believe your word, help us to live like it. Amen.
