The Sister Letters

The Proverbs Challenge Day 23 - Chapter 23

Hi, Woman of God

Welcome to Day 23 of the Challenge!I hope you've had a blessed day so far. I'm praying for you, and I'm asking God to bless you in new ways this week. As always, below are my study notes for today's chapter. Let's jump into God's Word. 

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs Chapter 23 verses 26, 27 and 28. 

OBSERVATION

verse 26“My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways” The “give me your heart” is so endearing. The posture of our heart is so important for the direction of our life. Every person has given their heart to something (including each of us in this newsletter community). Yet, the very thing we give to other things is exactly what God is after from us. When God has our heart there comes a desire for intimacy with Him which births the most godlike version of ourselves.verse 27-28“For a harlot is a deep pit, and a seductress is a narrow well. She lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men.”

One of the things that the enemy can use to lure men (and women) away from giving their hearts to God is the temptation of a seductress. Anyone can fall victim to this, irrespective of your gender. Storytime! I had a friend who I brought to church some years ago, he was admittedly suspicious about the things of God because of the experiences he had in the past with people in his life who claimed to know God but failed to represent God well. Unfortunately, many of us have own stories like this. However, my friend was finally open to growing his relationship with God again, and for months we were all watching him transform into a strong man of God, it was so wonderful to see. But, unbeknown to us, there was a girl from his past who had resurfaced into his life and had began pursuing him and courting him. He didn't tell any of us about this until some months later when we noticed a difference in him and a distance in him. We asked him what was happening and he told us that he was dating someone and no longer had the time or the interest for his relationship with God. We were shocked at the complete turn away. But now, with this verse, I can understand exactly what happened. Certain relationships in our lives are leading us away from God. As this verse says "she increased the unfaithful among men" which means that the seductress actually turns a man who was once faithful to God away from this path and into unfaithfulness. Sometimes this seductress (which can come in male or female form) doesn't even know what they are doing but they carry a spirit which the enemy uses to tempt the children of God. But we are not ignorant of the devices of the enemy. We understand his foolish tactics, and through wisdom we are learning how to overcome temptation. Praise God for knowledge and understanding.  

APPLICATION

I will continue to pray concerning my heart posture and my relationships. I will continually examine if there is anyone in my life who is leading me away from God and away from the path He has for me, so that I can act accordingly in setting the necessary boundaries in that relationship, even if it means removing that person from my life all together. I will not struggle with temptation in isolation but I will be seek support from my spiritual mentors and/or Christian friends that I can trust. I will come to God for everything, knowing that He will never leave me nor forsake me. We're locked in for life. 

PRAYER

Heaven Father, I pray for myself and my sisters. I pray that we never fall into the temptation of the enemy. I pray that we never become the seductresses who entice others away from You (God forbid!). I pray rather that we are used to lead people closer to You. I pray that we give You our heart and keep it on You, all the days of our lives, in Jesus name I pray these things. Amen!

See you tomorrow for Day 24 Follow me on Instagram at @creatortochi for updates and encouragement throughout our challenge. With my love,Tochi