Day 217 One-Year Daily Bible Reading – Ezra 1:1–2:70; 1 Corinthians 1:18–2:5; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 20:22-23
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The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
That Your Faith Should Not Stand in the Wisdom of Men, but in the Power of God
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
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Who is There Among You of All His People?
Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.
Ezra 1:2-4
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Teach Me Thy Way, O LORD, and Lead Me in a Plain Path
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
Psalm 27:11-12
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Wait on the LORD
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Proverbs 20:22
I think it is safe to say, whether in good times or bad, whether with easy decisions or difficult decisions, whether smooth roads or a bumpy path, whether at work or play…that it is always best to seek the LORD and then to wait on the LORD and allow Him to direct every step both on the path and in the timing. Allow Him to fight your battles.
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Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me a brand new day! Thank You that Your mercies are new and that You have a mission for me for this new day, in this place, that only I can do. Lead, guide, and direct each step and each word that comes out of my mouth. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit in me, I pray!
Please help me to wait on You in all things!
Would you please teach me Thy way, LORD? I can go and sit under the teaching of anointed women and men, and I know that You have gifted them to teach and preach, but there is no better teaching than being taught Your Word directly from You. Teach me Thy way, Holy Ghost!!!
Father, I ask that You touch each person that is reading this prayer today. I ask that You show Yourself mighty in their lives at the place of their greatest need. Heal the sick. Deliver those that are captives to addictions, depression, anxiety, and imaginations. Teach the hungry. Comfort the grieving. Draw the backslidden and prodigals back to You and their spiritual and natural families.
I ask this all in Jesus’ precious and holy Name. Amen!
