MAY 3 – A Healthy Heart and Humble Service
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:14-15; 1 Corinthians 4
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“The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” —Proverbs 15:14-15
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.” —1 Corinthians 4:1-4 (ESV)
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Have you ever noticed that when your heart is in a good place, it’s so much easier to stay positive and find joy in the day? But when you’re feeling down or your thoughts are stuck on negative things, it can feel like everything is going wrong. Proverbs 15:14-15 points out that a cheerful heart can experience joy in the midst of struggles, while those who are focused on negativity or foolishness will always feel weighed down.
In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul teaches us that our lives are not about proving ourselves to others or seeking praise. Instead, we are called to serve humbly as stewards of God’s grace, faithfully living out His purposes. Paul reminds us that judgment doesn’t come from the opinions of others, but from God alone. This connects with the idea in Proverbs that the heart of the wise seeks knowledge, while the heart of the foolish is distracted by the wrong things. A heart that focuses on God’s wisdom will find peace, even when circumstances are tough.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Heart of Understanding: Proverbs says that those with understanding seek knowledge. Are you seeking knowledge that helps you grow in wisdom, or are you distracted by things that don’t lead to peace or growth?
2. The Power of a Cheerful Heart: Proverbs says that a cheerful heart has a continual feast. How can you shift your focus from negative thoughts to gratitude, even when things are difficult?
3. Serving Humbly: In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul talks about how he doesn’t care to be judged by others but seeks to be faithful to God. How do you handle the opinions of others? Do you focus on seeking approval from people, or are you more concerned with pleasing God in your actions?
4. Faithful Stewardship: Paul says that we are stewards of the mysteries of God. How can you be a faithful steward of the gifts and talents God has given you? Are you using them to serve Him and others with humility?
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BOTTOM LINE
A heart focused on God’s truth finds joy even in hard times, serving humbly and trusting Him as the ultimate judge. When we live to honor God and love others, His peace and joy fill our lives.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wisdom You offer through Your Word. Help me to seek knowledge and understanding that brings me closer to You. I want to be faithful in serving You, not seeking approval from others, but trusting in Your judgment. Please help me to cultivate a cheerful heart, even when life is hard, and to find joy in the midst of struggles. I want to be a faithful steward of the gifts You’ve given me, and to serve You with all that I am. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.