The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Paula Byer
SCRIPTURE VERSE
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Prov 24:3–4 NIV).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
This Scripture compares house construction to building a successful life. We all appreciate lovely homes such as those around our island. When we think of building a house, several things come to mind: architectural plans, mortgage, insurance, building contractors, landscaping, and furniture and furnishings, among other things. Often these projects require lots of time, money, energy, and stress! But how much are we investing in a life that pleases and honors God for eternity?
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Let us consider how we can lead a well-constructed life according to God’s standards. In building our life, are we following the designs of the Wise Architect—God Himself? Is the structure of our life designed, built, and maintained by the Master Engineer so that it will withstand major shocks? The prophet, Isaiah, reinforces this metaphor of house construction and the godly life by declaring, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic” (Isa 28:16). Indeed, if the foundation comprises cheap and poorly laid stones, the building will not survive the shocks that will come to it (cf. Matt 7:24–27). We, too, must establish our lives by the principles of God’s Word so that, through knowledge of that Word, our homes, communities, workplaces, and nation will be “filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
EXHORTATION
Today, let us reflect on actions we must introduce and those we have to remove from our daily schedules to build a life filled with precious and pleasant riches. Daily prayer and studying the scriptures are good places to start.
PRAYER“Father, help us to see our lives the way You do. Then, show us how to build wisely to please You every day. Amen.”