Proverbs 4:1-13

“Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life.” (Proverbs 4:13, NKJV)

As I write this, I am on the plane returning from Africa. I had the opportunity to speak alongside of a number of Calvary Chapel pastors. There were eight on our team, and for two weeks we lived together, traveled together, and listened to each other preach.

I think it is easy for us to take for granted what we have in Calvary Chapel. As I travel to other places, I realize how rare it is to find expository teaching of the Word of God. People have their pet doctrines, or they teach topically, but it is rare to find chapter by chapter, verse by verse teaching such as we have grown accustomed to. This was why Far Reaching Ministries wanted us to teach at a Uganda Pastors’ Conference and to instruct the chaplains in South Sudan. They came hungry for the Word and were so appreciative of the meals we served them.

I am reminded of a prayer that I prayed prior to moving to Boise in 1994: “Father, send me someplace where people are hungry for your Word.” But of course I had no idea that in responding to the call to move to Boise, God would also open doors to Romania and now to Africa. But God wants His Word to be taught to His people.

I am also reminded of something Pastor Chuck Smith told us pastors. “Never let go of what you know for what you don’t know.” Proverbs is chock full of good wisdom—stuff we all need to know. Read it, meditate on it, and make it your own. Do what it says and never let it go. And God will open doors for you that you never imagined!