Although this pattern of being obstinate does not apply to all servants, it does show a very common temptation to self-will that we all find in ourselves .

"Word Pictures" for Our Imagination

Free Printable Devotional Sheets Wednesday, July 30th

Today's Daily Verse is found in Proverbs 29.19

" An obstinate servant will not be corrected by words alone: for though he understand, he will not answer."

This is a management issue and finds itself manifest in family, business, and in our walk with GOD.

I wish we all could be corrected by words alone - but alas, such is not the case as we find stubbornness in our hearts to the things of the Spirit of the Lord.

Job 19.16

" I call to my servant, but he gives me no answer, though I beseech him with words."

We must guard against this harshness of spirit that we find in ourselves...and we must not treat those that serve us with severity

Leviticus 25.43 "Show your fear of God by not treating them harshly."

• however, authority must be maintained at any cost
• if a servant understands a command, and will not answer, it may be better to dismiss him than to lower your authority

Let's look at Jonah. He represents most of us in manifesting a pattern of stubbornness who rendered obedience only through serious grief and trouble...

Jonah...

Jonah Runs from the Lord  "The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish. ...

Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit.

See you tomorrow...

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