Devotional Guide for Thursday, August 1

Proverbs 6:20-35

Reflect
If I were to try to wrap up this passage in a short saying, it might be, “consider the cost” or “not everything that looks good is actually good for you.”

The passage begins with the earnest request of the parents for their child to remember what they have been taught, what they have learned about living in a world that is not always looking out for your best. More than just remembering how to live this life we have been given, the parents give the reason why the child should pay attention.

Our passage lays out the heavy cost associated with following the ways of the world and not that of Jesus. What seems like it will be good and pleasurable might be for a short time, but that pleasure won’t last long, and then the cost of those decisions will need to be accounted for.

Apply
As you go into this day, consider how you are keeping the commandments and teachings of Jesus upon your life to lead you and guide you through your day.

Pastor Terry

Pray for Yuri Nakano - Japan
The North American Baptist General Mission of Japan started almost 75 years ago and has left a legacy of 11 churches in the Japan Baptist Conference. The legal entity of the mission will close down this year (2024) and as Field Director, my job will be to make sure all the logistics of this process happens.
Japan is the second largest unreached nation of the world (according to Joshua Project statistics), so there is still a great need for missionaries. I will continue to be a missionary with the NAB and seconded to TEAM which is a well established mission organization with a large support staff. I intend to continue to mentor the women leaders in the churches that I have established relationships with and to facilitate leadership seminars.
When I return to Japan in 2026, I will move to Mie Prefecture, Tsu City to launch a new ministry for spiritual renewal and development at the Tsu Christian Education Center.
I would appreciate prayer for this transition period of closing down the legal entity of the current mission, preparing for a year-long home assignment and the new partnership and ministry that will start in 2026 with TEAM.