Daily InsPirational MOments with Rev. Dr. Precious Prothro

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Grace and Wisdom for the Asking

I have a complex about seeming incompetent. My remedy for that? I ask questions. I would rather admit that I don’t know than pretend I do and show up unprepared.

I am so grateful that God does not expect perfection from me—or anyone. I can go before Him as often as I need to and cry out for guidance and wisdom. And guess what? Even when He guides me, I will still mess up at times. Yet He forgives me and gives me more guidance. What a good God we serve!

James 1:5 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Because of that promise, there is no need for us to walk in darkness, and no need to be afraid of falling. The Lord our God is with us, and He will guide us every step of the way.

Father God, thank You for being a generous giver of wisdom and grace. Help us to seek You boldly, trust You fully, and walk confidently in the guidance You provide. When we stumble, remind us that Your mercy meets us there. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Quiet Isn’t Silent

Are you able to be quiet? Not just closing your mouth or choosing not to speak—but quieting your mind and spirit? That’s difficult for me.

Quiet is when the environment settles. Silence is when the soul settles. Quiet changes what’s happening around us; silence changes what’s happening within us. You can sit in a quiet room and still not be silent. Silence requires discipline, surrender, and intention. The Lord often speaks in the silence—not because He is quiet, but because we finally are.

Any time I’m forced to sit in silence, I feel uncomfortable. It’s as though my body must be engaged in activity. Even when I sit for quiet time with the Lord, I find myself fighting distractions. My mind is constantly racing, and the responsibilities of the day are ever-present.

Psalm 46:10a says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In Hebrew, “be still” means to cause yourself to let go (Hebrew for Christians, John J. Parsons).

Think about that—to cause yourself. That implies intention. Discipline. A fight for stillness.

Why is that important? Because the flesh is naturally too involved. So we must discipline ourselves to be still—to let go—and allow God to lead.

In the same chapter (verse 1), we’re reminded that God is our refuge. That means our flesh doesn’t need to protect us—and truthfully, it can’t. We must yield ourselves to the overarching power of God, and that yielding begins when we allow ourselves to be still.

Isaiah 30:15 reminds us: “In quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

Lord, we thank You for the strength You give us in stillness. We often allow the busyness and distractions of life to drown out Your voice. We commit to being more intentional and deliberate about spending true, pure quiet time with You. We anticipate Your words, Your instruction, and Your love that we will receive in our stillness. Thank You for being present and for hearing our heart’s cry. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Warnings Aren’t Overkill

We have received warnings about an ice storm for several days now. Many of us have listened and taken those warnings seriously. Others feel it’s overkill and have paid them no attention. I’ve heard people say, “I don’t see any ice,” so they don’t believe the warning.

Here’s the thing: ice on asphalt can’t always be seen. You can step onto the road thinking it’s safe, not realizing the danger beneath your feet. And it’s not just ice—downed power lines and other hidden hazards make the situation even more dangerous.

That’s a word for us.

Warnings don’t promise danger—they reveal the possibility of it. So why take the chance? Why not listen and heed the warning?

Jesus reminds us in Luke 21:36 (ESV): “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

There’s no need to get burned when you can see the flames—or when someone lovingly tells you, “It’s hot.”

Let us be hearers and doers, not dismissive of wisdom simply because danger isn’t immediately visible.

Father, thank You for loving us enough to warn us before harm comes. Give us discernment to listen, humility to obey, and wisdom to act before danger reaches us. Help us stay alert, prayerful, and prepared. In Jesus’ name, Amen.