January 19, 2018
Proverbs identifies and fleshes out for us the deep divide between wise men and foolish men. We see the contrast both in their actions and outcomes. Notice the stark clarity of this in Proverbs 3:32-35.
32 For the devious are an abomination to the Lord;
But He is intimate with the upright.
33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers,
Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.
35 The wise will inherit honor,
But fools display dishonor.
If you walk with Christ and are wise ...
If you do not walk with Christ and are foolish ...
It seems the height of foolishness to choose the last list versus the first. And yet, all of us choose to not let the One who created us and knows us best be in control at times. We have a constant battle in surrendering to His Lordship.
We must be convinced of the VALUE of walking righteously with Christ. We do what we think is valuable. Meditating on this will help us surrender. Surely this is one of the reasons this contrasting list is given to us.
""Lord, let me be a man after Your own heart. Help me walk in uprightness, righteousness, humility and wisdom. I long for all of these things You mention here, but most of all, I long for You. Be ""intimate"" Lord with me, as you promise, for everything of value flows from Your Presence!""
February 20, 2025
If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”