Hang-Outs

(Psa 120:6 KJV)  My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

This Psalm is a reflection of how the author’s actions are so at odds with his desire.  In this verse he comes to one of the big reasons why he was having trouble:  His choice of friends.

When you hang around with people of a certain mindset you make accommodations.  You might remain silent when you should speak up.  You might tone down what you really believe.  Over a period of time this could well influence what you are really thinking and feeling.

So?  Pick your friends and associates wisely.  It may be necessary to think about looking for a different place to work.  It may cause you to avoid certain family get togethers.  Spiritual growth demands some hard choices and that more often than we like. 

Study to Pass the Bar

(Psa 119:97 KJV)  MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

We need to develop a “love” (157) affair with the “law” (8451) [torah].  Yes, I know what Paul had to say about the law but that was a warning about making the law about man-made efforts to earn our salvation.  Notice that this verse is not talking about the struggle to achieve an impossible standard.  That is not the attitude at all.  This is the response of the heart that Paul is talking about when we are controlled by the Spirit.  

We also need to make sure our minds are engaged.  One of the points we need to consider is to ask ourselves what parts of the Law are worthy of our love and meditation.  I don’t think it takes long to run through the long list of people that you are not to commit adultery with.  I don’t think it requires a detailed study of mixing fibers in our clothing.  I do think that we could spend a lot more time dwelling on the first commandment.

So?  Once you have been saved by grace it is time to engage your mind and develop your spiritual muscle by focusing on the Torah.  God speaks through His word and part of that is in the books of the Law. 

Today’s Headlines

(Pro 28:21 KJV)  To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

If there is any place in the Bible that would get you rejected, or cancelled in today’s jargon, it is this verse.  With all of the politically correct nonsense going on the believer should be standing up repeatedly and saying, “Not on my watch.”  Instead we seem to be going to sensitivity training and buying the whole litany of preferences.  The word for the day is intersectionality.  What it means is that you check off all the boxes that represent repression in your life and the more checks you get, the more worthy you are of special privileges.  

This is the opposite of God’s way of looking at things.   This literally means not to take into consideration the face of the person you are dealing with.  It is about treating each other fairly and honestly according to standards that do not change based on melanin or sexual confusion.

So?  Stand up and be counted before you no longer have a place to stand. 

Keep It Simple

(Pro 27:21 KJV)  As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

I have a hard time with people saying nice things about me.  I never know how to respond.  If I reject their kind words it might seem like I am rejecting them.  They could be just trying to be kind.  A new bride who never had to cook and feels she must do so now might need some kind words even though you both know they are not deserved.  

I also don’t know how to offer a good word.  I want to be sincere but sometimes it is hard to find anything positive to say.  A three year old singing a song that you don’t understand is easy to “praise” (4110) with enthusiasm.  When they are 25 and try the same thing it is hard to find something nice.  I remember at summer camp when we were trying to help a shy young friend about how to compliment a girl he like, the best we could come up with was, “I really like the way you hold your fork.”  Honest but not helpful.

So?  A simple thank you is always appropriate as response.  In fact it can be also used in place of praise.  Instead of saying, “That was very nice” just say, “Thank you” and leave it at that.

One of the Sure Things

(Psa 116:15 KJV)  Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

As I began reading Psalm 116 my mind was on death.  One of the fixtures in our church left to be with Jesus.  I did not know him well.  His mind was not as sharp as he wanted.  He did not have a bold and aggressive step any more.  In the midst of that he always seemed to have a cheerful demeanor.  At his worse moments he was a positive presence.

No more.

As I worshiped and thought about the God we serve I was almost overwhelmed with joy at the prospects of eternity.  I don’t know if you have been to Forest Lawn in the Los Angeles area but they have this one building sized painting of the resurrection.  You sit down facing a curtain and the turn out the lights.  The next thing you know there is a spot light illuminated the empty tomb.  Before the presentation is over you have a massive, heavenly host revealed, fading into the distance.  

We will be a part of that.

So?  Physical death happens.  I could go any day.  So could you.  It is so reassuring to know I am ready.  Although I will regret being parted from my grandchildren, I rejoice in the eventual reunion.  It is a sure thing. 

A Different Plan

(Pro 25:21 KJV)  If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

This is a real issue for today.  We are living in a time where Jesus is under attack both from the world and inside the organized church.  One of the things I have noticed that the world and the pseudo-church have in common is their willingness to lie to win.  You might even think they believe they speak truth but there will be a level where they knowingly twist the truth in order to get their victory.  They are evil and they are the enemies of the cross.  In a very real sense that means they are our enemies also.

This is a real conundrum for us today.  It is difficult because of the witness of the Bible from page to page.  This verse is close to the middle.  This does not mean we do not work to defeat evil.  It does mean that there are certain ground rules we must follow.  It is this kind of thinking that formed the foundation for the Geneva Conventions and the rules of warfare that deal with how we treat prisoners of war.  It was violating this that marked one of the obvious differences between the Christian West and the Socialist East.

So?  We have enemies.  We cannot surrender to their program.  At the same time, we must adhere to the standards of God in the battle.  We are called to be different. 

If It Ain’t Broke, You Can’t Fix It

(Pro 24:21 KJV)  My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

The word “meddle” (associate NASB) (6148) is important here.  In English this has almost a casual assumption.  You have a casual conversation and feel you are associating with someone.  You stick your nose in where it does not belong and you are accused of meddling.

The word goes deeper than that.  A common translation is to “go surety” or to co-sign on a loan.  It means making an investment, a commitment and working to see the end achieved.  Notice that this is not a good thing.  The problem is the goal you are investing in.  As Christians we are to seek holiness, follow the path of righteousness, seek truth and generally live upright lives based on the standards of God.  We are not supposed to focus our lives on the new and innovative.

So?  Work on your priorities.  Do a little budget and see where you spend your money.  Try a time log and see where you invest your time.  Adjust as necessary. 

Too Close for Comfort

(Pro 23:21 KJV)  For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

Again we see “drunkard” (heavy drinker NASB) (5433a) and “glutton” (2151b).  These are recurring themes in Proverbs.  To be fair, both are statements of overdoing.  Both show lack of self control.  Personally I think that the problem is lack of discipline more than the food or alcohol themselves.  The world is full of people who enjoy a fine whiskey or a glass of good wine.  I am not one of those people but I know they exist.  I also know the world is full of people who have been destroyed by booze or ER cases just waiting to happen.

The church has walked away from the issues.  We are told not to judge.  We are told is it because society has abandoned people.  We are told a lot of things.  What we need to tell is the excess is sin.

So?  The gluttony part hits me.  I admit it and I am working on it.  May God have mercy on me and on others struggling with the lack of self control.  May we put Jesus first. 

Eternal Implications

(Pro 22:21 KJV)  That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

If you are paying attention when you read the Bible you will find that there is a lot of conflict between the teachings you are reading and the teachings you get from the world around you.  The context here has to do with why the father is teaching.  The object is to “know” (3045) “truth” (571).  Our world rejects this whole concept.

We are in a time where the intellectual lights of our age tell us there is no absolute truth.  The big difference between now and then is that the claim is so blatant.  So the first bell that should go off in your head is the knowledge that there is absolute truth.  At times we may have trouble seeing it clearly or know how to respond, but it still exits.

Which brings us to the second point.  We can know.  It might take a little digging.  It might take some study.  It might make us uncomfortable.  We often will reject what we find, but that does not take away from the fact that it is available.

So?  Ignoring truth will not make it go away.  It can be very dangerous to ignore.  It might make us comfortable for the moment but the long range effects can be more than long range.  They can be eternal. 

Watch out for the Bumps

(Pro 21:21 KJV)  He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Anytime a Bible student reads a verse like this they stop and scratch their heads and enter thinking mode.  People who are asleep at the wheel don’t even see the bump in the road.  This verse clearly states that seeking to live a “righteous” (6666) life is a good thing.  Not only that but this good thing produces results.

Too many people who immerse themselves in their theology of choice go off the rails at this.  They default into antinomian mode and start yelling, “We cannot be saved by the works of the law!”  True, but that is not what this says.  The conflict is not in salvation but in how we live our lives.

So?  Rejoice in the fact that Jesus died to wash away your sins and pay the debt.  While you are rejoicing don’t forget to live like that makes a difference. 

Interior Decoration

(Psa 101:3 KJV)  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

This is good advice for those of us who are not kings, just as it was for David himself.  One of the first steps we need to take is evaluate the value of what we put in our presence and avoid the “wicked” (worthless NASB) (1100).  This word in the Hebrew is the source of a name you might recognize, Belial.  At this point it just means worthless.  By the time of Paul it will become a proper name for Satan,

(2Co 6:15 KJV)  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

This could be a simple reminder about how we decorate our home, the books we read, the video products we watch and so forth.  All of those things influence how we think and how we act.  It may be a small push but over time it can influence.  

So?  Righteous living involves being aware of our environment and how we can effect it.  The picture on our wall may not be a sin but there might be a better choice that draws our attention toward the good things of creation.  In my old age I am really getting into pictures of my grandchildren.  They automatically bring thoughts of thanksgiving to my heart. 

Long Term Forgiveness

(Psa 103:3 KJV)  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

(Proverbs 19 also read)

Grace and forgiveness are found in the OT.   We have a God who “pardons” (5545) “iniquities” (5771).  This seems to be the major theme of this Psalm.  This is the first of a series of words restating, defining and reminding us of the desire of God.

We find genuine hope and assurance here.  Our “iniquities” (5771) are forgiven but there is a nuance of this word that we need to hear.  It not only has to do with forgiveness of sin but also of the consequences of that sin.  What a glorious truth for us to embrace.  

So?  Do you notice how we have constant reasons to rejoice? 

More than Having Your Back

(Psa 104:29 KJV)  Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
(Psa 104:30 KJV)  Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

If I had to label this chapter I would call it an Ode to Creation.  It is full of poetic images as well as simple facts.  When we get to verses 29 and 30 we are reminded of God’s continued involvement in all of creation.  We see God taking “their” “spirit” (7307) and as it leaves they die.  “Spirit” here is [ruach] which literally means breath.  In the next verse it is given, producing life.

I put “their” in quotation marks because we need to pause and ask who “they” are.  As I look at the context it seems to me that this is referring to all animal life.  This tells us that God is intimately involved with His creation.  

How much more He is involved with us.  He breathed into us when we were conceived.  He will withdraw that breath when it is time to die.  Only the everlasting God of the Bible could be this involved on a moment by moment basis.  I don’t see Zeus or the local tree god having this capacity.

So?  We serve He who is everlasting to everlasting and every moment in between.  He is the great I Am.  Rejoice as your day progresses.  He not only has your back, He has your breath.

Layers of Comfort

(Mat 5:4 KJV)  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

On Wednesday night the pastor is doing a study in Matthew.  He came to the Sermon on the Mount and was working through the Beatitudes.  On this verse he made some generic statement about how God will “comfort” (3870) [parakalew] us when we go through a loss.  Okay, but that word comfort stirred a number of thoughts in me.  

First I wondered if that was the same word used for “Comforter” (KJV) or “Helper” (NASB) as a name for the Holy Spirit in John.  One of the middle agers had an app on his phone and said, “Yes.”  I was glad to see my suspicions were correct and sad that the connection never occurred to the pastor.  

Second, I remembered a passage I had once memorized but now was escaping me.  It turns out it is the same word,

(2Co 1:3 KJV)  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
(2Co 1:4 KJV)  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

The idea is expanded further.

So?  When we have reason to mourn we need to be aware of the promise of the Holy Spirit.  In addition, I think we as believers are called to comfort and support each other in a crisis or loss.  It is how the Body of Christ is to work.  Trust the Comforter.  Be a comforter. 

No Beauty for the Beast

(Psa 92:5 KJV)  O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
(Psa 92:6 KJV)  A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

(Proverbs 16 also read)

I was drawn to a discussion between Jordan Peterson and Bill Maher.  They are both on my prayer map in the section that I label “Seekers” because I have heard both of them express thoughts that indicated they were interested in truth.  What a difference between the two men.  What stood out to me is the condition of Maher.  He is so filled with hatred for the God of the Bible that it could not help but overflow.  When I read this verse I thought of that discussion.

We need to understand that when we see the wonders of creation reflecting the glory of God other people see an accident ruled by the law of the jungle.  I could use the word “senseless” (1198) in polite company but the KJV term of “brutish” is actually closer to the truth.  Do you remember the commercial that had a bull wondering through a china store?  That is the picture of some of these people.  The second term of “fool” (3684) in the KJV and “stupid” in the NASB is just a further indictment.  

So?  Do you see the hand of God in the sunrise?  There are many people who admire it but think of it like modern art where an “artist” takes a brush and splatters paint on a canvas.  Pray that they would be given eyes that will see. 

Abraham Goes to Dixie

(Gen 13:1 KJV)  And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

Translators drive me crazy.  They want to do my thinking for me and thus confuse the real process of thinking through issues.  The KJV does the best job with “south” (5045) while the NASB and a lot of other translations tell you “what Moses meant was” “Negev”.  Some translations even use “wilderness.”  To me this is a roadblock.  When I first read this in the KJV I scratched my head about the “south”.  How could Abram go south out of Egypt?  That just took him further into Egypt.  This necessitated me turning on my brain and doing a little studying.  That is always a worthwhile project.

Calling the target area “Negev” (5045) is almost exactly the same as calling the southern part of the United States “Dixie”.  It is acceptable to those who know the jargon but not accurate for those who don’t.  

So?  Keep your mind alert and stretch you understanding.  You never know when there will be an important insight.  If you are tired and not able to think then, be my guest.  Get a Living Bible and enjoy the flow of the paraphrase, but don’t make it your normal pattern. 

Live by Extension

(Pro 14:21 KJV)  He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Everywhere we look we see evidence of what a Godly life should be like.  Here we are told to be “gracious” (2603a).  The KJV has “mercy”.  To those who speak Hebrew this would call to mind the verse that mentions Noah finding grace.  The words are related just like they are in English.  They also seem to relate to the character of God.  

We are to live Godly lives.  That means being like Jesus in our daily acts.  That means being gracious to those society rejects.  Keep in mind that God has every reason to reject us and yet He extends His favor.

So?  Consider it an extension of the Golden Rule.  We are not to treat people as they deserve but as God expects. 

Counter-Hyperbole

(Psa 90:4 KJV)  For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

What is the opposite of hyperbole?  We are used to hyperbole.  Think of the camel going through the eye of a needle.  It is exaggeration for effect.  Here we have a statement that on the surface seems like it illustrates the point but underneath is counter-hyperbole.  Think of something that represents a long time.  Will a thousand years do it for you?  Notice the second example, a night watch.  If you have never had guard duty you may not understand how long that feels.  It is even longer than waiting for a pot to boil or your wife to get ready.

Many of the examples in the Bible are meant to get a point across, not to be taken as the final word.  I ran into this in the account of the flood.  God said He was going to do away with all flesh but evidently that did not include Noah and his family.  

So?  Try to see the point God is making.  I tend to get off on tangents and chasing squirrels.  The Holy Spirit has to keep pulling me back.  Another attribute of God is patience.

Complications of Understanding

(Pro 12:21 KJV)  There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

We need a moment to consider how to read and understand scripture because this is a frustrating verse.  The first step is understanding what the verse actually says which means understanding the vocabulary.  If you don’t have any tools then compare translations to get an insight.  Since I work in the NASB and KJV let me give you the one not shared above,

(Pro 12:21 NAS77) No harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble.

Notice that the NASB says “harm” (205) and the KJV says “evil”.  That should indicate that we are not just talking about stubbing your toe or catching a cold.  This is something with soul destroying potential.  One of the potential problems with a verse like this is to take it as an absolute law and understand it the way you want it to read instead of the way it is meant.  All you need to do is look at the life of David to know that bad things can happen to people that God loves greatly.  Or consider what God allowed Job to go through.  Why should you be better?  

So?  This tells us that whatever befalls us it will not be enough to destroy us.  When you consider all of the Bible this has an eternal sense.  It does not mean there will never be hard times.  We will look at the idea of the “righteous” (6662) or “just” some other time. 

Continuing Education

(Psa 119:102 KJV)  I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

(Proverbs 11 also read)

We are to read, study and meditate.  We do this because we have a promise that goes beyond ourselves.  In the New Testament we have the promise of the Holy Spirit,

(Joh 16:13 KJV)  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

I remind you again that the Bible is a consistent whole.  Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit as a teacher.  Here the point is that learning is anchored in God Himself.

Does that mean we can kick back and just listen to tapes?  No.  That may be one tool but we are expected to have a bit of focus.

So?  Do your due diligence.  God will be the force that helps you put it all together.

Pick a Direction

(Pro 10:16 KJV)  The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

What is pinging me today is the idea of “righteousness” (6662) and the way in which this word is almost considered heresy among Christians.  They like to quote Paul,

(Rom 3:10 KJV)  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

as he misquotes Psalms and they usually interpret it out of context.  This is a problem because “righteousness” is assumed to be possible and a reality in the Old Testament and even in the gospels.  In fact the English word is used thirteen times in this chapter of Proverbs alone.

That is why I like the KJV translation here.  It indicates that righteousness may be an inclination in our activities, an attitude, a desire, more than it is a perfect performance.

So?  Lean to righteousness.  Seek to live the upright life.  Don’t get consumed with earning your way to heaven with works.  That is not the issue.  Following Jesus is.  That will result in righteousness. 

Chance or Choice

(Pro 9:4 KJV)  Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
(Pro 9:16 KJV)  Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

If you compare verses four and sixteen you will notice that the only difference is the “and” in verse 16.  We have the same call going out in both cases.  The call is the same, the message is totally different.  One leads to life and the other to death.  That is quite a difference when it all starts out the same.  Which one does the listener respond to?  Is it just a matter of chance?  Did it all depend on what part of the city you were in?  I don’t think that is the point.

People tend to respond to the message they want to hear.  We have the same thing going on today.  Some people respond to the prosperity gospel because they are still focused on themselves.  Others listen to the call to repentance because they are aware of their sin.  We all have access to the words of God.  We respond differently.

So?  Which one do you respond to?  To the invitation God wants you to hear or the promises that move you toward your dreams?  Consider wisely.  Some choices you must make yourself. 

Redundancy

(Pro 8:1 KJV)  Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

As I read this passage today I thought, “I have read this before.”  And I had.  This idea of wisdom calling out to us is repeated throughout Proverbs.  Maybe someday I will count them up but today is not that day.  

That does not change the fact that wisdom calls out to us.  It is not just a one time thing.  It is not just available in certain churches on Sunday morning.  It is all around us.  When I walk in the morning I sometimes act like the drill sergeant who kept saying, “I can’t hear you.”  I say it to the trees and rocks who should be shouting out.  Seriously, we have all the specific information in the Bible and the literary references to it through our culture.  We have shelves full of books that try to expand and apply that wisdom.  We have multiple voices.  And yes, we have creation calling out to us.

So?  No one in modern society has an excuse.  The wisdom of God is calling out.  It is active.  It is trying to communicate.  Listen to the lessons that apply to you. 

Plausible Deniability

(Pro 7:21 KJV)  With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

She used “flattering” (2507b) words to “entice” (5186) him.  The word “flattering” has a root of dividing or parceling out.  I guess the idea is she is carefully giving him things she believes will influence him and ignoring others.  One reality in this situation is that he is quite happy to listen to what she has to say.  Her suggestions and persuasions fit quite well into the desires of his heart.  Yet he still has deniability.  He can claim he was seduced.  It won’t make any difference.  If you read on to the end of the chapter it talks about death and hell.

So?  If you are serious about the direction of your life then make the decisions that will keep you on the path of righteousness.  We don’t tend to be dragged into hell kicking and screaming.  We go giving excuses and enjoying the ride.  Keep in mind that God sees and understands our hearts.  There are times when that is a comfort; other times, a disaster. 

Consistent Teaching

(Pro 6:23 KJV)  For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

There is a tension between two emphasis in the life of the believer.  On the dominant side we have the teaching about grace.  It gives the sovereignty of God first place and makes human will a minor matter.  It is a very comfortable place to be because it really demands nothing from you if you follow it to its logical conclusion.  At the other end you have the expectation that people who believe in Jesus will live an upright and moral life.  This verse is obviously stressing the second, as you would expect in the Old Testament.

The law, standards of behavior and attitude, is lifted up as a guide.  Often people who stress grace will say that is bondage to human effort.  The logical problem you have is that the “reproof” (8433b) mentioned here is also proclaimed as important by the apostle of grace, Paul,

(2Ti 3:16 KJV)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Both testaments make use of this word and concept.  If your behavior is not vital, why the emphasis?

So?  If you love Jesus it will show up in your life.  As much as some want to make it, it is not an option. 

Sick of It

(Psa 91:3 KJV)  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

Three times in this chapter there is reference to death by disease.  Here and in verse 6 we have “pestilence” (1698) and in verse 10 you have “plague” (5061).  This deadly threat was something that people lived with on a daily basis in ancient times.  Gradually we have learned to deal with them.  Antibiotic treatments were a big breakthrough.  Yet the general population is still in dread.  We saw how easy it was to produce panic with the manipulation of the information on Covid.

As I glanced through the ways that “pestilence” was used I noticed that it was often a tool used by God on enemies of His people and even on Israel when they lived in disobedience.  Our modern sensitivity compels us to ignore this fact.  Even Jesus at one point said that a man was not ill because of his sin or his parents failures.  At the same time when you look at the people who actually contacted covid and were pushed over the edge, most of them had what were called co-morbidities such as diabetes, lung issues or heart disease.  What is interesting is that those are often caused by life style choices, not always, but often.

So?  It makes a difference how we live.  This is an area that we are not to condemn.  It doesn’t really help someone to tell their survivors that they ate themselves to death.  At the same time it is a warning bell for us with the many “pleasures” we embrace.  The call is to live an upright life.

Got Wings?

(Psa 91:4 KJV)  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

(Proverbs 4 also read)

What if God really had wings?  I know this is supposed to be a figure of speech but what if?  I would imagine His wings would be like He is himself.  I think here of immanence and transcendence.  I think of the God who is (unknown word inserted here) to create and maintain the universe and also so personal that He meets with me.  Imagine wings like that!

We don’t have wings and unless you have chickens or a window you gaze out of you don’t think of them much.  I see road runners who rarely extend their wings.  I saw one bird that kept flapping them for elevation and folding them in to coast.  I watch the vultures cruising with wings extended and motionless.

So?  They are also a place to find “refuge” (2620).  So versatile.  So strong.  So available.  Another reason to rejoice. 

Effect and Cause

(Gen 50:20 KJV)  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

(Proverbs 3 also read)

As I was reading and thinking about Proverbs 3 this came to mind.  We talk a lot about walking by faith and trusting in Providence.  Where we are shaky is in the actual walking and trusting.  Maybe you are different but I keep asking, “Why?”  Often I don’t get an answer.  One of my big “why me” focuses is on the blessings I have.  During times when people are giving prayer requests I am struck by how sheltered God has kept me.  Don’t get me wrong, I am okay with that but I keep wondering “why?”

One of the hard things to accept is that evil things happen to good people.  We need to build on the stated fact that God can use them for good.  It is not a cop out.  It is a fact.

So?  Have a blessed day even if it does not go well.  Live in anticipation of someday knowing why certain things happen.  Understanding will change everything. 

Choose the Right Fertilizer

(Pro 2:21 KJV)  For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

I want to look at a little cause and effect.  We have a clear statement here that living a godly life will result in a better life.  That fits this verse and the context.  I want to speculate on why it works this way.  Does the righteous have more rain than the unrighteous?  Not necessarily, although God certainly has the ability to cause that.  Does photosynthesis work better on the land of a righteous farmer?  I doubt it, but again, God can do what He wants.  I think the lesson here is based on the teaching of the chapter, all of Proverbs and the entire Bible.

The context of the chapter is that paying attention to the wisdom of God makes it possible for us to make more informed choices.  We see things that the unrighteous might not see.  We recognize cause and effect that they don’t want to acknowledge.  We embrace the principles that God has set in motion in the world.  In addition to the grace of God and His providential intervention, we just make better decisions.

So?  Enjoy the mystery of the hand of God but keep in mind that He designed the world for human beings created in His image and He expects us to use the tools He gave us.  Seek wisdom.  You may not be a farmer but the production in your life’s fields will be better. 

Change the Channel

(Pro 1:21 KJV)  She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

I am amazed at how ignorant people are.  They may be smart and widely read.  They may have all the right habits and avoid the pitfalls of life.  They can still be ignorant and it is not necessary.  In this verse we have Wisdom shouting out.  She is doing it at the place where you shout out.  What she has to say is available but if you keep reading you see how many don’t hear.

Ignorance does not mean you can’t know.  It means you don’t know.  It is very clear in politics and the news cycles that people don’t want to know.  They admit that their news sources lie to them about everything but they keep on reading and listening.  It amazed me when the movie “Sound of Freedom” came out and was causing quite a stir, except where it wasn’t.  I had people tell me that they had heard nothing about it.  I could not go on line without it popping up everywhere.  The difference?  The places I looked for information.

So?  You can make it through the day being ignorant of the news.  It is not such a benign event if you are ignorant of Biblical truth.  Seek it out.  If you are not getting it then start looking somewhere else.  Might I suggest reading the Word instead of people giving their opinion of what the word says?