Ever seen the image where a man has a decision to make and he is being pulled in two different directions by small personages on each shoulder? One is usually depicted as an angel and one is depicted as a devil. Each presents his case as to why the decision should be made from that point of view. The angel speaks from a moral and righteous perspective, and the devil speaks from a selfish and deviant perspective. There are two voices--two calls—but one choice to be made.
In a similar way, Proverbs 9 presents two personages and two calls. Wisdom and Folly are seen as women wooing those who pass by. Wisdom makes a much better offer than Folly. Notice that Wisdom has made preparations and sends out messengers with formal invitations. She provides a delicious meal with all the trimmings. Along with the meal she offers good advice and instruction.
Folly on the other hand, has made no preparations. She herself sits and calls out her invitation. She offers nothing except an example of laziness and a willingness to obtain what she wants and needs in an underhanded way. Rather than give, she seeks to take, and what she takes is the very essence of life.
What is the choice? Listen to Wisdom because she does not speak out of turn. She speaks words that provide substance and sustenance. Her words will give your life direction and protection. She is calling you today. What is your choice?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Guarding The Mouth
Arrogant speech is pervasive in our culture. We not only use words as weapons to destroy others, but we also use words to bolster our egos. How often is it said, "I would not take that," or "If it were me, I would..." What usually follows are not words of wisdom, temperance, or peace, but words of retaliation, vindictiveness, or insult. Few of us would even consider these words as unsavory, much less boastful and full of pride. In that lies a great problem.
Two things that God says He hates are pride and boasting. Really they are two sides of the same coin. Whoever is proud of heart will certainly boast, and you can be sure that whoever boasts is proud of heart.
Two things that God says He hates are pride and boasting. Really they are two sides of the same coin. Whoever is proud of heart will certainly boast, and you can be sure that whoever boasts is proud of heart.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Changing King's Hearts
Recently, I was promoted on my job to a rather choice position. The reason I am joyful is because it was not a position into which I manipulated myself. I had applied for several other positions for which I was well qualified only to see those jobs given to others. On each occassion, I was told that I had done a great job in the interview, but someone else got the position. To say the least, I was disappointed each time. I even wanted to feel cheated and complain. But I remembered that God is sovereign over all things even my selection for a position at work. If I had gotten any of the other jobs, it would have meant a promotion, but any raise I would have gotten would have been nullified by the expenses associated with driving my own car to work. With the position He has given, I received a significant raise and a company vehicle to drive.
Proverbs 21:1 says, "The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." This not only applies to those who are heads of state, but it applies to anyone who is in charge. As far as heads of state are concerned, there is great comfort for those who trust in God because we know that no matter who gets elected as President, Senator, Governor, etc., God will turn the ruler's heart in the direction that coincides with His plans. A quick reading of the Old Testament books of Nehemiah and Esther will demonstate this truth.
The same is true of those who are in charge at any level. God is not only interested in the affairs of state, He is also interested in my affairs. He does not necessarily give me what I want unless my wants are in line with His plans. But when the two line up, i.e., His will and my desires, He has promised to answer affirmatively. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." 1John 5:14, 15
So, when you are striving for something and someone in charge seems to be standing in your way, do not become angry, bitter, frustrated, etc. Remember, if you want what God wants, He is able to turn that heart as He pleases. What God has for you, He has for you.
Proverbs 21:1 says, "The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." This not only applies to those who are heads of state, but it applies to anyone who is in charge. As far as heads of state are concerned, there is great comfort for those who trust in God because we know that no matter who gets elected as President, Senator, Governor, etc., God will turn the ruler's heart in the direction that coincides with His plans. A quick reading of the Old Testament books of Nehemiah and Esther will demonstate this truth.
The same is true of those who are in charge at any level. God is not only interested in the affairs of state, He is also interested in my affairs. He does not necessarily give me what I want unless my wants are in line with His plans. But when the two line up, i.e., His will and my desires, He has promised to answer affirmatively. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." 1John 5:14, 15
So, when you are striving for something and someone in charge seems to be standing in your way, do not become angry, bitter, frustrated, etc. Remember, if you want what God wants, He is able to turn that heart as He pleases. What God has for you, He has for you.
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