Winter weather…cold and breezy lately. Just what you would expect in winter in Arkansas! How are you this week? Hope you are staying strong, healthy, and brave, and that 2022 is off to a great beginning. We continue in prayer for those who are sick. God is good.
Proverbs 3:1-10 is one of my favorite passages from the Bible. “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” When I heed God’s instructions, I receive the benefits. When I reject His instructions, then I close the door to my own blessings. God lays it out there, then leaves it up to me to do what needs to be done. “Let not mercy and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” Our world desperately needs BOTH mercy and truth, not either or, but both. Solomon says that I am truly successful in life and living when I embrace BOTH. People will see me as a light to the world and so will God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” We can always trust in God. When we include God in our plans for everyday life, life is better, richer, and more enjoyable. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil, it will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Occasionally I meet someone who is “wise in their own eyes.” If you ask them, they are wise, knowledgeable, beautiful, prestigious, scholarly, healthy, and of course, humble. I mean, we all need to become more than we were yesterday but bragging about how great we are is when we cease to be what we are announcing ourselves to be. A better plan is to focus on God first, stay away from sin, and let the “chips fall where they may.” “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” What does it mean to honor God with our possessions? I have time, talents, and treasures. I honor God with what I have and with who I am when I use these possessions in good and worthwhile ways. I could make a list for you, but I think you know whether or not you are honoring God with what you have. Not too long ago, a Christian brother came into my office to confess that he just could not support the church financially, that it took every dollar he had to pay his bills. That week he had gone bowling with his family, attended the Friday night football game to support his high school, taken his wife and family out to eat at Olive Garden, and had driven several miles over to watch his favorite college team play their rivals. I think you get the picture. I can only see what I can see. God sees everything. If I want to have plenty and have my life to be full, then I must follow God’s instructions. I must honor Him first, THEN the blessings will be mine. Enough. Have a wonderful rest of your week. I want all that God has for me. I will honor Him and follow Him. Will you? MB
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