Well…We are now 10 days into this new year; so far so good. Have you made any “resolutions” for 2023? Lose weight. Spend less. Save some. Finish what I start. Clean out the garage. Be more patient. Have less “screen time.” Talk less and listen more. Have fun. Be happy. A couple of years ago my youngest granddaughter and I were together running errands trying to check things off our list: #1 – Walmart to get items, #2 – Post office to mail a letter, #3 – Lowe’s to return an item that didn’t work. She had the list and I noticed later that she had added a few items to it from the back seat; #4 – Sing Christmas songs, #5 – Tell jokes, #6 – Play games, #7 – Have fun, #8 – Be happy. Isn’t it amazing what we can learn from our grandchildren?
Proverbs 3:1-6 is one of my favorite passages from the Bible. Verses 1 and 2; “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.” Don’t you want length of days, a long life, and peace? I do. So, do not forget the laws and the commands of God. There are conditions to God’s promises. When I remember God’s law and let my heart keep His commands, then whatever my length of days may be or whatever “long life” may mean and whatever peace can be mine, I’ll have it. Life can be measured not only in quantity, but in quality.
Verse 3 and 4; “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.” Can mercy and truth actually forsake us, or is it that we forsake mercy and truth? I guess either way, we must always “wear” mercy and truth like a necklace. We must never “hide” such valuables from the world. Our world desperately needs mercy and truth. When I am merciful and truthful, Solomon says that I am successful in my life. I want that. Don’t you?
Verse 5 and 6; “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.” Sometimes our thoughts and feelings are pretty good. At other times our thinking and feeling about a situation cannot be trusted. We can always trust in God, in His ways, His will, and His word, the Bible. Those who know me know that I am directionally challenged. I need guidance to stay on the right path. What about you? When we submit to God’s leadership, to His will, way, and word, to what is right according to Him, He promises to direction.
Our Sunday morning sermon series “Focus on Jesus – His Word” continues with Jesus’ Parables. On Sunday evenings at 5:00 we are focusing on what Jesus does as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Come and see. You’ll be so glad you did! MB
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