Navigate Wisely

Saturday, ‎September 9, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Memory verse: Philippians 4:8 ►Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Today's reading: PROVERBS 6-7 2 CORINTHIANS 2

Navigate Wisely

My Dad did whatever he could to make a living in the early 50's. When a flood got his knee-high corn in the East Fork Creek bottom in 1953, he quit farming and started peddling produce off the tailgate of a 47 Ford pick-up. He would travel the dirt roads and sell produce from house to house or sit on the 'jockey-lot' in Mckinney and peddle.

He was selling a product to make money to support his family.

There have always been peddlers and 'drummers' on the back roads of our country trying to make money for one reason or another.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:

We are, indeed, not like the many peddling the word of God-but we speak in sincerity in Christ, of and before God...

There were those who saw that it could be profitable to travel and preach the Gospel of Christ-one just had to be a good salesman and a good actor.

Paul says that he is not like these-he is sincere in Christ. He is not a peddler for profit. He is of God-called by God-sent by God. He is conscious of God's presence all the time and in good conscience preaches the Gospel for the Kingdom of God.

We live in an age where the world seems to get worse everyday. At the same time, it is more profitable than ever to 'peddle' the gospel.

It is not our job to 'judge' men. It is our job to try all spirits by the word of God.

1 John 4:1 ►Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

How do we know? We listen to God. The Holy Spirit is our counselor. He is our protector.

We must guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 ►

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.…Philippians 4:7

The Holy Spirit will give you direction as you navigate the world of 'teachers'. He will give you discernment, I believe, without harsh judgement. Ask, sincerely search, pray, study, and seek God. God will protect our hearts against bad teaching but we must be diligent and sincere.

The peace that cannot be explained will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

I want to live in that peace that passes all understanding. Allow my mind and heart to discern the righteous. Thank You, Lord, for your wisdom and deliver me from judging harshly that I may seek Your kingdom with a clean heart.

Great and discerning God!

In the name of Christ,

Amen