Verse of the Day: Proverbs 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.
Memory of the Month: Proverbs 15:1-A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Today's reading: ISAIAH 39-40 COLOSSIANS 4
Waters of the World
What do you wear out in the world? How much time do you take searching and trying what you think will look best for those who see you at the bank or the store? Like it or not, in this world, we are judged by our appearance. Appearance means what the world demands and the world demands acceptable attire. Really? Yes we all must look like we are supposed to look in all the places we go and work. So says the world.
This installment is not about clothing. It is about the reason behind our attire. We think if we look a certain way, well, that's one less thing to worry about-got that part covered. What drives how we look and act in this world?
I have worked with a lot of different kinds of people. Many jockey for position or influence. Some wear an armor of self confidence and assurance. They trust their own abilities to work the system and to become the biggest and the best. They have worked for years to perfect that armor and it is never penetrated. If they let anyone in, their weakness shows.
Some wear armors of self preservation. They do what they must to maintain their level of security-security. One writer wrote:
"A false sense of security is the only kind there is". This is true of the world-but not in God's kingdom. The dictionary says that security is:
...the state of being free from danger or threat.
God tells us in the Bible to 'fear not'. Jesus tells us to not let our hearts be troubled. Security in Christ Jesus means we are free from fear of danger and threat.
Psalm 56 says: When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me.
The ones in this world will always plot-it is called sin.
I have lived through 12 presidents and there are only a couple, one in particular, who smiled in humility all the time. In Proverbs, 31 it gives us what we call the 'Proverbial woman' and it says:
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
That strength and dignity comes from a close relationship with our Father and, no, it is not just for women. Humility is for all. And when we have strength and dignity from the Lord Jesus, the anointed one, He covers us with His humility, indeed, The Holy Spirit gives us access to the fruits of the spirit.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11-18 to put on the whole armor of God. Before he gets to what makes up the armor, he tells us:
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
What does the armor you wear look like at this point?
Our God is bigger than any threat. Isaiah tells us God is:
12 Who has taken count and measured out all earth’s waters in a single, cupped palm
and determined heaven’s expanse with an outstretched hand?
The only real security is in God's hand and nothing can pull you out if you are in Christ Jesus. Jesus said:
28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”(John 10)
You have the truth-it is written in His Book and written on your heart. Be free!
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Forgive me for trusting the false security of this world. This sin is ever before me. Have mercy, oh God.
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