We as humans need constant reminding. We forget more than we remember so we must be intentional to meditate on important things.
Those important things are going to be different for all of us, but there will be some things that we all share in common and are necessary for all of us-relationships.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve had a variety of relationships. Some good and some not so good for you. Our parents taught us and we taught our children:
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Cor. 15:33
Our parents looked out for us and we looked out for our children, but do we continue this practice as adults today? Do we guard our hearts with all diligence? Do we pay attention to the direct and indirect ways people shape and influence our lives, thoughts and beliefs? Are we cognizant of the ways all media and Hollywood influence us?
I’ve been more silent than vocal lately, and that has been intentional. This is a time to be prayerful and introspective. It’s important that we slow down, to take our thoughts captive and ask God for wisdom.
Today as I look back at my childhood and recognize all of the guard rails that were put in place in our society to help keep us on the straight and narrow, I recognize that those guard rails are gone.
We say it takes a village, but you better be careful who is in that village.
We must be prayerful and watchful! We must be alert and attentive to all the ways our adversary is out to deceive and destroy us.
We must fix our eyes on Jesus and surround ourselves with people that do the same. No not as isolationists but as people of wisdom who understand were in a fight for our faith.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
I have found myself drawn to the book of Hebrews lately, and the books of James and Revelation. Of course, all of scripture is God breathed and important for us, but in certain seasons, there just seems to be certain wisdom books that we need, to help guide us forward and even steady us now.
The Scriptures lead us to Jesus but also are our guard rails in life. Without them, the road will get wider and darker, not lighter or narrower.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
Today, as I was scrolling through social media, I read a post from someone I care about who has spiritually lost their way. As I thought about what they posted and believe I couldn’t help but think of this passage from scripture:
“For the time is coming when people will not have patience for sound teaching, but will cater to their passions and gather around themselves teachers who say whatever their ears itch to hear. Yes, they will stop listening to the truth, but will turn aside to follow myths. But you, remain steady in every situation, endure suffering, do the work that a proclaimer of the Good News should, and do everything your service to God requires.” 2 Timothy (2 Ti) 4:3-5 CJB
“But will cater to their passions and gather around themselves teachers, who say what their ears itch to hear. Yes they will stop listening to the truth, but will turn aside to myths.” Aka lies!
I couldn’t help but think about how we as humans gravitate toward relationships and fix our eyes on people who confirm the lies we tell ourselves-when we don’t stay close to Jesus.
I wasn’t mad when I read this person‘s post. I was sad. This person knew the truth at one time, but is now believing what “their heart and others are saying”….
So I pray. And I ask the Lord to remove every blinder off their eyes and all the hardness off their heart so they can receive once again the implanted Word of God (truth) and thus turn to him to be healed.
Some things are better said, and some things are better prayed, and knowing which is which is important.
This is a time to pray for others, our nation and for ourselves, that we would not be deceived and that we would all receive the healing we each need.
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