Look Up

 A popular bit of wisdom today warns us 

"Don't look back--been there, done that--                                                                                   Don't look down, you will never get anywhere in life--                                                                 Don't look around and copy what seems to work for others--                                                         Don't look in your mirror, beguiled by the perfection you seem to see--                                         Look up to your perfect Lord and Savior, so you don't lose your way                                          t to truth and wisdom and life."

 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.           Psalm 55:22

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.                                Proverbs 3:5

Don't do God any favors, okay?

 No, really. He wants your ear, your heart and your hands, working in the special area He prepared for your obedience service. He created you and prepared a path for your life before placing you in your mother's arms. He doesn't need your help or planning with the heavy lifting on your worst days ahead----just your attention. and cooperation.  

It's no accident you were equipped with two ears and two eyes, but only one mouth, knowing the world will fill your eyes with its many bits of pseudo-info on life designed to drown out that still, small voice that led you this far.  His quiet yet strong voice speaking eternal truth, straight from His throne, knows every twist in the road ahead, needs no advice from you. Ever.   

All He wants is space in your heart, which He will handle with great care, as He leads and prepares a safe path ahead, leading Home. Leave the planning to your Coach--he has your route and future already--all you need to do is follow Him.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”  Isaiah 30:21

Getting Even--Is That What You Really Want?

For a minute you may feel better, but soon you will realize you are looking at him eye-to-eye and you can no longer look down on your opponent--you have sunk to his level and that's embarrassing, right?  You're better than that. You should know not to cross swords with an enemy (or a friend) --nobody wins! 

And it's even worse to argue with another Christian over some little difference of opinion on an issue you read about in the Bible--the same Bible you both are reading from! You surely know there are parts of the Scripture none of us will fully understand this side of Heaven--table your difference of opinion with your brethren for now. If the question has any future effect for your life, or your friend's, God will make it clear, if and when you need to know!

In a disagreement, you may soon learn that revenge isn't sweet, but a bitter pill to swallow. Next time you give a sharp reply to someone who deserves it, remember now you're no better than the one who offended you. Now it's on! You can no longer rest on your laurels as a harmless, loving Jesus-follower; you are no better than your enemy who offended you. Will you win if you get down in the dirt to battle someone else? Who will win this encounter? 

 MATTHEW 5:44-45“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  

19This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

 From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good. But the desire of the treacherous is violence.  One who guards his tongue reserves his life. The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.  Proverbs 13:2-3

     

Romans 12:19, 38-42

Lev. 19:18