Reading: Proverbs 1
My Verse: "But these men lie in wait for their own blood;
they set an ambush for their own lives.
Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors" (Proverbs 1:18,19).
This is such a constant in our lives, we see it all the time. We often engage in it ourselves! And that is self destructive behavior! We greedily go after things that are really bad for us and end up hurting not only ourselves but our loved ones! We "ambush" our "own lives."
Attended a candle light vigil for homeless youth last evening. It was a very nice, albeit sad event and also such an eye opener! It seems that most youth end up homeless not because of their own behavior but the self destructive behavior of their parents - mostly through substance abuse, but also bad decision making - poor choices.
Many think the grass is greener on the other side so to speak and go after something that isn't really there - be it drugs for a high, money, comfort, power, fame, pleasure, etc. Even if the immediate goal is reached - the high or thrill from the drugs, the comfort, the power, the fame, the pleasure - it doesn't satisfy or last! And so off they go for more of the same - ending up in this constant chasing after the wind lifestyle.
Sadly, the thing that everyone wants, what they are striving for is peace. There is so much in this world that is offered or masked as peace.
"They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, "Peace, peace." But there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14).
Only You, LORD God can give us true and deep abiding peace. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
Dear LORD God, help me in this. Help me to examine my life constantly for this very thing. Free me from the tyranny of my own selfish desires. It is easy to become so bogged down I can't see clearly.
Today in my run I came around a corner and there was the sun just coming up! It was so beautiful and refreshing. It felt like I was lifted up above the mire of this sinful world for but a moment. I was able to behold the beauty and freshness of Your light and all that it offers - freedom from dread, deep inner peace.
Love how this Proverb ends:
My Verse: "But these men lie in wait for their own blood;
they set an ambush for their own lives.
Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors" (Proverbs 1:18,19).
This is such a constant in our lives, we see it all the time. We often engage in it ourselves! And that is self destructive behavior! We greedily go after things that are really bad for us and end up hurting not only ourselves but our loved ones! We "ambush" our "own lives."
Attended a candle light vigil for homeless youth last evening. It was a very nice, albeit sad event and also such an eye opener! It seems that most youth end up homeless not because of their own behavior but the self destructive behavior of their parents - mostly through substance abuse, but also bad decision making - poor choices.
Many think the grass is greener on the other side so to speak and go after something that isn't really there - be it drugs for a high, money, comfort, power, fame, pleasure, etc. Even if the immediate goal is reached - the high or thrill from the drugs, the comfort, the power, the fame, the pleasure - it doesn't satisfy or last! And so off they go for more of the same - ending up in this constant chasing after the wind lifestyle.
Sadly, the thing that everyone wants, what they are striving for is peace. There is so much in this world that is offered or masked as peace.
"They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, "Peace, peace." But there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14).
Only You, LORD God can give us true and deep abiding peace. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
Dear LORD God, help me in this. Help me to examine my life constantly for this very thing. Free me from the tyranny of my own selfish desires. It is easy to become so bogged down I can't see clearly.
Today in my run I came around a corner and there was the sun just coming up! It was so beautiful and refreshing. It felt like I was lifted up above the mire of this sinful world for but a moment. I was able to behold the beauty and freshness of Your light and all that it offers - freedom from dread, deep inner peace.
Love how this Proverb ends:
"But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
Thank You, LORD God for this. Thank You for Your cleansing light!
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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