[DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_SOCIAL_ICONS]
Today: Proverbs 17:25-28; Proverbs 18:1-6; Romans 8:1-17; Hosea 8 & 9
Proverbs 17-18
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Proverbs 17:27-28
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” Proverbs 18:2
Proverbs offers so much valuable life advice. Our social media give platform to many fools… We can blast out our opinions louder than ever before. We beat down our opponents with our impulsive words. Words have become our weapons.
When I was growing up, I was taught that whenever I wanted to say something hurtful, I should stop and count to ten before saying anything. Sometimes that is all that is needed — ten seconds of silence — to reset my heart and hold my tongue. Silence is so often the best option. Silence offers time for reflection into our own souls, time to examine our words before they are spoken, time to give grace, time to be kind.
Romans 8
Romans 8 is the crowning jewel of Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians. God’s glorious salvation plan brilliantly emanates from Paul’s words. THIS is the good news condensed into one chapter!
Here’s the bad news first… Yes, right now our souls are encased within these decaying cursed bodies of flesh. That is the sad truth for ALL of us.
But that isn’t the end of our story. God has provided a solution for our current state, an inner escape from our perpetual outward decline. Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit; GOD HIMSELF comes to dwell within us. God loves us so much that He was willing to die for us and live WITHIN us. How amazing is that?!
When we understand this, we can learn to access God’s spirit within us and live in victory and light. We can be full of joy, peace, and wisdom regardless of our outward circumstances. Yet how many Christians do you know who live that way? I know a few. But most of us live just like the rest of the world, full of fears, depression, bitterness, anxieties.
We don’t have to live that way!
So are you an innie or an outie? Are you abiding in God’s peace, connecting to His Holy Spirit that lives in you? Or are you residing in the realm of the flesh, enslaved to worries and fear?
Children of God, live in God’s light! God has called you by name… and that name is BELOVED. He WILL walk with you, WITHIN you, through every moment of your life. Set your mind on Him, grasp His outstretched hand, and experience LIFE!
