January 30, 2023
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them. If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer. The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness. A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him? The toil of a fool wearies him, for he does not know the way to the city. (Ecclesiastes 10: 8-15).
We must admit there are times when we sometimes see God as distant amidst our problems. We think God is out of touch, unable to understand us, and care about what we might be experiencing (little as it may seem). In (Ecclesiastes 10:8-15), we read that the exact opposite is true. For instance, in (vs. 8-9), God warns us of falling into pits, being bitten by snakes when breaking through walls, and the dangers of splitting wood. These are all daily experiences we could have, yet very practical and life-saving warnings.
The exciting thing is that God is as concerned about the things that matter to us today (little as they may seem) as He was with the problems of those who lived thousands of years ago. God wants us to know how to live successfully by seeking and receiving His wisdom. He warns us to reject advice from the madness of foolish people always talking, not knowing where they are going or how to get there.
Friends, life is challenging amidst a time when so many competing voices are begging for our attention and loyalties. God warns us that no human knows what the future holds, that knowledge He reserved for Himself. However, God promises that in reality, every day, practical life, He will reveal His great wisdom to those who will follow Him and that His knowledge will bring us success today. As a result, we can know how to live and not fall into today's everyday pits or be bitten by a snake. Would you Pray with me:
Dear Heavenly Father, I surrender to You my heavy burdens: the challenges, the problems, and the obstacles in my life. Take them, Lord, and carry them. I surrender the outcomes of my challenges to You, Father. Only You are in control of what will happen next. As I face my giants, help me to make the right decisions. Grant me peace of mind as I leave the results up to You. As I go through this day, Lord, please be with me whatever trials come my way. And as You walk with me today, surround me with Your peace. Enable me to do my best today for Your glory. All this I ask in Your Name, Amen.
Encouraging Words from Charles F. Stanley: Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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