Monday, December 27, 2010

"Walking Skillfully"

Proverbs 28:26b "......but she who walks in skillful and godly Wisdom shall be delivered."

"Walking Skillfully" reminded me of the climb that Sarah Palin did a few weeks ago in Alaska. Climbing the most challenging peaks in the Denali National Park was something she had always wanted to do. So, along with her husband, Todd, and their guide they started the adventure. As I watched, I couldn't help but think of the parallels to our Christian walk.

The whole way up the mountain Sarah followed her guide. He taught her how to use her legs, told her to look for the footholds and use them. He also encouraged her when she considered giving up and turning back.

II Samuel 22:34 "He makes my feet like hinds' feet (firm and stable);
He sets me secure and confident upon the heights."

Sarah said that it wasn't until they were almost at the top that she realized how dangerous this climb really was. This is when they began to encounter the "hidden crevasses" in the ice. They are hidden because they are covered in snow. One false step....it could be lethal.

Job 18:10 "The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way."

If you watch the clip, you will see her guide... going ahead and checking the safety of their path. And as he encounters the crevasses, he determines how wide they are and then he jumps over them. Next is Sarah's turn to jump and she says that she's scared and her guide is again encouraging her, reminding her of why she is doing this and what lies ahead...she will reach the summit. And then you hear her say right before she jumps, "God, help me" and she arrives safely on the other side.

Psalm 25:5 "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,and my hope is in you all day long."

What a picture of our walk with the LORD....His Word is our guide and the path He asked us to walk on is a "trodden" path...He has walked it and He knows the safest place for us to put our feet. If we will walk according to His guidance, His instruction, His encouragement, we will continue to move forward, grow in our walk with Him (not lagging behind) and we will arrive safely on the other side.

Micah 4:2b "....Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths..."

Walking in Him,
Sharon



Thursday, December 23, 2010

"Words are Fat-Free"

Proverbs 25:11 "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or
any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect
it, as I shall not pass this way again. --William Penn

Words are free, recyclable, fat-free and their proper use can encourage,
inspire, motivate,
activate, and most importantly they can glorify God.
Psalm 12:6 "The words of
the LORD are pure words,
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

No mater where we go or what do daily....the words we use have great potential to
either build someone up or tear someone down.
Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue
has the power of life and death.”

Words have great power and the quote, "Sticks and stones may break my bones
but words will never hurt me." is simply not true.
Our words can crush a person’s
spirit,
and they can leave people feeling hurt and hopeless.

But
they can inspire,
encourage, and
give life as well
Proverbs 15:4
“A
wholesome
tongue is a tree of life.”
Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,
sweet to the
soul, and health to the bones.

I once heard it said that "Words are the medium with which the soul paints a picture.
Challenge yourself and others to paint masterpieces. " The way to do that is found
in
Psalm 19:14,
“Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be
acceptable
in thy sight,
O Lord,
my strength, and my redeemer.”

With all this in mind LORD, who needs to hear from You, through me today? Do
I
need to call someone, write a note of thanks, or is there a family member who needs
to hear "I love you." Help me LORD to be ready to give a "fitly spoken word" YOUR
WORD today. In Jesus name, amen.

Blessings to you,
Sharon