Get ready to start a journey…a journey through the pages of the Bible and the pages of your life.
After my second year of seminary, Lori and I spent a summer in northern Scotland, interning at a church just outside of Aberdeen. We spent our weekly day off driving around the countryside in a little Mini (this was before Minis were cool). Many of those trips included checking out a castle or two.
Ever watch those shows about the lifestyles of the rich and famous? Their lives drip with money, cars, big homes, pools, and full-size gyms. I admit there are days when all that looks very appealing. A few days ago, I was vegging out watching a program about a couple shopping for a vacation home on a beautiful tropical island. The storyline follows them through the process of choosing between three houses. There are days when I would love to take a private jet and fly down to a vacation home on a beautiful tropical island.
In my growing-up years, I dreamed of playing professional baseball. But after my first year of competing at a college level, I came to a solemn realization that my prospects were not that great. There are certain “tools” you need in order to play at the next level. Hitting, throwing, running, and fielding must be at a high level. I took note of my speed, batting average, and arm strength and realized “below average” does not equal “advanced level.” But I must tell you, and I’m not bragging, my prospect as a Christian is secure.
Steve McNair was killed…by his lover. She shot the former All-Pro quarterback, husband, and father of four, four times. Then, she ended her life as well. What a sad story! What a reminder of Scripture’s relevant truth: A life of duplicity leads to destruction (Proverbs 11:3). But a life of wisdom…well, here’s what today’s proverb says.
All I can say is—it hurt. The words came out direct and sharp, hitting the intended target. I laughed it off and pretended the comment didn’t matter, but I was bleeding inside. Those words have been ringing in my head for over twenty years. I have talked to the individual. He barely remembers saying anything. He apologized. I need to get over it. But it is amazing how Satan has used that little episode in my life.
Do you ever wonder if anything you do makes an impact? I do. In fact, I was feeling that way not long ago. I wasn’t thinking of throwing in the towel or being emotionally distraught, but I was in a funk of discouragement. And that’s when God sent a “messenger” with a “word in season.”