Tag: foolish

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Secure In Christ

Be Careful How You Live

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based on the LGG Study, Secure In Christ/w5d3

Read: Ephesians 5:15-21; SOAP: verses 15-16

Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-21 NET or KJV VERSION

Friends, this one stirred up some ‘ouch moments’ from the past. They are moments I wish never happened, moments I know would be great examples of the “foolish lifestyle” Paul mentions in his letter. Careless carefree moments that to anyone paying attention would have left them wondering and or whispering, why I looked more like the world than a child of the light. Friends, our carefree moments in life should never lead to careless testimonies; even if we don’t care about our reputation, we should always care about how we represent Christ and influence others for God.

As children of the light, we must first belong to and walk in the light, and we must carefully consider how we live. This takes wisdom from God (Eph 1:8 and 17). We should never be careless in our lifestyle – this doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life and have carefree moments, but we must do so without laying aside the will and pleasure of God, the things that please Him, and those that don’t. Then we must intentionally choose to walk in the way that is good and right and steer clear of the way that leads us away from God.

As Paul taught, we must keep in mind that we are to be lights to the world, and we must “take advantage of every opportunity” to reach others who are still in sin or those who might be easily led away by believers who foolishly live and talk like the world. Keep in mind, we are called to be representatives of the Lord Jesus in whatever we say or do.

The More We Know
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study

Distractions and Pride

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based on the study, For Such A Time As This, by Love God Greatly: w1d2
Scripture Road Map: Read: Esther 1:9-12 and SOAP: Proverbs 12:16

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

Prov 12:16

Perhaps because I have heard and seen firsthand how alcohol can alter or even obliterate one’s thoughts and decisions, as I read today’s portion of Esther, it was easy to jump to the conclusion that the king’s request and subsequent reactions were due to the effects of the wine. However, I was quickly reminded of how easy it is for any of us to let the distractions of this world alter our thoughts and choices. This reminder made me think of some words from the Apostle Peter, who warned his readers to be sober-minded (self-controlled) and alert. He told them, “Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”1 Life is full of distractions … our jobs, our health, our families, schedules, tiredness, and emotions; there are also our needs and wants, finances, and obligations. Add to this list gadgets like phones that we carry and often scroll endlessly and mindlessly through, and it’s safe to say we are easy prey. These distractions often leave us vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes. While wine may have played a part in the king’s reaction, clearly, delight and pride in his possessions seemed to play a great part in the week-long celebration.

Prudent is an adjective that means to act with or show care and thought for the future.

Definitions from Oxford Languages2

Today’s journey picks up where we left off – with the added knowledge that Queen Vashti was also hosting her own banquet for the women in the palace of the King. We find the King still entertaining and celebrating with his guests, and Scripture says, “feeling the effects of the wine.” Whether this was the cause of the events that transpired from that point or whether it was simply the nature of the King, his decisions and actions were certainly not those of a wise and prudent king. Instead, he acted rashly, as one showing no care or thought for the future. Being caught up in his celebrations and wanting to show off his beautiful queen was likely not uncommon for the day. However, the unexpected refusal of the queen would have humiliated the King and wounded his pride, which is obvious in what followed. Though, before we get too judgmental of the King, consider these words from today’s LGG Journal entry:

“I read this and sit here judging King Ahasuerus, yet how many times have I been there, too? I request my children to do something, but they defiantly refuse while out in public. A friend I’ve known for years suddenly doesn’t seem to value our friendship and make time for me. Or when I’m in a rush to get to an appointment and a distracted driver cuts me off as they enter my lane. In all these situations, my heart begins to race, and I’m tempted to get angry and lash out. And in those moments, I realize I’m not as different from King Ahasuerus as I’d like to think.”3

I don’t know about you, but I can definitely relate to the above scenarios, which makes the journal’s closing comments on the Proverbs portion of today’s journey not only helpful but also encouraging. Take a moment to soak it in, and let’s make it a truth we live out.

“In Proverbs 12:16, we read that a prudent person ignores the insult. Wait, what? God wants me to overlook insults instead of fighting back? Webster’s dictionary says that “Prudent” means to act or show care and thought for the future. Instead of immediately responding to a negative situation and acting like a fool. God wants me to pause and think about the future, contemplate the situation, and, if possible, ignore the offense. When we contemplate the future, it gives us time to calm down and better evaluate the situation. And when possible, ignore the insult.”4

A Prayer of Response

Father, help us be women who are wise and not fools who are easily angered when we are offended or upset. Help us to consider the future and the impact our reactions can have on it and those around us. Strengthen us to stay alert and to represent you well – In the name of Jesus – Amen!

The More We Know