It’s so true that I love to people watch, but today I’m wondering how much of that may be unhealthy? When wires are firing in my brain using my creativity to make up a story with the bits of pieces of information I gain – it can be a very satisfying passing of time. It’s a kind of entertainment. But, it can also be a distraction to what’s going on inside of me. Or what He wants to be going on inside of my heart. There’s a time for everything. A time to sit at the Tampa airport escaping a long layover by making up stories... and also a time to get into the Word and focus on Him and what He wants to teach me in those hours about who He is and who He wants me to be for Him.
Yesterday I sat in Proverbs 11 for quite some time and the Lord seemed to highlight two verses for me with a common theme. These questions landed on my heart: What evil(s) am I pursuing? What evil is pursuing me? How can I be steadfast in righteousness? Where am I investing my time? What am I allowing to take up my headspace?
Almost every single week one of the prayers in our Ladies Group is that God would give us a hunger for righteousness. And over these last 5+ years I’ve witnessed God answer the prayer over and over again. Am I hungry for righteousness or am I hungry to pass the time – because “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11
I challenge you to read Proverbs 11 and see what verses the Lord highlights to you and to sit with questions He may be asking you. Or sit with these two questions I’m sitting with – am I steadfast in righteousness – if not, how do I become steadfast? And what evil(s) am I pursuing?
“The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die. Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of blameless ways are his delight. Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered... Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it. Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!” Proverbs 11:18-31ish
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