My Neighbor (Part Two)

A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Most of the time my life is rather pedestrian in nature, lots of routine, things I do day in and day out, and when I'm running on auto, I occasionally miss something God wants to see. I believe from time to time He punctuates my life with a (Joe) in order for me to see the condition of my heart.
Often we think we're doing ok, because everything's going our way, there are no unusual demands on our time or resources, life is good. Over the years I've had physical examinations and the results have always been good and I thought that would always be the case. Some years ago I got a bad report, my cholesterol level was high. I assumed I could eat whatever I wanted with no consequences and I would have continued to do so if I the report were different.

Pr 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts.
Ps 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.


God has a way of testing or proving our willingness to do His will. It's the age old question: Does my talk equal my walk? I think we all know that's where the rubber meets the road, and this is where God deals with us...in real situations, in real time. I believe most of us have a sense of what we will do in any given situation, especially if it's favorable, but that's certainly subject to change.
My time of testing came with a phone call. As I listened to the one sided conversation I knew I was going to be asked to do something I did not want to do. I could feel the resistance building inside and at the same time I knew I should say yes. The battle begins.
When I consider myself, I think I'm fairly generous with my time and resources. On the other hand, God who knows my heart, is trying me and finding me.... wanting.
The truth is, I'm rather selfish with my time. I like to schedule my day, check off the things on my to-do list and to do that without interruption. Of course the day rarely go according to plan, nevertheless this is the way I'd like it to go.
Back to the phone call. The upshot of the call was, Joe was coming for an extended period of time. Did I mention I had to pick him up?
I don't like these feelings, that are at present, ruling my thoughts and behavior

My Neighbor (Part one)

Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you. (Proverbs 3:28)

For the past several weeks our pastor has been preaching a series about prayer. At the beginning of the series we were asked to write down several names and commit to pray for them during the upcoming weeks. I made my list, I've been consistent in prayer and patient in my expectation, waiting to see God work in the lives and situation of the people on my list.
Well, apparently I omitted a name from my list, and was reminded by a phone call one morning. As I listened to the one sided conversation I got the feeling that I was going to be asked something and I already knew what my response would be.........NO. After the phone call and my wife explained the situation, it's one that been going on for sometime. The person on the other end of the line, we'll call him Joe, was in need of a place to stay. Apparently he'd worn out his welcome in another place or the person(s) who used him for cheep labor no longer had need of his services. My knee-jerk reaction was: I didn't want to get involved. You see Joe is an alcoholic of long standing, more than twenty years. He's a bright individual but has never lived up to his potential. He's had good jobs, making good money but sooner or later the drinking invariably robs him of everything. I recall seven or eight years ago, when it looked like he would be moving to this area, not to make the move thinking that a change of location would solve his problems. I tried to convince him to get some help and take whatever steps necessary to take care of the situation there. Of course that didn't happen and he made the move to the Land of Oz and continued doing the same old stuff.
There's a song by Bobby Womack called, Harry Hippie, and part of the lyric reads: "I'd like to help a man when he's down, but I can't help ya Harry if you wanna sleep on the ground. Sorry Harry, you're too much weight to carry around."

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Beauty for Ashes

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy on your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound
I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

This is a poem by Crystal Lewis, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

jim