(WISDOM)CAFE SOZO

COMMENT: Have you ever purchased some item of clothing that quickly became your favorite? Well, that happened to me some three years ago. I bought a pair of casual black pants with white stitching and eight pockets. About three weeks ago I noticed there was a hole in the back pocket where I keep my keys. I purchased some of those iron-on patches but they didn’t work. I am really sad that I will have to relegate that garment to yard work. We all have seasons in our lives. We may really enjoy the calling of God in which we are currently participating in a similar manner that I had a passion for my favorite pants; but when God tells us it is time to move onto a “new thing”, there is a natural tendency to want to stay with the familiar. I worked with a prison ministry for about 8 years. Then it seemed as if God was closing the door because they changed the facility in which we were ministering into a boot camp for juveniles. In addition, the couple with whom we were partnering decided to retire and move to Texas. I got the hint. . . that assignment was over. Let me tell you Folks, I really have a passion for sending out these daily messages, but if it becomes apparent that the Lord would have me move on to something else, I pray that I will be obedient. Similarly, God will often talk to us about cutting out particular friendships that might be hindering our spiritual growth. Our flesh will object and suffer lost but “Father Knows Best.”

SCRIPTURE STUDY: Proverbs 3:5,6 and John 16: 6,7 and John 16:13

COMMENT: There are a lot of adages floating around that many uninformed people take as being the gospel truth. One of the most quoted is “God helps those who help themselves.” Christians know that God helps those who know that they desperately need His help. How about this one: “God looks after fools and children.” I think we can all agree with the latter, but not unnecessarily the former. Proverbs 10:10, 18, 23 paint a rather depressing picture of the destiny of a “fool”. However, I think God’s mercy is present when His children act foolishly and get themselves into danger. King Jehoshaphat, ruler of Judah, is a prime example. This guy was very faithful to the Lord and his people followed his example. However, he did something very foolish, he joined Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, in battle against the Syrians. Just listen to this: Ahab decided to take off his royal garb to disguise himself. However, he told Jehoshaphat that it was alright for him to wear his kingly apparel. That Ahab was a rather shady character. He knew that the enemy would go after him, so he arranged for his “friend” to have a ‘bull’s eye” on his back. In the battle the Syrians zeroed in on Jehoshaphat because of his clothing. The king cried out and they realized he was not Ahab and left him alone. However, “. . .a certain man drew a bow at random and stuck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor.” and he died. (2 Chronicles 18:33) So you see, God will show mercy to us even when we don’t use very much wisdom. Also, the wicked cannot not hide from retribution.

SCRIPTURE STUDY: 2 Chronicles 18:28-34

WISE SAYING: GOD IS GOOD AND HE WILL SHOW UP WHEN YOU NEED HIM. (Pastor Amos Dodge)
Not a sermon, just a thought!