Don't Call Me Stupid!

"Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid" (Proverbs 12:1).  Now I don't make it a habit of calling folks "stupid".  (That is one of those "s" words that as a kid I learned that in using cost me a "mouth washing"  Kinder like "foot washing," both will bring about a great sense of humility.)  But in several translations of the bible this is the word that is used to translate the word "brutish".  Call them brutish or stupid, it makes no difference, the point is they are the folks that hates correction.

Reading recently about King Saul and King David in the Bible, I see this contrast.  Saul seems to be one that hated correction while David was one that was acceptable to instruction.  Samuel spoke to Saul about a burnt offering that he made to God, which was not acceptable.  Saul shows no sign of repentance in that episode.  On the other hand King David was confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba, and David had a repentant heart.  There is a great difference!

Recently I have been reminded of the thought, "What is God saying?"  It is my prayer that if it is correction or instruction in my life that I will listen every morning to what God is saying.  God help me to always spend time listening to you before I spend time speaking for you!  I don't want folks labeling me "stupid" because I fail to accept correction.

Upside Down World

Isn't it amazing how that something that happens across the world can turn things upside down in your world? The Volcano that happened in Iceland last week no doubt has and will effect millions of people around the world. Thousands of people stranded in airports in Europe. (Even a couple of folks from Empire, Georgia). Millions of dollars the airlines are losing due to this catastrophe.

God is constantly allowing things to happen in this world to get our attention. Maybe to turn our world upside down, so that we are not so independent on ourself and more dependent on God. Other events like 9/11 and the killings at the Amish school in October of 2006 will forever have effect on all of our lives.

It is in Psalms 126 that the Psalmist writes " Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."

Many today is in captivity because of different world events that has brought sadness and discomfort in their lives. But if we will be faithful to pray (sow in tears) then I do believe that we will reap in joy! God is truly a sovereign God that is in control of all things. I believe the bible teaches me that "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose."

My prayer for all that reads this blog, that while at the moment their life may be full of sadness, that their life will be filled with joy!