Scripture for Today:  Psalm 14:1 “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’  They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good.”

There are days I need one of these jesters to make me laugh!  In times past royalty had the luxury of having a court jester always available for just that purpose.  In medieval times the court jester, also called a “fool,” would wear brightly colored clothes and bizarre hats in a motley pattern.  His job was simply to entertain.  His was a privileged position in the court as he could mock and revile without penalty.

Today’s verse describes a different sort of fool; the one that in his heart says that there is no God.  This fool might even mock God.  But for him, there is a penalty that awaits.  God says He will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7).  Today’s verse is repeated almost word for word in Psalm 53:1.  Descriptions of a fool are found throughout Scripture, especially in Proverbs.  But this description is one that surprises!  His foolishness is not so obvious at first glance.  The foolishness is within his heart.

Fools not believing in God are perhaps lauded for their intellect and sophistication.  They may appear modern and reasonable.  Their lives may exude success.  They may even be the darlings of the media.  But their behavior manifests what is in their hearts.  Without God, they are enslaved in their sin.  Their eventual end reveals their foolishness in rejecting God.  This is a strong message and not a popular one.  But it is the “bad news” that the “Good News” addresses!  We were all fools before bowing our knee to our Mighty God.

Thank you, Lord, for Your grace that transformed this fool into someone wise!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 6:20b-21 “…Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.”

I wonder if I am fooling anyone with these flowers.  I know they fool the poor humming birds flying over to check them out.  I bought these fake geraniums to stay fresh and bright looking without having to water or care for them.  There are never any leaves to pick off and it is always perfect looking.  But it is just not the same.  There is no fragrance.  Even with aphids or dying leaves, the real thing is so much nicer.

Our verse for today tells us to turn away from what is falsely called “knowledge.”  It might look like knowledge but is not the real thing.  If what we are hearing is discounting completely God’s existence, then it is “godless.”  It can sound really intelligent but if these ideas oppose the absolute truth of Scripture, then it is not true knowledge.  Those who adopt what opposes Scripture will eventually leave the true faith.

Turning away from these ideas that pretend to be true knowledge is not done in pride and censure.  It does not mean that we “write off” those who hold to these ideas.  We turn away so as to not be enticed ourselves nor to align ourselves with what contradicts that which God has made clear in His Word.  It is the Lord that gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Prov. 2:6).

We all possess some degree of knowledge (I Cor. 8-1-2) but with love and humility I can avoid allowing that knowledge to puff me up!  Lord, keep me turned away from false knowledge but loving the one who is deceived!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:9 “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

Living in France all these years has given me a new appreciation for perfume.  We have had friends in the business and we have visited factories.  When my Bible study ladies got together, the subject would sometimes turn to their favorite scents.  They gave me a classic perfume as a parting gift.  Its fragrance reminds me of those ladies and their sweet friendship.  But even with all this exposure, I am not as knowledgeable as some people are who make perfume their hobby.  At least I know what I like even if I cannot say it gives me an “emotional rush” or “butterflies in my stomach!”

Our verse for today acknowledges the morale booster a nice scent can be.  And just as perfume and incense can bring joy to a heart, so also does the involved friend who gives sincere and heartfelt advice.  I do not always think of advice from others as being pleasant.  Perhaps I have been too often the recipient of advice that was not given by a true friend or was not heartfelt.

Heartfelt advice is recognizable.  When advice is given in a spirit of love one does not so easily take offense.  Even if the advice is off the mark, when it comes from the well-intentioned friend, it can be pleasant.  It means the person cares.  It means the person wants to see you succeed.  Advice, asked for or not, means that person is willing to get involved in problem solving and helping.  The wise person listens to advice (Prov. 12:15).

Thank you Lord, for friends that care enough to advise.  Help me be wise enough to listen!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 27:4 “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”

I had no idea that there is an International Jugglers’ Association and has been since 1947!  They have their own newsletters, meetings, and festivals, all dedicated to promoting juggling.  They have even established a “World Juggling Day” with events around the world.  Being a certified “klutz” I do not think they would allow me to join!

Any busy person feels they already do a juggling act.  The balls up in the air represent jobs, projects, responsibilities, expectations, and deadlines.  A young mother especially feels she is managing more than others with multiple balls in the air.  She may be using not only her hands but her feet and head as well!

Each ball I am juggling has its importance but I find myself always dropping the same ball.  And it is the most important one.  Our verse for today reminds me of what is most important; spending time in God’s presence.  It is not just an obligation but a pleasure!  When I spend time with the Lord, whether individually or with others, I feel as if my day has value.  All the other balls can drop to the ground when I gaze into His loveliness.  Nothing seems quite as important.

His wisdom shows me what balls need to be in the air and which ones I can let drop for a time.  But what I never want to drop is dwelling in Him, gazing on His beauty and seeking His presence!

Keep me seeking You, Lord, above all else.