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.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5:15 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.”

I am not a fan of crabs.  Their pincers make me a bit nervous and their appearance is a bit off-putting.  But one of their behaviors always brings a smile; their ability to walk sideways.  In trying to avoid them, this unusual behavior makes me unsure of which way to go to get out of their way!  Perhaps they are confused too, not knowing whether they are coming or going!  The fact that their joints bend outwards rather than forwards makes for this bizarre gait.  They can shuffle forwards but sideways allows for more speed and efficiency.  They can quickly dip into a hole or crevice and escape a predator.

Our verse for today reminds us to walk with care.  As believers we are to walk with wisdom.  Perhaps walking wisely can look like a sideways gait to some.  Our walk is to be different than those around us who are walking foolishly, outside of God’s will.  The context tells us to wake up and make the most of every opportunity.  This passage goes on to cite the particulars of this different walk: being filled with His Spirit, speaking differently, singing, making music and being thankful.  Walking in this way is walking in a direction that is different and distinctive!

The subtle influence of those walking around us can affect our walk.  Who wants to be seen walking sideways?  It looks like we are going nowhere.  We are not walking towards worldly values or recognition.  Instead, we are walking towards the commendation of the Master, hoping to hear one day, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

Lord, keep me from blindly following the walk of those around me.  Make me wise, walking Your way today.