Journal Prov 21 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.” Prov 21:5 and 17
Observation: A vision for pleasure, wealth, and ease…does hastiness in decisions and this “vision” contribute to poverty?
Analysis: With all the “get rich quick” schemes in the United States promoted, I might be coming to the conclusion that “if it is too good to be true, it probably isn’t.”
My weakness is “flash sales.” Something comes up on an ad from my phone for something I am coveting at a bargain price—and I fall for it. Other folks may answer a phone call from a vacation broker for resort accommodations at a price point “I just know is below market value” but I need to buy it now to lock it up.
Are either of these risky? Yeah, maybe. Every person who is thrust into the position of having to decide does so with personal motivations in mind—loving stuff, loving pleasure, and so on…
These “motivations” could be righteous motivations as well. However, it is prudent to remember that every decision from Man is wholly tinged with Sin—that is why that Man needs to be Born Again and then Pursue Jesus all his days. I need the Holy Spirit’s presence while I chase after Sanctification.
Therefore, as I live in affluent America, do I think about the Mission to become a Disciple or something else less important?
I am telling myself: “Get real; are you going to pass up a vacation every now and then?” Being married, no I am not. Recreation is composed of “re” (doing something again, duplicating) and “creation.” Sometimes a person needs a reset and recreation is the gift that God has made to do just that.
The issue for today’s reading is what it always is: the Motive of a Man’s heart. Am I DEDICATED to serving myself or serving my Savior?
Tough consideration, especially since I am pointedly preaching to my own heart not to be self-condemning—I want to think levelly, and with the conviction of the Holy Spirit, not the false conviction of the enemy or my own sinful heart.
Prayer: Father, you know this is an issue that I have problems with, especially big things. Little decisions, not so much, except those little decisions repeatedly made add up to the cost of big decisions.
Help me to be prudent in You and teach me to pay attention to the pocketbook you provided. Help me to communicate properly. Help me to give faithfully and to prepare to give extemporaneously (that is, when I least expect the need).
I want to be DEDICATED to serving you, Savior.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes