Regrets
We have had a different July 4th. I had another tough night. I began feeling better after being up for a while; however, we thought it best to head to the urgent care center. It was good to see Nurse Practioner, Lisa Myers who I had seen almost two years when I began to experience symptoms related to my West Nile Virus. We found out that Lisa also attends Timberline Church and had been praying for me. She told me she stopped seeing my name on the prayer list, but it wasn’t in the obituaries, so I must be okay!
With my history, she did prescribe an anti-biotic and had me get a chest X-ray to rule out any lung issues that might be developing. This was another reminder that the symptoms that I used to have that were easily addressed with minimal care, require more diligence than what would seem necessary.
 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You will groan at the end of your life when your health is gone. Then you will say, “I hated being told what to do! I would not listen to correction! I would not listen to my teachers or pay attention to my instructors….” Proverbs 5:11-14
Does anybody have a challenge in taking time to read instructions; or do you trust your “instincts” to get somewhere, only to find you are on the wrong road and in the wrong place? The Book of Proverbs is filled with “wisdom sayings” and instructions for navigating the road of life. It also sounds a clear warning about the consequences of ignoring the call and instruction of wisdom. Some of the most profound verses around found in Proverbs 5. They reveal a life of regrets and a clear understanding that “if they only” I had listen and paid attention, life would have been different, the pain they experienced could have been avoided.
This is true for individuals, businesses and countries. When we ignore the clear teachings of God’s Word, we do so at our own peril. In our “post-modern” world, there is a rejection of absolute truth and many resist being challenged in their actions, attitudes or conduct and don’t want to be told they might be wrong.
As a result, many take their own path and want to live life on “their own terms.” They need to be confronted with the famous question of Dr. Phil’s, “so, how’s that work’n for you?” Scripture is clear, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
The good news is the scripture not only tells us how to live a life of wisdom, it tells us how to get back on track when we don’t.  Consider the following:
 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right”. (2 Timothy 3:16)
 “…if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.” (1 John 1:9)
“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek me and stop their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land.“ (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The key is to have an open heart and a willing spirit and to make timely and needed correction. It is one thing to “hate being told what to do.” It is another to, “refuse correction.” Scripture says,
“Blessed is the one who is always fearful of sin, but whoever is hard-hearted falls into disaster.” (Proverbs 28:14)
“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” (Proverbs 29:1)
The road of life is filled with many opportunities to take a wrong turn, or go the wrong direction. It is less painful and the ultimate consequences can be reversed when we stop, humble ourselves and heed the instructions that are needed to get back on track.