This morning, I joined with some other people for a tour of Liberty Commons High School. This charter school lead by former Congressman Bob Schaffer, has been recognized as one of the highest performing schools in the country. This afternoon I had a workout with my fitness trainer. After my day yesterday and the tour this morning, my energy level was challenged.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, had taken in Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back, along with her two sons, one of whom was named Gershom (because Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land”) and the other Eliezer (because he had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from Pharaoh’s sword”)” Exodus 18:2-4 HCSB

It is interesting that we have Joseph in Egypt with two sons, whose names reflect the significance of his experience, and we have Moses who flees Egypt who has two sons whose names reflect his experience.

Gershom’s name (“I have been a foreigner in a foreign land”) speaks to Moses life experience. For Joseph Egypt was the foreign land where he prospered and for Moses, Egypt was his home that he fled from in fear of Pharaoh after he killed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave.

What is of interest is, the land Moses associated as being “foreign” was the land that would be related to his new life and home. “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.” (Exodus 3:12 HCSB)

To me, this challenges us about being too entrenched in our life, where we are at, or what we associate as our place of identity and comfort. We all, especially as we get older, become fixed to what is familiar and comfortable. Certainly Egypt was comfortable for Moses (even though it wasn’t for the Hebrews as a people).

In order of the Lord to use Moses, he needed that unsettling experience of being “uprooted” and removed from the familiar and the secure to appreciate the experience of his forefathers and be prepared to lead a nomadic people. Moses’ experience as a “foreigner” prepared him to lead God’s people to a foreign land and to be those without a home in search of a home. Moses found that even in unfamiliar places, God appeared and God provided.

The Book of Hebrews refers to the great people of faith and says, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” (Heb. 11:13 NIV) May the Lord instill in us a lasting sense of adventure as we follow Christ.

Moses second son was, Eliezer (“The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from Pharaoh’s sword”) The first son’s name reflected Moses’ experience, the second focused on God’s faithfulness and provision. Moses didn’t “beat himself up” over failures and the circumstance of his life. Instead, he was able to see that the Lord had helped him and delivered him from Pharaoh and spared his life.

As Moses fled, he found himself for a time wandering, but then placed in the family of Jethro. Now these forty years later, Jethro comes to Moses as the deliverer of God’s people and provides some “life saving” advice to Moses that helps him and serves as a guide for leaders through out time. “…you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.” (Exodus 18:21 HCSB)

The Lord has ways to “unsettle” us, but in doing so He prepares us. He prepares us for what He has for us, He provides for us what we need and He guides us to a better place and future.

My day ended up being a busy one away from home. I left the house in the morning and ran an errand on the way for a chiropractor appointment. I made a visit to the new Fort Collins office of Senator Cory Gardner and traveled to Greeley for a lunch meeting and a radio interview.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water at Marah because it was bitter—that is why it was named Marah…Then they came to Elim, where there were 12 springs of water and 70 date palms, and they camped there by the waters.”  Exodus 15:23,27 HCSB

It is so easy to gauge our life and attitude about what is happening in the “now.” As the Children of Israel move from bondage in Egypt beyond the Red Sea and journey to the promise land, they soon find themselves without water. The grumbling and complaining or as my wife calls it, the “awefullizing” (making a situation more “awful” than it is) takes place. Not that being without water isn’t a crisis. I recall being on a trip to Israel in the month of July, and I gained a new appreciation of water in the hot, arid climate.

But we need to remember that these are the people who saw God bring plagues of incredible magnitude and variety on the Egyptians. They have just crossed the Red Sea with the bodies of Pharaoh’s armies left lying on the shore. Now they feel that the Lord is going to abandon them to the elements.

Then as they come to water and feel some sense of relief, they find the water undrinkable. The remedy is unusual, throwing a tree into the water and the bitter water becomes drinkable. But what we do see clearly is the Lord says, “this is a test.” A test of obedience, faith and trust. The promise for faith and obedience is healing and life and safety from the disease and judgment that came on the Egyptians.

Right after this experience, the Children of Israel come to Elim, a place of 12 springs of water and 70 date trees. And the Bible notes, that is where they camped.

Often in our life we fix our eyes on “Marah” and fail to believe for the “Elim” that is just around the bend or at the next stop. We can be ready to “throw in the towel” stop believing and allow the experience of life to embitter us. But if we keep trusting, following and pressing on…we find a place of life, shade and refreshment. Marah was stopping place, Elim was a resting place.

We can desire to see our bitterness turned into sweetness and believe that is the best the Lord has for us. But the next step in the journey we find something far greater than we could imagine. I am reminded of Paul’s words, “…let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.“ (Galatians 6:9 ESV)

Don’t let the difficulties of life and that which would cause hardship and bitterness to take your eyes off the Lord. Remember….“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” (Psa. 48:14 NIV) As the old songs says, “the Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all we have to do is follow.”

Today, I attended my Tuesday morning prayer time. Pastor Park Sutton gave an insightful and challenging devotional from Job, and the text about the Leviathan and Behemoth. “Regardless of how big, unruly and untamable  that which confronts us, God is bigger still and in control.” I found this interesting because the song, “Just Be Held” was playing on the radio as I traveled to the meeting. The song contains the words, “when you feel your life is falling apart, it is falling into place.” I believe I have learned that.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “This day is to be a memorial for you, and you must celebrate it as a festival to the Lord. You are to celebrate it throughout your generations as a permanent statute“ Exodus 12:14 HCSB           “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.“ 1 Corinthians 11:26 NIV

When believers today, join in celebrating “communion” or “The Lord’s Supper” it is a connection to Christ followers beginning with the disciples and continuing to the present day. When the Lord provided instructions about the Passover as the final plague of the death of the firstborn took place in Egypt, He established it as a lasting covenant for His people at that time.

We see in many of the features of the Passover a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. A spotless lamb was to be selected and then brought into the house for four days. This temporary residence of the lamb in the midst of a family, is a foreshadowing of Christ that would be for a moment of time among His human family on earth. Although He lived 33 years, only three years were involved in His active ministry. When He was baptized, John declared Him as, “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) Paul would be very specific and say, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.“ (1 Corinthians 5:7 NIV)

During the Passover, the family was to eat or burn up all of the sacrificial lamb, none of it was to remain until morning. This gives insight into Jesus words at the Passover known as the “last supper.” “Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:26-28 NIV)

Then we see that the blood of the lamb was applied to the doorposts of the house as protection and covering from God’s judgment. Romans 5:9 (NIV) declares, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!“ We see when the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies once a year during the Day of Atonement, he poured the blood the sacrifice on the “mercy seat.” This was the lid that covered the ark containing the commandments that had been broken by the sin of God’s people. In like fashion when the “blood” of Jesus applied to our hearts [an imagery of faith in Christ’s provision of forgiveness of sin] we are spared from God’s wrath.

The Passover today in Jewish tradition is still a time to stop and look back and remember and be thankful. It looks back to the bitterness of bondage in Egypt and God’s actions to bring deliverance. It reminds them of the suffering of  the past under Pharaoh’s strong arm and how the Lord was faithful to deliver and bring them into land that He promised.

When we partake of communion we are are to reflect back as well. To reflect back to the cross and the miracle of Christ’s sacrifice for us. How the sun was darkened and earth was shaken and the Temple curtain was torn. We are also to remember our life before Christ’s freedom from sin. The condition we were in and the life we now have in Him. We are also reminded that the Lord has brought us into a new life and will bring us to a “new land” in heaven that He has promised for all who believe in Him.

The Bible declares a day of judgment for the earth and those who have rebelled against the Lord. But for those who have been made alive in Christ and are part of His family that judgment will “pass-over” them by because of Christ our Lamb who died in our place.

Today among some of my regular activities, I had a workout with my trainer at the fitness center. It was fairly. When I work out on my own it isn’t near as difficult and much more fun! But as he tested my walking endurance, I was able to walk the length of the gym and back with one crutch. That was certainly an improvement over my last test.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “As He was going out of the temple complex, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!”Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down!” Mark 13:1-2 HCSB

The Temple in Jerusalem must have been an impressive structure. Even though the first Temple constructed by Solomon was probably the most glorious, the Temple of Jesus day was still a magnificent structure. I am sure the disciples believed that even with the history of Israel, that the Temple would be there for time on end. It seemed impermeable, stable and secure.

Jesus response, seems abrupt as we read the text. But He let the disciples know that this Temple was destined for destruction. That would be troubling indeed. What if you were touring in Washington, D.C. and admiring buildings or monuments that have stood the test of time to only here that there is a coming day when they will be laid flat.

Later as Jesus and disciples are on the Mount of Olives, viewing the Temple across the Kidron Valley, they asked Him about when, how and why the Temple will be destroyed.

Jesus doesn’t give a short, date, time and who will be involved, but He does respond to John’s questions about the end of the world and His coming. The key word that is found in Jesus’ discourse with the word, “watch” or be on guard or alert. The disciples were to be “watchful” or “on guard” so they would not be deceived. The risk was from false Christs, world events, war and rumors of wars, a shaking of the earth and all that seems to be stable and secure.

He goes on and warns them about betrayals and persecution that they will experience and that will characterize the times before His return. The bottom line is, “if you focus on what you think is secure, you will be disappointed, shaken and vulnerable to deception.” But, “if you keep your eyes on the Lord and the eternal you will be kept safe.” the challenge is not to look to earth, but heaven. Don’t look to man, but look for and to the Son of Man. Jesus put it simply when He said, “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Mark 13:31 HCSB)

When the foundations of the universe itself are shaken, then the Lord will appear, “But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will be falling from the sky, and the celestial powers will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.” (Mark 13:24-27 HCSB)

Jesus final admonition to His disciples was, “Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.” (Mark 13:33 HCSB) For the follower of Christ, we don’t need to be shaken by the uncertainties of life and this world. That is because our focus and our hope and foundation is on the One which is steadfast and sure.

This was an early and busy Sunday morning for me. I participated in a men’s ministry leadership group meeting that began at 7:30 a.m. at the church. After that meeting, I went to the new Morning Star Assisted Living facility and conducted two chapel services. One in the memory care unit and one in the assisted living center. These were small groups since the facility is new and is just being populated with residents, but I enjoyed the interaction that I had with both groups. I did find myself more fatigued than I anticipated and even slept through the third quarter of the  Broncos’ game, which wasn’t a bad thing. My energy level picked up when they came from behind and won their playoff game.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Then He took a child, had him stand among them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever welcomes one little child such as this in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me, but Him who sent Me.”  Mark 9:35-37 HCSB

One of the more interesting contrasts in Jesus teaching is found in Mark 9. The transfiguration has taken place, Jesus has demonstrated his power over the demonic control of a child, he predicts his death and resurrection. Scripture records that at this point the disciples were confused about Jesus talk of being “raised from the dead.” However, the fact of who Jesus was and future opportunities was not lost on them. Jesus found them arguing about who would be greatest in His kingdom.

In response, Jesus tells them, “whoever wants to be first shall be last of and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35 HCSB) Later James and John came to Jesus and asked Him for positions of honor, Jesus responded in like manner and said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 HCSB)

The disciples consistently reverted to human thinking and carnal attitudes and Jesus kept putting before them the illustration of children and of Himself.

Children in Jesus day were certainly among the, “seen not heard of society.” But Jesus says that greatest is reflected in welcoming, even the least among you and showing them value and love. Later on, Jesus says, that the faith of children, simple faith, fragile faith, is to be guarded. “But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.“ (Mark 9:42 HCSB)

Faith even in the “least” is to be nurtured and guarded. Jesus was not calling His disciples to an “exclusive club” but was allowing them to have a special role in proclaiming the good news to all. When John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus about being the Messiah, one of Jesus’ response included, “the poor have the gospel preached them.” (Matthew 11:5)

Later, when children were brought to Jesus to be blessed, the disciples hindered the mothers and received a rebuke from Jesus, “Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:14,15 HCSB)

God’s kingdom is received when people are just willing to come to Jesus. Jesus was being analyzed, critiqued and criticized by adults and religious leaders. Children were drawn to Him and parents of children sought Jesus blessing on the lives of their children.  In like fashion we are to welcome what the Lord offers our life with open arms, and  simple faith, like a child. We don’t need to demand an explanation or for the Lord to accommodate our questions and address all of our doubts. We simply come.

Parents realize that children can be demanding and self-centered. But there is a difference between being “childish” and being “child-like.” The Lord invites us to be “child-like” and to avoid the “childish” behavior that allowed the disciples to exhibit at attitude more like “sibling” rivalry than simple trust and faith in the Lord’s care and provision.

When we come to Jesus, with simple faith, taking Him at His word and pressing into Him, that is where we receive His blessing.

I made it to the fitness center for another workout this morning. I believe with my one “two-a-day” workout, that I have been to the fitness center five times this week. Today, my exercise bike ride went exceptionally well. I think the bike wasn’t calibrated quite right, but it was a good encouragement at any rate.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding…” Proverbs 3:5

Proverbs contains wisdom for life and for those who desire to know the blessing of the Lord. An important aspect of receiving those blessings is understanding what we need to do and what not to do. Our conduct is directly related to the outcome of many aspects of our life. That is true in the natural world and the spiritual world.

We see it summarized in Proverbs 3:5. In life you will find it a challenge and a conflict to “trust the Lord” and to “trust your understanding.” Faith and trust is not based on understanding. It is obedience when we don’t understand and the way of the Lord doesn’t make sense.

In Proverbs 3 we find a series of “what-to-do” and some “what-not-to-do” statement. We see these admonitions of what we are to do: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart….think about Him in all your ways…fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Honor the Lord with your possessions…” (Proverbs 3:5-9 HCSB)

This series covers critical aspects of life. It deals with the focus our heart and our minds. Paul said when our hearts and minds are focused on the Lord we know the peace of the Lord, “…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“ (Phil. 4:6 NIV) These admonitions are good for the stability of our emotions and the soundness of our mind.

Then we see the importance of our conduct to our knowledge of the Lord. To fear the Lord, is to turn from evil. Why don’t we do somethings that our carnal mind and attitudes desire? Because of our “fear of the Lord.” The we see, honoring the Lord with our possessions reminds us of who our provider and source of blessing is.

We can also learn from the admonitions of what not to do. We can observed the following: “…do not rely on your own understanding…..don’t consider yourself to be wise…Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son and do not loathe His discipline…” (Proverbs 3:5,7,11 HCSB)

I am reminded the Lord said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.“ (Isa. 55:8 NIV) There are many things that I don’t understand. What I think I understand,  at times has been proven to be wrong or misdirected. With age comes wisdom, or at least experience. You discover with the passing years the lessons learned from your own mistakes and failures. The bottom line is our human understanding and wisdom is limited. We need to recognize the insight the comes from the Lord.

A friend I have met at the fitness center was a high school dropout working as a janitor. As he was scrubbing a tile floor when it was like the Lord spoke to him and said, “if you honor me, if you serve me, I will bless you and bless others through you.” Really?! What happened was in the course of time, he started his own not just janitorial business, but a specialized cleaning business. He specialized in hospital and operating room maintenance. He developed cleaning techniques that proved to be so successful, that he has franchised his business. As a result the Lord has blessed him financially and in the influence of his life and has made him a blessing as he has provided jobs for many others.

The Lord’s instruction and His discipline is for our good. It seems part of human nature is to resist being “told what do to.” But the wise person is always willing to learn and the one who faces proper discipline sees it as an opportunity for growth.

Proverbs 3:12 says, “…for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in.” Discipline motivated by love results in good. A failure to discipline, reveals a lack of love and leads to a life in ruin. The writer of Hebrews underscores this, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you…” (Heb. 12:5 NIV)  Proverbs 27:6  “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.“

Finally, we find with these “to do” and not “to do” admonitions are some anticipated outcomes. “…He will guide you on the right paths…This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones….then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

You can count on it. What the Lord directs us into and what He keeps us from, is for our own good. It results in a life of blessing and a life of confidence. The Father really knows best.

The big news of the day is I submitted my book manuscript to begin the review process. This starts the timeline toward an anticipated spring release of my book entitled, “The Longest Campaign.” I was also able to get another work out. I believe the consistency will help me achieve greater mobility.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Israelite foremen saw that they were in trouble….they confronted Moses and Aaron….“May the Lord take note of you and judge,” they said to them, “because you have made us reek in front of Pharaoh and his officials—putting a sword in their hand to kill us!” So Moses went back to the Lord and asked, “Lord, why have You caused trouble for this people? And why did You ever send me?  Ever since I went in to Pharaoh to speak in Your name he has caused trouble for this people, and You haven’t delivered Your people at all.” Exodus 5:19-23 HCSB

Because we are familiar with the story of the Exodus, it is easy to gloss over and forget the struggles that took place before the plagues and eventual freedom for the Israelites. As I read these verses this morning they caught my attention. Moses was the reluctant delivered, but trusting in the Lord he took on the task to be God’s instrument of salvation for his people. But before things got better, the got worse.

He goes to Pharaoh and is rebuffed. Not only that the Hebrew slaves are made to work harder, which results in punishment for the foreman. We see the series of events. Pharaoh creates trouble for the slaves, the slaves confront Moses, Moses confronts the Lord. Everyone is wandering “what is going on? ….Why is this such a good idea? or perhaps like Gideon in years to come “Lord, if you are with us, why is all this happening?”

Moses was walking through all of this day by day. We know the end of the story, he was experiencing the “story.” We can see in Moses’ words the the Lord that he expected an immediate deliverance from Egypt. Instead it was going to be a long journey of a series of plagues. Not only that, the first plagues would create as much hardship for God’s people as they did for the Egyptians.

As I considered this “it-got-worse-before-it-got-better” sequence, I realized how much we see that trials, tests and trouble preceded greatness for many in the Bible the God used.

We see it in David. The shepherd boy anointed King and the slayer of the giant. He found himself as a fugitive for years, running from Saul and hiding in caves. There were trials, troubles and tribulations with a lot of questions and uncertainty. But David was able to hold on to God’s promise and wait for God’s timing for God’s promise to come true.

When we look at Jesus, He was baptized by John and the Bible says, “immediately he was lead by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.” (Mark 1:12 HCSB) Before the first miracle or words of teaching Jesus faced the test of temptations. The we see at the end of Jesus life, He faced the cross before the resurrection and ascension back to heaven.

As I consider these illustrations, the words of my physical therapist to Debbie at a critical time in my hospital crisis take on greater meaning. As I was in intensive care, Gary Harkness, my physical therapist and strong believer told Debbie, “stay the course, keep your eyes on the cross.” The reminder in that is not just the cross as an object of suffering, but of obedience and the path to resurrection and it was all in God’s plan and purpose.

How we respond when the miracle doesn’t happen immediately and the promise is not fulfilled in our timeline is all important. It is okay to have doubt, confusion and questions. But we need to “stay the course…keep our eyes on Jesus” and to keep following the Lord. That is what Moses did, one step, on plague at a time, until the deliverance came. That is what David did until he was crown King. That is what Jesus did until He was raised and glorified. That is what we need to do until we experience the promise of the Lord in His time and in His way.

Perhaps I am getting my New Year schedule worked out. I made it to the fitness center again for an early morning workout. We are working on getting some progress made on our basement remodel and had some help with that today. This afternoon I attend a planning committee meeting for the upcoming National Day of Prayer in May.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord, were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction, they will eat the fruit of their way and be glutted with their own schemes.”  Proverbs 1:29-31 HCSB

In our recent homeowners association meeting the board shared some results from a community survey. Residents were asked how they wanted to approach rising costs to maintaining the community. The majority did not want to see dramatic increases in dues, but they did not want to cut back in any services or expenses. That creates an automatic disconnect that is seen in many aspects of life. We try to ignore that choices need to be made and choices have consequences. As the old saying goes, “you can’t have it all!”

In child raising it is called the “Law of Natural Consequences.” It is designed to teach a child that their actions they choose, are tied to something happening…good or bad. Sometimes those choices lead to what they probably would not want to choose. So, if you don’t eat, you go hungry. If you don’t turn in assignments, you don’t pass the class. If you don’t show up for work, you get fired. When parents mitigate those those consequences, important life lessons are not learned.

We see this concept reflected in the Bible in both the Old and New Testament. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians and said, “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.”  (2 Thess. 3:10,11 NASB) These men were able to work, they just refused to work.

The concepts of discipline and personal responsibility seem to be missing from our world more and more. We see people all the time wanting to reflect and avoid the consequences of their choices. So, they blame others, society, government or…God. Anyone but themselves.

Solomon observed this in his day. As “wisdom” speaks in a personified manner it puts it forward very clearly. If  you ignore wisdom and the fear of the Lord and reject counsel and correction, guess what? You will, “eat the fruit of [your] their way and be glutted with their [your] own schemes.” It is interesting how when we change the wording to personal pronouns, the impact strikes home. Review our verses for today, inserting “I” and “me” in the proper places.

Because I hated knowledge, and didn’t choose to fear the Lord, and I was not interested in the Lord’s counsel, and because I rejected all the Lord’s correction,  then I will eat the fruit of my way and be glutted with my own schemes.”

Choices! We like to make them, we just don’t like it when the choices we make have negative consequences. It is easy to “do what I want,” if is hard to take time to accept counsel and seek knowledge. It is easy to choose my own way and to spurn the Lord’s way and His counsel. To not do what I would like or prefer to do, requires discipline. Discipline is hard, but discipline has rewards.

So, I put my family first instead of my desires first. I save for that big purchase, instead of going into debt. I get up and go to work, even when I don’t want to. I obey and follow the Lord, even when it is hard.

Why? Because the fruit of my own way leaves a “bad taste” in my mouth and my own schemes will turn against me. There are natural laws and consequences and their are spiritual laws and consequences. You will find that it is the rare exception when the Lord in His mercy allows us to escape the consequences of our own actions.

Of course the greatest consequence of our own actions is an eternity away from the Lord’s presence. God has provided us the opportunity to choose His way and have forgiveness and eternal life. But if we refuse His provision, counsel and offer of life, we will experience the ultimate consequence of “going our own way.” The Living Bible paraphrases the final words of Proverbs 1:31 in this way, “…[you will] experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen.”

The natural consequences of our own wisdom is death, but the natural consequence of choosing God’s wisdom, counsel and forgiveness is life.