Scripture

Proverbs 16:27-28 (NIV)

27 A scoundrel plots evil,
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.

Observation

One of the things that I love about God is that He confirms His word. If we’re not listening or paying attention we can miss what God is saying to us. However, when we are listening and hear Him speak to us He is so gracious that He’ll continue to talk to us to let us know a few things.

  1. It is God speaking.
  2. He’s serious about what He’s talking to you about.
  3. He wants you to understand what He’s saying.

For the last couple of months, my wait problem has been on my mind. During my devotional time yesterday, the Lord brought some verses to my attention so I wrote about them. I didn’t doubt that it was God who brought these verses to my mind, nor did I doubt what He said to me while I was writing. However, it was awesome when this morning, in church, my Pastor’s message was about waiting on the Lord. This message delivered by the Pastor was a confirmation to me that it’s been God talking to me and that He wasn’t done.

Is it just me or does it seem like they like to talk about food in church on Sunday mornings, a lot? It might just be me since I rarely eat breakfast. Before the lockdown, I would often stop off at a nearby Panda Express after church. Since I’ve only been back to church for about a month it’s been a while since I’ve eaten at Panda Express.

I’d like to tell you that, while I was waiting in the long line, I was thinking about how cool it was to have lines to wait in again. I will tell you that the thought did cross my mind. The thoughts that stuck in my mind though, I might not have even remembered if I didn’t have to wait. Not just in line. By the time I got to the front they were out of two of the three things that I wanted.

I like rice. I do. When I go to Panda Express I like their chow mein. They were out of chow mein and had to cook some more, so I placed my order, paid, and then sat down to wait some more. The wait was going to be some time, so I broke out my Bible app and dove in.

I love it when the Bible speaks to me in real-time. Sometimes it might be more about the issues in my life at the moment or about someone else’s issues. Usually, it’s giving me guidance and wisdom regarding what I might consider more important matters.

So, here I am waiting for my food at Panda Express. I’m reading Proverbs 16:26, “The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on” (NIV). Thank you Lord, you’re funny! Then I read verses 27 and 28:

A scoundrel plots evil,
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends (NIV).

Ouch. While I was waiting in line one of the things that came to remembrance was the last time I had been here. They were out of something and I had to wait. I didn’t mind the wait last time, it gave me a chance to pray for people there and just sit down and relax. However, there it was, this time, in my head bouncing around and playing tag with my evil thoughts. I’m not a scoundrel, I told the Lord. I was just wondering if there was a manager around. Surely, if there were so many people here now, at this time of day they should plan for it, right? When I managed a retail store I had to know how the traffic was during the week and plan accordingly.

It’s funny how we will try and defend ourselves. It’s even more amusing when we try and do it before God. Like Adam blaming God for putting Eve there. No sooner did I plea my case when God hits me with Proverbs 16:2, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord” (NIV). After that, it was like all these verses that I had just read in Proverbs 16 in the last couple of minutes hit me at once.

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue (1).
The Lord works out everything to its proper end, even the wicked for a day of disaster (4).
The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished (5).
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (18).
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city (31).

And I repented. You are right, Lord. I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. This whole discussion with the Lord took all of 10 seconds or so. It was just that fast. Then He tells me, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Proverbs 16:20 NIV).

This is another great thing that I love about our God. There was never any condemnation or judgment as He brought all those verses to mind. He is a good Father. He always speaks the Truth to me and He does it in love. Talk about blessed.

Do you know God? He loves you. He’s not mad at you and He wants you to know Him. He already knows you and He would rather die than not have you in His family. Jesus died for your sins and mine so that we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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