It's a Party! And all are invited.

It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 21:15

Joy: exceedingly, gladness, joyfulness, mirth, pleasure, rejoicing in festivity

Just: lawful, righteous man

To do: accomplish

Justice: attribute of right, rectitude

Destruction: dismay, ruin

Workers: habitually commit, do

Iniquity: mischief, wickedness, strictly nothingness

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

To do justly is not to be done with a begrudging attitude. Rather obedience should be done with joy. The word, "joy" in Proverbs 21:15 means "party of joy". And that party of joy comes when one accomplishes what is right, not according to themselves, but rather right according to God. 

The Required Routine of "Do justly" is to be accomplished with a party of joy. It's not just about doing what is right, it's about having the right attitude while doing. 

It's a Party! And all are invited. Do justly!

Proverbs 9:1-6: Grand Ball—RSVP

Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars; She has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table. She has sent out her maidens, she cries out from the highest places of the city, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:1-6

Simple: open to the instruction of wisdom or folly, open-minded

Lacks: needy, lacking, in want of

Forsake: have nothing to do with

Foolishness: are easily enticed, misled and go back

Way: of moral action and character, of duty

Understanding: the object of knowledge

The Grand Ball is ready! You've been personally invited! Will you attend? RSVP! 

Friday Nights is Pizza and Movie night at The Castle. We enjoy either homemade or delivery and on occasion we opt for BBQ ribs or chicken. And each week we take turns choosing the movie. Last week I chose, "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella". In that movie the Prince is giving a Ball. The Palace staff works hard to make sure the Palace is decorated and there is great food. Everyone goes all out—for it's a Grand Ball. 

Wisdom is offering a Grand Ball. She has prepared the house and the food. Everything is ready and waiting for her guests. She is hosting a Grand Ball! All are invited. 

Yet, how many of us would rather go begging in the streets, or go hungry because of our pride? How many of us would rather watch from outside because we like our foolish and sinful ways? How many of us miss the Grand Ball, because we think our parties will be more fun? 

Wisdom is waiting for your RSVP. How will you respond? When a person's heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then the RSVP will be YES! And a person can attend and partake in all the joys that Wisdom shares!

Wisdom has prepared a Grand Ball! RSVP? 

Trust: A Trustworthy Man

While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, Come in, for you are a trustworthy man and bring good news. 1 Kings 1:42 (AMP)

King David was aging and many were wondering who he'd name as his successor to the Throne. 

Adonijah, a son of King David, thought for sure he'd be king. In fact, he was so assured, that he called all his friends together, had a big party and declared himself king! 

So picture this. Adonijah is surrounded by all his friends as they celebrate that he is now king. And then enters Jonathan with some news. 

At parties, we all expect great and good news. It's a happy occasion! Time to celebrate! So, when Adonijah hears Jonathan has come with news, he invited Jonathan in to share in the excitement. Notice what Adonijah says about Jonathan.... "you are a trustworthy man". That is key here. 

Jonathan didn't have to tell Adonijah the news. Jonathan could have made up something else to tell Adonijah. Yet, Jonathan was a trustworthy man. Jonathan knew that Adonijah needed to hear the news—no matter what it was. 

Adonijah is waiting to hear great news ... Jonathan replied, Adonijah, truly our lord King David has made Solomon king! (1 Kings 1:43)

Upon hearing the news the mood at the party changes. The party goers disperse very quickly and Adonijah, fears for his life. 

"You are a trustworthy man." Adonijah, didn't like what he heard, but he knew it came from a reliable source. 

A trustworthy man. One who speaks the truth even when it's difficult. One who has a reputation for honesty. A trustworthy man. 

That's a great testimony of Jonathan—a trustworthy man. Even in a difficult situation, Jonathan remained trustworthy. Being trustworthy does not change based on any given situation. Nor does it change because it's "hard". Remaining trustworthy is the right thing—24/7. 

Being trustworthy is easier when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). A true reverence and respect for God is where trustworthiness begins. 

What I'm I celebrating?

Some people think I’m strange to “celebrate” the anniversary of my back injury each October. But that’s just it—I’m not celebrating the injury...rather all the wonderful blessings that I have experienced because of my injury.

We celebrate birthdays, wedding anniversaries, holidays, and so many other personal holidays, why not set aside one day a year to celebrate the blessings that God gives us?

I picked the anniversary of my back injury, simply because living with chronic pain has taught me just how much God cares for me. Yes, He cared for me before my injury.... I just didn’t take notice of all He did—like I should have. Now, I enjoy watching God’s creativity at work. He continually amazes me with how He meets my needs and even some wants.

Will you join me in celebrating the blessings

in your life? 

Pick a day and celebrate any way you want—it’s actually quite fun!