The last few weeks I have been 'catching' a theme in scripture, people's stories, and some of life going on around me.

The subject: 'seemingly small things that disproportionately affect the rest of life'.

Moments where an indiscreet decision or seemingly small event affects the rest of the person's life. 

 

 Proverbs 7 speaks to the principle of these 'little' things that have more effect than one might initially think.

22  All at once he follows her,         

as an ox goes to the slaughter,     

or as a stag is caught fast
23  till an arrow pierces its liver;     

as a bird rushes into a snare;         

he does not know that it will cost him his life.

 

In the examples of the animals, 

they did not know the enormity of what seemed like a small thing, 

but it still ended in their death. 

 

Hmm...   

There is a life lesson I see in the proceeding verses.

7  ...I have seen among the simple,     

I have perceived among the youths,     

a young man lacking sense,
8  passing along the street near her corner,     

taking the road to her house
9  in the twilight, in the evening,     

at the time of night and darkness. 

 

The lacking sense - toying with the idea. 

- Wondering down the road towards her place...

- In the Evening....

 

I have to believe someone told him about 'not going down there'.

That it isn't a good idea.

 

Curiosity,.... 

'I know better'

 'One time probably won't hurt' 

and other rationales make the 'little transgressions' sooooo appealing.

 

This Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent. 

The Theme is: HOPE 

For those who had no hope God has supplied Hope 

which comes along with Joy and Peace. Romans 15:12, 13

 

 Continue to pray for those in need this Christmas.   Whether basic needs of food and housing or the more complex ones of family and care.

 

And Yet....

In my foolishness

My choosing things that might negatively affect the rest of my life..

God comes in 

And helps me pick up the pieces

Become a new man - His man.

And continue to Walk into a destiny that only His Goodness can imagine.

 

 Romans 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 

Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, 

or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Or dare I say it.... even my own foolishness....?  (Peter Transliteration)
37  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

 

 Lord Jesus,

Help us heed the voice of wisdom 

and God's truth about things that will impact us and those around us.
Thank You that even when we don't, you make a way.

Blessed be your name.

 

Until next week,

Peter Jackson

Part of your Team

Black Creek Community Church

peterj@blackcreekchurch.ca