Innocence

The Innocence of obedience? As a child it is unequivocal. But impossible to maintain. Parents are hardly an example to trust, but we are called to obey our parents "in the Lord".

And when you do, you fall into the trust of their own understanding.

Wisdom? The Bible is full of practical wisdom. Wait... Crap!  How does the book of "Job" fit Into your understanding?

Proverbs 3:5-6 makes more sense now.

Distraction?

Back to that I go.

Distraction. Occupy your time. Use it up.

If the enemy can't deceive you he will try to distract you. Not just with worthless entertainment but with causes that we perceive as worthy.

These "causes" satisfy our need to feel justified, but fall short of explicit obedience and trust of God's will for our lives.

MIND boggling - Daniel 3:16-18

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

He is able, He will, and even if He doesn't...

They knew what to do. "NOT BOW DOWN". Their trust was in an "Able God" that had the power to save them. Yet. They acknowledged His Will not their own as reason to obey, instead of a desired outcome for themselves.

This is the faith that Jesus revealed on the cross as he cried out in Matthew 27:46...
"ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

Mind boggling

Unity!

Unity does not equal uniformity. Diversity provides needed perspectives for unforeseen opportunity.

All that are led by the Spirit of God are the Children of God!   Romans 8:14

It's His unlimited perspective that provides insight to those who desperately rely on His guidance. They understand, like Job, not to trust in their own understanding. They recognize God's participation in their situation. How He goes before them to prepare the way. Because He has a plan for their life. And He will direct them through the obstacles that the enemy places to thwart God's will. Prov. 3:5-6

When all is said and done they shall proclaim...

HE IS FAITHFUL!

Take every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ?

Well, I certainly have been considering my thoughts. It's been quite... Educational... Inlightning... Convicting... OH CRAP!

I seem to be a little judgemental. It's most apparent on the highway. I won't be specific, you know what I mean...

Do I need to mention at home?...

"?..." means - think about it!!!

Take "every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ". Impossible without a desperate realization that you can't anticipate the next step in your future.

Play it by ear?

To play it by ear is to act according to the situation. Playing it by ear means you work with what you get.

The original meaning of this term was to play music without sheet music, meaning you improvised from what you heard and did your best to bring everything into harmony with a melody that everyone would appreciate.

Hmmm! I believe that's God's job.

Life is Hard!...

Why? Because things are unpredictable...

For us!

But not to the One who sees the beginning from the end. To the One who goes before those who trust in Him, and anticipates every decision that will be made by those who affect His desired plan for your life. He is able to bring His promise to pass. Just Trust and Obey. Walk through the valley of death. Cling to the promise of your understanding.

And your witness will be. HE IS FAITHFUL!