This is gonna be a long one. We’re going through a little something in the family (AC & I are FINE).  I spent quite a bit of time reading today. Much more than I usually do. I’m looking for answers. I’m finding advice, but I know it won’t be received in the way I intend. So This is kindof a vent of sorts, but not really. Does that make any sense?

Proverbs 16:2-3  All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives. 3Commit your works to the LORD, And your plans will be established (NASB)

We make our plans according to our emotions and desires and we justify them, thus fooling ourselves if only for a little while. but in the end, we WILL answer to God for those choices.

Proverbs 16:6 Unfailing love and faithfulness cover sin; Evil is avoided by fear of the LORD (NLT)

It is God’s unfailing love and faithfulness that covers our sin. Left to our own devices, we are powerless to change. Quite often, the key is in wanting to change. By having “fear of the LORD”, a reverence and awe of Him who made us & gave us all we have, we will want to change. Without being in His will, however, the choice is much more difficult.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.

“But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” How hard this struck me today regarding a family member! She is isolating herself, separating from the ones who love her most, who speak truth to her. Without that protection, accountability and loving guidance, she is almost certain to fall. The enemy has an open door to her mind and her heart, and he’s telling her lies. But how do you make her see that you are there to help (based on God’s Word), and not to judge?

Ecclesiastes 7:8 Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.

In today’s society, it is all to easy to walk away. From anything. People just up & leave when the going gets rough. They abandon families, homes, bills, jobs, friendships, all because they “just can’t take it any more.” Life is hard! But it builds good character, if given a chance. Running from problematic situations only hides them for a short while. When they reappear, they are uglier & nastier than when they were left behind. I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE! Anyone can start a job, a project, a marriage, a family.  The task is sometimes too much for one person, which is when you ASK FOR HELP. Put aside your pride & selfishness and ask someone to help you finish! THAT is where you will find true satisfaction.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. 10 So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.

Just because it’s what you want to do doesn’t mean you should. Consequences often don’t rear up until you think you’ve put it all behind you. Keeping in mind what God would have you do will keep you from pursuing vain and selfish things.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”

All the “fun” you think you’re having fades with time. All the things you use/do to fill the emptiness leave you feeling even more empty in the end.  You find that the way you THINK things will be do NOT live up to your expectations. Disappointment follows. Fill your life with good & honorable choices, and you will not be disappointed! Enjoyment comes from contentment, which in turn comes from a close walk with God.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

When you make your choices, remember that God knows the real reason WHY you made them. All your justification goes out the window when you’re standing before Him. Keep Him in mind as you make your choices, and you have nothing to worry about.

When all else fails, pray. It’s all in God’s hands anyway.

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