See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15,16,17
Several weeks back you received an "HLFA" with the weird topic of "Christian Acrobats"...discussing the Greek word for "circumspectly". This week I'd like to focus on another attitude needed to get to the Goal of "knowing God's desire for you".
It is amazing the focus of some of our modern day beggars???? (Where did that come from?)...
This week because of Company travel, we (my wife and I) were able to drive by "A Lady and Sons" (Paula Deen's quaint restaurant in Savannah, GA on the corner of Whitaker and Congress). All we wanted to do was stop long enough to capture a picture of the spot and move on. After wandering through the maze of "every block has a square" Savannah,we arrived at our destination. AND WOW ...There was one (only one) "no parking, drop off/ pick up only" space right in front of the restaurant on Congress. It was just waiting for us so my wife could step out out of the car, snap some pictures (drop off/pick up perfect) and we could speed away.
I noticed an unkempt gentleman standing right near where my wife would have to place herself to capture the pictures. I watched her from the drivers seat as he approached her and began to carry on a passionate conversation with her. He showed her something from his wallet and I watched as her eyes took on a compassionate look that she quickly started directing my way. Finally she shot the pictures and approached the car.
Rolling down the window to hear what her eyes might be saying, she pleaded "He is a veteran and would really like a Submarine Sandwich???" We were now in a point of decision ...I looked at the "gentleman" who didn't seem the least bit concerned anymore and just passionately told my wife to get in so we could go. There are a couple of observations that made me think in the direction of the scripture starting this Message:
Most of us are pretty much caught in the situation of this "beggar" though we might not admit it:
1. He recognized the potential that my wife might have the resources to get him to his desire.
2. He "momentarily" gave a passionate heart throbbing, tear jerking request.
3. Though he captured the heart of his listener, he seemed to quickly lose interest in the request.
4. We were able to drive away and he didn't even seem to be remotely affected by our departure.
Here is where we get disconnected....
1. We recognize God has the Resources...abundantly!
2. We may even have a passionate need for the supply..overwhelmingly!
3. God's Heart is always captured by our needs...but our eyes soon glaze over with distraction.
4. We get so engrossed with out own plans and affections that we don't even notice Him, there.
We don't passionately invest in the buying back of time cause by Understanding His desire for us.
Walk with purpose for Him.
Buy back the wasted years.
Passionately follow after His desire.
His desire for you is far more than a Submarine Sandwich.
HLFA,
Jeff
