The Joy of Having Wisdom

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
• Proverbs 8:27 - 32

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Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
The Lord gave Moses instructions for entering the alter (priests only -- they must always wash feet and hands first) and instructions for the holy anointing oil and incense.  As I was reading the very precise instructions for making the oil and incense I thought, "I would love to make a small batch, to see what it smells like."  Just then I read the strict instructions to not make any of that for yourself.  Oops.  Guess I'll never know -- in this life anyway.

God also named people whom he bestowed talents upon for making the items to go in the tabernacle.  I was wondering who they would get to make all those intricate, beautiful things.

The reading ends with Moses being given two tablets with the terms of the covenant that had been "written by the finger of God." (31:18).  As always, I have to wonder where these things are today -- the ark, the surviving tablets, etc -- I know they have to exist (or at least pieces of them) somewhere (unless they were destroyed and I haven't read about it yet).  I know I'm hanging on to mere artifacts, but I just want to see some of it; I think it would be an awesome sight to behold.


Proverbs 8:27 - 32
Here we hear more from Wisdom.  We are told that Wisdom was by the Lord's side even as He created the Earth, and the heavens, and the seas, the lands, and the people.  The reading then ends with Wisdom saying that all who listen to her will be joyful.

So far we have seen that seeking Wisdom will lengthen one's life and keep them in favor with the Lord, but now we see that pursing wisdom will also give us joy.  I could use more joy in my life -- what about you?

Spoken Words that Defile Us; Obtaining True Joy in Life

Today's Reading:
• Matthew 15:1 - 28
• Psalm 19:1 - 14

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Matthew 15:1 - 28

Today's reading told a story of how Jesus scolded the Pharisees for misleading God's people.  Jesus accuses them of using the Torah as an excuse to violate commandments.  The example given was of using financial gifting to God as a means to avoid financial responsibility for one's parents and thus violating the commandment to honor thy father and thy mother.  In verse 15:4, Jesus reminds us that the penalty for not honoring your parents is to be put to death.  I realize the penalty for breaking any of the commandments is death, and I do not yet know enough about the subject to know if the Jesus was referring to instant death (like a stoning) or as death because we are sinners. 

Jesus then goes on to say that it is the things that come out of our mouths that defile us, for what comes out of our mouths comes from our hearts.  What comes out of our mouths show our true character.  What comes out of our mouths shows our inner being.

We will all have ungodly thoughts and feelings throughout our lives -- possibly many times a day.  It's how we react to those thoughts and feelings, the actions we take or don't take, the decisions we make, and the words that we allow to come out of our mouths that show our true nature and defile us.

How often do you say something you really don't mean?  Or say something just to hurt another person, because you know just how to push their buttons?  How often do you say something just because you are angry?  How often do you try to influence another person's emotions toward another person because of how you are currently feeling about that person?

The answer for me is too often.  If I want to grow closer to God (and truly, I do!) then I need to work on the things that come out of my mouth.  I need to think before I talk -- or write/text/IM/post to Facebook -- and I need to ask myself, will this defile me?   I have a long road ahead of me for this one, that's for sure!

Psalm 19:1 - 14

Psalm 19 is truly a beautiful Psalm.  The Psalm begins by stating that the Lord created the sun, the stars and the heavens.  The mere beauty and perfection of our universe shows that everything the Lord does is stunning and flawless, even when not a word is said.  Likewise, all the words God speaks to us, all the commandments He gives to us, all the wisdom He bestows on us -- all is beautiful and perfect, and we should revere in it.  The psalm concludes with a prayer that the Lord protect David from the deliberate and hidden sins in his heart, so that he can stay bathed in the glorious beauty of the Lord's glory.

I find everything about this Psalm to be beautiful and glorious, and a reminder that God's commandments to us are not a punishment to us, or set to restrict us from obtaining joy in life.  The exact opposite of that statement is true -- God's teachings is the key to obtaining true joy in our individual lives.  This is a joy that I am going to continue to strive to obtain, through all my shortcomings.

Conclusion
I am always astounded at how a singular or few bible verses can spark so many thoughts, emotions and questions in my person.  Thoughts enough that I could write and write and write on all the things that go through my mind and spirit as I read these words, yet never be finished.  What other book provokes so much thought through its entirety?