Tag: honesty

• Proverbs 14: Lady Wisdom and Sir Fool

  
  

  Proverbs 14: Lady Wisdom and Sir Fool
  Saturday, July 20, 2024

  

  We have visited this chapter of Proverbs before during Lent to see if we might use these axioms to help us examine our lives. Today we reprise this thinking.

  The title of this chapter in THE MESSAGE translation is, “The Road that leads to Hell,” and it begins with these verses.
  Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home;
  Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick.

  Just when we believe we have found sure footing, Sir Fool comes along to tempt us out of our commitment to living in Christ. The writers reference frivolous talk, derisive smiles, false witnessing, cynicism, and ridicule.
  There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough;
  look again—it leads straight to hell.
  Sure, those people appear to be having a good time,
  but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.

  As a counterweight to destructive behavior, an opposing way of living presents itself. Positive advice open-mindedness, true witness, honesty, a strong ox for the plow, and holy living. And amid all these axioms we find this nugget.
  The person who shuns the bitter moments of friends
  will be an outsider at their celebrations.

  The advice to abide with those who suffer is a harbinger to the words and actions Jesus offers as he preaches and lives out the Beatitudes.

  

  In verses 14-35, we again hear the recommendation to sift and weigh every word. We do well to remember that meanness, keeping the company of fools, putting prudence aside, making decisions with hot heads and cold hearts, ignoring the needy, subscribing to conspiracy, and exploiting the powerless are all actions that bring our own demise. And again, this negative way of living is balanced against the positive. A final reminder calls us to think about what we are doing, and to act with understanding, integrity, honesty, and holiness.
  Lady Wisdom is at home in an understanding heart—
  fools never even get to say hello.

  Today we have the opportunity to reflect again on what we do and why we do it. Do we wish to greet and abide with Lady Wisdom or Sir Fool?

  ---

  Find the Beatitudes at Matthew 5:1-12, and enter the word into the blog search bar for reflections on this Law of Love.

  Images from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Court_Jester_by_John_Watson_Nicol.jpg and https://www.pinterest.com/pin/283375001525423592/

  When we compare other translations of these verses, we explore the difference between Lady Wisdom and Sir Fool. To visit another Noontimes post on this chapter, enter the words Axioms for Living into the blog search bar and explore.

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  July 20, 2024

  and holiness, Beatitudes, honesty, integrity, understanding

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• Proverbs 1:1-7: God’s Instruction

  
  

  Proverbs 1:1-7: God’s Instruction

  Wednesday, July 3, 2024

  

  To instruct the young, and to encourage the wise. These are the goals of the Book of Proverbs. Over the next days, we will explore this didactic poetry whose primary our purpose is to teach wisdom. We notice specific words and phrases.

  Wisdom and discipline – Do we notice that those who are wise live a disciplined life. They pray regularly and consult God before drawing conclusions or making decisions.

  Words of intelligence – Do we see that those who are intelligent willingly consult God as a primary resource?

  What is right, just and honest – Can we define these qualities or are we willing to allow God to unfold these talents in us?

  Resourcefulness – Do we think of wisdom as a source of our own creativity?

  Knowledge and discretion – How well do we handle the emotions and feelings of others? What do we do with the information that comes our way?

  Sound guidance – God gives us constant direction, even when we do not hear or see it. Are we open to the presence of the Spirit in all ways and on all days?

  Proverb and parable – We open ourselves to the great wealth the proverbs bring to us; and we realize that our lives are living parables to others. Do we live each day as if we believe this?

  Riddles of the wise – The mystery of God’s wisdom rests in the words of sacred scripture and in the healing presence of Jesus among us. Are we willing to trust the riddle of wisdom that lives in our hearts?

  Awe of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; wisdom and instruction fools despise . . . Are these words we can believe? Can we allow our actions each day to rise from the wisdom God has planted in us? Do we hope to be numbered among the wise, or are we content to find company with fools?

  When we compare different versions of these verses, we find wisdom awaiting us with open arms. 

  ---

  Image from: https://powertochange.com/studies/the-pathway-to-wisdom/

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  July 3, 2024

  discipline, Discretion, fool versus wise one, honesty, parables, resourcefulness

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• 2 Chronicles 34: Serving the Lord

  
  

  2 Chronicles 34: Serving the Lord

  Saturday, November 4, 2023

  

  A Favorite from October 10, 2009.

  Several years ago we looked at a portion of this chapter in which we see the story of a leader and a people who come back to Yahweh, back to a life of honesty and integrity. Here is the brief reflection.

  2 Chronicles 34:14 to the end – This is where the young king Josiah ushers in reforms after the corruption which causes the Jewish kingdom to be invaded. They find the book of the law left with them by Moses and this young king realizes how derelict he and his people have been. He tries to make reparations and is rewarded with a new covenant.

  We might think about how we try to balance making reparations without enabling people to continue bad behavior. It is such a tight-wire walk.

  The tight-wire is the razor’s edge we call living a life in Christ. Nepotism, a coveting of power, and a desire to live life as we see best rather than as God sees, always leads to downfall. Downfall often leads to exile. Return from exile is a gift sometimes granted by God; and we ought not miss the opportunity it brings us to reform, transform and restore.

  Josiah cleanses the temple. He and the people weep as they hear the law read out which ought to govern their lives; they acknowledge that they have strayed. They work faithfully to restore the structures of the temple that housed the God who chose to live with them. They put aside their desire for comfort, they turn away from a life in which they idolized themselves, and they renew their covenant agreement with God.

  The tight-wire walk re-commences, and a people once lost in themselves returns to serve the Lord.

  ---

  Image from: http://jesselatour.blogspot.com/p/the-bible-book-report.html

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  November 4, 2023

  covenant, honesty, integrity, Josiah, reform, restore, return from exile, transform

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• 1 Maccabees 8: Peace

  
  

  1 Maccabees 8: Peace

  Monday, October 16, 2023

  

  As we watch the Middle East devolve into chaos once again, we reflect on the concept and practice of peace. 

  Some of us are expert at allowing the charade of peace to play out for a lifetime. We smile stiffly and turn a blind eye to a friend or family member who revels in behavior which the world sees as unhealthy. We have become adept at turning away conveniently when someone in power acts in abusive and addictive ways. If we did not actually see the behavior, we tell ourselves, it is not there. We somehow delude ourselves into thinking that the power plays acted out between others will never be turned on us, and for that reason we sink to stroking the abuser rather than rebuking the act.

  

  The Maccabees sought to create an atmosphere in which they might worship God freely; but they were unable to see that the power they thought might protect them would, in the end, turn in on them. They, like so many of us, believed that a haven might be created if they might just keep peace rather than try to make peace, if they might just settle for what they could get rather than petition God for what the world deserves: justice, mercy and compassion.

  God’s love is the only peace worth seeking. It is the only peace that lasts. It is the only peace that heals, transforms and redeems. When we seek love, are we willing to settle for what makes us comfortable? Or are we willing to accept nothing less than the pure truth, honesty and constancy that bring lasting serenity? This choice is always ours to make. To whom do we send our ambassadors? Whose voice do we wait to hear whisper in the desperate hour of the darkest night? Whose face do we long to see? Whose touch do we yearn to feel? Whose love do we await? With whom do we sign our own Pax Romana?

  Adapted from a Favorite written on February 15, 2009.

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  For more on the Roman Peace, click on the first two images above or visit: http://www.elixirofknowledge.com/2014/03/history-mystery-pax-romana-roman-peace.html and http://academic.mu.edu/meissnerd/gladiators.html

  Storm image from: https://amenaccountability.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/peace/

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  October 16, 2023

  compassion, constancy, God’s love, honesty, justice, Maccabees, mercy, Pax Romana, Philippians 4:7, truth

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• 1 Corinthians 2:10: Scrutiny – Part II

  
  

  1 Corinthians 2:10: Scrutiny – Part II

  Friday, September 15, 2023

  The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.

  When a political, social or religious structure prohibits us from asking questions we need to be wary.

  When friends, relatives or colleagues tell us to keep secrets we must not go along with the group.

  When we are tempted to conceal truth, to fog reality or look the other way we are obliged to seek clarity and advocate for openness.

  God says: Do not be afraid to scrutinize your surroundings; honest questions bring you to the truth. Many will attempt to keep you far from me and away from the light but I can and do permeate all space. I am present in all times. I penetrate closed doors and I enter hard hearts. I soften stiff necks and I convert the most twisted sinner. So do not fear inquiry; it becomes you. Do not be afraid to allow your doubts to generate questions that will free you from fear. I am open to each of you. I have told you who I am and how I am. I know all about you for I have created you in my image. Scrutinize everything, even me. I long to hold you within my own heart.

  For more reflections, type the word Ask God or Asking God into the blog search box to see where the Spirit leads you.

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  Image from: https://www.canstockphoto.com/illustration/scrutiny.html

  A Mini-Noontime reprise, originally posted on August 28, 2012

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  September 15, 2023

  clarity, honesty, openness

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• John 8:21-30: Dead End

  
  

  John 8:21-30: Dead End

  Tuesday, March 14, 2023

  Then [Jesus] went over the same ground again. “I’m leaving and you are going to look for me, but you’re missing God in this and are headed for a dead end. There is no way you can come with me.”

  We are accustomed to hearing Jesus invite us to follow The Way with him and so today’s words might be disappointing. Yet when we look closely, we appreciate anew Jesus’ genuine candor, his gentle honesty.

  God says: I know that the idea that Jesus leaves you and the Spirit comes to dwell in you might be difficult to grasp. I understand that the cosmos is as much a mystery to you as are the details of the human body and brain. I see that you have many questions: How can God be with us and everywhere at the same time? Why and how is God able to manipulate time and space? How do distant stars and tiny flowers all sprout from the same dust? Read my son’s words to you today and decide to let them sit with you. Re-visit them before you retire this evening. Allow the balm of my love to heal you, transform you, and bring you onto the path that has no dead end.

  We wonder how we can avoid the dead end Jesus predicts for us.

  Jesus said, “You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You’re at a dead end. If you won’t believe I am who I say I am, you’re at the dead end of sins. You’re missing God in your lives.”

  The last verse in today’s reading might help us to better understand how the dead end we see before us becomes a beautiful openness to the possible: When he put it in these terms, many people decided to believe.

  We determine to move from the dead end of our narrowness to the open way of Jesus as we remember this week’s Lenten practice. Rather than thinking: “I will set all things right in God’s kingdom,” let us think instead, “I will strive each day to follow Jesus’ example of forgiveness, mercy and love”.

  Tomorrow, the truth.

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  Image from: https://www.stockfreeimages.com/26516926/Dead-end-sign.html

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  March 14, 2023

  honesty, mystery, The Way

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• Acts 6 & 7: God’s Yardstick – Stephen

  
  

  Acts 6 & 7: God’s Yardstick – Stephen

  God’s Grace and Energy

  

  Monday, January 30, 2023

  We may or may not know the story of Stephen, the martyr stoned for acting with and speaking about the healing power of Christ. Once the full impact of this story settles on us, we might hope that the Spirit not inspire us. We might wish to shed the power of God’s wisdom rather than ask that it dwell within. It is likely that the trials are not as severe as Stephen’s; yet gossip in the home or workplace can break the spirit just as stones break bones. Severe illness, economic and natural disasters, slander, bullying and fear can bring an end to life. Stephen’s reaction to his enemies gives us a measuring stick for our own actions.

  If we look only quickly at these chapters, we might at first believe that the lives of all true Christians must come to a frightening end. When we look more closely to find clues in the details, we uncover what it means to live a life brimming with God’s grace and energy. No matter our persecution, no matter the place or time of our trial, Stephen’s yardstick serves as a stark measure of God’s love in our lives.

  6:7: The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically. Not least, a great many priests submitted themselves to the faith.

  When we experience God’s presence, we can expect envy and anger from others. Like Stephen, we must persist in gentleness and honesty.

  6:8: Stephen, brimming with God’s grace and energy, was doing wonderful things among the people, unmistakable signs that God was among them. 

  When we witness God’s presence, we can expect dishonesty and deceit from others. Like Stephen, we must persist in courage and hope.

  6:11: In secret [Stephen’s enemies] bribed men to lie [against him].

  When we live in God’s presence, we can expect fear and anger from others. Like Stephen, we must persist in patience and love.

  When we meet obstacles brought on by avarice, resentment and rage, we might consider the power we find in gentleness, honesty, patience, courage, hope and love. These traits will appear weak to the foolish, but in reality they are manifestations of God’s grace and energy, God’s enduring and healing love.

  If we do not have time to spend with Chapters 6 and 7 of Acts, we might focus on Acts 6:8-10 and 7:54-59.

  Tomorrow, the Gospel writers.

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  Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paolo_Uccello_-_Stoning_of_St_Stephen_-_WGA23196.jpg

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  January 30, 2023

  courage, gentleness, honesty, hope, love, patience

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• Philippians 4:4-14: God’s Yardstick – Paul

  
  

  Philippians 4:4-14: God’s Yardstick – Paul

  Whatever is True

  Saturday, January 28, 2023

  We continue to look for God’s yardstick in the New Testament.

  Paul writes his story of the good news in his letters to Christian communities he establishes, and in the acts of love recorded in Acts of the Apostles. What does he tell us about the measure with which God measures?

  Paul urges the followers of Christ to celebrate always . . .

  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 

  Paul asks that we share Christ’s goodness with all we meet and in all we do and say . . .

  Let your gentle spirit be known to all.

  Paul urges the followers of Christ to rely on prayer . . .

  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer.

  Paul reminds us to put our petitions in the creator’s hands . . .

  Let your requests be made known to God.

  Paul advises us to focus only on Christ . . .

  Guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

  Paul gives a yardstick that is strong, concise, simple and elegant . . .

  Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

  When we explore Paul’s letters we find a consistent, clear message. This is a yardstick we will want to use. It is a yardstick we will want to share with others.

  Tomorrow, James.

  ---

  Image from: http://www.viralnovelty.net/wake-know-truth/

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  January 28, 2023

  honesty, prayer, truth

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• 1 Kings 15: Delight – Part III – A Prayer in Response to God’s Gift of Delight

  
  

  1 Kings 15: Delight – Part III

  A Prayer in Response to God’s Gift of Delight

  Thursday, December 29, 2022

  We near the end of a cycle of days and weeks and months that we designate as a year. Soon we will celebrate the past twelve months in which we have known great sorrow and great joy. As we consider all that we have seen and heard, felt and believed, let us give thanks for the gift of delight itself, the gentle pleasure that rises from honest relationships and open minds. Just as God delights in us, let us delight in God.

  For the gift of winter cold that draws us together as we look for shelter and welcome friends and strangers from the wind. Let us treasure each winter hardship just as God treasures each of us. The infinite iterations of flakes on frosted windows can remind us that just as God creates each of these beautiful designs, so does God create each of us with our own unique features, joys and anxieties.

  For the gift of drawing in, we give thanks for God’s delight in us.

  For the gift of spring that reminds us that new life always rises from the old. In springtime exuberance we open our hearts to the possibilities of our own resurrection. We remember that God always brings goodness out of harm, love out of hatred, generosity out of what is meant to be cruel, and love out of gestures of hatred and shame. The tiniest of plants and creatures burst forth in a rush to celebrate God’s goodness. Giant stars and the multiverse expand to open great hearts for God’s enormous love.

  For the gift of burgeoning hope, we give thanks for God’s delight in us.

  For the gift of summer that brings us into the energy of God’s passion and mercy. In the fullness of summer heat, we remember that with God all things are possible. With God all miracles bring new life and new meaning. With God resurrection is more than an idea or hope. Burgeoning crops, teeming waters, rain and sun drench us with God’s abundance and generosity. God calls us to match this zeal with the stores of understanding and courage we lay aside for the difficult times ahead.

  For the gifts of kindness and goodness, we give thanks for God’s delight in us.

  For the gift of autumn when we harvest the fortitude, perseverance, fidelity and truth that God has shared with us. We remember that nothing of this world is meant to take the place of God. We recall the great delight God has expressed in our willingness to be open to others just as Jesus is open with us. We respond with compassion and an ardent desire to heal broken relationships and people. We return this gift with our own desire to heal and advocate.

  For the gifts of forgiveness and restoration, we give thanks for God’s delight in us.

  In all seasons of this year to come, we unite in a new thankfulness for God’s love, a new willingness to live as Jesus does, and a new urgency to heal and console just like the Holy Spirit. May we find the energy and determination to live in such a way that all those who encounter us will know that we delight in God’s own delight in us. Amen.

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  For a reflection on a full measure of joy, click on the snowflakes or visit: http://fullmeasureofjoy.com/?p=4253 

  For a reflection on God’s wisdom in creation, click on the plant shoot or visit: http://elcmthoreb.org/2013/07/12/gods-wisdom-in-creation-this-week-at-elc/

  For a reflection on seeing God’s creation, click on the river image or visit: http://www.seeingcreation.com/2012/nature-photography/natures-dictionary/

  For a reflection on seeking God, click on the image of the leaf or visit: http://nancyaruegg.com/category/seeking-god/ 

   

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  December 29, 2022

  anxiety, faith, fortitude, hardship, healing, honesty, hope, joy and sorrow, love, perseverance, seasons, truth

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