Proverbs 4

Verse 14-15, 25-27 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and go on your way. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Consider the level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or left; keep your foot from evil. It seems that Proverbs 4 is building on what I read previously in Chapter 3. It said that I should lean not on my own understanding and in my ways acknowledge Him and He will make my paths straight. Now Chapter 4 talks about what paths to specifically avoid (those of the wicked) and to turn away and go in the other direction. But it doesn't Say exactly how to recognize the good paths, other than to fix my gaze ahead, consider the level and the firm paths, and to not go sideways. This ties in with God already having made the path straight for me as long as I go straight ahead. What is more interesting in this scripture to me is that is says to consider the level and firm paths. The word consider is interesting because I can think of many times of going on hikes where the terrain changed quickly from what it was when I first set out. Although I can't see everything ahead, I should be able to take many things into account when choosing a path; how level it is, how firm, how straight. But even though I might not see all of these characteristics, I have other people in my life to help me see what I can not from their experience and judgement. I know that I have a responsibility to be a good husband and that requires considering choices for my family. I know that I won't always know the right one, but that part of the process will be to seek out the people who have gone before me and to request some help. I know that God is not in the business of fooling us by leading us down paths that appear straight and level and then change drastically. More, I think that He wants me to consider my paths and seek Him, and in doing so He'll show me which is the straightest and most level. I want to find these paths since now my life will mean so much more since I now have another person to share each of these journeys with, for better or for worse. -Bob

Proverbs 3

Well, I was hit pretty hard with a weekend bug that kept me in bed most of the last few days. I'm finally starting to feel normal again, but I have this guilt hanging that I've made a promise to myself to stay on top of this devotional commitment. So I'll make an attempt here to "catch-up". Proverbs 3 Versus 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. When it has come to Susan and I, there have been many times where I have not understood God's plan using my own ability to think. We've had an amazing relationship since we met at the end of college, but it's been a bit bumpy along the way. From friendship, to deciding that we were interested in something more than friendship, to engagement, and finally to marriage, we've seen our share of tough relational times. But as I look back on each one, I can now see God's hand moving quietly behind the scenes. And I've had times where I've trusted in Him little to completely. But He has been faithful. It is not about my understanding, but about His plan. So as I look ahead for us I know what I have to do; keep my trust secure and try not to figure it out on my own, but walk forward anyway. I'll certainly be challenged in this in the coming months as Susan and I wait to hear about her MIT application, and although much of the situation of moving to Boston and changing our lives completely scares me to death, I pray to the Lord whenever it comes to mind, that His will be done and that I have the strength to do right by Him. I know that my understanding is so small, but I am comforted knowing that in the past, although I never understood a situation, that it always came out OK; and so will all the ones to come. Verse 6 then says that in all your ways acknowledge Him. Two weeks ago in church the pastor discussed how he did this in his daily life. It came down to simple prayers to God as he churned through the minutes of his day: Lord, I'm driving to work, please be with me... Lord, I'm going into a meeting, give me your words... Lord, I'm going to work-out, I give you the glory... etc, etc, etc. I thought about how simple that was. Of course the discipline had to be there, but the spiritual part was so simple...acknowledge that God is a part of every little thing. Then, as verse 6 says, He will make your paths straight. So for Susan and I, I am going to try to acknowledged God in everything... Lord, be a part of our wedding ceremony... Lord, we are sharing a meal together.... Lord, we are in a fight... etc, etc, etc. Like I said before, we've come on a bumpy road, and it still can have some bumps to come, but if I am trusting in God and including Him in the little things, then I do not have to trust on my own understanding, and although bumpy, my paths will be straight. -Bob