Wisdom Says Go but Slow

Wisdom Says Go but Slow

Genesis 33: ¹² Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you.”

¹³ But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. ¹⁴ Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir.”

 

¹⁵ And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.”

But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” ¹⁶ So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. ¹⁷ And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

 

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Knowing the land was full of raiders, Esau suggested that he lead Jacob, his people and herds to safety. But Jacob told Esau that the children were weak and the herds and flocks would die if pushed too hard.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob had to go, but he understood what pace the children and herds could handle.
• Esau wanted to provide protection, but Jacob had wrestled the LORD and was sure he would be taken care of.
• Jacob’s faith had grown now that he faced his fear of Esau.

 

Now that the biggest fear was over, facing thieves and robbers was of little concern to Jacob. He had mistreated Esau to “fulfill” GOD’s promise. This messy family situation was known by GOD, yet HE allowed it to play out as it did.

 

GOD healed broken relationships during this meeting. HE also told Jacob to go back to the land and that he would be protected. Jacob had reminded GOD about HIS protection when he was full of fear, as if GOD did not know. He would go and make sure that no harm came to his family or herds because of the possible rushed pace of Esau’s men.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the pace struggle between Esau and Jacob?
• Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed like everything was coming at you too fast, yet something needed to be done?
• Will you continue to go forward, but slow down enough to take care of those around you and the obligations?

Purpose Speeds

Purpose Speeds

James 1: ¹⁹ Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. ²⁰ Human anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose. ²¹ So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.

 

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Hearing some words I did not like, I immediately came back with a retort. This set off an argument that made me angry. I then brought up unrelated problems as examples.  

 

• I was not able to hear what was said because I was thinking of what “I” was going to say.
• I was angry so my statements were not fully rational.
• I was impatient and could not wait on GOD to speak to me in this situation.

 

James begins addressing an issue that remains today, namely impatience. He guides everyone to do something different. He uses speeds to illustrate a better way to communicate so GOD’s purpose can be achieved.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is slow to anger with me and wants me to do the same.
• Listening to other people takes practice to get beyond hurtful words.
• Cursing people out ruins GOD’s purpose and so do snide remarks.

 

Words are powerful. I mean, they can grow or crush people. Unfortunately, I have sometimes chosen to crush people, thinking he or she will understand the “error of their ways” and change. So far, this has NEVER worked. GOD has a different approach.

 

HE wants me to listen first, understand that poisonous darts come from children and grab hold of my tongue to use GOD’s words versus my own. Trying to hurt someone on purpose is foolish and childish. I did not realize how irrational I had been until I reviewed my words and compared them to what JESUS said and did to the masses. I am glad HE shows me love and compassion.

 

Challenge

• How and why does the writer use speeds?
• Have you ever gotten angry with someone just because he or she walked into the room?
• Do you get angry quickly with more than one person?
• Will you seek GOD’s peace and patience so you can be slow to speak and slow to get angry today and so you can be used for GOD’s purpose?

Doing Over Being

Luke 10: ³⁸ Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. ⁴² But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

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Upon arrival I immediately went to work. I balanced the books, input all receipts by giver and drew up plans for a new parking lot. When I went home I wondered what the sermon was about. I had missed it because I was too busy to listen.

• There have been many times when I was extremely busy “doing” church.
• There have been many times when I thought “the more I serve the closer to GOD I will be.”
• Three have been many times when I believed that other people were lazy, selfish, ungiving people who needed to get off their butts and simply serve.

Martha wanted her house a certain way, and she was probably extra careful when a special guest was around. JESUS was that special guest and she had to have everything right. BUT HE said something strange to her. Mary, who was sitting at HIS feet worshiping, had chosen the right thing to do.

• JESUS wants me to stay away from burn out types of service.
• JESUS wants me to simply worship HIM so I can serve cheerfully.
• JESUS wants me to slow down so I can hear HIM and when HE fills me up, then I can go back to serving.

There is nothing worse than grumpy service. When I serve people, it is not just the act that counts, it is the heart. GOD wants me to serve with my heart rather than just with action. But sometimes my heart is filled with the wrong things which can taint my service and I get no reward from HIM for my grumpy service.

GOD wants me to ask for a clean heart first so I can serve others the way HE wants mt to. HE wants me to put HIM first, then HE will guide me to serve those who I feel do not deserve being served.

• Are you serving people in a burned out state?
• Do you judge others in what they are “not” doing?
• Can you ask GOD for a heart filled with grace so you can truly desire the best for even your enemies?
• Will you put “grace” over service today?

Hearing is Believing

Mark 9: ⁷ And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ⁸ Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.

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Stunned, I just sat there. I heard the store guard say “Listen to me” and I came out of my dazed stupor. I guess the shock of being chased by yet another gang got to me this time. I could now hear.

• Sometimes I am so shocked that I cannot hear.
• Sometimes I am so wrapped up in my world that I cannot hear.
• Sometimes things are so overwhelming that I cannot hear.

Stunned is what the disciples felt when they saw Elijah and Moses and knew who they were. Their minds could not grasp what was going on. Suddenly a voice out of the cloud spoke to them. “This is MY beloved SON. Hear HIM!” They could now focus.

• GOD says to me “Believe in MY one and only SON.”
• GOD says to me “Listen to the ONE who can save you and the rest of the world.”
• GOD says to me “HE is the only way, the only truth and the only life.”

Hearing is truly believing. When I can hear with my “heart” then I can believe. Unfortunately my heart attacks truth when it is filled with anger, hatred, lust, envy or doubt. BUT GOD is faithful and just to clean my heart and clear my thoughts long enough to hear HIM. HIS SON is who I should listen to.

• Are you stuck?
• Are the ears to your heart closed and you cannot hear GOD?
• Can you stop fighting GOD and release what you are holding onto?

Daily Delight

Micah 7: ⁷ But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
    I wait for God my Savior;
    my God will hear me.

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¹⁸ Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.
¹⁹ You will again have compassion on us;
    you will tread our sins underfoot
    and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

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“Wham!” was the first thing that happened as I stubbed my toe against a cabinet. I ran around the house looking for my keys and it seemed to take a solid year to find them. I was in a hurry to get to work and “this guy” was in front of me with his blinker on for miles, doing well under the speed limit. “What a day!” I thought to myself.

• There are some days where I get flustered.
• There are some days that seem to have more wrong than right.
• There are some days that simply just get to me!

As I rushed throughout the day I noticed my demeanor getting worse and worse. I went to get something to eat and my order was wrong! “That’s it! I had enough!” I thought to myself. I wasn’t going to let the day push me around anymore! I was ready to argue, fuss and fight with the next thing that went wrong. Is this how I should be?

• GOD says to me “Place your hope in me and I will hear you.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who pardons your sins and forgives your transgressions.”
• GOD says to me “I will not stay angry forever and I delight in showing mercy to you.”

“Delight” was the thing that was missing from the day. From early morning and all throughout the day, I had missed out on “delightful” moments that could have been wonderful. Instead of complaining, I should seek out what delights GOD.

By slowing down long enough to place my “hope” in HIM through prayer, GOD actually listens directly to me. Amazing! HE leads me to a quiet place and turns my hurried harassed day into a place where I can see HIM doing HIS wonders. GOD has compassion on me.

• Are you ready to fight?
• Are you ready to snap and are collecting your “side” of the story?
• Will you put down your poison and put away your sharp tongued weapons and seek GOD’s peace?
• Will you ask yourself “Why am I so angry” and ask GOD to show what delights HIM today?

Hearing When the Noise is Loud

Psalm 104: ²⁷ All creatures look to you
    to give them their food at the proper time.
²⁸ When you give it to them,
    they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
    they are satisfied with good things.
²⁹ When you hide your face,
    they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
    they die and return to the dust.
³⁰ When you send your Spirit,
    they are created,
    and you renew the face of the ground.

³¹ May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works—
³² he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
    who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

³³ I will sing to the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
³⁴ May my meditation be pleasing to him,
    as I rejoice in the Lord.

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“Hurry, we have to get to the airport on time” were the motivating words out of my mouth that I barked at my team. Barely getting there on time, my heart raced as I got into the routine of shoe removal and laptop stacking in the security line. I quickly sized up the other travelers and noticed a person fumbling to remove their belt.

I quickly dashed into another line and looked incessantly at my watch, hoping to speed up the security screeners. I plopped in my seat and immediately went to sleep not noticing anyone around me.

• Sometimes the noise of life makes me not notice my surroundings.
• Sometimes the noise of life drowns out quiet sounds.
• Sometimes the noise of life keeps me on edge to the point where nothing else fits.

It’s hard to see GOD at work when the attendant doesn’t have my reservation and I may be late for an important meeting. Birds, what birds? What do they have to do with me? I, late! BUT GOD wants me to hear HIM.

• GOD provides food for the birds and wants me to slow down to notice HE takes care of them and me.
• GOD made the mountains and waters the field and wants me to know HE cares for me in spite of what’s going on around me.
• GOD sustains and gives at the proper time and wants me to understand HIS time is wonderful.

Slow down instead of speeding up. Stop looking at the watch or calendar and look out at the bird hopping in the field is what HE says to me. HIS eye is on the sparrow and I know HE watches over me.

• Are you deafened by your circumstance?
• Have you gotten to the point where you cannot hear or see GOD working?
• Can you stop looking at your watch or calendar and see HIM today?
• Will you listen to HIS voice by slowing down for just a minute?

Slow Down

Psalm 38: ¹⁵ Lord, I wait for you;
    you will answer, Lord my God.

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My hand quickly pounded on the horn as the car in front of me sat there like they had no place to be. I raised my engine high as I passed everyone on the road. I got to work and my admin did not have my schedule together, “Please hurry” was my request as I had numerous meeting to prepare for. When an emergency popped up, I went faster and faster. “Where are you GOD, and why aren’t you moving fast?” was my thought.

• Sometimes my problem isn’t the problem.
• Sometimes the emergency isn’t the problem.
• Sometimes the situation or circumstance isn’t the problem.

Leading a very busy life leaves no room for GOD in my life. HE gets pushed to the back burner every day while I handle the “high priority” items on my plate. Then I find myself moving faster and faster with little patience for those who can’t keep up. In this instance, GOD chooses to help me with my impatience.

• GOD says to me “Wait on MY deliverance.”
• GOD says to me “I have you in MY hand no one can pluck you out.”
• GOD says to me “Have patience, be slow to anger, and watch ME work.”

What about my emergency? You mean I have to wait again!? Yes. Wait. GOD know just how long to keep me in the fire in order to burn off my doubts, worries and fears. HE says “I made you and I know how much you can handle.” HE watches me squirm and watches others around me squirm. HE then says, “Wait.”

Waiting makes me slow down, sit down and bow down. It makes me have patience for those around me and for those who are in similar positions. Waiting removes gloating arrogance and anger. Waiting builds trust and faith. GOD yields to no humans’ dates or times, but HE is always right on time!

• Are you losing your patience with GOD?
• Do you feel like you are out of time?
• Can you understand that waiting on GOD is good because HIS plan is better?
• Will you slow down enough to listen to GOD?

Removing the Blockage

Psalm 19: ¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;

    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
² Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
³ They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
⁴ Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
⁵     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
⁶ It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

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Breathtaking is the only word that I could use to describe the landscape as I came around a curve in the road. The ocean was in front of me, mountains behind  and the sun hung brightly in the sky. At that moment I could only see the majestic work of GOD. As time passed, I saw traffic, I saw the problem of the day in my mind through voicemail, and I saw reports from my desk. I drowned out seeing GOD with the noise of my surroundings.

• Many times I cannot see GOD because of what I’m looking at.
• Many times I cannot hear GOD because I’m too busy listening to problems or myself.
• Many times I cannot feel GOD because I think HE is “upstairs” or away from me in some distant galaxy, only doing big things.

Broken stuff, bank accounts, car trouble and my physical body can block me from noticing the little and the large things GOD does. I can get so caught up in the problem of the day that I cannot notice GOD’s creative work. I may even say “How does looking at the ocean solve the broken appliance in my house?” BUT GOD says something different.

• When I can slow down to notice GOD’s mastery, I can obtain peace that HE can handle my tiny problem.
• When I can slow down to see GOD’s majesty, I can see HE is concerned about every detail of life, mine included.
• When I can slow down to listen to GOD’s magnificence, I can understand HE is right here and not in some distant location.

GOD is surging through everything in front of me. HE is all round me and sometimes I need to step outside, quiet myself down and look. Gratitude for HIS work makes me hear HIM a lot better than a complaint for where I am. When I can truly marvel at HIS decision for creation, I can see HIS concern for me.

• Are you so focused on your problem that you can no longer hear GOD?
• Do you see GOD’s creative work around you?
• Can you slow down, look outside and marvel at what GOD has created for a moment?
• Will you simply praise HIM for who HE is?

Slow Down to Decide

Psalm 11:4 But the LORD is in HIS Holy temple

                        the LORD still rules from heaven

            HE watches everything closely

                        examining everyone on earth

            5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked

                        HE hates everyone who loves violence

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By now I was able to drive myself to work, but I still needed permission to go places. I have no idea how a friend of mine always had a party to go to but nonetheless, I wanted in. This was my opportunity. A person who I was supposed to fill in for at work no longer needed me to fill in. It was Friday night and the shift was from 6PM until 2AM. Let’s see, stay at home with the parents or go to the party with friends and not be seen as a square anymore! What should I have done?

• When I am impatient I make decisions too quickly that may be detrimental.
• When I decide in haste I usually regret the quick decision.
• When I rush into a decision I usually do not think of the consequences.

Sin is part of my humanity. I was born with it and when I make decisions too quickly I can sometimes be fooled by its deadly grip. I then look up and I am in something I can’t get myself out of. How can I avoid this?

• When I make a decision I should ask GOD for HIS direction.
• When I make a decision I should allow GOD to say “No” or “Yes.”
• When I make a decision I should understand that GOD is watching everything closely.

I know GOD understands when I sin. I was born with a deficit to my character and HE knows it. BUT GOD is pleased when I come to HIM first with my plans. HE loves it when I ask HIM first and when I yield to HIS decision. My relationship with GOD should have healthy fear of HIM but also healthy “love” of HIM which seeks HIS advice from time to time.

• Are you worried and making snap decisions?
• Can you slow down to listen to what GOD is saying to you?
• Will you add GOD to your decision and know that HE is pleased with you regardless of the outcome?

Stop and Pay Attention

Job 37: ⁶ He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
    and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
⁷ So that everyone he has made may know his work,
    he stops all people from their labor.

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“Got a minute?” my boss said to me as I was considering going home for the day. “We need to work on this bid.” So I stayed. I worked hard and minutes turned into hours. Soon I noticed the sun rising. It was the next day and I had worked thirty six hours straight. We did not get the bid.

• Sometimes my busy life causes me to forget everything around me.
• Sometimes my busy life causes me to run so fast that I cannot see anything next to me.
• Sometimes my busy life causes me to push, push, push, but to what avail?

Many times the finished line has been placed right in front of me only to be moved a few yards further when I get close to it. I think, maybe if I run faster and longer then I can cross it. Meanwhile, I miss the opportunity to speak peace into the lives around me.

• GOD says to me “Slow down or I will slow you down.”
• GOD says to me “I created you for MY purpose.”
• GOD says to me “Turn back to ME.”

Days are not meant to be spent without thinking about GOD. HE provides the air I breathe and the food I consume. HE wants me to slow down and think about HIM each and every day. HE doesn’t want me to only think of HIM during an emergency or some extreme weather condition.

GOD wants me, all of me. If I can only give HIM a part of me on a daily basis then I have a great start.

• Are you ignoring GOD?
• Is life too busy to slow down and pay attention to GOD?
• Is GOD screaming and you are not listening?
• Will you stop for a moment and praise GOD right now?

Taking Time to Ponder

Job 25: ² “Dominion and awe belong to God;
    he establishes order in the heights of heaven.
³ Can his forces be numbered?
    On whom does his light not rise?

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Sitting on my couch “worried” I wondered if I passed my final exam. Sitting in my apartment “worried” I wondered if I got the job. Sitting in my apartment “worried” I wondered if I got another job to move back. Sitting in my house “worried” I wondered if I could ever please this boss or the next one or those to follow.  Wow, I spent a lot of time worrying!

• Worrying takes me away from peace.
• Worrying distracts me so much that I cannot see blessings.
• Worrying puts me in a ball and I cannot move forward on anything.

It’s quite amazing how distracting worry is. I mean when I try to stop worrying. I worry that I’m worrying too much! What should I do?

• GOD said “Do not worry, do not be afraid.”
• GOD said “I will be with you always.”
• GOD said “Tell them I AM.”

I had to quiet my mind from all the worry and look at who GOD is. As I stared out the window I saw a deer slowly tromp into my yard, then another, then another. Soon several deer were standing there; one began kicking up the snow and sat down. I kept looking and seven or eight were sitting. I was amazed at the sight. Then I realized, if I could just slow down and look I could see GOD every day.

Slowing down helps me see and hear GOD. HE shows HIMSELF to me daily.

• Are you looking for GOD?
• Do you think HE is far away from you right now?
• Can you look around and see HIM where you are right now?
• Can you ponder the intricacies of how HE made you and your surroundings and the heavens above?
• Won’t you add “awe” back into your relationship with GOD?

What goes around comes around

2 Samuel 17: Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. ² I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king ³ and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.” ⁴ This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

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⁵ But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.”

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⁷ Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time.

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¹⁴ Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

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Fed up with being pushed around, I started lifting weights. Soon I gained some nice size and I started hanging with the muscle heads. One guy was particularly mean. Okay, I think he was on steroids. He suggested we go out to a bar with him to have some “fun.” Not knowing what he meant, I agreed.

Another guy said “I don’t think we should go” so I didn’t.  A few days later the bar going guy furiously stormed into the gym. “Why didn’t y’all show up? I had to fight these guys all by myself.”

GOD has protected me many times from bad advice and stupid actions. In this instance I was protected from becoming the bully I longed to get away from. I played out the scenario after the incident and I could see nothing but destruction.

• GOD says to me “Whatsoever you sow you will reap.”
• GOD says to me “Love one another as I have loved you.”
• GOD says to me “Be slow to anger.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE.”

When I am full of rage and fury, my next steps are very important. I can take the full rage and turn it into hatred, spreading poison and death to many or I can follow what GOD says and give HIM my poison and let HIM diffuse the situation. If I choose GOD’s way I must realize HE wants to save “that” person as well. Whatever the choice, I will reap what I sow.

• Are you angry at someone?
• Do you have rage?
• Can you let go of your anger and rage and let GOD work it all out?

Are you getting enough rest?

Exodus 31: ¹⁶ “‘The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath. They must celebrate it for all time to come. It will be a covenant that lasts forever. ¹⁷ It will be the sign of the covenant I have made between me and the people of Israel forever.

“‘I made the heavens and the earth in six days. But on the seventh day I did not work. I rested.’”

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My “to do” list has grown substantially and I notice that I find myself working seven days a week. Technology makes it very easy to stay busy because people seem to have access to me twenty four hours a day. I say to myself, “It’s only one e-mail”, then I find ninety minutes have passed. Should I rest?

• Sometimes I think I should answer the phone all the time.
• Sometimes I think I need to take care of business so it doesn’t pile up.
• Sometimes I think the world will shatter if I don’t get these few things done.

I now see that a little turns into a lot quickly.  I do a “little” work and suddenly I am doing a lot. Meanwhile, rest eludes me. What should I do?

• GOD says I need to take some time to rest on purpose.
• GOD says I need to concentrate on HIM for a while.
• GOD says I need rest because even HE took the time and HE never sleeps.

Working all the time is a product of low faith on my part. I need to trust that GOD is in control of that day and commune with HIM to hear how I should conduct myself during the upcoming week.

• Are you working all the time?
• Do you find yourself dragging and tired?
• Can you take a day to worship GOD in rest?