Church in the Wilderness

 

Yesterday was Sunday and we were invited to attend Church in the Wilderness in Avinger, Texas. I am all about worship outdoors and after the week we had this was the perfect way to begin a brand-new week.

When we arrived, we were greeted by some familiar faces and new ones.  Being new to the area it’s always great to feel welcome and meet new people.

We sat underneath this massive oak tree that appeared with great poise and strength.  My thoughts as I admired these natural details, “my strength is yours if you are willing to grow.”

The benches were made from cedar and the gathering began and closed with a joyful noise.  Scripture was read and great conversation was shared, what more could one ask for?

During this time, birds were chirping and a slight breeze whistled through the leaves. Then a hint of sunlight touched my shoulder as if to say, I am here with you.

Before we closed to share a meal Proverbs 21 was read out loud.  I wanted to share this passage with you because it speaks to our present climate.  It’s simply stated and yet it’s also deep like the line in the sand between good and evil.  

As I grow and continue to read, I find more often than not God’s word is not complicated, it was never intended to be complicated.  It’s comforting, like a road map with a direction to all things good.  

-Carole

Proverbs 21

1-7 In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin. The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.

8-14 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. The wicked crave evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them. When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge. The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

15-20 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead. Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.

21-26 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust. Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. The proud and arrogant person— “Mocker” is his name— behaves with insolent fury. The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.

27-31 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent! A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully. The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.