The other day I found my first journal I started writing in after becoming a Christian. For those of you who don't journal, you should. I'm not talking about blogging, but journaling. Buy a compositional notebook or something, study the Bible, and write out your thoughts about what you read on there. You can just write out your thoughts too during times when you're not reading the Bible and can even write prayers to God. Journals are a very simple and effective way to get your thoughts organized.
But anyway, while I was looking through my first journal, I stumbled across the sermon notes from my first Winter Navigators' Conference in 2006. The man who spoke there was a wise man by the name of Skip Gray. It is amazing because every time when I read these notes over, I can still hear his voice. He spoke in a very slow and methodical way, and did not go on many tangents like I do. My dream in life when I get old and gray is to not sit in a nursing home watching daytime TV all day, but to be a man like him. I encourage you to just stop and think over these quotes and see what they mean to you. I know things are busy, but just take a minute and reflect. Check out some of what he says:
"The opposite of love is not hate. It's indifference."
"Slow down and become involved in other people's heartaches and problems."
"Dead Sea Believer--a saved Christian not involved in the lives of other people." (this one is a paraphrase, not a direct quote)
"All of life is sacred."
"Everything in life is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master."
"You need the team more than the team needs you." (talking about fellowship and accountability)
"You cannot live right, but believe wrong."
"We're all amateurs. We're all a work in progress."
"Truth is not to be kept, it is to be shared."
"Unless you let people [come] close enough to handle you, you'll never bring them closer to Christ.''
"Your short term goals depend on your long term goals."
"Faith is only as valid as its object."
"Patience has to do with your view of God. Is God in control of your life?"
"People learn more about the grace of God by watching you and me handle heartache rather than watching us embark in success."
"Have you ever had an argument with someone who wasn't there? You always win, don't you?"
"Do your own thing."
"No, do His thing."
So there it is. I thank God for Skip Gray. I remember one time after the last session people were socializing in the lobby and Skip and one student were sitting and talking by the fireplace. I came back into that room an hour later after doing something and Skip and that student were still sitting there, but about 30 or so students had joined them and were sitting all around him listening to what he had to say. By God's grace and power, I hope I can be like that one day.
Here are some proverbs from the wisest man who ever lived, next to Jesus. I encourage you not to just glaze over them, but to take a minute and just think about each one as you read it.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." -Proverbs 9:10
"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." -Proverbs 12:14
"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life." -Proverbs 16:31
"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." -Proverbs 19:11
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." -Proverbs 24:3-4
"Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." -Proverbs 24:14
"Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear."
-Proverbs 25:12
"A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth." -Proverbs 29:3
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
-Proverbs 31:30
I talk a lot on these blogs, but sometimes it's best to let God's Word speak for itself.
God bless,
Steve
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