"Gave Good Heed"

 "And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs." (Ecclesiastes 12:9 KJV)

  "So humble yourselves under the might power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen." (1 Peter 5:6-11 NLT)

 Looking back at several of my postings, there were several times when I took the message Solomon was giving, and flipped it into something positive, from something which might have seemed worldly. This is not really a bad thing, because it is exactly the kind of thing we should do, whenever we are looking at a situation that is based upon the world's wisdom, because God's point of view is usually opposite of what the world might think. 

 When it comes to going through trials and tribulations, the worldly thought is directed towards wrath and punishment as if you might be suffering due to some sin or wrong actions in your life. When, in reality, we who are actually doing right and making waves that might bring people closer to the Lord, get beat upon by the devil, as he tries to take down the saints, but doesn't beat a dead horse! 

 I actually heard that in a message yesterday, as the pastor was sharing how the enemy won't try to harm anyone who isn't alive to God and making a difference. If memory serves, I believe it was Pastor Jack, as he also said, with reference to Job's situation, "God, if you want to brag about me, please don't say it out loud, just in case the devil is listening." 

 As to the title of today's post, it is the three words which only appear in this one passage, which are only found once in the Hebrew writing. Basically, it means, "weigh, test, prove, consider." All four of those things must be taken as the right way to prove a point and apply it to a life; that is, if you are actually alive enough to apply it...

"I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God's grace for you. Stand firm in this grace." (1 Peter 5:12 NLT)