Stupid is as stupid does

Today: Proverbs 19-21

I'll admit that I'm not a fan of the word "stupid." I think it's often misplaced in its usage. But one place that gets it right? The Bible, of course. Take a look at this portion of today's passage:

People ruin their lives by their own stupidity,

so why does God always get blamed?

Ouch! It's like a Biblical extension of Forrest Gump's "Stupid is as stupid does" saying--meaning that stupidity is revealed and defined by a person's actions, not an IQ test. What are some of the stupid things people do to ruin their own lives?

If we look at the context of this passage, there are a few stupid actions mentioned. Here are a few I noticed:

• Dishonesty
• Gossip
• Nagging
• Talking without anything valuable to say
• Laziness
• A quick temper
• Hard-hearted stubbornness
• Not listening to others (particularly, wise counsel)
  

Hmm...I've definitely done some of the things on this list (well okay, all of them at some point!). Yikes!

The flip side of this passage? You and I don't have to act stupid. With God's help, we can make better choices (and recognize our mistakes and ask for forgiveness when we mess up). We can choose to be honest even if it doesn't seem easy or beneficial to us. We can choose to be quiet and avoid the temptation of the rumor mill. We can work harder and smarter. We can keep quiet...especially when our minds or our emotions are not in the right place. We can listen and learn.

Like stupidity, wisdom is defined by actions ("Wisdom is as wisdom does"?). Let's avoid blaming God for our mistakes and instead, asking for His wisdom to guide our steps.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 22-23

What is in your hand?

Today: Exodus 4-6

There are some things you hear, see and read that can totally shape or change your life.

For me, one of those pivotal messages came while I was in high school from my pastor, Kevin Gerald. I think the message was titled, "What is in your hand?" (if not, that's how I remember it anyway!).

It was a message based on today's passage. Once again, Moses has several "Why did you pick me, God?" moments (like we discussed yesterday). But here's part of the conversation we'll talk about today:

Moses objected, "They won't trust me.

They won't listen to a word I say.

They're going to say, 'God? Appear to him? Hardly!'"
So God said, "What's that in your hand?"

"A staff."
"Throw it on the ground."

He threw it.

It became a snake; Moses jumped back—fast!
God said to Moses, "Reach out and grab it by the tail."

He reached out and grabbed it—

and he was holding his staff again.

"That's so they will trust that God appeared to you,

the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."
God then said, "Put your hand inside your shirt."

He slipped his hand under his shirt, then took it out.

His hand had turned leprous, like snow.
He said, "Put your hand back under your shirt."

He did it, then took it back out—as healthy as before.

I won't even attempt to recreate the message of my pastor or any other great leaders who have taught on this passage. But I'll highlight a few of the things that stood out to me today:

• God asked Moses, "What is in your hand?"
  It's a really simple question...and I wonder if God continually asks it to people throughout the world today. God has a purpose for each life He's created--and He's equipped all of us for that purpose. If you know what your life's purpose is, maybe you should ask yourself the question to determine how you can get started on it. And if you don't know exactly what your purpose is, ask the question anyway--it might help you to figure out what your purpose is.
  
• Moses' staff was in his hand.
  To Moses (a guy used to working with sheep), a staff was a tool that he used everyday. It was ordinary. It was probably something he didn't view as valuable or significant. What are the things like that in your world? Maybe they're not things...but skills you have, something about your background, a hobby...something you've got that you probably don't even notice most of the time?
  
• God gave not one, but two signs for Moses--more than Moses asked for. That says something (pretty cool!) about who God is.
  
• God used what was in Moses' hand...but he also used the hand itself. This makes me think of a few things--sometimes God will use not what have you have, but who you are. I also thought that it could signify that sometimes we're called to put ourselves (literally) on the line...not just our money, skills or intelligence--but our lives, our time, our bodies--to go after what God calls us to.

Tomorrow: Exodus 7-9

Why did you pick me, God?

Today: Exodus 1-3


Have you ever had one of those moments when you absolutely knew you were supposed to do something...but you had doubts at the same time?

You may have thought that the task was so important that someone else should complete it...someone else with more experience, talent, brains, time or influence. You may have thought that the task was important, but wondered, "Does it need to happen now? Or would it be better if I took the 'wait and see' approach? Things happen for a reason, right?" Right?

But the feeling in your gut won't just go away...maybe because it's God at work. And if is, it's better to listen.

In today's passage, Moses had a "Why did you pick me, God?" moment when God asked him to talk to Pharaoh. Let's take a look:

Moses answered God, "But why me?

What makes you think that I could ever

go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

"I'll be with you," God said.

"And this will be the proof that I am the one who sent you:

When you have brought my people out of Egypt,

you will worship God right here at this very mountain."

Then Moses said to God,

"Suppose I go to the People of Israel and I tell them,

'The God of your fathers sent me to you';

and they ask me, 'What is his name?' What do I tell them?"

God said to Moses, "I-AM-WHO-I-AM.

Tell the People of Israel, 'I-AM sent me to you.'"

God continued with Moses: "This is what you're to say to the Israelites:

'God, the God of your fathers,

the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob sent me to you.'

This has always been my name, and this is how I always will be known..."

I love how the Bible has some very real people. I mean, Moses was hearing the voice of God from a burning bush for goodness' sake--and he still had doubts. God's response is amazing, though--He promised to be with Moses and He even gave Moses the words to say.

I think God's response to Moses is really the same response He offers when He calls us to do something. So if you think that feeling in your heart is God (and it's aligned with what His Word says), then rest in the fact that He will be with you...and can help give you the right words to say and the steps to take to tackle your challenge.

Tomorrow: Exodus 4-6