I didn't share with you Y'all...

the other verse that God gave me over the weekend. I wasn't sure how to tie it all in with the rest of what I shared, so I just bypassed it until later or not at all. Turns out, it was just later because God gave it to me again this morning. I've learned that when He repeats something, it must be important to Him and therefore, important for me to learn.

After He told me to move on to Bethel, He also told me to "Have two goals: wisdom - that is, knowing and doing right - and common sense. Don't them slip away, for they fill you with living energy, and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe from defeat and disaster and from stumbling off the trail. With them on guard you can sleep without fear; you need not be afraid of disaster or the plots of wicked men, for the Lord is with you; He protects you."

Common sense???? But God, I feel like You have told me to abandon all common sense.

Needless to say, I was a bit confused. So, I did the only thing I knew to do, and I talked it out that morning with a friend I trust. Perhaps one of the best theologians I know. It doesn't happen often for me anymore, but I was so fortunate to sit under her teaching in Sunday School this past week. Her excitement in breaking open the Word of God is contagious. Even for someone as reserved as me! :-)

The first thing she did was ask me what version I was reading. Um. Well. Ahem. Then, she said, It's not the New Living Translation, is it? Um, no. It's the Living Bible. Yes, I know that is not really a translation, but, it is easy to read. Yes, I know that there is not anything actually wrong with the New Living Translation or the Living Bible, but I should be growing up in my walk with the Lord a little more than that.

So, we went to the version of the Bible she was using, and her version read like this:

My son, let them not depart from your eyes--
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;

Yes, that makes much more sense. Then, she encouraged me to go back to the Hebrew and look up what the original word actually means.

So, I did. I found that the word is M@zimmah in Hebrew and that some of its meanings are thoughts, plans, and purposes.

To have discretion as our goal as we move forward in this unknown process. To seek His wisdom. To seek Him in such a way that I would be close enough to know His thoughts. His plans. His purposes. His heart. His intention in every opportunity that presents itself to us.

Yes, that makes MUCH more sense. More so than common sense. In fact, I think there is nothing common about it.

Then, this morning, God gave it to me again. I had to blink a few times because I couldn't imagine I was reading exactly the same thing again. Yep, still reading the Living Bible. I'm gonna have to work on that part.

Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do!
And with your wisdom,
develop common sense
and good judgment.
If you exalt wisdom, she will exalt you.
Hold her fast and she will lead you to great honor;
she will place a beautiful crown upon your head.
My son, listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
Proverbs 4:7-10

Once again, not common sense, but rather developing a closeness to God that allows me to have His wisdom and to know His thoughts, His plans, and His purposes.

I think it is really neat that God would encourage us to abandon ourselves and trust Him for the purpose of drawing us closer to Himself. Yes. Really neat.

Sorry for the abrupt ending. Guess I said everything I had to say. ;-)

Living in His JOY, HOPE, and PEACE...