Steve and I received a calendar for Christmas with a quote for each day. Sometimes the choice is quite meaningful, such as:
“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way” – Babe Ruth.
We can actually find similar truth in scripture.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Sometimes, as I turn the calendar page to a new day, I have to wonder what the selection committee was thinking. See if you agree.
Sample #1:
“Do not fear mistakes. There are none.” (I won’t name the person who said that!)
Forgive me, but that makes no sense. Am I missing something? If so, please set me straight.
But here’s what makes sense to me:
“All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes” — Winston Churchill.
Wise men also admit mistakes and correct them. When we don’t, we heap another mistake on top of the first: pride. Ouch!
When we do admit and correct, we develop humility and maturity. And God values those traits (James 4:6, 1:4)
Sample #2:
“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”
Here’s what makes sense to me:
Although there is joy in the journey, it is not home. Our final home is heaven. I do not want to become enamored with the journey and lose sight of my home.
With Paul, I want to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
(Photo credit: irunandshoot)
Sample #3:
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
Problem is, no matter how well we take care of ourselves, these bodies have expiration dates. But praise God our earthly bodies are not the only place to live!
In fact, for those of us who know Jesus, “to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). We’ll have new, spiritual bodies fit for heaven — strong and vibrant, with no expiration date. Can you imagine?
Paul said, “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (v. 23).
Oh, yes.
Thank you, Father, for your Word that speaks reliable wisdom and truth—truth that guides, teaches, and protects. But I need your help to live by its truths. Remind me that only fools despise your wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).
From the Inside Out 