Hi Friends,

How’s your summer going? Did you know tomorrow marks the 200th day of the year? I know this because my Bible reading plan numbers the days, and by God’s grace I have kept up with my reading and just finished the book of Proverbs yesterday. There is so much wisdom in Proverbs. It’s almost hard to fathom that an ancient author could possibly have advice on such a wide range of topics. I find it impossible to believe that these words are merely human.

The devotional writer Paul David Tripp says that the “Fear of God — life shaping, worship-producing, and obedience-motivating awe of God — is the only thing that can capture our heart and has the capacity to give us life.” We can look around and see the foundational truth of Proverbs lived out — the beginning of wisdom is this fear of God. Those who truly allow their lives to be shaped by God, those who worship and obey Him tend towards wisdom.

But I find it interesting that we also have a very strong sense of right and wrong even without wisdom. The awful Coldplay concert outing is proof of that. Who doesn’t see that and feel sick? You don’t need an ounce of wisdom to recognize that sin has led these people to act like fools, and that this foolishness will result in all kinds of pain.

Instead of rejoicing over it, we are called to mourn with those who mourn and to examine our own lives for the kinds of folly that could lead to such destruction. Examine our hearts, Lord. Help us to remain on the narrow path. As Tripp puts it, “Because sin reduces us to fools, the greatest danger in our lives is inside of us.” That’s a sobering thought, but the great news is that God’s love for us is never based on merit. It is a free gift. He is there at all times waiting for us to turn to him, promising a robe of righteousness bought by Jesus. The robe is ever available for me, for you, and all concert goers.

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9 (ESV).

There’s nothing like a clean slate — praise God His mercies truly are new every morning!

With Love,

Kristie