Extreme Makeover

Today’s scripture: Proverbs 19:1-10 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (Tommy Chittenden):

I must say that these recent assignments in the Book of Proverbs by our beloved editor have proven to be more challenging than expected.

However, I have found some personal treasures with which the Spirit has gifted me. Don’t you just find it exciting and gratifying when those “a-ha” moments happen? When, with our petition of God to teach or impress upon our heart spiritual meaning that would serve us and subsequently others, we make that connection and see or hear or just know it to be Truth, and in that place of knowing experience a release from emotional bondage, or a fear now overcome, or clarity where once there was chaos! This is when we truly understand what John meant when he wrote, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32

My new relationship with these “bite-size snicker-bar-like wisdom morsels” has resulted in precision-like surgery within my heart opening wounds, locating chambers of pride and resentment that both on a conscious and unconscious level I denied were still active. Hebrews 4:12-13 — Egads!

God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it — no matter what. The Message

On the other side of all of this, however, is where the miracles take place. For whenever darkness meets Light, true and sustainable healing begins — but only 100% of the time! So as I continue to read, study and meditate with these flashlights, I wonder with each verse, each chapter, will this be the next guest arriving at my heart’s door looking to lovingly gain entrance? With each visitor (verse, chapter) I can choose to peek from behind the living room blinds to see if i want to open the door or i can trust that,

God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16)

…and therefore I can freely invite Truth in to turn on all, ALL of the Light in EVERY dark place, ushering in more and more of the Kingdom of God. I can’t wait!

And this gift is yours too — freely given. If you so choose you are welcome, you are invited to have your own extreme makeover.

Thought for today: I’d like to share a poem with you written by Rumi. It beautifully describes how you and I could choose to look at any sacred text that comes into our awareness.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

–Rumi

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.