Okay, I just want to say I find it STUNNING and quite peculiar that people with whom I’ve prayed, worshiped, eaten with in intimate settings, spoken to about very specific topics, etc. completely ignore me or fail to recognize me “out in public.” Been feeling that way for a while and YES I feel much better now that I’ve “said” it. I’ve been a regular attending member for five years. THIS is why I don’t make any effort with ANY of you.
I’m not a “nice” person, nor am I “good.” I don’t like to engage in “small talk.” I don’t like to “beat around the bush.” I don’t engage or indulge flattery. I’m not easy to impress, nor am I impressive. I intentionally ignore those who intentionally seek out attention. I only ask people how they are “doing” if I really want to know the answer. I would appreciate it if others would do the same. I don’t initiate conversation unless I have something to say, but will answer most questions posed to me.
I’m difficult to “get to know.” It is very possible to come into regular contact with me for years and never get beyond the surface. This doesn’t mean I’m “fake.” It means I’m “protective.” I’m protective of my heart, my time, my energy and my love. I’m willing to admit that it’s “to a fault” sometimes.
This wall I’ve put up, for those not keen enough to detect it, is often misunderstood as “aloofness,” “attitude,” “callousness,” “abruptness,” etc. I understand this misunderstanding.
From Charles Spurgeon’s “Faith’s Checkbook” Cure for Envy May 6 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cast off. (Proverbs 23:17-18)
When we see the wicked prosper we are apt to envy them. When we hear the noise of their mirth and our own spirit is heavy, we half think that they have the best of it. This is foolish and sinful. If we knew them better, and specially if we remembered their end, we should pity them. The cure for envy lies in living under a constant sense of the divine presence, worshiping God and communing with Him all the day long, however long the day may seem. True religion lifts the soul into a higher region, where the judgment becomes more clear and the desires are more elevated. The more of heaven there is in our lives, the less of earth we shall covet. The fear of God casts out envy of men. The deathblow of envy is a calm consideration of the future. The wealth and glory of the ungodly are a vain show. This pompous appearance flashes out for an hour and then is extinguished. What is the prosperous sinner the better for his prosperity when judgment overtakes him? As for the godly man, his end is peace and blessedness, and none can rob him of his joy; wherefore, let him forgo envy and be filled with sweet content.
From the Faith’s Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb
Pre-approval pretty much done. Looking at houses this weekend. Lord willing a move into our first home is right around the corner. We’ll see.
Dear Lord,
Make me a bird, so I can fly far, far, far away.
Husband is in here singing Swim Good…hilarious. Doesn’t quite know the words.
Good sermon. MacGuyver is on Netflix!
