Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Nov. 8, 2011

“She (folly) sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city.” – Proverbs 9:14 (NLT, emphasis mine)

We saw from the last message that “folly” likes to make a lot of noise—hoping that someone will listen to her and if she talks loud enough she can convince whoever is listening that what she is saying or selling is worth the price. She is successful far too often!
In this verse Solomon says that not only is she loud but she likes to be visible as well. She likes to find a prominent spot and parade herself with the hope of the same result—that she will catch someone’s eye and convince that poor soul that she has the right stuff!
In ancient times when travelers entered into a city they were often greeted by scores of individuals either selling their wares or looking for handouts. Billboards have replaced the first group in our day while those “panhandling” can be found at practically every intersection in some of the busiest corners of the major cities. Going back to the ancient times, it is said that many would be up before sunrise to find the best spot hoping to catch the right person’s eye. Some would wear the brightest color’s they could find, or create some sort of banner that would lead those in their direction. Their goal was “distraction!” Something that today continues to be one of Satan’s primary weapons against us!
Experts agree that one of the worst things drivers can do when driving is to lose sight of the road ahead. There is no “automatic pilot” on automobiles. About 6 years ago, investigators were stunned to discover the cause of a fatal automobile accident was due to the driver being distracted by a DVD movie he was watching—while driving! Taking your eyes off the road ahead—even for a split second—can be dangerous. The rear-view mirror is a helpful device to keep the driver aware of traffic conditions to the side and rear. But concentrating on what is behind and not paying attention to what is ahead can also lead to major problems. Similarly, focusing our lives on past events to the exclusion of present obligations can be problematic. Here is a poem that was written by Lea Helms Davis, and it addresses the issue of looking back.
I’ll not look back, for that is useless effort, I cannot live one moment of yesterday again. If I have wasted time and talents given, If I have caused someone I love deep pain, I cannot change the words or acts by grieving, But I can make today a shining light. From yesterday’s page with its mistakes I’ll turn away, And find before me a clean one on which to write. I’ll pray for strength to make today’s page spotless, That tomorrow I’ll have no regret. And may God grant that in all my tomorrows, My talents will be used for good, not one misspent.
Some things about the past can bring comfort and security. Achievements, excellent academic grades, business successes, triumphs, honors, awards—memories of these bring warmth to our lives. But memories of failures, bad investments, and relationships turned sour can be devastating. There is something very final about the past. There are no surprises there. Someone has observed that the past is like a cancelled check—something to file away and not re-use. There is little value left in the past—except for lessons learned and joys shared. The more we reflect on the past and dwell on it—to the exclusion of the present the future—the more we realize that past memories do not get any better simply by rehashing them. The Apostle Paul had to come to grips with his past. In the years following his conversion he had to deal with the guilt he carried from his early efforts to persecute Christians. Perhaps this was what he had in mind when he wrote (Philippians 3:13, 14): “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Do Paul’s words resonate well with you? Have you been plundered by the past? Does the Enemy remind you constantly about your decisions that have not turned out the way you planned? Do your “battle scars” feel like open wounds? Do you long for a place of beginning again, clean and unspotted? Don’t get distracted. Don’t let “folly” get you looking back or away from the prize that is ahead! Look ahead. There is light there—light to brighten your pathway. Believe it. Jesus said it.
Pastor J. T. Carnell