The Daily Jewel

by  Pastor J.T.Carnell, McAlester. OK

Here is today's message.  I begin with a reminder as to the purpose behind what these messages are meant to be.

In recent weeks I have added a few new people to this daily newsletter/message.  From time to time it is necessary to briefly explain the thought behind the name, "The Daily Jewel."

First, for some time I have had a great appreciation and love for the Book of Proverbs.  Several years ago I was asked to write a weekly column for a local newspaper and chose to use Proverbs as the base for those columns.  I started with the first verse and went on from there.  It was there that I realized how necessary it was to take it one verse at a time so I decided to create a daily devotional by doing a study of the Proverbs one verse at a time.  Quite an endeavor I will admit but it has been worth it.

The name, "Daily Jewel," took on a life of its own as well.  The purpose behind that is actually found in a couple of places, first beginning with the book of Proverbs itself.  In chapter two Solomon says:  "...if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." (2:3-5)

The second place comes from the Psalms and a very obscure verse: "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." (Psalm 81:10)  The meaning behind that verse goes back to custom that when a visiting dignitary or king were visiting another, the host would say, "Open your mouth and I will fill it."  He would then have his servants fill the visitors mouth with food, and then with jewels to show his appreciation.  In a way the Proverbs is saying..."Open wide your heart and your mind and I will fill it with what is good and pleasant and rich!"

Jesus told us that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  My hope is that we will treasure the Word of God...Jewels of love, grace, hope, peace, purpose and strength.  Thus, each day we open our minds and hearts so God will fill them with Jewels.

I apologize for the length of this but for those reading this for the first time, I hope you will take these words and make them a strength for your day!

“Sleeping with One Eye Open” 

“…jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.” – Proverbs 6:34 (NIV)

Hollywood has its way of creating a lot of story lines all with the intent of getting both our attention and our money.  Writers and producers seek to appeal to our senses, be it through laughter, anger, romance, adventure, and yes, what may be the strongest of them all…revenge. 

The “Jilted Lover” is a theme that seems to run prominently whether it is on the big screen or made-for-television movies or weekly shows.  If you are like me and watch any of the following shows:  CSI (pick any city you want); NCIS (my favorite!); Law & Order (SVU or Criminal Intent); Criminal Minds…and the list goes on, what you will find is that a number of crimes they investigate have to do with someone extracting revenge upon another for stealing that person’s spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, or something that means a great deal to that person.  These story lines may seem a bit over the top but in truth this has been going on long before the studios in Los Angeles were even built.  It was happening long before we were even a nation—it has been a part of our humanity for a long, long time!

I am going to resist the temptation to use an illustration here—rather I am going straight for the jugular and give what I believe is the main message that this entire passage is aiming at and it is this:  If you do what is right—purpose to live under God’s Law—keep your eyes focused on what is pure, true, good, righteous, praiseworthy (see Philippians 4:8), then accidents aside, you reduce the risk of physical harm to your person from and by others by having them seek you out.

On the other hand—there is a reason why there are so many stories portrayed, whether they be in print or on the screen, and it has to do with the number of situations throughout history that prove what the Scriptures declare; “We all like sheep have gone astray.” (Isaiah 53:6) or, “There is none righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10)

I am also going to resist the temptation to limit this solely on adulterous relationships because sin and evil cannot be contained to one specific arena or concept, but it comes down to this one all-consuming truth:  When we pursue to fulfill our needs, goals, hungers and desires outside of the boundaries designed and set by the One who created this life—then be prepared to sleep with one eye open because peace and joy and hope will be hard to come by. 

I am not saying that God will be out to seek revenge—I firmly believe that I serve a God of love, grace, mercy and hope.  But from the beginning mankind has realized that there is a mechanism inside each of us and it is called—conviction!

Just like the word sin (from my message a couple of days ago) we don’t hear this word (conviction) very often any more.   Since conviction comes as a result of sin—and since so many do not like to admit that sin exists—then how would people know how to react to conviction?  But there is a reason why conviction exists and are you ready for this?  It is all about love!

God loves us and is jealous for us!  He wants us all to Himself and does not want to share us with another—and I don’t think it takes too much imagination to know who He does not want to share us with.  Conviction is God’s method to keep us safely in His care—and any pain or guilt we experience is meant to bring us back to Him.

Hollywood likes to portray God as an angry, vengeful, uncaring entity—who wants nothing more than to find ways to make us miserable.  They see God as the “Jilted Lover.”  I prefer to see Him as the complete opposite who wants to keep us safe—allowing us to sleep with both eyes closed—peacefully.

If you love Jesus—serve Him!  Don’t seek pleasure outside of what He wants for you and your heart will remain safe.