The O.C.
It’s been about a week and half since we moved here to Orange County and it’s starting to set in that we aren’t going back home because this is home! Our dear friends, the Talcott family have graciously opened their home for us and we will be living with them until we can find a place of our own. We had a wonderful weekend getting settled, enjoying our new church and spending some time with Bobby’s brother and his girlfriend, Ty’s parents and my sister and her family. It’s nice to be close to friends and family that we weren’t able to see very often before.
I’m really enjoying reading through the MacArthur Daily Bible. A one-year Bible is a great way to be continually studying the Word each day. I also like how I can read through the Old and New Testaments together and a portion of Psalms and Proverbs too. One thing I specifically like about the MacArthur Daily Bible is the study notes and memory verses. I’ve thought a lot about the Proverbs segment that I read today–Proverbs 17:13-15
Evil will not depart from his house…
The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore, stop contention before a quarrel starts.
He who justifies the wicked,
and he who condemns the just,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.”
I grew convicted of this on a relational level because it is commonplace for people to justify returning evil for evil. It’s very easy to do to others as they have done to us. MacArthur lists 1 Peter 3:9-12 as a cross-reference to this proverb and it presents a higher standard for believers–
but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this,
that you may inherit a blessing.
For ‘He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.’”
These passages have encouraged me to have a black and white perspective. So often I think things are okay or grey, when I should see them as either evil or good. I need to be actively turning away from evil towards good. It is encouraging to know that this is the way of life and good days. Even though it isn’t popular with men, if I live like this I know that the Lord is looking on me and listening to me. What motivation!
May 31st, 2006 at 9:39 am
Glad to hear you are getting settled. Your little boy is growing quickly. It just keeps getting better doesn’t it. I am still praying you will meet my sister Ashley someday at your new church.
Thanks for the encouraging words about Proverbs.
May 31st, 2006 at 4:35 pm
Hi Christa! I can’t believe you’re so black and white! Just kidding. I’m beginning to think I should stop watching TV altogether. Of course, I don’t get “Food Network” – that one’s still ok. It’s so against our nature to repay good for evil, but that’s what makes Christians stand out from everyone else.
May 31st, 2006 at 11:32 pm
I love how your mind is still as sharp as ever even when you’re surrounded with things to do and to get done. I’m reminded how you were going to pack the remote first so I couldn’t watch tv at your house, gosh come to think of it you were doing me a favor.
miss you!
June 1st, 2006 at 10:08 am
Wendy- It does keep getting better! It’s so fun to watch him grow and develop. I’m looking forward to meeting Ashley too, I’m glad you mentioned her, because it reminded me to send her an e-mail!
Missy-Yeah, I think if you had access to the wonderful television experience (that might normally be an oxymoron!) of Food Network you wouldn’t say such a black and white thing like that you might stop watching TV altogether! Haha! Thanks for your comment…I sure miss you.
June 3rd, 2006 at 10:54 am
Christa, I’m encouraged to hear of your steadfastness in sticking with your daily Bible reading as well as the strengthening and deepening of your convictions.
It seems surreal to think of you guys living in the OC. I think Bobby may have unconsciously predicted his future when he created his IM screenname! I’ll be back in the states in 10 more days, see you soon!