Word the Week - Life Lessons (Continued - Part 3)

“We will not hide them from our descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done”  Psalm 78:4

Life Lessons with Scriptural Context Continued – The following are the third ten life lessons that Regina shared along with bible verses that I found that reinforce the principals/life lessons that Regina discovered over her 90 years on earth.  I think there is much truth and wisdom to be gleaned from Regina.  Just FYI, the “Word of the Week” email from last 2 weeks with context is enclosed below with the first 20 life lessons and relevant scriptures.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.  Don’t save it for a special occasion.  Today is special.  Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”. and, I say “Let us make the most of it (this day)”.
22. Over prepare then go with the flow.  Proverbs 16:9 “A man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps”. and I suggest that life is much better when we prepare but leave room for God to lead us and direct us by his Holy Spirit.
23. Be eccentric now, don’t wait for old age to wear purple.  Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works that He prepared in advance.” And I suggest that He created us all unique and we are called to walk in our uniqueness even if it is perceived to be different and eccentric, not to mention Purple is a great color especially when combined with yellow/gold.  Geaux Tigers!!!!!!
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.  Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” If we take our thoughts captive and think upon things that are good and pure, we will live pure lives that are pleasing to God.
25.  No one is in charge of your happiness except you.  1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” An attitude of gratitude is our choice each day and the Lord makes it clear that His will is for us to choose life by being grateful, by the way this is a joyous way to live, which gives us the ability to “rejoice”.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’ Philippians 3:13-14 “But one thing I do; 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.” We must learn from our past experiences both good and bad, but our focus should not be on the past, which we cannot change but we should be focused on the future.  If we learn from the lessons of life time is our friend not our enemy.  This is called wisdom.
27. Always choose life.  Psalms 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”.  Life is truly a gift from God and thus we should always choose life and understand the sanctity and value of life, all life, especially the unborn and vulnerable.
28. Forgive.  Colossians 3:13 “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive”. God forgives us so we must forgive others, which is a gift that sets us free.  Unforgiveness is a poison to our soul and forgiveness is the anecdote that brings healing and life.
29. What other people think about you is none of your business.  Proverbs 29:25  “It is dangerous to be concerned about what others think of you, but if you trust in the Lord, you are safe”. A healthy fear of God is what keeps us from fear of man.  With divine order comes divine blessing and thus if we put the Lord at the head of our lives then we will have favor with God and man, and find protection from the enemy of our soul allowing us to live authentic and integrous lives.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.  Psalm 147:3 “He (Jesus) heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”.  I am happy Regina acknowledged that “Time heals almost everything”.  On more trivial issues of life, I agree that the passing of time heals as we forgive and forget.  Based on my experience with life, I agree that time is our friend in the area of the deep wounds of life because time puts space between acute pain and emotion, and allows us space for being ministered to.  That being said, time cannot heal the deep wounds of our soul like losing a loved one or being betrayed by a close friend.  Only Jesus can heal these wounds if we allow Him to do the work in our soul/spirit.  Thank you Jesus our Healer!!!

Have a blessed week,-Duane