Hello everyone,
We have had another busy week, with lots of miles and many blessings. There were some moments that were less than wonderful, but that is normal.
I had the privilege of conducting a wedding ceremony in the beautiful outdoors of Nebraska (and the wind was not blowing). Also, Sunday was the monthly worship at the historic Rose church.
I’m sure you remember me saying a couple of weeks ago that I had participated in a graveside service for my mom’s friend. A former pastor reminded me that this lady, after she officially “retired”, lived by herself on her family ranch on the north side of the Niobrara River, where there were a good number of rattlesnakes. Pastor Dan could not remember her name, but he remembered her “cautious walk.”
At that comment, I thought, “we could all benefit from a cautious walk.” A cautious walk would keep us from all kinds of danger, and help us avoid falling into sin when tempted to be careless in our daily walk. Although the word cautious isn’t used much in the bible, I believe we could substitute the word “careful”. I found a number of verses using the word careful. I’ll give just a few of those here.
“Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today” (Deuteronomy 8:1). “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God…” (Deut. 8:11). “Be careful to love the Lord your God” (Joshua 23:11).
In other places we are reminded to be careful with our thoughts and with our words.
Some New Testament passages remind us to be careful to do what is right, and to be careful how we live.
Having a cautious, or careful walk will keep us from getting bitten by rattlesnakes, but will also keep us from being bitten by the devil, who in scripture, is called “that ancient serpent” (Revelation 12:9).
I pray our cautious walk will be something people will remember about each of us, as well.
Blessings,
Pastor Jerry
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