What I Learned From Dr. John Avanzini by Larry Huggins
February 16, 2023How to Live in Victory Everyday #6
February 17, 2023PROVERBS: GPS for a Better Life
Wisdom for Living a Fulfilling Life, Part One by Loretta Huggins
The Passion Translation of Proverbs 1:5-6 is a warm invitation to live a fulfilled life. “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those who understand receive guidance and grow in understanding. For gaining wisdom is the path to life, and wisdom itself provides a foundation of security.” (Paraphrased) The kingdom revelations in verses 5 & 6 promise to “break open” our understanding so that whatever type of situation we may face, we will have the ability to unmask parables, and poetic riddles, and unravel the words and enigmas of the wise: …of the shrewd, crafty, or cunning person.
Recently, I almost became a victim of a scam. Here’s the scenario: I received an email from a software computer thanking me for my purchase and saying that my credit card had been charged several hundred dollars. Of course, I was alarmed because I had made no such purchase. Immediately, I called the number provided in the email. A person answered my call and promised to “verbally” walk me through the steps to cancel the order. Now I must admit I felt unsettled by the conversation. Yet, I was so focused on canceling the charges that I failed to pay attention to the voice of wisdom sounding warning signals in my thoughts. Just as the person on the line was about to take over my computer and deplete my checking account, my husband shouted, “LORETTA, SHUTDOWN YOUR COMPUTER!” Thank God I listened to my husband and obeyed!
The point I am making is that it is important for all of us to heed the voice of wisdom and discernment. Scammers are intelligent, but they are also deceitful. If we fall prey to the craftiness of others, then we deprive ourselves and our loved ones of a fulfilled life. Therefore, we need the guidance of truth, too, as it is our foundation of security.
…to be continued. Part Two, next week.
Questions for discussion:
- Have you had a similar experience? If yes, what happened?
- What insight have you learned from your experience?
- How have you avoided the traps of the shrewd and crafty?
Loretta Huggins, born and raised in San Francisco, CA, has served in the ministry with her husband, Larry Huggins, since 1989 as an administrator, hostess, event planner, and teacher. She has traveled to eighteen countries and is the co-founder and co-pastor of ZChurch.