The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:7-10
“If you are an ardent reader, seek not brilliant and erudite texts; otherwise the demon of haughtiness will strike your heart. But like a wise bee that gathers honey from flowers, through your reading obtain also healing for your soul.”
Ephraim the Syrian (c.306-373) in A Spiritual Psalter, or Reflections on God A Spiritual Psalter, or Reflections on God, excerpted by Bishop Theophan the Recluse from The Works of our Holy Father Ephraim the Syrian, arranged in the manner of the Psalms of David, translated by Antonina Janda together with The Life of St. Ephraim translated by Br. Isaac E. Lambertsen.
The good doctor Ephraim would say that the Scriptures are more precious than gold so the wise bee gathers honey for both himself and for the hive or colony. What’s the lesson for us today? We must search the Scriptures and apply them to impact our own lives before we can speak to others.
In plain terms, the Word must heal us before it can be a balm for others.
In my personal journey and role as President & CEO of Global Trust Partners, God has taught be a lot about building a culture of integrity. It really only happens when God’s workers (starting with me) confess their sins and the sins of their people, fast and call on God to help, and unite together in prayer for restoration. In short, we are the problem and God is the solution.
Today I am learning that my recent study of Ezra and Nehemiah has been for a purpose far greater than I imagined.
I’ve had it on my calendar for weeks to speak to two groups in Guatemala on building a culture of integrity. It turns out I have some 18 meetings over the course of three days including multiple radio and TV interviews. Apparently Guatemala is in turmoil and I’ve been asked to give a biblical and global perspective to chart a way forward.
As I’ve aimed to be a wise bee, pray for me to dispense carefully what I have learned for the healing of this nation.
And if you are in a role where you serve others. Join me in simply endeavoring to do diligent study, let it impact you first, and then humbly offer aid to others. Our faithful work not only helps make flowers blossom. It produces honey for people that’s more precious than the finest gold.
And if you want my schedule to pray for me and speaking notes for your edification, reply and i will share it.