Daily Jewel

by pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Mar. 6, 2012

“Words of Infamy”
“My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.” – Proverbs 4:20

It was one of the darkest hours in the history of our Country. The attack on Pearl Harbor struck at the heart of our nation’s peace. As millions were considering the course of action we would take in response—Franklin D. Roosevelt, the President of the United States went take to the radio waves and give what many consider the greatest speech ever. The following is a small portion: ,br />
“Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

There was probably not a single radio that was not tuned in to that speech. The nation was indeed “paying attention,” because they needed some words of comfort—hope—and strength to carry on. Over and over and over again Solomon bids us to “pay attention” to the words he was saying. I do not believe he was being arrogant—or pushy. He was not out to sell books—movie scripts—or even promote himself. I believe his ultimate motive was to show there is a way to live—to live with passion—purpose—priority—piety—and pride. (I will define that in a minute)

So far, we have taken a look at 119 verses. During these messages I have used a number of illustrations—stories—and Scriptures to enhance what has been said up to this point. Hard to believe we have covered this much ground—but I have to ask—have you really been listening? Are we really paying attention and is it, or has any of it made a difference is how you think, act, speak or believe? I hope so because that is what this is intended to do.
I believe the life we are living is one we should take “pride” in. Not the kind of pride that elevates ourselves above others—but the kind of pride that says, “I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” (2nd Timothy 1:12) If you cannot proudly stand and say that then I would say you have not been paying attention.
It is about listening to the right voices and taking the right direction. Especially when life offers some rather difficult situations and struggles. Nick Thomas found himself at the age of 47 unemployed and under tremendous financial pressure. Though he had a successful career in the Air Force and the insurance business, some reversals had set him back and left him with no place to go. His wife, Liz, made their situation a matter of deep prayer. She was in church one morning, praying about their dilemma when she thought she could almost hear the words, "Make the mustard." Her family had a mustard recipe going back several generations from when they lived in Russia and every Christmas she had made mustard as presents for her friends. She decided to give it a try. She prepared a substantial amount and called on a local cheese shop. The manager tasted it and immediately bought out their inventory. Within three months they had cracked the highly competitive major New York Deli market. Because the Thomas’s committed their troubles to prayer, looked to God for guidance, and committed themselves to listening......He gave them the direction they were needing.
In conclusion…no heart-wrenching stories—no imploring—no begging—just this: Pay attention to God’s Words!! They are LIFE!! They are TRUTH!! They are HOPE!! They are STRENGTH!!
Pastor J. T. Carnell