Grace Notes By Sadell Bradley: WEDNESDAY'S WORD - PONDER - 02/16/16 - Sadell Bradley

Ponder means to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion; to consider, weigh, reflect on. In Hebrew, palas - to roll flat (i.e. to prepare a road). In Proverbs, the book of wisdom, King Solomon wrote that rashness should be avoided, and that focus, wisdom and careful consideration should guide our affairs: "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." (Proverbs 4:25-27)

At times we are at a crossroads, having to choose between two or more life altering alternatives. A path is the course, conduct or action that a person will take. Life is frail and short. Too often we leap and act without 'counting the cost' before we build, or making sure we're prepared for the fight. Jesus said that even the price of following Him in discipleship must be carefully weighed. (Luke 14:25-28) We are to give vigilant consideration to ALL of our ways: not just the path itself, but ponder our methods, character, and habitual behavioral patterns. "Is the way I'm going where God is leading?" "Is the way I AM helping or hurting my getting there?"

Signage in companies says, "EST." and a date - when the company was ESTABLISHED. It's no

longer just an idea in the founder's mind: the paperwork has been filed with the State, a building has been secured, employees have been hired, the shelves have been stocked, a grand opening has taken place and it's been around for a while. The entity has been brought into an incontrovertible existence: one that cannot be denied or disputed. The Bible is speaking to us about our lives, families, plans and visions. This establishment process is in 5 Phases according to the Lexicon:

Formation - initial planning or Vision.
Actionable Preparation for a future event. It is not enough to have an idea, if it is never acted upon.
Establishing or Fixing - having it under control. The goal is accomplished. The entity is created and functioning well.
Establishment of a Dynasty - future perpetuation, inheritance or legacy.
Satisfaction - a sense of well being that we can go on to the next thing because this one will be taken care of.

For some of you, this may be one of the most important life-guiding things you'll ever read, and I hope follow! Here are three closing thoughts:

"Every minute you spend planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a 1000 percent return on energy."- Brian Tracy
"Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work."Peter Drucker
"A good plan violently executed NOW is better than a perfect plan executed next week." - General George S. Patton

Take some time out today to look at your life and ponder the path of your feet...

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Our first event is this Monday, February the 22nd serving dinner for 100 people at Phil's Community Meal at CAIN (Churches Active In Northside) Ministry.

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