8/10/26

Hosea 14:9 NASB95 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.

You are preparing for vacation. Which shoes will you pack? You will first evaluate where you will be, what you will be doing, and how much time you will spend on your feet.

If you are going to a spa where you will be lying around, relaxing, reading a book, getting a massage, a facial, a pedicure, and doing water aerobics, you will likely pack house shoes, water shoes, and shoes that are relaxed-fitting. You will not pack steel-toe boots, high heels, or hiking shoes. Why is that? It is because you are wise enough with understanding and discernment to know that those shoes are not suitable for your path during that vacation.

If you are going on a rugged adventure retreat, you would pack hiking shoes, waterproof shoes, and climbing shoes. However, you would not pack house shoes, swimming pool shoes, and dress shoes. Why is that? It is because you are wise enough with understanding and discernment to know that those shoes are not suitable for your path during that vacation.

If you are going on a sports retreat, you would pack running shoes, tennis shoes, and maybe some cleats. You would not pack dancing shoes, steel-toed boots, or high heels. Why is that? It is because you are wise enough with understanding and discernment to know that those shoes are not suitable for your path during that vacation.

I could go on with a working business vacation, or a fancy restaurant tour, but no matter what type of vacation I listed, you would evaluate your path and activities to decide which shoes to pack. Because you don't want to go mountain climbing in dress shoes.

Whichever vacation you prefer is ok; you just want to be prepared so you don't stumble and fall and ruin your trip. So to prevent this, you use the wisdom, understanding, and discernment that God has provided you to know that you are prepared so as not to stumble through your vacation.

In our text, instead of talking about a vacation, it is speaking of the mission trip we are on here on earth. In this trip, our guide is God, and we prepare by making sure we have all the equipment we need. Jesus, our Lord, is the first item. He gives us new life so the old doesn't trip us up like wearing flip-flops on the frozen tundra of Antarctica. Second, we have the Holy Spirit who guides us across the bridge instead of attempting to swim the rushing river in a suit and dress shoes. He makes sure we don't get swept away by the strong tide of this world. Third, we must have God the Father, for with him is eternal life. Where you don't need shoes because your feet never hurt. Without him, you find yourself stumbling through eternal death, and there is no gear and no shoes that can withstand the fires of hell. These are the items we need to travel this trip and not stumble. He is always righteous, and if we follow His way, we will not stumble.

Hosea 14:9 NASB95 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.

Have you been stumbling through your time on earth? Are you never happy? Do you consistently struggle to find any joy? Maybe you are attempting this trip with the wrong gear.

Don't stumble through this trip. Instead, prepare with the triune God!

Love Brother Scott