April.03.02: Light For The Day - "Serpent And Dove"

-- Matthew 10:16 (NIV)
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.
Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."

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Dear Lord, You have sent us into this world to preach Your Word.
So often the problems of the world seem so complex and intricate
that Your Word strikes us as embarrassingly simple.
Many times we feel tongue-tied in the company of people who are
dealing with the world's social, political and economic problems.

But you, O Lord, said, "Be clever as serpents and innocent as doves"
(Mt.10.16). Let us retain innocence and simplicity in the midst of
this complex world.

We realize that we have to be informed, that we have to study the
many aspects of the problems facing the world, and that we have
to try to understand as well as possible the dynamics of our
contemporary society. But what really counts is that all this
information, knowledge, and insight allow us to speak more clearly
and unambiguously Your Truthful Word.

Do not allow evil powers to seduce us with the complexities of
the world's problems, but give us the strength to think clearly,
speak freely, and act boldly in Your service.
Give us the courage to show the dove in a world so full of serpents.

-- Henri Nouwen

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-- Proverbs 3:1-10 (NIV)
"1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and
bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and
nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine."

-- 1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV)
"Brothers, stop thinking like children.
In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults."

-- Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
"15 Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."