Cold, clammy hands – they reach for you with vigor and empty promises for broken triumphs.

With a crooked smile, this earth clutches your neck and tries to turn your focus. It beckons you not to look to the majestic mountain caps for strength. It quietly whispers to you – that your power does not come from the brilliant heavens above.

But, you know better.

In a serpent like voice, masked in sugary sweetness – a shiny apple projected in the distance dazzles your eyes like glitter in a water basin. With every sodden ripple – this fairy dust shimmers.

You know the difference between allusion and reality.

This world will encourage you to jump ship – to trust in its paper thin objectives. It will urge you to renounce the truths etched in solid bedrock by the mighty hands of God.

However, you know your source of true strength.

“My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” – Proverbs 3: 21-22

Be who God has called you to be, not who the world wants you to be.

Listen to the wisdom of the LORD – not the knowledge simply echoed by hollow mouths. Fools, dressed as royalty, will call out your name. Their words will entice; however, these sweet words of nothing will also destroy.

You were not placed on this earth to deteriorate – but to flourish.

The Forest of Forgery may invite you to explore its grandeur and beauty. It may charm you with its lush foliage and dew scented vegetation. However it will want you to dwell in its heavy covering and blend in with its decomposing leaves.

You were not made to be moss wedged to the bottom of rotting tree trunks and clinging to displaced pebbles. You were designed to be an exquisite flower with a distinct smell and vibrant magnetism.

Whatever asks you to forsake the Rock of Ages and swim along with the school of fish heading into the belly of the whale – is not worth your time or energy. It will steal from your purpose.

Listen to the Maker. Look to the one who sits in the watercolor clouds on high. Let him fill your heart with potency and anoint your words with valor.

It’s much better to frolic in the fields despised by others – than to dwell in the pocket of pleasure that will eventually choke your flora of faith. (Genesis 13)