"HEY, MOM, I POURED OUT THE RED WATER FROM THE CANDLE FOR YOU"

Throughout our house, we have candles sitting around and some of them are various forms of cinnamon which is my favorite scent. When we light them, the house smells so good. When I saw one of those candles today, it reminded me of a funny story that features our son, Blake. Blake has always been know as a caring person. He loves to help others. Rhonda and I have been told for years what a loving young man he was and still is. 

One night, Blake said to Rhonda, "Hey, Mom, I poured out the red water that was in the candle for you." At first, we laughed because little Blake Thomas called the melted wax "water" but then quickly asked "WHERE did you pour out the red water???"

The candle that he was talking about was in the bathroom and he poured the "red water" into the sink. Still being warm, it poured very easily and he felt confident with his good deed. But as you know, when wax cools, it hardens. And it did. It clogged up the bathroom sink. After the pipe was cleaned out, Blake apologized for what he did. He really thought he was doing a good deed. 

We still laugh about that now but there is a very powerful lesson in that story. Sometimes we think we are doing something good but God shows us that we should always ask Him first. Isaiah 55:8 (ESV)  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. From our perspective, our choices usually make perfect since but God sees the whole picture at the same time and only He knows what is the right choice or not. 

That is why we should constantly be asking God for wisdom. Look at what James writes in James 1:5 (ESV)  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. God wants to give you wisdom. God wants you to do the right thing. God wants you to fully trust Him.

Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.  Remember, His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. We need to trust Him with all of our heart instead of leaning upon our own knowledge, talents and resources. If we acknowledge Him continually then He will lead us the right direction. Instead of thinking we know so much, we should focus on God with all of our attention, respect and worship. 

So the next time you see a red candle, think about the Light that God is shining in your life. He will direct you the right way. Just like Jesus said in John 8:12 (ESV)  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”