Tag: wisdom
Day 3–Not afraid to speak!
Scripture reading for June 10: Luke 12:11-12 “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 21:13-15 “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
One of man’s greatest fears is public speaking. As a young man in high school, I was very shy and faced a fear of speaking. I took a speech class and joined the school’s public speaking team. I forced myself to write and memorize speeches and dramatic readings. I also volunteered to be in a class play and was selected for a lead role. I disciplined myself to master these fears in spite of internal opposition.
Jesus Christ recognized that His own disciples also had a fear of public speaking. They were tax collectors and fishermen, common people in the workforce. Jesus was calling them to go and proclaim the ‘Good News’ of the kingdom. He knew that they would face opposition, both internal and external. He told them not to let fear of what to say or how to defend themselves hinder them. They should by faith trust God through the Holy Spirit to give them what they needed at the exact time they needed it. God would be with their mouth and supply them with words and wisdom that their adversaries, visible and invisible, could not withstand. Every incident of confrontation or opposition was an opportunity to witness the love and heart of God the Father.
First responders work mostly behind the scenes but have regular interaction with people in situations of need. Often, we must speak to individuals we do not know and family members or friends. This instruction from our Lord brings freedom and confidence in every incident as we invite the Holy Spirit to give us words and wisdom.
Prayer: Father God, I invite You to be with my mouth every day as I have need to speak to those in distress or great need. Give me confidence to speak to those who may be intimidating or combative. Thank You for no fear of speaking. Amen.
Wise for salvation
Scripture reading for July 7: 1 Corinthians 1
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because you are in Christ Jesus, Who became for us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”“ (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Paul had founded the church in Corinth and preached there for about a year and a half. He and his ministry team along with Pricilla and Aquila saw great numbers of Gentiles come to the Lord in this pagan city, known for its idolatry and sensuality. Consequently, this church experienced many problems that Paul would address in this letter. He began by reminding them of their original place in that culture. Not many were among those considered wise and powerful. Many were counted as nothing and possibly were slaves. Others may have been sickly or invalids, considered as the weakest of that culture. The world view prevalent in that culture valued wisdom, strength, and powerful positions and titles. It was very similar to this day and our culture.
But Paul reminded them that God specialized in choosing the weak and powerless and marginalized and giving them a place in His eternal kingdom. In fact, in Christ Jesus, they had received wisdom from God as their Father. He had declared them righteous before Him and set them apart as those marked to rule in His eternal kingdom. They may have had nothing to boast about in the culture of the world they lived in, but in God’s kingdom they could boast that they now knew the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who created all things. In fact, they were now adopted into His forever family! This knowledge unlocked wisdom for salvation and eternal riches beyond all earthly gold and silver or power and position.
As you consider you own life and how you are perceived in this culture, are you among the wise, those considered ‘valuable’, or the powerful? If you could boast about anything you have or have accomplished, what would it be? Do you have the wisdom offered through Jesus Christ for eternal life?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Son Jesus Christ. My world view has been expanded and my place in Your kingdom has been revealed. I give myself to You to be used to further Your eternal kingdom and purposes. My boast is in knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! Amen!
God’s amazing mercy and wisdom!
Scripture reading for June 27: Romans 11
“For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable are His ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:32-36
As we have been listening to God through the writings of Paul, we have been challenged to expand our world view to see God’s grand vision of showing mercy to all men and women, Jew or Gentile. All people are shut away from God through disobedience. The Jews have broken God’s law and covenant. The Gentiles have violated God’s laws known through conscience. Not one person has right standing before God through their own effort or works. We humbly come to God as debtors needing mercy and grace.
No religion of man or wisdom of man can add to what God has planned and accomplished in Jesus. God stands above all in wisdom. His ways are holy and just. He is merciful and mighty. He has created all things and all things belong to Him. He needs nothing but deserves all glory and honor forever and ever! His people can only fall down in worship and adoration at the free gift of salvation through Jesus the Christ. All creation owes its existence to the One Who created it all and holds it together by His powerful Word. All creation awaits the final revelation of God’s Glory in His Son as King of kings and Lord of lords!
How has God expanded your world view through hearing His Word? How have you responded to God’s revelation of His wisdom and mercy through Jesus Christ? Do you regularly worship God and gather with His redeemed people to expand your understanding of this Amazing God we know and love?
Prayer: Father God, I worship You and adore You as Creator, giver of the Good News, the Source of all wisdom and power. I have nothing to offer You, but my sincere praise, my heart as Your domain, and my feet to go into Your world and share Your Good news. To You be all glory and praise, now and forever. Amen.
Jesus at twelve!
Scripture reading for March 5: Luke 2
“And when His parents saw Him, they were astonished. And His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And He said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that He spoke to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:48-52
Children sometimes give their parents reasons for stress and distress. Our oldest son once decided to go on a self-proclaimed retreat without letting us know where he went or for how long. This was before cell phones or air tags! We looked all over and finally got word that he was camping several miles away. This same thing happened to Jesus’ parents after a trip to the temple in Jerusalem for a festival of Israel. Jesus failed to join the journey home and his absence was finally noticed part way there. The parents returned distressed and looking for Him. They found Him in the temple asking questions and listening to the rabbi’s and teachers.
When Mary and Joseph asked Jesus why He had treated them so disrespectfully, He answered them with a curious statement: “Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” Mary and Joseph did not know how to process that at this point. Their world-view was being challenged by their Son. There is no comment on how Joseph dealt with this, but Mary, His mother, pondered these things in her heart. Jesus submitted to their will and understanding and lived in obedience. As He did, He grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. That’s good advice for us all and a good word for your children!
Have you ever been misunderstood by those in your family? Have you ever been the cause of distress for your parents? How did they and you end up handling this?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for causing distress in the lives of those in authority over me. Help me to continue to grow in wisdom and favor with You and those around me. I treasure in my heart Your Word and ponder Your instructions to obey in faith. Amen.
The message of the cross
Scripture reading for November 21: 1st Corinthians 1-6
To educated people, Christ and the cross seems to be a foolish idea. It doesn’t make sense to the natural mind trained to trust senses, self, and science. It is not logical or even believable to many who have college degrees and have embraced modern secular humanism. To these people, religion is fine, but the cross is offensive! They are strong enough to handle life by themselves. But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong! (1st Corinthians 1:27)
The message of the cross is a message of God’s wrath against sin. God has decreed that the soul that sins must die. (Romans 6:23) Jesus Christ took the wages of man’s sin upon Himself and was beaten, mocked, spit upon, ridiculed, and crucified as a common criminal. Isaiah says that we considered Him “stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4) The punishment that we deserved fell upon Him and by His stripes we are healed! (Isaiah 53:5) God’s wrath was directed against His own Son, that we might be free from that wrath! (2nd Corinthians 5:21)
The message of the cross tells of God’s love for us who are made in His image. God Himself being willing to send His only Son to earth to die in our place tells the greatest love story ever told! “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) He demonstrated His love for us in that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners! (Romans 5:8) God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe on Him would not perish, but have eternal life! (John 3:16)
The message of the cross demands repentance and faith. We must turn from our self-centered ways and look to Jesus Christ for salvation and forgiveness of sin. This message is the power of God for salvation to those who will believe! (Romans 1:16-17) “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, Who has become for us Wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” (1st Corinthians 1:30)
We must be humble to receive this message of the cross. It is foolishness to those who claim worldly wisdom. It is weakness to those who think themselves strong. It is an offense to our intellect and strength, but it is God’s wisdom for the humble! Oh how I love the cross and the One who gave His life for me!
Wisdom to rule and live!
Scripture reading for July 9: Proverbs 22-24
The Bible teaches that we are all designed to rule and have dominion! Adam was given dominion over creation in order to tend and care for it as God desired and instructed. (Genesis 1:27-28) We need God’s wisdom because He is the source of all wisdom and authority and created all things for His purposes. The proverbs offer wisdom to those in authority to enable them to effectively rule with the mind of God.
Proverbs emphasizes our need for humility. (Proverbs 22:4) When we fear the Lord, God gives us discernment between good and evil. When we choose the good consistently we get wealth, honor and life as added benefits. We also get a good name and reputation, something that money can’t buy! (Proverbs 22:1) Keeping humility when God has blessed you can be a real test, for many times prosperity causes pride and God is forgotten or not honored.
When a king rules, he acts on behalf of God. Rulers are to treat the poor with equity and respect. (Proverbs 22:16, 22-23) When the poor are mistreated, God Himself promises to take up their case and rule on their behalf! Rulers must stay away from the adulteress and the hot-tempered man. (Proverbs 22:14, 24; 23:26-28) Both of those people lead to trouble. When rulers judge in court, they must be sure to convict the guilty and not show partiality or take a bribe. God will bless righteous judgment and integrity! (Proverbs 24:23-25) Also, do not seek revenge because that is for God alone! (Proverbs 24:29)
Those in authority must avoid drunkenness and laziness. (Proverbs 23:29-35) Drinking takes away your ability to have sound judgment and to see clearly. It causes violence and strife and quarrels. A hangover comes the next day and bloodshot eyes! It poisons our life like a snake-bite! The second warning is against laziness. (Proverbs 24:30-34) Laziness causes life to fall into ruin around you. Your life looks like a field that is not tended. Walls of protection are broken down and enemies steal the crop. Weeds grow and choke it out and thorns are a sign that the curse is at work. Laziness leads to poverty and lack!
Is you life marked by humility and respect for God? In your leadership, are you applying the wisdom of God in setting a good example? “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
Hearing or listening?
Scripture reading for July 3th: Proverbs 1-4
I have personally read Proverbs dozens of times over the last forty years. For many years I read the entire book of Proverbs each month as a daily discipline. Even though I have read or heard Proverbs many times, I am still impressed at how they speak to us about our daily lives. Wisdom is a bubbling brook!
Hearing and listening can be two different things. Almost everyone can hear what is being said but listening in order to learn and apply truth is a different process requiring humility and a teachable spirit. As we begin the book of Proverbs, take a moment to check your hearing and listening abilities. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you new insights about successful living and decision making.
Solomon was David’s son through his wife Bathsheba. Solomon was visited by God and given an opportunity to ask for anything he desired. He asked for wisdom to rule God’s people. God was pleased and the proverbs are some of the written record of the wisdom God blessed Solomon with. Solomon wanted to pass that wisdom on to his sons (and us). The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 1:7) There are those who either don’t want wisdom and Solomon gives them names like ‘simple’, ‘fool’, and ‘mocker’. (Proverbs 1:7, 22) Thankfully, those names are not descriptive of any of us!
Wisdom’s blessings include knowledge and discretion to the young as well as guidance. (Proverbs 1:4-5) It brings safety to those who listen and they have rest and no fear of harm. (Proverbs 1:33) A person who listens to wisdom understands the fear of the Lord and finds knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5) You will be kept safe from wicked men who are on crooked paths leading to destruction. (Proverbs 2:12-15) You will also avoid the adulterous woman and her path that leads to death. (Proverbs 2:16-19) Listening and keeping wisdom brings long life and prosperity. (Proverbs 3:2) Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her and they will be richly blessed! (Proverbs 3:18)
Wisdom is to be prized above any other treasure. (Proverbs 3:13-15) We must lay hold of wisdom by taking hold of the words given by the Father. (Proverbs 4:1-5) We must hold onto instructions of wisdom and guard them. Wisdom is our life and health to our whole body! (Proverbs 4:22) Wisdom is to reside in our heart! (Proverbs 4:23) Wisdom sounds a lot like Jesus Christ, in Whom is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge! (Colossians 2:2-3)
“The half has not been told!”
Scripture reading for April 23: 2 Chronicles 6-9
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived other than Jesus Christ. Solomon got his wisdom by asking for it! (James 1:5) God appeared to him early in his rule and asked him what he needed. Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people and knowledge. (2 Chronicles 1:7-10) God granted him his request and gave him fame and fortune as well. Solomon became well-known for his wisdom and for the wealth that God had lavished on him.
The Queen of Sheba was a foreign dignitary of Solomon’s time who had heard reports of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. She traveled great distance to see for herself. Her recorded remark was “not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me”. (2 Chronicles 9:6) Even though a pagan, she praised Solomon’s God for delighting in him and placing him on the throne. She noted that the Lord loved His people and appointed Solomon as king to uphold them and rule them for God! She had great understanding herself as she stood in Solomon’s presence. It appears that this wisdom rubs off! The Queen of Sheba also lavished gifts of gold and spices on Solomon. She gave him over 25 tons of gold by our measure! A king who is full of wisdom deserves great honor and recognition!
Solomon has a distant grandson, Jesus Christ, who was also filled with wisdom from God. Luke records that He grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. (Luke 2:51) Paul records that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3) This same Jesus has been made unto us wisdom from God. (1st Corinthians 1:30) If we need wisdom, we can simply ask God and He will give us liberally! (James 1:5) We have record of Jesus’ unequaled wisdom, yet the half has not been told!
As the Queen of Sheba gave lavish gifts to Solomon, so we are to honor Jesus Christ and give our tithes and lives to Him Who is worthy! We are to tell of the riches of His glorious Kingdom and publish His fame and wisdom for all who will listen! We bring Him the precious “gold” of our faith and the “spices” of prayer and worship. All nations will worship Him of Whom “the half has not been told”!
Asking for wisdom!
Scripture Reading for April 2: 1st Kings1-4
1 Kings 3:3 “Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places.” . . vs. 5-6 “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before You in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you.” . .vs 9 “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern Your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this Your great people?”
Newly crowned King Solomon had an encounter with the Lord. He had gone to Gibeon to sacrifice to the Lord and that day offered a thousand burnt offerings! Extravagant worship marked the life of this newly anointed king! That night as Solomon lay asleep, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1st Kings 3:4-5) Solomon first thanked the Lord for his kindness to his father David in placing him on the throne. Then he confessed his need for God’s help in ruling His people, asking for a discerning heart and wisdom to rule wisely. (1st Kings 3:7-9)
This pleased the Lord! Solomon was granted what he asked for and also given by grace what he did not ask for! God gave him riches and honor so that there would be no equal among kings of that time. (1st Kings 3:10-14) Jesus Christ has been made to us wisdom from God! (1st Corinthians 1:30) We are told that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God for it and He will give us liberally! James 1:5-7) Praise the Lord!
In considering Solomon’s walk with the Lord, how would God say that you felt toward Him? How might God describe your walk with Him? How are you at asking God for what you want or need?
Complete joy!
Scripture reading for September 28th: 1st John 1, Psalm 44, Proverbs 8
1st John 1: 1-4 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life–the Life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the Eternal Life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us–that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”
According to Holy Scripture, joy and rejoicing mark the Holy Trinity. God delighted in creation and He and His Son were there from the beginning. God is the ‘Living God’ Who gives the ‘breath of life’ to mankind. He created man and set him in the Garden of Eden (delights)! The psalmist says that God planted Israel in their land and set them free because He delighted in them. The writer of Proverbs stated that “Wisdom” was beside God as a ‘master Workman’, daily delighting in God and rejoicing before Him. I believe that “Wisdom” is Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Master Workman! He also delighted in the children of men! Now in 1st John, John states he writes this letter concerning the Word of Life that our joy may be complete!
Psalm 44:1-3 “O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds You performed in their days, in the days of old: You with Your own hand drove out the nations, but them You planted; You afflicted the peoples, but them You set free; for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but Your right hand and Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You delighted in them.”
Prayer: Praise the Father! Praise the Son! Praise the Holy Spirit! Three in One, all our Joy and Delight! Thank You for making Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Wisdom, our Joy, our Salvation, and our Eternal Life! Thank You for making us in Your image and delighting over us! Thank You for making our joy complete by forgiveness of our sins and adoption into Your forever family! May I proclaim this truth each day!
Proverbs 8:29-31 “. . .when He (Wisdom) marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Him, like a master Workman, and I was daily His Delight, rejoicing before Him always, rejoicing in His inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.”