Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Prov. 8:11
We live in a society that values wisdom. People spend thousands of dollars to make sure their children receive a top-notch education. In some parts of America, parents compete to get their toddlers into the most prestigious preschools to “guarantee” their future success. They do everything they can to fill their minds with knowledge. Unfortunately, many people view Godly wisdom as an intellectual endeavor as well.
We often believe that if we know Bible facts, we know the Bible. We strive to gain a head knowledge of God. That’s a good start, but it should not be our ultimate aim. In fact, God says in Proverbs 2:10, “Wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” Throughout the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of a changed heart. It is only when God’s word enters our minds and transforms our hearts that our actions will bear Godly fruit.
Too often, we excuse our ungodly behaviors blaming them on our weak flesh or Satan’s schemes. Sometimes we even minimize our own responsibility and decide that since we are believers in Jesus, we’ll just let God’s mercy take care of us. If that is our attitude, we are being unfaithful to God.
Think about it. If your children have a “head knowledge” of you and your expectations, give lip service to you by saying, “I love you,” and “I’m sorry” when they disobey, but never do anything to change their behaviors because they know you’ll forgive them since they are your children, would you truly believe they loved you? Then why do we do that to our Father? Would you tolerate that behavior? Then why should God?
1 Thessalonians 4:7,8 says, “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.” And why does He give us His Holy Spirit? So that “He may strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones” 1 Thess. 3:13. Therefore, hide God’s word in your heart so you will not sin against God. “My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” Prov. 4:20-23. True wisdom is Godly wisdom. And Godly wisdom will transform your life. May you be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I Love My Sweetie
I Love My Sweetie
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Easy Way or the Hard Way
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom. Prov. 15:33
“Don’t tell me what to do! It’s my life and I’ll make my own mistakes!” Those words have been shouted by both rebellious teenagers and adults at parents, pastors, teachers, and friends for generations. We all want to spare others from making the same mistakes we made, from walking down paths we know will lead to destruction. Despite our best intentions, we are often seen as meddlesome and irritating. The old adage, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” is true in many regards…even in our spiritual walk.
Sometimes, as believers, we want to take what we think is the easy way. We go through life doing our own thing until something major or catastrophic sends us running to the Father. We gain a basic understanding of God and His truths, and we coast on autopilot until a life situation forces us to look more intently at God’s word. We want to make our own mistakes and then ask God to fix the mess we find ourselves in. Sounds a little like a rebellious teenager doesn’t it? And yet, what we won’t tolerate from our children, we do ourselves to the Father. 2 Peter 1:3-4 illustrates how God, like a loving parent who wants to spare his children from the pain of mistakes and ignorance provides a solution. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” So, where does this knowledge of Him come from?
Proverbs 1:1 says, “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, King of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life…” Solomon, the man who received his wisdom directly from God shared with us what God taught him about wisdom. We can either try to gain wisdom through trial and error or we can follow the advice of Solomon who said in Prov 2:1-5, “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Notice all those action verbs—it’s going to take some serious effort on your part.
Then he promises, “Wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you,” Prov. 2:10-11. Do you need any better promises than that? How about these: Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you, 4:6; Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, 2:12; Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her, 8:11; He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers, 19:8; and, Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off, 24:14.
God’s wisdom is found in God’s word. Every day we should be actively and eagerly searching the scriptures to discern God’s good and perfect will. If you don’t know where else to start, may I suggest the book of Proverbs? Remember, its whole purpose, according to Proverbs 1:1 is to help us attain wisdom. You decide, do you want God to teach you wisdom the easy way (through his word) or the hard way (through your own experiences)? Wisdom will be taught—one way or the other.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
“Don’t tell me what to do! It’s my life and I’ll make my own mistakes!” Those words have been shouted by both rebellious teenagers and adults at parents, pastors, teachers, and friends for generations. We all want to spare others from making the same mistakes we made, from walking down paths we know will lead to destruction. Despite our best intentions, we are often seen as meddlesome and irritating. The old adage, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” is true in many regards…even in our spiritual walk.
Sometimes, as believers, we want to take what we think is the easy way. We go through life doing our own thing until something major or catastrophic sends us running to the Father. We gain a basic understanding of God and His truths, and we coast on autopilot until a life situation forces us to look more intently at God’s word. We want to make our own mistakes and then ask God to fix the mess we find ourselves in. Sounds a little like a rebellious teenager doesn’t it? And yet, what we won’t tolerate from our children, we do ourselves to the Father. 2 Peter 1:3-4 illustrates how God, like a loving parent who wants to spare his children from the pain of mistakes and ignorance provides a solution. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” So, where does this knowledge of Him come from?
Proverbs 1:1 says, “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, King of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life…” Solomon, the man who received his wisdom directly from God shared with us what God taught him about wisdom. We can either try to gain wisdom through trial and error or we can follow the advice of Solomon who said in Prov 2:1-5, “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Notice all those action verbs—it’s going to take some serious effort on your part.
Then he promises, “Wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you,” Prov. 2:10-11. Do you need any better promises than that? How about these: Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you, 4:6; Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, 2:12; Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her, 8:11; He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers, 19:8; and, Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off, 24:14.
God’s wisdom is found in God’s word. Every day we should be actively and eagerly searching the scriptures to discern God’s good and perfect will. If you don’t know where else to start, may I suggest the book of Proverbs? Remember, its whole purpose, according to Proverbs 1:1 is to help us attain wisdom. You decide, do you want God to teach you wisdom the easy way (through his word) or the hard way (through your own experiences)? Wisdom will be taught—one way or the other.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
Saturday, October 25, 2008
A Time to Teach
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40
A student was showing me some of his drawings this past week that were absolutely wonderful. He told me his uncle had taught him how to draw. His face truly glowed when he said, “My uncle told me that in another couple of months I’ll probably be as good as him.”
My response was, “You know, there is a proverb that says when a student is fully trained he will be like his teacher.” As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I was convicted by my own statement. If my job is to teach, shouldn’t I have the knowledge and experience necessary in order to teach? Of course I should. That’s why I spend countless hours each year going to in-services and workshops that the school district sends me to and reading, studying, and researching on my own. I want to be an effective teacher. In a sense, I am trying to teach my students everything I know about reading and writing. I’m giving them the skills to be like me.
Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations….teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20. How can I possibly teach other people to obey everything Jesus has commanded if I don’t prepare myself first? As the body of Christ, we should be actively studying, learning, and preparing ourselves in such a way that we can instruct others in the ways of the Lord. There is no way you can make disciples unless you, yourself, are a student of the Lord.
Now, in order to be a student of the Lord, you can’t limit your learning to what you get at church. After all, I “studied” math by sitting and listening in a classroom for about twelve years. I even passed all of those math classes. But, I guarantee you , I am not a “student” of math. I know the basics of math…just enough to help me figure out discounts at the store and how much carpet I need to cover the floor in a room, but I don’t know math. Likewise, if all of our spiritual knowledge comes from sermons, we will not have the wisdom and understanding that the scriptures command us repeatedly to gain. We may acquire a basic knowledge, but we won’t truly know the Lord or his teachings. A good teacher never stops being a student. As long as we draw breath, there will always be more to learn about the Lord. A priority for us as teachers of faith should be to instill a passion for studying and learning; growing and maturing. If the fully trained student will be like his teacher, that means he must see the passion in us, or he will never have it himself.
I believe the “great commission” is given to all believers. We are all responsible for teaching others how to be disciples of Christ and to obey everything he has commanded. Therefore, we owe it to God, to ourselves, and to everyone we will ever have the opportunity to teach to make sure that we, ourselves, are constantly growing and maturing in our knowledge and understanding of the Lord’s commands. It won’t just happen. We must immerse ourselves in the Word daily.
You may not see yourself as a teacher, but I assure you that you will come in contact with people this week who have never set foot in a church building. The vast majority of the Lord’s teachers look remarkably like ordinary people. The way we live and act in public demonstrates our true beliefs. In fact, unless the Lord’s disciples live daily as disciples, the world will never see a difference between themselves and us. What will people learn about the Lord when they watch you this week? Train them well.
…Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Tim 4:8.
A student was showing me some of his drawings this past week that were absolutely wonderful. He told me his uncle had taught him how to draw. His face truly glowed when he said, “My uncle told me that in another couple of months I’ll probably be as good as him.”
My response was, “You know, there is a proverb that says when a student is fully trained he will be like his teacher.” As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I was convicted by my own statement. If my job is to teach, shouldn’t I have the knowledge and experience necessary in order to teach? Of course I should. That’s why I spend countless hours each year going to in-services and workshops that the school district sends me to and reading, studying, and researching on my own. I want to be an effective teacher. In a sense, I am trying to teach my students everything I know about reading and writing. I’m giving them the skills to be like me.
Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations….teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20. How can I possibly teach other people to obey everything Jesus has commanded if I don’t prepare myself first? As the body of Christ, we should be actively studying, learning, and preparing ourselves in such a way that we can instruct others in the ways of the Lord. There is no way you can make disciples unless you, yourself, are a student of the Lord.
Now, in order to be a student of the Lord, you can’t limit your learning to what you get at church. After all, I “studied” math by sitting and listening in a classroom for about twelve years. I even passed all of those math classes. But, I guarantee you , I am not a “student” of math. I know the basics of math…just enough to help me figure out discounts at the store and how much carpet I need to cover the floor in a room, but I don’t know math. Likewise, if all of our spiritual knowledge comes from sermons, we will not have the wisdom and understanding that the scriptures command us repeatedly to gain. We may acquire a basic knowledge, but we won’t truly know the Lord or his teachings. A good teacher never stops being a student. As long as we draw breath, there will always be more to learn about the Lord. A priority for us as teachers of faith should be to instill a passion for studying and learning; growing and maturing. If the fully trained student will be like his teacher, that means he must see the passion in us, or he will never have it himself.
I believe the “great commission” is given to all believers. We are all responsible for teaching others how to be disciples of Christ and to obey everything he has commanded. Therefore, we owe it to God, to ourselves, and to everyone we will ever have the opportunity to teach to make sure that we, ourselves, are constantly growing and maturing in our knowledge and understanding of the Lord’s commands. It won’t just happen. We must immerse ourselves in the Word daily.
You may not see yourself as a teacher, but I assure you that you will come in contact with people this week who have never set foot in a church building. The vast majority of the Lord’s teachers look remarkably like ordinary people. The way we live and act in public demonstrates our true beliefs. In fact, unless the Lord’s disciples live daily as disciples, the world will never see a difference between themselves and us. What will people learn about the Lord when they watch you this week? Train them well.
…Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Tim 4:8.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
An Awesome God
When was the last time God acted in a way you totally did not expect? For generations, even to the beginning of time, man has presumed to know exactly how God should and would work in every situation. Unfortunately, our minds cannot even begin to fathom the extent of God’s power. As a result, we force God and his infinite might into a restrictive box. We, the created, limit God, the creator. How absurd is that?
In Joshua 10, the story is told of the Israelites fighting the Amorites. Joshua said to the Lord, “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the valley of Abijalon.” The next verse says, “The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel.” Joshua 10:12-14. What if Joshua had not believed that God could or would do something he had never done before?
Has God stopped being God? Does he still fight on the behalf of his redeemed? Can we still expect him to perform supernatural feats so that we, his people, can have victory? The word of God reminds us of what God is capable of and willing to do. Our faith needs to go beyond what we know God can do—what he’s done before in our sight and experience—and trust him to do something wonderful and new.
The scriptures tell us that Jesus could not do any miracles in his hometown because the people lacked faith. Throughout the Bible, we read about God’s desire to give us victory in every area of our lives. Regardless of what we might like to believe, however, man never gains the victory on his own, but “He holds victory in store for the upright. Pr 2:7; The Lord gave David victory. 1 Chron 18:6; The Lord gives us victory over our enemies. Ps 44:7; Victory rests with the Lord. Pr 21:31; and God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor 15:57.
Does victory always come in the same prescribed way? Absolutely not. Isaiah said to the Lord, “For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways.” Is 64:3-5.
Remember Joshua, and allow God to move in wonderful and mighty ways. Take it one step further and, like Joshua, ask God to do awesome things in your life. And then don’t be surprised or give credit to the “god” of circumstance, coincidence, medical science, or man’s wisdom when the Lord does something amazing in your sight. He is, after all, Jehovah El Elyon, the Most High God.
In Joshua 10, the story is told of the Israelites fighting the Amorites. Joshua said to the Lord, “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the valley of Abijalon.” The next verse says, “The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel.” Joshua 10:12-14. What if Joshua had not believed that God could or would do something he had never done before?
Has God stopped being God? Does he still fight on the behalf of his redeemed? Can we still expect him to perform supernatural feats so that we, his people, can have victory? The word of God reminds us of what God is capable of and willing to do. Our faith needs to go beyond what we know God can do—what he’s done before in our sight and experience—and trust him to do something wonderful and new.
The scriptures tell us that Jesus could not do any miracles in his hometown because the people lacked faith. Throughout the Bible, we read about God’s desire to give us victory in every area of our lives. Regardless of what we might like to believe, however, man never gains the victory on his own, but “He holds victory in store for the upright. Pr 2:7; The Lord gave David victory. 1 Chron 18:6; The Lord gives us victory over our enemies. Ps 44:7; Victory rests with the Lord. Pr 21:31; and God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor 15:57.
Does victory always come in the same prescribed way? Absolutely not. Isaiah said to the Lord, “For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways.” Is 64:3-5.
Remember Joshua, and allow God to move in wonderful and mighty ways. Take it one step further and, like Joshua, ask God to do awesome things in your life. And then don’t be surprised or give credit to the “god” of circumstance, coincidence, medical science, or man’s wisdom when the Lord does something amazing in your sight. He is, after all, Jehovah El Elyon, the Most High God.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Babies growing up
What a weekend! My baby girl turned 23 on Saturday. I know it's such an overused cliche, but it really doesn't seem like we have been together that long. Time sure flies. I am so proud of both of my kids, their spouses, and their babies. We are getting so close to celebrating two first birthdays. Now that's incredible! We went Sunday afternoon to have family portraits made--all 8 of us!! What a feat. I can't wait to see the pics. We'll get to see David, Ashley, and Noah Friday evening. I'm really excited that we will get to babysit Noah while Dave and Ash go on a date. I just call that my contribution to maintaining healthy marriages...that's the official "sound good" reason. Of course, there is always that "I can't believe this is my very own grandson, and he's gonna play at my house!" thing too. Life is good, God is great, and I am blessed.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
All the Parts Make a Whole
Have you ever heard the story about the seven blind men and the elephant? Each man touched one part of the elephant and then concluded what an elephant was like. The first touched an ear and said an elephant was like a great fan. One touched the tail and argued that an elephant was like a rope. As each man touched a different part, he became fully convinced in his mind that he knew exactly what an elephant was like based on his own personal experience. Each was partially right, but no one was totally right.
Now those of us who have actually seen an elephant know and understand that an elephant is the sum of all those parts. We can see the big picture—the whole picture. What if those seven men could come together as a community and share their perspectives? Don’t you think that is an important part of why God puts us into a community? None of us has everything figured out in the scriptures, but when we come together, we can share and discuss those things we have discovered. As each person shares his understanding and perspective on God’s word, we are all edified and built up in the faith. If someone presents an idea we have never considered before, we can take that opportunity to delve into the Word and search for ourselves just as the Bereans were known to do.
Is it possible that a scripture could have more than one meaning or correct interpretation? Take the verse in Matthew 11:29. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” All of my Christian life I have heard that explained using the concept of a yoke and oxen. Many have said that if we yoke ourselves with Christ, he will help carry our burden which will result in rest for our souls. That following him will not weigh us down, and that he will, in fact, keep us on the right path.
Recently, I have heard that in Biblical times, in which Jesus lived and taught, each Rabbi was said to have a yoke. His yoke was what he considered to be the greatest commandment because it determined how he would interpret the scriptures for himself and for his students. Some thought the greatest commandment was “Keep the Sabbath holy.” As such, these were the men who found fault with Jesus healing on the Sabbath. They were also the ones who created various restrictions and placed them on others to be sure that the Sabbath was not violated. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was he responded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Now, which interpretation of the yoke is correct? What if they both are? And what if there is yet another facet to that verse that we have not yet discovered? When it comes to understanding the scriptures, is it possible that we are sometimes like the seven blind men? Do we ever think our interpretation is the only right interpretation and thus, limit our ability to learn more? Jesus said, “Consider carefully what you hear.” Until everything in God’s word is disclosed and we have a complete understanding, we need to search and study to show ourselves approved. My prayer is that as a community of believers we can continue to sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron.
Now those of us who have actually seen an elephant know and understand that an elephant is the sum of all those parts. We can see the big picture—the whole picture. What if those seven men could come together as a community and share their perspectives? Don’t you think that is an important part of why God puts us into a community? None of us has everything figured out in the scriptures, but when we come together, we can share and discuss those things we have discovered. As each person shares his understanding and perspective on God’s word, we are all edified and built up in the faith. If someone presents an idea we have never considered before, we can take that opportunity to delve into the Word and search for ourselves just as the Bereans were known to do.
Is it possible that a scripture could have more than one meaning or correct interpretation? Take the verse in Matthew 11:29. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” All of my Christian life I have heard that explained using the concept of a yoke and oxen. Many have said that if we yoke ourselves with Christ, he will help carry our burden which will result in rest for our souls. That following him will not weigh us down, and that he will, in fact, keep us on the right path.
Recently, I have heard that in Biblical times, in which Jesus lived and taught, each Rabbi was said to have a yoke. His yoke was what he considered to be the greatest commandment because it determined how he would interpret the scriptures for himself and for his students. Some thought the greatest commandment was “Keep the Sabbath holy.” As such, these were the men who found fault with Jesus healing on the Sabbath. They were also the ones who created various restrictions and placed them on others to be sure that the Sabbath was not violated. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was he responded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Now, which interpretation of the yoke is correct? What if they both are? And what if there is yet another facet to that verse that we have not yet discovered? When it comes to understanding the scriptures, is it possible that we are sometimes like the seven blind men? Do we ever think our interpretation is the only right interpretation and thus, limit our ability to learn more? Jesus said, “Consider carefully what you hear.” Until everything in God’s word is disclosed and we have a complete understanding, we need to search and study to show ourselves approved. My prayer is that as a community of believers we can continue to sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
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