Wisdom Choice

Wisdom Choice

James 3: ¹³ Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. ¹⁴ But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. ¹⁵ Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. ¹⁶ Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace.

 

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After being on academic probation, I decided to stop partying for a while and study. I got on the dean’s list that semester, so I felt pretty good about “my” achievement. I could not share the achievement with some people because I was still bitter over what happened.

 

• I made a choice to keep bitterness in my heart.
• I chose to remain wounded instead of trying to heal.
• As “smart” as people told me I was, I still did not have life together.

 

James addressed two types of wisdom. One came from the world and the other from above. He describes the wisdom of the world as unspiritual and demonic due to the lack of good deeds and peace.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s wisdom produces good deeds through me.
• GOD’s wisdom enables me to have peace that is beyond understanding.
• GOD’s wisdom is friendly, gentle and free from prejudice, so HE wants me to choose HIS way.

 

Removing GOD from anything is not wise. I mean, GOD is the creator of everything. HE made the people, places and things we study and hypothesize about. When I come up with a conclusion that GOD does not have anything to do with what I am observing, or I think human wisdom is greater than GOD, I get in deep trouble. GOD has an better path.

 

GOD desires that I choose to be gentle, compassionate and friendly so I can produce good deeds for HIM. The less I give credit to the world, the more GOD shows me HIS infinite wisdom. I am glad GOD produces the harvest, which is full of goodness.

 

Challenge

• What two types of wisdom does the writer discuss?
• Have you ever been jealous, bitter or selfish?
• Will you seek GOD’s wisdom by letting go of yours to obtain HIS today?

Lacking Nothing

Lacking Nothing

James 1: ⁴ Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. 

 

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After the conference this past weekend, someone from another country asked for help. I knew my meager funds would never be enough so I started thinking of solutions. His current solution to local hunger is to teach farming. I sent videos on hydroponic farming. His response was , “that’s for the middle class.” I found videos on farming using discarded plastic bottles. His response “That’s for the middle class.”

 

• I lack wisdom.
• I do not know how to address this.
• The problem is far greater than any of my current solutions.

 

James addressed a scared scattered group of people who believed in JESUS and were persecuted for it. The first solution was to run and hide from those who oppressed people with religious persecution. He knew GOD was the only solution.

 

My Observations:

• Extreme problems require GOD to intervene.
• It is amazing that I can ask GOD to address an extreme problem and HE is willing to help.
• GOD will provide the wisdom it will take to address the need.

 

Feeling helpless is not an option for many people. I mean, those who are facing major issues that they think need a financial solution cannot afford to fall into despair. A solution is needed. But what?

 

GOD says “I AM the solution.” I believe that James said “endure” , not for the poor to just remain poor, but for those sent to help to “endure” until there is a solution. GOD will provide the right people at the right time. HIS love endures forever. I am glad I can ask GOD for wisdom and HE is gracious and generous to provide it!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer talk about “falling?”
• Have you ever tried to do something and it seemed hopeless to the point where you felt like giving up?
• Will you ask for wisdom to address the overwhelming situation so GOD will get the glory and so eyes and hearts will be open to accept JESUS today?

Ambition

Ambition

Colossians 1: ⁹ For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. ¹⁰ Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.

 

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After a taste of “success” I wanted more. I figured I could “help” more people if I obtained a certain title. I worked day and night climbing the ladder of “success.” While I was working, I was too busy to help those who I intended to help.

 

• I was blinded by ambition.
• I thought the title was more important than my actions.
• I believed I knew what could help people.

 

Paul indirectly addressed the human will. He knew humans could be blinded by the world’s ambitions, justifying selfish actions along the way. There was only one way to please GOD, namely be filled.

 

My Observations

• Knowledge of GOD is important for me to seek.
• Wisdom from GOD helps me with discernment.
• Understanding from GOD provides me with better actions to help me grow.

 

Ambition is a very deceptive foe. I mean, on the surface it looks quite innocent and the world loves an ambitious hero. BUT GOD’s will speaks softly and will not compete with the human will. HE, unfortunately, allows us to try to reach our desires, which HE knows can take us off HIS path.

 

BUT GOD is forgiving and wants us to succeed. When I empty myself and allow HIM to “fill” me up, I can please HIM through HIS wisdom, knowledge and understanding. I am glad GOD enables me to produce HIS fruit.

 

Challenge

• What good deeds is the writer speaking of?
• What does “growth in GOD” look like?
• Will you seek GOD’s will so HE can give you wisdom, knowledge and understanding to do “good deeds” that are pleasing to HIM today?

Alignment

Alignment

Ephesians 1: ¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers ¹⁷ and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him.

 

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Complaints about the preaching became the norm for me. I went to sleep on one set of sermons and others I tried to escape by being “busy” during the discourse. And what was it with the uniforms people wore? And why don’t they update the music?  And why was church service so long? And…

 

• I was blind to what people were doing for GOD.
• I could not value how people were serving GOD because I was too busy complaining.
• I saw myself as being right and “they” were serving GOD wrong because “I” did not hear what I wanted to hear.

 

Paul compliments the people on their faith in JESUS. He heard about their faith and had to do something special. He gave thanks. He also asked GOD for them to receive wisdom as given only by the HOLY SPIRIT. Paul aligned to GOD’s will.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to seek and admire those who put their faith in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to value what people are doing for HIM and give thanks for them by remembering them in prayer.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to provide wisdom from the HOLY SPIRIT so they may know HIM.

 

Recognizing other people is important to GOD. I mean, seeing what people ”are” doing for HIM rather than harboring a complaint is wonderful to HIM. Unfortunately, I look at things from my selfish perspective and wonder what is in this for me? GOD sees my complaint and knows my justification attempts for acting foul.

 

HE forgives me, opens my eyes to HIS servants and cleans my heart to see HE has a multitude of servants who love HIM. HE wants me to see that HE has placed many people around the world who show love for all HIS people. I give thanks for those who serve GOD because of their faith in JESUS and I align to GOD’s will.

 

Challenge

• What is the writers heart for the people?
• Are there people you can think of who have been faithful and could use your prayers?
• Will you take a moment and remember those who serve GOD and ask that HE provide the HOLY SPIRIT to open eyes and reveal who HE is today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for this reader. Thank YOU for his or her faith in YOUR SON, JESUS. Please open our eyes and reveal who YOU are today. amen

Wisdom to Rely On

Wisdom to Rely On

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁸ For the message about Christ's death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God's power. ¹⁹ The scripture says,

 

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
    and set aside the understanding of the scholars.”

 

²⁰ So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world's wisdom is foolishness!

 

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“Sit down and pray” was the advice given to me that did not make sense. You mean to tell me that I need to say some words to GOD and my problems would go away? I said skeptically. I was amongst scholars who had “proven” their ability to think in front of other people. I chose to pray. It didn’t make sense. My problem of that time, went away as quickly as it came/

 

• Many times I considered using the wisdom of others to get out of trouble.
• Many times I thought I would follow the examples of “successful” people to get ahead.
• Many times I worried and needed to talk to people who others considered “wise.”

 

Paul says something daring about JESUS’ death burial and resurrection. He says it is “nonsense” to those who are being lost. He knew that reliance on what is seen and proven could have flaws. Where should I place my hope?

 

• GOD wants me to rely on HIS wisdom to get me out of troubles.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIS wisdom to guide me to HIS promises.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIS wisdom to truly be successful.

 

Relying on GOD takes faith in the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things that cannot be seen. I mean, time after time, GOD has shown me that HIS way usually does not make sense to the wise people I know. Stopping, sitting and asking GOD “What do YOU want me to do?” is foolishness to those who cannot conceive that only GOD has the answer.

 

The wise and scholarly and great debaters of the world who do not rely on GOD’s wisdom will be shown as foolish. It is GOD who has the power to make the impossible happen. My belief in JESUS is the power that fuels my decisions. I am grateful HE chose me when I would not choose HIM.

 

• What information do you rely on?
• Are you seeking other humans to help you determine your next actions?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, even when it looks foolish to those who may not be following HIM, but the world considers wise?

Decide and Supplied

 

Decide and Supplied

Acts 28: ⁷ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. ⁸ His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. ⁹ When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. ¹⁰ They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

 

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With a car that no longer worked and creditors calling, I was at wits end. I got a little angry that I was in a small town and did not have anyone to call for help. As I sat in my apartment, I decided to turn back to GOD.

 

Maybe I’m going about things wrong. I went to a place where I could learn about GOD. After months of focusing on HIM, I noticed my entire life had changed. Not only were bills paid, I was able to purchase my first new car. But that wasn’t all. I was able to teach people about GOD.

 

• There were times in my life when I felt empty.
• There were times in my life when I felt worried.
• There were times in my life when I felt like I had no help.

 

The chief official of the island invited everyone over his estate. Paul noticed the official’s father was sick in bed and went in to see him. GOD healed the father through Paul. Everyone on the island brought their sick to Paul and were cured. Afterwards, the crew and Paul were supplied with all they needed to sail to Rome by the thankful islanders.

 

• GOD wants me to decide to follow HIM without expecting things to change.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM because of our loving relationship.
• GOD wants me to recognize that HE supplies my needs when I am obedient to HIM.

 

When GOD gives purpose, HE supplies the means to carry it out. I mean, when HE tells me HE is going to do something in my life, it may not happen as fast as I think, but it will happen. GOD sees the moment I decide to sincerely follow HIM. HE supplies me with everything I need to carry out HIS great plan HE has for me. I am glad HE sees me in the time of need.

 

• Are you in need right now?
• Have you been worrying for a long time?
• Will you decide to follow GOD anyway and praise HIM for supplying your needs before you get them?

Getting Wiser

Getting Wiser

Acts 18: ¹⁸ Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. ¹⁹ They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. ²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. ²² When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

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“How dare they!” I felt with anger. Ready to fight, I went and found people who would back me up. Throwing aside consequence, I wanted to right this wrong and was willing to punch someone in their face. Fortunately, the fight did not break out.

• There was a time when I was quick with anger.
• There was a time when I felt rage when someone said the “wrong” thing the “right” way.
• There was a time when I reacted before I considered if I should even react.

Paul had faced a lot of hardship. From fall of being a Pharisee to rise of being a true follower of JESUS, Paul faced beating and near death spreading the gospel. He wanted to stand out, so he vowed to remain bald. He then did something uncharacteristic by declining a request to stay with a group. “I will come back if it is GOD’s will” he said.

• GOD wants me to mature in my trust in HIM.
• GOD wants me to grow in the examples HE gave through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom and let HIM do the fighting.

After getting beat up enough, I say to myself “There has to be a better way.” GOD knew Paul had to suffer. Paul, at one time, pursued murder in the name of GOD. He was growing with wisdom and sought a better way to convince people and allow GOD to do the fighting. GOD wants me to do the same.

HE wants me to plant the seeds of HIS love and allow HIM to bring someone else to water the seeds and HE grow the seeds. HE also wants me to see how slow HE is to anger and how graceful HE is with me daily. I appreciate HIS patience with me.

• Are you filled with rage?
• Are you quick to anger and react often?
• Will you allow GOD to slow your anger so HE can speak through you today?

Graduations

Luke 2: ³⁹ So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

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“Can I go see a movie with my friends?” I asked. “Yes” was the answer and I was delighted. We chose a popular disco movie of its time and, while cheesy, I thought was the best movie. I had graduated from elementary school and the world recognized me as being ready!

• When I graduated I felt ready.
• When I graduated I was recognized as being ready.
• When I graduated I felt a sense of relief and anxiety because I was now in the next step.

JESUS grew physically, mentally, emotionally and most important, spiritually. HE became strong in the SPIRIT each day. Though HE was the chosen One, HE was not ready as a child to take on the sins of the world. HE had to face many obstacles in order to truly mature.

• GOD wants me to look at life as continuous growth.
• GOD wants me to seek opportunities to obtain wisdom from HIM.
• GOD wants me to eventually put my relationship with HIM into practice.

Maturity is what GOD wants from me. Sometimes I still hang out with the same childish ways and I am forgiven for them. BUY GOD wants more from me. HE expects me to grow in faith, belief and grace. GOD desires that at some point I will accept HIS mercy and follow HIM implicitly. This takes practice. I am willing to follow HIM more and more each day.

• Are you still waiting for something amazing to happen and not recognizing the amazing things that have already happened to you?
• Are you growing in GOD?
• Will you seek to use the maturity HE has already given you to serve others today?

Make Me Wanna Shout!

Matthew 20: ²⁹ As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. ³⁰ Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

³¹ The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

³² Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

³³ “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

³⁴ Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

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Hurriedly I typed in the last few words. I ran as fast as I could to get to the building by the deadline as my paper was due at 5:00PM. When I arrived the door was locked.  “Let me in” I cried out! “Be quiet, people are taking finals” someone said. I kept calling out. They let me in and I turned my paper in.

• There have been times I have needed to cry out.
• There have been times when the crowd wanted me to be quiet but I couldn’t
• There have been times that I simply needed help that the crowd could not provide.

JESUS’s fame was now in full bloom. People followed HIM all the time wanting to see the next trick or to truly be healed. The blind men knew of HIS powers and got so excited that nothing would stop them. They had one purpose on their mind, namely to be healed.

• JESUS hears me when I cry out to HIM.
• JESUS listens to me when I ask to be healed of my blindness.
• JESUS touches me to the point of total healing from all unrighteousness.

The business crowd may not want me to shout about JESUS, nor do the political mongers. BUT GOD doesn’t mind my shout. In fact, GOD wants me to shout when people want me quiet. HE wants to see my alliance to HIM and my reliance on HIM. Sometimes I have to shout to be heard over the crowd.

• Are you in need but have not asked?
• Do you want something but are afraid of what the crowd would think?
• Can you openly ask without worrying about the crowd?

What to Ask For

Matthew 7: ⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

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New to this “asking” thing, I prayed “Please, please let me win the lottery!” I was sincere and I thought my motives were right because I just wanted to “quickly” help those around me who were in debt, me included. I purchased a ticket and watched zealously. Strangely each number on my ticket was off by exactly one or two. What are the odds?

• There have been many times I asked for the wrong things.
• There have been many times I sought after things that were not good for me.
• There have been many times I knocked on the door that would have led me to my destruction.

Asking, seeking and knocking are powerful, yet dangerous abilities. Sometimes I ask to get into trouble and GOD allows me to do it abundantly, then when I ask to get out of the trial, it seems like HE leaves me there long enough for me to wish I never had asked! What can I ask for?

• GOD wants me to ask for wisdom, knowledge and understanding in order to grow HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to seek first HIS kingdom so HE can draw all who seek HIM back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to knock on the hearts of those who have turned their backs on HIM.

Asking for “that” person to be successful or better yet, saved, is what I find being aligned with what GOD wants. If money is required, then I truly have to check my motives to ensure the “ask” is not rooted in all kinds of evil. GOD also wants me to seek out those who are lost. HE then wants me to press on their heart by knocking on the door of their soul.

GOD also knows my needs. HE has granted me stuff, jobs and relationships. HE even showed me the location of my lost keys. HE allows me to ask for anything, but the more I ask for things that align with what HE wants, the more my prayers are answered with “Yes, of course!”

• Are you asking for something GOD does not want you to have?
• When is the last time you asked for something that would enable a person to seek GOD?
• Are you seeking GOD’s kingdom?
• Will you allow GOD to show you how to knock on someone’s heart to accept JESUS as their Savior?

Caught Thief

Ezekiel 45: ⁹ “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: You have gone far enough, princes of Israel! Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people, declares the Sovereign Lord.

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Budget time came around quickly this time. Cuts had to be made and I thought to myself “If we could only get rid of my boss and a few other scoundrels then there would be enough money for raises.” I called them scoundrels because this was an easy label to justify my decisions.

• There have been times I have been a thief in disguise.
• There have been times I have stolen someone else’s salary and position.
• There have been times I have fought off the mighty in order to gain ground.

Dispossessing was about the only way to get ahead in the company I was in. I mean the person above had to practically die out of office in order for everyone to move up a notch. The accepted method of moving ahead was to knock the person off the top and take the higher spot.  This was done through clannish slander and smear campaigns. BUT GOD wanted me to behave different.

• GOD said to me “Give up your violence.”
• GOD said to me “Give up your oppression.”
• GOD said to me “Stop dispossessing MY people.”

GOD wants me to have a heart “for” people, not against them. HE would rather I stay in the same spot and serve than to rip someone apart and conquer them. GOD wants “their” heart and it may take me to humble myself rather than exalting my skills. My purpose should only be to bring people to HIM.

• Are you trying to slander someone?
• Are you thinking the best for that person or are you secretly trying to dispossess them?
• Can you stand on your own merit by having GOD guide you?

Ask for the Good Way

Jeremiah 6: ¹⁶ This is what the Lord says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look;
    ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
    and you will find rest for your souls.
    But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

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Hanging out at the club my “friends” and I were discussing body parts. As I laughed at one joke something came over me. “Why is that funny?” the voice said. I had started going back to church at the time and wanted to teach Sunday school. I was at a crossroads. Do I continue down a lust-filled path?

• There are times when I am placed at the crossroads.
• There are times when I have to make a choice.
• There are times when I must choose my way or GOD’s way.

Sunday school seemed like the way to go, but it meant I would have to stop hanging with my “friends.” No more drunkenness, no more lust and no more foul language. “Man, this seems like I’m getting the short end on this one” I thought to myself.

• GOD says to me “Ask for the ancient paths and you will not be disappointed.”
• GOD says to me “Ask where the good way is and walk in it.”
• GOD says to me “I desire to give you rest. Follow MY ways and you will have peace.”

When I reject the Sunday school route, it seemed like things fell apart. Trouble came from all sides and I had to turn to the only place I could, namely GOD. After getting back on HIS path, I noticed a whole new world of people I had never seen before. I could serve and have fun. My blindness was lifted and I could finally see GOD by the people HE delivered to me.

• Are you fighting GOD?
• Are your choices for you or for HIM?
• Can you take a look at the crossroads you are at and choose HIM?

Recognizing the Need to Ask

Isaiah 64: ⁶ All of us have become like one who is unclean,
    and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
    and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
⁷ No one calls on your name
    or strives to lay hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us
    and have given us over to our sins.

⁸ Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
    We are the clay, you are the potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.
⁹ Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord;
    do not remember our sins forever.
Oh, look on us, we pray,
    for we are all your people.

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Arriving to perfection is something I strived for. I mean I had dropped off about 85% of the sins I did before, sometimes 90%. I attended church weekly, almost all the time. I read the Bible and gave biblical advice. When stuff around me still fell down I asked “Why?”

• At one time I had false thinking that “I” could be perfect.
• At one time I thought perfection was something to strive for.
• At one time I had the thought that I controlled GOD by my self-declared righteous acts.

Who wants another lesson or a spanking from GOD, not me! I thought that if I were to act “good” then nothing “bad” would happen to me. On the contrary… as soon as I said to GOD “I want to live more for YOU” it seemed like everything started falling apart. Money, fame and relationships disintegrated and I had more questions than answers.

• When I live for GOD I have to realize my righteous acts are coming from a sinful perspective.
• When I live for GOD I must know that perfection is out of my reach but is granted only by HIM.
• When I live for GOD I must recognize the need to “Ask” versus telling HIM what I need.

Assuming I know what I need and placing GOD’s name on it is worse than simply asking HIM and letting HIM dictate my direction. Becoming clay means I allow GOD to mold me in HIS likeness which means HE is allowed to take things away from me HE feels I do not need.

My trust grows as I allow HIM to mold me and shape me daily. I “Ask” that HE comes into my life more and more, erasing sins that I did not know I even had. Asking means I recognize the need for help and that help only comes from GOD.

• Do you feel you can reach perfection?
• Are you “on your way?”
• Can you stop seeking for self-perfection and self-preservation and seek GOD for a change?
• Will you allow HIM to mold you so HE can instill joy, trust and faith in you?

Enemies Will Be Friends

Isaiah 19: ¹⁹ In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. ²⁰ It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them.

²¹ So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. ²² The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.

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After seeing belligerence I had to throw the person out of my meeting. After seeing no work produced in the time I wanted, I had to fire this other person. After seeing a report about this person’s performance, I had to put them on notice. Years of management had taken its toll. This great land called corporate paid me well to make enemies.

• There were times when I was the oppressor.
• There were times when I was the heavy.
• There were times when I was the bearer of bad news.

Tough or thick skinned is what people in corporate called it. Some may even say moxie.  Looking back on things, I can see that corporate land is similar to that of Egypt land. It provided great wealth, but took my eyes off the prize.

• GOD wants me to turn my heart back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to see HIS kingdom first and HE will add what HE wishes to me.
• GOD wants me to send my pleas to HIM so HE can heal me.

Every minute spent chasing Egypt is a minute spent away from GOD. HE wants me to bring HIS kingdom to Egypt on a daily basis. HE wants me to infiltrate my job and pray for those around me whom HE delivers to me. GOD wants me to be in the world while not being part of it.

• Are you chasing “success?”
• Do you spend an exorbitant amount of time trying to “get paid?”
• Can you stop for a moment and dedicate some time to GOD?
• Will you seek HIS kingdom first without seeking something in return from GOD?

Have Quiet Words

Ecclesiastes:9 ¹⁴ There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. ¹⁵ Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. ¹⁶ So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.

¹⁷ The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded
    than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
¹⁸ Wisdom is better than weapons of war,
    but one sinner destroys much good.

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“There he goes talking again” I said to myself. This man from our church seemed to go on and on about stories of people who lived in the eighteenth century with him. He was usually quiet, but when he got going, there was no stopping him.

One day I went to visit his son to play over his house. The father came out and said some very quiet words that stuck with me… “Where is your faith?” he asked me. “I don’t know?” was my answer. Those were his only words. He got me thinking.

• I have found wisdom does not need a lot of words.
• I have found wisdom does not equal bragging on television.
• I have found wisdom does not mean pontificating to charm a crowd.

Later in life I came to appreciate his stories. He wasn’t just talking about the past, rather trying to impart wisdom to us through stories in his life. He experienced a lot and through his quiet words he passed down knowledge that I am grateful. I was the one who could have torn him down with my words which would have destroyed much good.

• GOD opened my ears to hear wisdom.
• GOD blessed me with people who cared enough to mentor me.
• GOD surrounded me with people who watched over me.

I now recognize my immaturity and I am excited that he was wise and humble enough to share what GOD blessed him with.

• Are you acting foolish?
• Have you spent a lot of hours talking bad about someone?
• Can you go back to those people you have spread slander to and clean up the mess you’ve made?
• Will you seek GOD’s wisdom over a human’s foolish words?

Wisdom from GOD

Proverbs 7: My son, keep my words
    and store up my commands within you.
² Keep my commands and you will live;
    guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
³ Bind them on your fingers;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
    and to insight, “You are my relative.”
⁵ They will keep you from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words.

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Walking back from a friend’s house I heard a car speeding down the street followed closely by a police car. As they tore down the alley I was near, I saw them throw something from the car and thought nothing of it. Later that night the phone rang and I picked it up. A woman was on the phone and she asked if I had seen anything. I told her I had not and she began to say seductive words and asked if I had a car. “Wow! No one had ever said stuff like this to me” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I fell for seductive words.
• There were times where I wanted to be seduced.
• There were times where I would fall for just about anything.

Gullible was written all over my forehead as I did not question how this person even got my number connecting me to an obvious crime. My teenage hormones raced and all I could hear were those words. Is there a warning?

• GOD says to me “Keep MY commands and you will live.”
• GOD says to me “Guard MY teachings as the apple of your eye.”
• GOD says to me “Adopt wisdom as your sister and insight as your relative.”

I would like to say this was the only incident that I fell for, but alas it wasn’t. I think I lost my class ring and some hard earned cash to other smooth talkers within the next year. GOD wants me to fully grasp that HIS direction is meant for my protection, not to prevent me from having “fun.” GOD wants what is best for me and asks that I keep HIS ways.

• Are you being fooled?
• Are you listening to seductive words from someone?
• Can you stop listening to those words and follow GOD today?

No More Wise Guy

Proverbs 3: ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to 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

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“You are the best” people told me. Soon I had an attitude that I was the best. I received a number of awards and people were asking me questions daily. “They will never get rid of me, I’m too valuable” I said to myself.

• Sometimes I trust in my abilities.
• Sometimes I trust in the things I can control.
• Sometimes I trust in me and my book learning.

I loved being the answer man. People would have to line up to get the answers from me and it felt quite nice. I mean who cares that some people did not like me. They were just jealous, right? Wrong!

• GOD wants me to have HIS wisdom which include humility.
• GOD wants me to have HIS wisdom which does not include fear of humans rather fear of the LORD.
• GOD wants me to have HIS wisdom and not calculate what is wrong, rather see that GOD can perform miracles.

I have seen people in my family with incurable diseases get healed. I have seen dire situations go from extremely bad to wonderful. GOD is the only being I can trust when things seem to go wrong. I cannot trust my thinking because it will let me down. I cannot trust my ability because upon observation, they are severely lacking. BUT I can trust in the LORD and lean not on my own understanding.

The wisest of the wise will be confounded, but I will follow the LORD and HE will guide my paths.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you think you have the answer or know the cause?
• Can you place your trust in the LORD today and know HE love you?
• Will you let HIM heal your body and nourishment to your bones?

Seeking Wisdom

Proverbs 1: ⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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“How do I” was a question I asked often. It worked when the person was for me, but then they were against me, I received information with half-truth or flat out wrong information. Then someone I did not like asked me a question. Hmmm, should I give them a half-truth or should I give them wrong information to throw them on the wrong path?

• Sometimes I am faced with the same things that annoy me.
• Sometimes I am tempted to act like “everyone” else.
• Sometimes I desire to be like the crowd no matter how wrong they may be.

Fitting into a group feels great for a moment but sometimes the consequences to my character are devastating. When I seek advice from someone who’s reputation is unsavory, I get their truth which could be harmful. I begin to act like them and soon I forget about being on a good path. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

• GOD wants me to be in the crowd without thinking like the crowd.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom and not be affected by those who do not follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to be confident and acknowledge HIM instead of following the crowd and hiding HIM.

GOD wants me to fear hiding my relationship over the glamour of fame and glory. HE wants me to seek HIS wisdom, not mans. HE will provide HIS strength, protection and love when I ask. HIS instruction is best to follow because it baffles those who claim to be smart. I chose to fear the LORD so I can gain knowledge.

• Are you seeking the advice of those who are not following GOD in order to get ahead?
• Do you think you are not affected by acting like them even a short period of time?
• Will you stop believing in lies and start seeking GOD?

Daily Excitement

Psalm 116: ¹ I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
    he heard my cry for mercy.
² Because he turned his ear to me,
    I will call on him as long as I live.

³ The cords of death entangled me,
    the anguish of the grave came over me;
    I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
⁴ Then I called on the name of the Lord:
    “Lord, save me!”

⁵ The Lord is gracious and righteous;
    our God is full of compassion.
⁶ The Lord protects the unwary;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.

⁷ Return to your rest, my soul,
    for the Lord has been good to you.

⁸ For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
    my eyes from tears,
    my feet from stumbling,
⁹ that I may walk before the Lord
    in the land of the living.

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Clouds overhead made it glum and it seemed like that was the beginning of my mood. “Why is it raining?” I asked in futility. I asked to borrow a car instead of taking the bus and my brother relented. The car was old and each time I shut the engine off I would have to open the hood and hotwire it to start it. No, it wasn’t stolen, the ignition just didn’t work well. “Why?”, was my question all day as things fell apart one by one.

• Sometimes I allow the weather to guide my mood.
• Sometimes I ask “why” on things I cannot control.
• Sometimes I let my mood be affected by my surroundings.

I met someone who absolutely loved storms. This person loved the rain and its purpose. That fascinated me and soon I looked at the rain differently. I saw purpose in the rain and GOD’s hand on the storm. I saw HIS power in what looked like destruction and might in what seemed to be devastation. GOD wanted me to see a different view.

• GOD wants me to be excited every day so I must change my mind when I think something is glum.
• GOD wants me to see HIS power during a storm rather than complaining about the storm.
• GOD wants me to call on HIM rather than complaining to HIM, this shows I trust in HIS way, HIS time and HIS power.

When I started seeing GOD in everything, I noticed I could handle the day a little better. Knowing GOD is at work makes me understand HE has compassion, HE is gracious and righteous. GOD saved me and my soul can rest instead of waiting for the perfect circumstance.

• Are you waiting?
• Do you want out of your circumstance?
• Can you recognize GOD’s wonderful might through the storm?

Strange Ways Work

Psalm 18: ³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³¹ For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
³² It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.

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With a car full of my stuff I turned down a semi-familiar street. I had only been to this town once so every street looked the same. I felt something say “Turn here.” I looked to the left and it was a one-way street headed in the opposite direction so I only had one way to turn. About one block later my quest ended with the apartment I sought out. Not only was it the perfect price, I discovered it was only blocks from my new job.

• My intuition can be faulty.
• My instinct can fail.
• My insight can be wrong.

Finding an apartment the way I found this one goes against logic. I mean one approach could be to go to my place of work then look within a certain radius of that location, comparing pricing until I found some within my range, and then executing a cost benefit of each one… whew! GOD had something different in mind.

• GOD wants me to not to be foolish rather depend on HIM for my decision making.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM first then proceed in the direction HE sends me.
• GOD wants me to take refuge in HIS way which sometimes may seem strange to everyone around me.

Conventional methods do not seem GOD’s style in my life. I mean HE has lifted me up to places I never should have been and taken me places I never should have gone. Like Noah building an Ark or Joshua marching around a city seven times and defeating it with a trumpet, GOD has me doing strange things that seem extremely unconventional to everyone around me.

HE makes me realize I must depend on HIM and seek HIS face daily in spite of what surrounds me. It is GOD who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

• Are you listening to GOD?
• Does HE have you doing something out of the ordinary that is beneficial to the kingdom and not harmful to others?
• Can you put your full trust in HIM today?