Godly Wisdom

     Idon’t know about you, but even on a bad day, or a day of suffering, just knowing Jesus is brings deep joy. Knowing this life is temporary and what is to come will be paradise beyond measure brings hope. God wants us to keep a cheerful and a hopeful heart. Solomon reminds us; it is good for our health.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17;22

     Having a happy heart shows. We all know those with a cheerful heart. And we all know those with unhappy hearts. It shows. Shine with the radiance of God today. Bring cheer to someone around you. Being critical, negative or crabby dries up the bones. A healthy heart is a cheerful heart and that comes from knowing Jesus.

Jesus,

Thank you for the delight You bring to our lives. If we show Your hope and joy, others will want to know about You. Make us different as we find joy in Your presence.

Amen

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Godly Wisdom

     God delights in a humble heart. Pride is behind both the fall of the angels and the fall of mankind. Jesus humbled Himself to become a man and went willingly to a cross for us. Humility before God allows Him to build us up in our faith.

When pride comes, there comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12

     When we come before God in all humility, asking for His guidance and surrendering to His will, we will receive His riches.

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

Father,

Take away our pride and control. You know what is best. Discipline and guide us until we come to our knees in humility before You. You promise us life in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

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Godly Wisdom

     The New Testament reminds us not to let the sun go down on our anger. It may give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4)  Solomon rebukes the hot-tempered person and warns us to stay away. Anger must be dealt with and God teaches us how to become more patient, loving and kind as He transforms us.

A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty. If you rescue them, you will have to do it again. Proverbs 19:19

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person; do not associate with one easily angered. Or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. Proverbs 22:24-25

     Sometimes we want to excuse anger in those we love. All anger is not evil and we all feel and become angry. The anger may be justified. Jesus became justly angered when He saw the temple of God being used for evil. Abusive anger needs to be punished and dealt with. Or it will return. Anger can be damaging and hurtful.

     We have all seen or heard stories of increasing abuse. Anger can escalate and harm both emotionally and physically. If you are concerned about someone in an abusive relationship speak out. A relationship with an abuser can entangle and ensnare as the Proverb above reminds us. We can help rescue and remove those entangled in dangerous situations.

Father,

There is rampant abuse and violence in our culture today. Help us to rescue and help those suffering at the hands of anger and harm. Reach in and protect. We pray for the abusers that their hearts may be changed to follow You.

In Jesus name,

Amen                                                                                                 

     

Godly Wisdom

     Solomon speaks often of the value of discipline when training our children. Acquainting them with Jesus and His love will give them security, faith and a firm foundation.

                                                                                                     

Start children off in the way they should go and even when they are old they will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

     The Amplified Bible adds the words, “in keeping with their bent or gift.” One of the best gifts we can give our children is to see them in their uniqueness. We can’t form them into our own image or coax them into a certain path. God has a purpose and a plan for each one of us and each one of our children. Each has their own gifts. Each will react to the world in different ways.

     Some will be extroverted, some introverted. Some will want to follow a detailed plan and others will want to forge their own way. Some react from emotion and others from logic. Some work best with their five senses, others from intuition. Their passions and values will be their own. What a remarkable creation God has made in all of its diversity. Introduce your children to Jesus and in growing old they will not depart from Him. It is the greatest gift you can give to your one-of-a-kind child.

Father,

You love and know our children even better than we do. Teach us to see them with the loving kindness in which you created them. They belong to You and we are grateful for the way you have made each of us. Help us to see each other through Your eyes.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Godly Wisdom

     A Proverb a day keeps the doctor away. Or is it an apple? Just read through Genesis to see what happens when you take a bite from the wrong type of fruit! King Solomon is known as the wisest man who ever lived. When God asked him for his wish, he asked for wisdom from God. What a request! May we all ask for God’s wisdom.  He promises to give it to us.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1;5

     If any of you lack wisdom? That could be said of all of us couldn’t it? Especially when compared to the wisdom of our Creator. This week we will look at a few of the Words of King Solomon as he gives Godly advice to his son and to us. Reading just one Proverb a day moves us into the realm of God. They are filled with wisdom for each one of us. A good place to begin in asking God for wisdom is to have a fear of the Lord, not “afraid” but a reverential awe.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10

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

Father,

We ask for Your wisdom as we bow before You in reverential awe and fear. You promise to give to us generously. Your Spirit gives us Godly wisdom and teaching from Your Word. Be with us this week as we seek You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spirit-led, Spirit-filled

     The Holy Spirit fills us with confidence, with peace, and with the knowledge of Jesus. We are filled with His joy. The joy of Jesus never leaves us. He walks with us, talks with us and loves us forever. Remember His goodness and light. He has saved you from eternal darkness. Be filled with joy.

The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126;3

     Love Him. Believe in Him.

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8

     Be strong in Him.

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

Father,

We believe You. We love You. Your joy gives us strength to face the day. Fill us and lead us out in joy.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spirit-led, Spirit-filled

     The Spirit-led, Spirit-filled life brings confidence; not in ourselves but in Jesus. We have access to the throne of heaven. God has power over everything on heaven and earth and He shares His treasures with us, His beloved children. When we come to the knowledge of heaven and trust in Jesus to walk us through life, we can shine with the confidence of the light of Christ. He watches over us with mercy and grace and loving kindness. He only wants what is the very best for you and for me. Blessed are we!

But, blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. Jeremiah 17:7

     Keep your eyes and your faith on Jesus. That is what brings freedom from the evil one, from his lies, from the doubts, from anxiety waiting to pounce, and from the past that holds you captive.

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  Ephesians 3:12

     Have faith and believe! I love the following verse. It is hanging on a sun catcher in front of my kitchen window.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and confidence in what we do not see.  Hebrews 11;1

Father,

Help us to place our complete hope, faith and trust in You as You see us through each and every day. Lead us with Your Holy Spirit. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, until others may see You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spirit-led, Spirit-filled

     Being Spirit-led and Spirit-filled means following the way of peace. If you have a tough decision, pray about it. Look for Scripture to support what is right in His eyes. And take notice of peace within. What leaves you the most unsettled and what brings peace?  Jesus promises us His peace when we follow Him.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

     Worldly peace may be thought of as having “no trouble.” Peace with God is inward, not related to circumstances. The peace of Christ surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)  The peace of Christ is available to us at all times, in all circumstances, every day. Pray for His peace and receive this blessing from Scripture:

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Jesus,

Your peace is available no matter where we are or what we are going through today. Give us Your peace right now, this very minutes. It is not peace as the world knows and understands it. It is deep and abiding and forever.

Amen

Spirit-led, Spirit-filled

     Hearing God’s voice may take some practice. We are used to following our own wishes and feelings and listening to the voices surrounding us. Our focus is most often on ourselves; on what is easy and comfortable, tastes good, feels good, and what takes our minds off of our jobs and our worries. Often those answers come from the world around us, not from our heavenly Father.

     Putting God first does not come naturally. The Bible is clear on the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Here are some verses to ponder today.

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:17

The acts of the flesh are obvious; sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

     How do we tell if we are being led by the Spirit and not the flesh? Here are some of the characteristics of the fruit the Spirit brings. And remember, God grows the fruit and does the work.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5;22-23

     Walk with the Spirit and live with love, joy and peace. It may sound impossible, but the more you listen for Jesus and get to know Him more intimately, the more your desires will become His.

Jesus,

Overpower us with Your Spirit. Our lives are so short. We want them to count for You and we want to remain in Your peace. The world shouts at us and we fall into the worldly trap. Teach us. Continue to guide us each day.

Amen

Spirit-led, Spirit-filled

     Spirit-led and Spirit-filled. How do we get there? What does that look like? I pray this week we will gain some insight into what God can do through us and within us. How do we relax into the Spirit and allow Him to work? The ways of the world encroach on and invade our lives every single day, every single hour.

     The commercials loudly proclaim the need for a new car, a new brand of beer, a must-see television program, a climatic sporting event, a new dress, a new drug and we listen. If we just get that promotion, that new house, that ring on our finger, the first child, retirement, then…what? Then we will be fulfilled? Happy? Conten t? Peaceful?

     The ways of the world do not satisfy. Even our earthly relationships don’t fulfill our every need. That emptiness, that hole, that anxiety can only be filled with the hope and love of Jesus. Put down the phone and pick up His Word. Turn off the TV and pray. Listen for His leading deep within and relax!  Here are two verses to put your mind at ease this week.

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

     Did you notice? It is GOD’s work, not ours. He began His work in us when we accepted him as Lord and Savior. HE will complete it. We are HIS workmanship, not our own. Trust Him with your life. He will do good things through you and in you. We are His.

Father,

Continue Your good work in us. Show us the plans you knew before the beginning of time for us. We are Yours now and forever. Remind us of that today as we search for peace and fulfillment.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Be Prayeful

     Two days ago we looked at the vision of the glorified Christ. Today let’s take a peek into the throne room as John tries to put in human terms what is impossible for us to understand. Try to imagine, the sights sounds, colors and worship.

At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the One who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.  Revelation 4;2-5

     Whoa! From our human perspective, we can’t possibly take it all in, but one day we will! The angels will be amazing; some with four faces and wheels with eyes and six wings! (See Ezekiel 1) For now, Jesus is our intercessor. He is in the throne room and listens to our prayers. Take in these next words. Before we get to heaven, our prayers do.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest, who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

     In the very throne room of God, the Bible tells us that our prayers are in golden bowls and that they rise as incense before our God. He treasures and keeps our prayers. Never doubt the power in your heart-felt words to the living God.

Jesus,

You are in heaven, in the throne room, taking our prayers and answering our every need. We come faithfully and with confidence to You. You understand our weaknesses and give us nothing but grace and mercy and we are grateful and overwhelmed.

Amen

Be ready!

     Are you ready? If Jesus should come today will you have done what you can for Him? Are you confident in the fact that you are saved through grace? His free gift gives us heaven. Until then, He wants to use our gifts and talents to bring some of heaven to earth.

     Jesus wrote seven letters to the churches in existence at the time of the book of Revelation. He commends some of them and He criticizes some of them. One is lukewarm, one has lost its first love, one has accepted false teaching. The commendations are to the churches that persevere, that have patience, that suffer persecution and hold on tight to their faith.

     Faith pleases God. He promises us a perfect eternity. He is looking forward to us being with Him and He is looking for us to be busy until that day. If He still has you on earth, it is because He has more for you to do. Where do we start?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

     Surrender your life to Him. Place Him first and He will direct your path. What a gift! Be faith-filled and ready to serve and you will be ready to meet Him one day soon. Get ready!

Father,

We turn to You, trusting Your way. Keep us ready to serve in whatever ways You choose. Our own ways lead us into trouble. We lean on You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Be Ready!

     Imagine John trying to describe the angels, the sounds and the colors of the throne room in heaven. God allowed Him a visit right before Christ unrolls the scroll that describes the last 7-year tribulation that will destroy most of the earth and its inhabitants.

     The unimaginable devastation is preceded in John’s vision by a picture of the glorified Christ and the overwhelming majesty of the throne room of heaven. John, who walked with Jesus through His three-year ministry, and was the only disciple to stand at thc cross and witness Christ’s suffering, now sees the result. Jesus, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the First and the Last, is in heaven interceding for us until we arrive forever.

The hair on His head was white like wool, white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and coming out of His mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw Him I fell at my feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand and me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. Revelation 1:14-17

     Praise the glorified Christ. When we enter His presence with praise, He enters our circumstances with power. Let go of your burdens and give it to the One, glorified Christ. He says, “Do not be afraid.”

Jesus,

We can only imagine what it will be like to see You in heaven. Thank you for allowing us access into the throne room of heaven, where you promise to receive our prayers. You were there at the beginning and You will be the One to culminate all things.

Amen

    

Be Ready!

     Our Bible study group has taken on the book of Revelation. Satan would like nothing better than to keep us from studying the fact that he will be utterly defeated by the Word of Christ. Satan has planted seeds of doubt and many churches shy away from the book with the misunderstanding that it is too divisive, too confusing, too frightening or impossible to decipher.

     I highly recommend studying the end of the story, the victorious reign of Christ on the new earth and in the new heaven. In fact, count on a blessing!

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it because the time is near. Revelation 1:3

    World events are bringing us closer to the prophecies of the end times. This is a time to spread the Gospel boldly, to study the Word daily and to look up and watch for Jesus. He has entrusted us to be His children in what is soon to become the darkest time in history. Watch for the signs in the Bible and listen to Jesus:

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28

Jesus,

You have revealed the signs and the events to come. Give us the Holy Spirit’s help in reading the Word and understanding what You have to say to us in these days. As the world comes together under a false peace, we stand up for You, the One and Only Christ.

Amen

Darkness and Light

     Shining with Christ’s light will often include walking alongside a hurting brother or sister. We will all struggle and go through trials.  Allowing someone to sit with you while you grieve eases the burden and assists in the healing process. We need to let our feelings out, to let the tears flow, to tell our stories.

     There will be times when we are overwhelmed and frightened, lost and filled with sorrow. Be ready to listen and pray. Shy away from a quick answer or a trite comment. Just be there. One of my favorite quotes is from Henri Nouwen’s book, “Out of Solitude.”

     “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing, and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.”

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

     Be there with the love of Christ.

Jesus,

We don’t have all of the answers, but we have You. We are grateful for each other and for those with the ability to share in pain and in joy, those who listen and tend to our hearts.

Amen

Darkness and Light

     Our deepest love and our first love should be Jesus. When we take the time to develop a personal relationship with Him and dig into the deep things of the Word, our lives fill with light and hope. Our lives will reflect His light. As His love fills us, we have enough to overflow onto others.  We have the light of life.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of thw world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

     Live, then, as children of the light. Our glorious Savior lives in us. Shine!

You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5

Lord,

You promise us we will never walk in darkness. We have the light of life. We are children of the day, not of the night. Let us live to reflect Your glory.

Amen

Darkness and Light

     As the apostle, John, is given the vision to write of the events of the very last days on earth, He witnesses the glorified Christ. Our Jesus sits in heaven. He is alive and well, watching over us. Are you sitting in darkness? Is there a huge burden on your soul? Are you bearing a grief and sit in deepest sorrow?

     Jesus sees through your darkness. Nothing is hidden from Him. He understands your pain and will heal your deepest need. Let Him comfort you. He will penetrate the darkness with His unending love for you.

He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what dwells in darkness and light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:22

Even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day for darkness is as light to You.  Psalm 139:12

     John’s vision of the glorifed Christ include these Words from the book of Revelation.

The hair on His head was white as wool, as white as snow and His eyes were like blazing fire. Revelation 1:14

     The pure and holy Christ has eyes like burning fire, penetrating, wise eyes, filled with love. Allow this bright and burning fire to shine through your darkness. The light of Christ will comfort, cleanse and heal. He is with you in your darkest night. He sees right through to your tear-drenched soul. Allow Him to be your Savior.

Jesus,

You have suffered. You understand. Your everlasting, glorified light is available to those in deep hurt. Shine Your light in the darkness today.

Amen

Darkness and Light

     Do not be overcome by the darkness around you. We can be burdened with fear and anguish as we listen to the news. But the light will not diminish. And that light is within us! We are, corporately and individually, the church of Jesus Christ.

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1;5

     We want to share that light with others, but remember. There are those that will continue to love the darkness.

This is the verdict. Light has come into the world; but people loved darkness instead of light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19

Jesus,

We thank You for bringing us into Your glorious light. We pray today for those in need of Your love and light. Satan deceives us and can appear as an angel of light. Keep us in the true light of faith in You.

Amen

Darkness and Light

     Violence and terror surround us. Are we becoming numb to the murder and mayhem? The news is filled with tragedy after tragedy. The value and respect for life is diminishing. Why are so many people without hope?

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness. They do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:19

All their days they eat in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger. Ecclesiastes 5:17

     Their hearts have become darkened. They are frustrated and angry and as King Solomon says, “They do not know what makes them stumble.”

     Hope comes from our Creator. I pray for those with no fear of God, with no sense of hope, with darkness surrounding them. Jesus brings light into the hopeless heart, into the darkest night. I pray for new light to break into the night of the soul.

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28

Father,

We pray for those seeking violence and terror. Turn their darkness into light. Help them to see hope in the face of Jesus. Bless the families that have been touched by evil. Give them comfort.

Amen

Christ Over Everything

     God restores, grants grace, shows mercy and gives us freedom. Count on His all-sustaining presence and love whatever life will bring. Recognize His presence around You in the eyes of a child, in the rising and setting of the sun, in the love of a friend, in the safety of a spouse, in the delight of off-spring, in the comfort of a mom, in the fellowship of a church, in the living Word of God.

     Seek God. Ask for His help. Pray for His guidance. Make your greatest desire to be obedient. Your faith pleases Him. He loves being with you. He tells you not to fear. He is everywhere and everything is His. Recognize His sovereignty even when life spins out of control. He will set you on a steady path once again, through it all. His foundation is secure. Being legally blind, I need to count on those around me. But most of all, I count on my Savior. Listen to these beautiful Words.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known; along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do. I will not forsake them.  Isaiah 42:16

     God will take you on new paths, to places you may not have chosen or sought. Some may be frightening and uncomfortable. But He will bring You through them, smooth out the rough spots and turn your darkness into light. He will do it. Count on it.

Jesus,

We don’t understand so much of life, but we trust You to see us through. Shine light on the darkness within and without. Your glory shines through the deepest, darkest nights with the glimmer of a star. You are right there, even when it is hard to see.

Amen

Joy Over Mourning

     There are times of great suffering in our lives, those times when we wonder how to take one more step. We groan in the pain of the grief, the loss, the agony. Will we ever witness happiness again?

     God promises us a deep and abiding joy. Someday soon, we will live in paradise. Keep your salvation with you at all times. The suffering will last but a moment. Eternity, in perfect bliss, will last forever. Count on these promises from God.

For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.  Psalm 30:11

     Praise Him from the depths. It is easy to sing His praises when all is well and good. Can we praise Him even in the deep valleys of this life?

But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them; that those who love Your name rejoice in You. Psalm 5:11

     Finally, allow Him to restore you and to sustain you. Remember your salvation.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Psalm 51:12

Father,

We pray for those who mourn today. Sustain them and restore them. Give them Your deep joy as they take refuge in You. You alone bring eternal joy. We praise You.

In Jesus name,

Amen