Waiting For Wisdom

“You know,” he said stroking his beard, “I have a problem learning from my past sins.”

“What do you mean?” I asked. “Most people say they learn from previous experiences - including sins.”

“Well,” he said with confidence, “I can prove them all wrong.”

“How can you do that?” I asked. 

“Well,” he said, stroking his beard once again. “It’s easy. Have you ever committed the same sin twice?”

“Unfortunately, I have,” I replied. 

And before I could explain what I was talking about, he said with great confidence, “I rest my case.”

Repeating the same sin more than once is common in the lives of many Christians. Others often lose sight of what living the Christian life is all about and are not even aware of their sins. Some become careless about their responsibility to live in obedience to God’s laws and are unconcerned about their lifestyle. We forget that we are accountable to God for everything we have and do. Perhaps it would be helpful if we took some time to do an inventory of the sins we know we frequently commit. To reflect on our past and its problems may keep us close to God and avoid repeating our sins!

The children of Israel had this problem. Listen to the Psalmist: “But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel.” If we focus on the great things God has done for us, and if we seek His counsel and wait for His guidance, we can avoid repeating our sins.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the great things you have done for us! We want to live a life that honors You and is free from sin. May we look to You for Your power to resist temptation and falling into sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel. Psalm 106:13  

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How Could This Happen?

A man was found dead next to a dumpster. As they looked in his pockets for his identification, they discovered several checks. When totaled, they were worth more than a thousand dollars. But, they did him no good. He never cashed them to receive their value.

As we read God’s Word, we find promise after promise – all having value to the believer when “cashed in.” But as with the checks of the dead man, they must be “turned into cash” to have any value. We must go to God and claim His promises to meet our needs.

James said that God “does not resent your asking. But when you ask Him, be sure you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea?”

There are times when it is easier to believe in God than it is to believe in the fact that he deeply cares for each of us and our every need. Surely, if He is bound by His Word – and He is - we can go to Him “in faith believing.” We must always remember that nothing is so small that it escapes His concern, or that any problem is so large that He cannot solve it.

We limit God by the limitations we place on Him. The problems we have with our faith are our problems – not God’s. “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you,” said Jesus.Prayer:Give us a faith, Father, that is larger than our problems and a trust that matches Your power. Help us to grow in Your faith and not remain in our doubts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: James 1:1-8 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

How Could This Happen?

A man was found dead next to a dumpster. As they looked in his pockets for his identification, they discovered several checks. When totaled, they were worth more than a thousand dollars. But, they did him no good. He never cashed them to receive their value.

As we read God’s Word, we find promise after promise – all having value to the believer when “cashed in.” But as with the checks of the dead man, they must be “turned into cash” to have any value. We must go to God and claim His promises to meet our needs.

James said that God “does not resent your asking. But when you ask Him, be sure you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea?”

There are times when it is easier to believe in God than it is to believe in the fact that he deeply cares for each of us and our every need. Surely, if He is bound by His Word – and He is - we can go to Him “in faith believing.” We must always remember that nothing is so small that it escapes His concern, or that any problem is so large that He cannot solve it.

We limit God by the limitations we place on Him. The problems we have with our faith are our problems – not God’s. “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you,” said Jesus.Prayer:Give us a faith, Father, that is larger than our problems and a trust that matches Your power. Help us to grow in Your faith and not remain in our doubts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: James 1:1-8 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

The Importance Of Wisdom

Imagine seeds with no soil. Or, fish without water. A body with no bones. The sun with no orbit. Lungs without oxygen.

“What insanity!” would be a natural response. It’s not the way things are. They fall into place naturally: Soil before seeds, water before fish, bones to support flesh, a path for the sun to follow, and oxygen to fill lungs. They reflect planning, and planning is a result of wisdom.

The story of creation in Scripture reflects wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The universe unveils a very carefully designed plan that is controlled, orderly, predictable and dependable. Nothing is random. Yes, we have “unexpected events” but they pass, and life continues. Things may be different from what they once were, but the “rules” that govern the universe are still in place and always will be.

Everywhere we look we see God’s wisdom. And, when you think of it, wisdom existed before creation. This wisdom is actually “something God is!” It is the wisdom of God that guided creation. It is the wisdom of God that actively “keeps things together.” And it is this same wisdom that originates in God that will guide us and guard us and give us peace in life if we agree to live by His rules.

It is almost inconceivable to believe that the One who created all things, is in all things and sustains all things, would even consider sharing His wisdom with us! It’s His to keep!
Although His wisdom is available, it is conditional. If we want it, we must live an obedient, trusting life in keeping with His Word. Then, He will open the door to His wisdom and bless us.

Prayer: Lord, how marvelous are Your ways. Open our hearts to see “what can be” if we trust in Your wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:19-20 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. 

The Importance Of Wisdom

Imagine seeds with no soil. Or, fish without water. A body with no bones. The sun with no orbit. Lungs without oxygen.

“What insanity!” would be a natural response. It’s not the way things are. They fall into place naturally: Soil before seeds, water before fish, bones to support flesh, a path for the sun to follow, and oxygen to fill lungs. They reflect planning, and planning is a result of wisdom.

The story of creation in Scripture reflects wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The universe unveils a very carefully designed plan that is controlled, orderly, predictable and dependable. Nothing is random. Yes, we have “unexpected events” but they pass, and life continues. Things may be different from what they once were, but the “rules” that govern the universe are still in place and always will be.

Everywhere we look we see God’s wisdom. And, when you think of it, wisdom existed before creation. This wisdom is actually “something God is!” It is the wisdom of God that guided creation. It is the wisdom of God that actively “keeps things together.” And it is this same wisdom that originates in God that will guide us and guard us and give us peace in life if we agree to live by His rules.

It is almost inconceivable to believe that the One who created all things, is in all things and sustains all things, would even consider sharing His wisdom with us! It’s His to keep!
Although His wisdom is available, it is conditional. If we want it, we must live an obedient, trusting life in keeping with His Word. Then, He will open the door to His wisdom and bless us.

Prayer: Lord, how marvelous are Your ways. Open our hearts to see “what can be” if we trust in Your wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:19-20 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. 

A Tree, Life, And Wisdom

Embrace is a word that is filled with deep, loving memories for most of us. Others perhaps have never felt the intensity of love through the arms of a parent or spouse, a child or a friend. It implies hugs and squeezes; arms wrapped tightly around someone we truly care for and are a special part of our life. It can also be compared to holding on to an object for dear life - fearing that if we let go, we’ll be lost forever.

When we travel back to Genesis, we are introduced to the Garden of Eden and “the tree of life.” It appears throughout Scripture. Even in Revelation we read of new heavens and the new earth. It is a symbol of a long and fruitful, productive and an especially “blessed” or happy life.

“She (wisdom),” wrote Solomon, “is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who hold on to her will be blessed.” If we embrace wisdom, we have the assurance - or promise - of being blessed as a result of our efforts.

Unfortunately, there is no assurance or promise of the blessing. Blessings from God, according to His Word, do not come automatically. The “tree of life” is stationary and if we want its blessings, we must go to the tree and embrace the tree. We have the responsibility to go to the tree: the tree will not come to us.

So it is with God’s wisdom. If we want it, we must go to it and embrace it and cling to it as though we were clinging to a raft in a raging sea about to be swept to our death.

God’s wisdom is available. But we must seek it and embrace it.

Prayer: Lord, through Your love You make Your wisdom available to guide us and guard us. The decision to accept, however, is ours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who hold on to her will be blessed. 

A Tree, Life, And Wisdom

Embrace is a word that is filled with deep, loving memories for most of us. Others perhaps have never felt the intensity of love through the arms of a parent or spouse, a child or a friend. It implies hugs and squeezes; arms wrapped tightly around someone we truly care for and are a special part of our life. It can also be compared to holding on to an object for dear life - fearing that if we let go, we’ll be lost forever.

When we travel back to Genesis, we are introduced to the Garden of Eden and “the tree of life.” It appears throughout Scripture. Even in Revelation we read of new heavens and the new earth. It is a symbol of a long and fruitful, productive and an especially “blessed” or happy life.

“She (wisdom),” wrote Solomon, “is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who hold on to her will be blessed.” If we embrace wisdom, we have the assurance - or promise - of being blessed as a result of our efforts.

Unfortunately, there is no assurance or promise of the blessing. Blessings from God, according to His Word, do not come automatically. The “tree of life” is stationary and if we want its blessings, we must go to the tree and embrace the tree. We have the responsibility to go to the tree: the tree will not come to us.

So it is with God’s wisdom. If we want it, we must go to it and embrace it and cling to it as though we were clinging to a raft in a raging sea about to be swept to our death.

God’s wisdom is available. But we must seek it and embrace it.

Prayer: Lord, through Your love You make Your wisdom available to guide us and guard us. The decision to accept, however, is ours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who hold on to her will be blessed. 

Peaceful, Pleasant Paths

“Peace and pleasant paths sound boring,” some would say. “Life needs to be exciting, exhilarating, and certainly filled with many different events that are challenging and consuming.”

But, is there something more for us to understand? Certainly.

One of my dear friends sponsors an Indianapolis race car. Another played professional soccer for years. Then, there is “Greg the Sheriff” whose life is filled with sirens and radio alerts with calls to immediate action and life impacting decisions. Another is a pediatric anesthesiologist, who with one very slight miscalculation, would bear the results of that mistake into eternity.

There is one common denominator among all of them: a reassuring pleasantness that confirms their walk with God and their trust in His wisdom. Walking in the “ways of Godly wisdom” unites their “inner and outer man” and their lives become filled with joy and happiness, peace and satisfaction. In the midst of trouble and turmoil they all have gracious, delightful, enjoyable dispositions and being in their company brings blessings because they walk with God.

Do they have moments that challenge and threaten their “pleasant, peaceful attitudes?” Of course. But, in the midst of those moments, their confidence is not changed nor do their skills become impaired. Why? Because of a peace that comes from God.

The word for “peace” is shalom. It is not a peace that eliminates or ends turmoil and turbulence in their lives. Instead, it is a peace that comes from being satisfied with doing God’s will, being grateful for His gifts, following and trusting His wisdom and worshiping Him.

Prayer: Lord, give us Your shalom! Fill our hearts with Your wisdom and our minds with determination to obey Your teachings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.

Peaceful, Pleasant Paths

“Peace and pleasant paths sound boring,” some would say. “Life needs to be exciting, exhilarating, and certainly filled with many different events that are challenging and consuming.”

But, is there something more for us to understand? Certainly.

One of my dear friends sponsors an Indianapolis race car. Another played professional soccer for years. Then, there is “Greg the Sheriff” whose life is filled with sirens and radio alerts with calls to immediate action and life impacting decisions. Another is a pediatric anesthesiologist, who with one very slight miscalculation, would bear the results of that mistake into eternity.

There is one common denominator among all of them: a reassuring pleasantness that confirms their walk with God and their trust in His wisdom. Walking in the “ways of Godly wisdom” unites their “inner and outer man” and their lives become filled with joy and happiness, peace and satisfaction. In the midst of trouble and turmoil they all have gracious, delightful, enjoyable dispositions and being in their company brings blessings because they walk with God.

Do they have moments that challenge and threaten their “pleasant, peaceful attitudes?” Of course. But, in the midst of those moments, their confidence is not changed nor do their skills become impaired. Why? Because of a peace that comes from God.

The word for “peace” is shalom. It is not a peace that eliminates or ends turmoil and turbulence in their lives. Instead, it is a peace that comes from being satisfied with doing God’s will, being grateful for His gifts, following and trusting His wisdom and worshiping Him.

Prayer: Lord, give us Your shalom! Fill our hearts with Your wisdom and our minds with determination to obey Your teachings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.

Always Room For More

Whenever I hear the word “gain,” I think it is related to “weight,” especially my weight. There are very few mornings that I do not step on the scale to get my “daily report” on what I ate yesterday. Most nutritionists do not recommend such a program. But, my hope to see the arrow pointing downward remains steadfast.

A gain or increase can be good or bad, exciting or depressing, encouraging or discouraging, depending on what the gain refers to. If we depend on the stock market, a gain can be a good thing. But, if we see a gain in our debt, it can be disturbing. Our gains or losses, for the most part, are usually in the physical or material realm.

Solomon speaks of a particular type of “gain” - of being able to achieve some “things” that will last as long as we live. These “gains,” these valuable lessons are available and offered to us in Proverbs. Our “attaining” more of God’s wisdom, or “life gains” is very important for all Christians because we are constantly challenged to “grow” throughout Scripture, and Proverbs provides this path for us if we want to grow.

The word used for “wisdom” in this verse also means skillfulness - applying knowledge that comes from God to our lives every day. If we do so, we will “do the right things the right way.”

When we go one step further, we come to the fact that it is possible to develop decision-making skills that are God-honoring and enable us to establish life-principals that will bring us success. God’s proverbs can guide us through life, help us in our relationships with others, lead to good practices in business, enrich our homes, and bless God and others.

Prayer: Lord, You've left us “no excuses” on how we are to live life if we are Christians. Thanks for the directions on how to live a successful life! Now, give us courage! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 1:2 For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight. 

Always Room For More

Whenever I hear the word “gain,” I think it is related to “weight,” especially my weight. There are very few mornings that I do not step on the scale to get my “daily report” on what I ate yesterday. Most nutritionists do not recommend such a program. But, my hope to see the arrow pointing downward remains steadfast.

A gain or increase can be good or bad, exciting or depressing, encouraging or discouraging, depending on what the gain refers to. If we depend on the stock market, a gain can be a good thing. But, if we see a gain in our debt, it can be disturbing. Our gains or losses, for the most part, are usually in the physical or material realm.

Solomon speaks of a particular type of “gain” - of being able to achieve some “things” that will last as long as we live. These “gains,” these valuable lessons are available and offered to us in Proverbs. Our “attaining” more of God’s wisdom, or “life gains” is very important for all Christians because we are constantly challenged to “grow” throughout Scripture, and Proverbs provides this path for us if we want to grow.

The word used for “wisdom” in this verse also means skillfulness - applying knowledge that comes from God to our lives every day. If we do so, we will “do the right things the right way.”

When we go one step further, we come to the fact that it is possible to develop decision-making skills that are God-honoring and enable us to establish life-principals that will bring us success. God’s proverbs can guide us through life, help us in our relationships with others, lead to good practices in business, enrich our homes, and bless God and others.

Prayer: Lord, You've left us “no excuses” on how we are to live life if we are Christians. Thanks for the directions on how to live a successful life! Now, give us courage! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 1:2 For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight. 

The Value Of Wisdom

Can we put a price on wisdom?

We do that with property and stocks, technology and education. It seems that everything in our world has some value to someone. Some things are more valuable than other things. And almost everything is worth something to someone.

Solomon had just about everything anyone could want. Perhaps, he was simply thinking about “things” one day and gave some great advice: “You know what?” he said. “Get wisdom!” Why? Because wisdom is more profitable than silver, it yields better returns than gold and is more precious than rubies. Nothing compares to it, because it leads to a long and peaceful life, riches, honor and pleasant paths. Oh, those who embrace wisdom will be blessed.

What a return on a simple investment! When we invest in the things of this world, we have no assurance that we will ever see their value grow. Often, the opposite happens. And, if our investments exceed our expectations, what will we gain in the end? Will it include any of the benefits or gifts that Solomon describes? Or, who can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that any of the “things” the world has to offer will bring any happiness?

Years ago I had a friend who advised me: “Larry, you always know how wise a man is by whose advice he listens to and follows.” I discovered he was and is right.

God, through Solomon, gave us “great advice.” Over the years it has proven to be accurate, trustworthy and reliable. To follow it has endless rewards!

Prayer: Lord, there is no better investment, if we want eternal returns, than to pursue Your wisdom and ways. Give us Your strength to do this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

The Value Of Wisdom

Can we put a price on wisdom?

We do that with property and stocks, technology and education. It seems that everything in our world has some value to someone. Some things are more valuable than other things. And almost everything is worth something to someone.

Solomon had just about everything anyone could want. Perhaps, he was simply thinking about “things” one day and gave some great advice: “You know what?” he said. “Get wisdom!” Why? Because wisdom is more profitable than silver, it yields better returns than gold and is more precious than rubies. Nothing compares to it, because it leads to a long and peaceful life, riches, honor and pleasant paths. Oh, those who embrace wisdom will be blessed.

What a return on a simple investment! When we invest in the things of this world, we have no assurance that we will ever see their value grow. Often, the opposite happens. And, if our investments exceed our expectations, what will we gain in the end? Will it include any of the benefits or gifts that Solomon describes? Or, who can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that any of the “things” the world has to offer will bring any happiness?

Years ago I had a friend who advised me: “Larry, you always know how wise a man is by whose advice he listens to and follows.” I discovered he was and is right.

God, through Solomon, gave us “great advice.” Over the years it has proven to be accurate, trustworthy and reliable. To follow it has endless rewards!

Prayer: Lord, there is no better investment, if we want eternal returns, than to pursue Your wisdom and ways. Give us Your strength to do this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

The Value Of Wisdom

Can we put a price on wisdom?

We do that with property and stocks, technology and education. It seems that everything in our world has some value to someone. Some things are more valuable than other things. And almost everything is worth something to someone.

Solomon had just about everything anyone could want. Perhaps, he was simply thinking about “things” one day and gave some great advice: “You know what?” he said. “Get wisdom!” Why? Because wisdom is more profitable than silver, it yields better returns than gold and is more precious than rubies. Nothing compares to it, because it leads to a long and peaceful life, riches, honor and pleasant paths. Oh, those who embrace wisdom will be blessed.

What a return on a simple investment! When we invest in the things of this world, we have no assurance that we will ever see their value grow. Often, the opposite happens. And, if our investments exceed our expectations, what will we gain in the end? Will it include any of the benefits or gifts that Solomon describes? Or, who can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that any of the “things” the world has to offer will bring any happiness?

Years ago I had a friend who advised me: “Larry, you always know how wise a man is by whose advice he listens to and follows.” I discovered he was and is right.

God, through Solomon, gave us “great advice.” Over the years it has proven to be accurate, trustworthy and reliable. To follow it has endless rewards!

Prayer: Lord, there is no better investment, if we want eternal returns, than to pursue Your wisdom and ways. Give us Your strength to do this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

The Value Of Wisdom

Can we put a price on wisdom?

We do that with property and stocks, technology and education. It seems that everything in our world has some value to someone. Some things are more valuable than other things. And almost everything is worth something to someone.

Solomon had just about everything anyone could want. Perhaps, he was simply thinking about “things” one day and gave some great advice: “You know what?” he said. “Get wisdom!” Why? Because wisdom is more profitable than silver, it yields better returns than gold and is more precious than rubies. Nothing compares to it, because it leads to a long and peaceful life, riches, honor and pleasant paths. Oh, those who embrace wisdom will be blessed.

What a return on a simple investment! When we invest in the things of this world, we have no assurance that we will ever see their value grow. Often, the opposite happens. And, if our investments exceed our expectations, what will we gain in the end? Will it include any of the benefits or gifts that Solomon describes? Or, who can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that any of the “things” the world has to offer will bring any happiness?

Years ago I had a friend who advised me: “Larry, you always know how wise a man is by whose advice he listens to and follows.” I discovered he was and is right.

God, through Solomon, gave us “great advice.” Over the years it has proven to be accurate, trustworthy and reliable. To follow it has endless rewards!

Prayer: Lord, there is no better investment, if we want eternal returns, than to pursue Your wisdom and ways. Give us Your strength to do this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

What's A Proverb?

Little Ruby was saying her bedtime prayers. “Dear God,” she prayed, “please help bad people to be good and good people to be nice.” Whether Ruby knew it or not, she provided a simple way of describing what the book of Proverbs is: “a guidebook for living a life that pleases God.”

Over the years, various cultures and societies have established different criteria to describe whether or not one is “successful.” Many have put “wealth” at the top of the list. And, money, to some degree, is important and necessary if one is to have the necessities of life. Others would speak of power, prestige, and one’s position in society as being critical. Those words express the core values of individuals who want to be recognized for what they have accomplished on the world’s stage in politics, the military, banking, or finance. No doubt some want to be remembered for doing some “thing” that no one else has done - like discovering a medicine that extends life or setting a record in a particular sport, inventing a product or procedure that makes life better or is useful, valuable or delightful.

But, those whose lives are guided by the lessons that we find in The Proverbs are those who fear God and allow Him to guide them, guard them and give them His gifts.

We often talk about hindsight, sometimes we wish we had foresight, but Solomon’s Proverbs gives us the insight to make decisions based on God’s laws. Proverbs provide us with God’s wisdom that is underwritten by God to give us His power to live good, godly lives.

Prayer: Grant us willful hearts, Lord, to obey Your laws. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel.

What's A Proverb?

Little Ruby was saying her bedtime prayers. “Dear God,” she prayed, “please help bad people to be good and good people to be nice.” Whether Ruby knew it or not, she provided a simple way of describing what the book of Proverbs is: “a guidebook for living a life that pleases God.”

Over the years, various cultures and societies have established different criteria to describe whether or not one is “successful.” Many have put “wealth” at the top of the list. And, money, to some degree, is important and necessary if one is to have the necessities of life. Others would speak of power, prestige, and one’s position in society as being critical. Those words express the core values of individuals who want to be recognized for what they have accomplished on the world’s stage in politics, the military, banking, or finance. No doubt some want to be remembered for doing some “thing” that no one else has done - like discovering a medicine that extends life or setting a record in a particular sport, inventing a product or procedure that makes life better or is useful, valuable or delightful.

But, those whose lives are guided by the lessons that we find in The Proverbs are those who fear God and allow Him to guide them, guard them and give them His gifts.

We often talk about hindsight, sometimes we wish we had foresight, but Solomon’s Proverbs gives us the insight to make decisions based on God’s laws. Proverbs provide us with God’s wisdom that is underwritten by God to give us His power to live good, godly lives.

Prayer: Grant us willful hearts, Lord, to obey Your laws. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel.

Wisdom

Some have it. Some seek it. Some use it. Some avoid it. Some write it. Some ignore it. Some deride it. Some see it. Some share it. Some chose it. Some lose it.

Wisdom can be an essential part of life. Most people, from the dawn of creation until this very moment, have wanted their share. Not all of them, however, have gone to the right place to find it or looked to the right Person to get it.

Take Eve, for example, in the Garden. It seems as though she had everything she needed. And, a little bit more. But, like many today, she was not satisfied. In fact, in spite of everything she had, she asked for one more thing: to be wise. Being wise is a good thing. Surely, God wants each of us to be wise, to make the right choice every time we come to a “Y” in the road. But, we must be very, very cautious about our sources of wisdom.

Look at what happened to Eve. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”

God carefully instructed Eve not to eat from that one tree. But, the serpent said, “You don’t need God’s wisdom. If you follow Him, you’re going to miss out on some wonderful things in life.” And he was right! She missed the best God had to offer!

Rather than following the wisdom of God, she decided that she wanted wisdom apart from God. And, look what happened. She did receive what she asked for, but the results destroyed her, and God’s perfect plan for all of His creation.

Prayer: Father, You have a plan for each of us as You did Eve. May we be wise enough to seek, find and follow it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 

Wisdom

Some have it. Some seek it. Some use it. Some avoid it. Some write it. Some ignore it. Some deride it. Some see it. Some share it. Some chose it. Some lose it.

Wisdom can be an essential part of life. Most people, from the dawn of creation until this very moment, have wanted their share. Not all of them, however, have gone to the right place to find it or looked to the right Person to get it.

Take Eve, for example, in the Garden. It seems as though she had everything she needed. And, a little bit more. But, like many today, she was not satisfied. In fact, in spite of everything she had, she asked for one more thing: to be wise. Being wise is a good thing. Surely, God wants each of us to be wise, to make the right choice every time we come to a “Y” in the road. But, we must be very, very cautious about our sources of wisdom.

Look at what happened to Eve. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”

God carefully instructed Eve not to eat from that one tree. But, the serpent said, “You don’t need God’s wisdom. If you follow Him, you’re going to miss out on some wonderful things in life.” And he was right! She missed the best God had to offer!

Rather than following the wisdom of God, she decided that she wanted wisdom apart from God. And, look what happened. She did receive what she asked for, but the results destroyed her, and God’s perfect plan for all of His creation.

Prayer: Father, You have a plan for each of us as You did Eve. May we be wise enough to seek, find and follow it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 

Failure And Success

Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball player is quoted as having said, “I’ve lost more than 300 games. There were twenty-six games when I was given the ball in the last seconds to make the basket that would have won the game. But it didn’t happen – I missed the shot and we lost. I have failed over and over. And that’s why I succeed.”

Strange quote from someone who elevated basketball to a higher level through his skills. We rarely think of such an achiever in any sport as someone who turned failure into success. High-achievers seem to come fully developed and highly skilled.

However, experience is always part of failure. And if we chose, we can use the experience to gain insight and from insight we can gain knowledge and from the knowledge we can gain wisdom and learn to turn failure into success.

The Christian has a wonderful resource to help in this process: the Holy Spirit. He dwells within us and is present, ready and willing to give us the wisdom we need to become successful in life.

There is one condition, however. If we want wisdom, we must go to God in humility and ask for it and then use it for His glory. God will give us whatever we need if we willingly use His gifts for His glory and not our own self-interests or self-advancement.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to know that when we fail we need to “fall forward” into Your waiting arms, knowing that Your desire is to work with us to help us succeed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: James 1:5 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