Benefits of Wisdom

"For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge
and understanding."

Proverbs 2:6 

I am naturally self-centered.  I see the world from my point of view.  I experience circumstances with special sensitivity to how they will affect me.  Therefore, it's not surprising that I think wisdom is for understanding and knowing what I am to do, how I am to live, and how I am to respond to circumstances and people. 

In reality, while I am wise to seek God's guidance in how to live, there is so much more to wisdom than this.

Protection.  It seems there is no justice in this cold, dark world.  The weak are exploited, the vulnerable taken advantage of, the defenseless abused.  Foolish judgments are made every day and it appears that our age is marked by dishonesty and wrong living.  What used to be widely accepted as the right thing to do now is considered archaic and outdated, even judgmental or critical.

God's wisdom is for my protection.  It guards justice, shielding it from topsy-turvy thinking of this world, keeping me from being corrupted by selfish gain, or backwards beliefs, or popular mindsets.  Wisdom has a way of watching over those who seek her so that justice will be served and integrity will be preserved.  Despite the best efforts of my enemy to throw a wrench in the wheels of justice, wisdom guards it from grinding to a complete stop.

Wisdom protects me from injustice (Proverbs 2:7-8).

Pleasant.  I live in a world that venerates the celebrity way of life, that seems to celebrate the foolish and is fascinated by the shameful.  In such a place, wisdom doesn't fit and is considered as ugly and a bitter pill to swallow.  To seek godly insight and understanding almost seems shameful and unnecessary in such a world.

In reality, the wisdom that comes from revering God is like a beautiful adornment that enhances life, giving it meaning and adding a lovely quality.  In the same way colorful flowers bring beauty to an otherwise dull landscape, wisdom is considered as a delightful and charming addition to my life.

Wisdom is a pleasant adornment in a shamefully foolish world (v9-10).

Preserved.  It's easy to get sucked away, lured into crazy and reckless schemes that somehow make sense to me at the time.  If the right people speak the right words at the right time, I could believe up is down and down is up.  I'm not infallible, despite how highly I think of my own ability to discern.

Despite my enemy's best effort to entice me away from the path of life, the wisdom of God gives me discretion and understanding, preserving my way in His Kingdom.  Even though the blood of Jesus secures me in His clutches, I can turn away from what I know is God's best for me and fall back into destructive patterns and unhealthy methods of coping.  My place in the promised land is secure thanks to what Jesus has done and despite the best efforts of my enemy to lure me away, wisdom serves as a preservative, keeping me from turning into something I'm not meant to be.

Wisdom points me to the security of Christ as I negotiate through this polluted world (v 11-12).

There is more to wisdom than simply giving me insight into how to live.  It also protects me from injustice, is a pleasant addition to an ugly world, and preserves my way on the path of life.  These are some of the benefits of wisdom. 

As I begin this day I pray that I will seek wisdom as a beautiful adornment to my day.

How do I only seek wisdom for my next step to take but fail to use it to guard my way?

When am I afraid of losing my way, forgetting that God will give me wisdom to preserve my path?

Boundaries

"These are the boundaries around

the people of Judah

by their clans."

Joshua 15:12b

The land was wide open, theirs for the taking.  They could have settled anywhere, taking their pick of the land.  God, however, is a God of order and He determined for each tribe to have their own distinct allotment.  With clear, well-defined boundaries, each clan member knew what belonged to him; there was no question.

The same is true for me today.  While I've not been given land, I do have benefits that come with responsibilities, and there are clear boundaries of which I must observe.

Love

I tried to love her but her words cut deeply, wounding my heart and offending my pride.  I wanted to show compassion for her difficult situation, but her complaining and negativity turned me off.  There were times when this woman pushed me to the edge, tempting me to react in anger.

I have a friend who is difficult to love.  As a follower of Christ, I read in God's Word that my life is to be a testimony to the love of God.  (Mark 12:34)  The world that is watching will know I belong to Him because of the love I show to my brothers and sisters.  Even more, though, is the expectation that I love all the unbelievers God places in my life.  (Mark 12:31)

In my ignorance, then, I set out to love out of my own effort.  I think that if I try hard enough, I can conjure up some compassion as I put myself in the shoes of another.  Or, I believe I can respond in kindness to those who treat me like yesterday's rubbish if I simply try to look beneath the harshness to see the hurting heart.  Sometimes I even foolishly think I am able to reach out to help those in need without expecting any kind of acknowledgment for my efforts.

Not surprisingly, I find my own compassion, kindness and desire to help runs dry as I continue in my own strength.  If I don't find an outside source, the shallow well of inferior love that is found in my own heart will come to an end.  God is that Source.  He is love, and His love is perfect.

When my family and I first moved into our current home, we hadn't unpacked our household goods.  Since we had a newly planted tree in our front yard, I needed to give it water each day to help it adapt to its new home and to encourage strong root growth.  Unfortunately, I hadn't found the hose yet so I used a bucket to supply the life-giving water to the tree.  Once the pail was empty, however, I had to return to the source to refill, necessitating many trips back to the faucet on the side of the house.  The day I found the hose I rejoiced!  Now I could simply supply water to the tree directly from the source.

It is the same with love.  I am unable to love in the way God expects me to love.  I can only love because He first loved me, and it is only His love that can astound the world and draws the lost to Him. (1 John 4:16-19)  My own efforts to love fall far short from what God can do if I stay connected to Him. (John 15:5)

I am called to love with the perfect, never-ending supply found in God, not in my own sub-standard, meager stores.

Holiness

"Surely God will be kind to you because of what you've done for Him.  He will give you what you want because of your sacrifice."  This was the logic my Muslim friend dispensed when I told her my husband's need for a job.  In her mind, God is like a man, susceptible to manipulation and observing a kind of barter system.

In reality, God's ways are far above my own. (Isaiah 55:8-9) As my Father, God knows my needs and gives me what He deems best according to His own plan and purpose for my life.  (Matthew 6:31-33)  Therefore, I would be wise to understand His holy nature.  As He is separate from the world's ways and pure of any contaminate, I am called to live similarly.

If I judge myself according to my own sense of righteousness, however, I will find myself becoming judgmental of others while cutting myself slack.  I will expect the impossible from my brothers and sisters while I give myself a pass.  I will find that I spend more time focused on what others need to fix instead of repenting of that which contaminates my own heart.

God calls me to follow His example of holiness, not because I am special or better than anyone else, but due to the fact that I am so weak. (1 Peter 1:13-16)  It is easy for me to fall back into my old ways, acting as if I don't have the power over sin that Jesus supplies. (Romans 6:11-14) In order for me to stand firm against temptation, then, I will need to be aware of my own susceptibility.  I must separate myself from that which lures me backward, seeing sin for what it is: An affront to a holy God.

I am called to live a holy life, but can only stand firm in a fallen world by the grace of a holy God.

Relationship

Jesus never ran after anyone.  He spoke the truth, called for repentance, loved those who had never before experienced such compassion, but He never chased after those who walked away.  Instead, He worked with the one who came down out of the tree to see the Savior, or the woman who took a chance and touched His cloak, or the men who left their nets on the shore in order to follow Him.  (Luke 19:5-6, Luke 8:43-48, Matthew 4:18-22)  

I am called to make disciples of all the world. (Matthew 28:19-20)  In light of this commandment, it's easy for me to become overzealous, desperately trying to force those in my path to see the truth of the Gospel.  I know its power to transform lives, introduce peace into chaos and deliver a rich and meaningful life.  

While I may be able to see how my relationship with the self-professed atheist, the devout Muslim or the homeless alcoholic could serve to introduce Jesus into their desperately hopeless situation, I cannot force them to see their need for a Savior.  Only God can do that.  (John 6:44)

Therefore, when I set out to please people in my feeble attempts to attract the lost to the message that could save their lives, I must remember it is my devotion to Christ which is most important.  This reminds me of a movie I recently watched called, "Machine Gun Preacher." Sam Childers turned his life over to Christ and heard the call to help the war orphans of Sudan. In his quest to protect the innocent from the brutal rebel militia, however, he seemed to lose his connection to Christ.  Instead of letting God work through him to save these children, he used his own brand of warfare to fight the battle that lay before him.  Therefore, he grew into a bitter, angry man who would go to any length to accomplish the mission.

When I place the mission above my relationship with God, I have crossed a boundary set to protect me.  As Oswald Chambers wrote in My Utmost for His Highest, "Discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief or doctrine."  I must not sacrifice my commitment to the person of Jesus in my quest to win souls for Him.

I am called to make disciples of all nations, but can only do so in tandem with Christ.

It is easy for me to go outside the borders God has set for me.  Thankfully, He has placed those boundaries in place to keep me inside His parameters so I can love others with his perfect love, live a holy life by His grace, and keep my relationship with Christ as my utmost ambition.  In these ways I will observe the boundaries God so wisely placed in my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can respect the holy nature of God.

When do I take a "no holds barred" approach to living for Christ?

How do I try to love others in my own strength instead of letting God love through me?

Too Little, Too Late

Early the next morning they set out for the highest point

in the hill country, saying,

'Now we are ready to go up to the land the LORD promised.

Surely we have sinned!'"

Numbers 14:40

The land promised to them by God was filled with good things; grapes larger than they could ever imagine, luscious pomegranates, scrumptious figs.  All in all, it was just as God had said:  It was a land flowing with milk and honey.  

Unfortunately, it was also a land occupied by imposing giants, powerful tribes of threatening people and fortified cities.  In light of the bad news, the Israelites chose to ignore the good news and forget the power of the Almighty, His constant presence and faithful deliverance.  They chose to grumble against Moses and Aaron, blaming them for leading them to this place where they would surely die.  (Numbers 13-14)

The Israelites saw the error of their ways and attempted to go to this land promised to them by their faithful God.  They decided it would be better for them to obey later rather than never.  God, however, had already struck down the men who had come back with the bad report and declared that the rest of the unfaithful, wicked community would never set foot in the promised land. (Numbers 14:36-38)  Their show of faith was too little and came too late.

How often I do the same.  I know God wants me to trust Him, yet the cares of this world get in the way.  How can I avoid stubbornly taking advantage of God's grace by refusing to accept the good He has for me now, even if that good seems to be wrapped up in a package of suffering, hard times and difficulty?

Stop Complaining

Murphy's Law is a 20th Century saying that states simply, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong."  This pessimistic point-of-view often frequented my lips as I navigated life with little faith and a worldly mindset.  As I grew closer to God, however, He showed me that my focus on the negative was a form of complaining.  I completely missed all the good because I concentrated so much on the bad.

It is easy to get caught up in a cycle of grumbling.  I live in a fallen world that is filled with difficulties and hard times.  When I choose to see only the negative, however, I am completely missing all the good that God has placed all around me.

I fall sick and I wonder if I'll ever catch a break, thinking only about the work I'll miss or the ministries I'll let down in my absence.  Meanwhile, I'm missing the point that God is forcing me to slow down and take some time to rest from my hectic schedule.  Instead of rejoicing in the fact that I have a Father who looks out for my welfare, I whine and moan about my so-called bad luck.

Other times I may struggle with paying the bills, feeling sorry for myself that I work so hard but can barely eke out a living.  Meanwhile, I'm missing the faith-building opportunity to trust my Father who knows my needs and provides in ways that reveals His power and sovereignty.  (Matthew 6:32-33)  Instead of praising God for His good provision, I object to living in a constant state of strain.

Then there are the times I seem to be living in a perpetual state of grieving as I lose one loved one after another.  I wonder what God has against me that He would take so many away at once.  Meanwhile, I'm missing the chance to experience the comfort only the Father of compassion can give as I rest in His loving arms.  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)  Instead of soaking in His grace and mercy so that I can later use it to comfort others who are suffering, I complain about my bad state of affairs.

True faith sees the good that comes from God mixed in with all the bad.

Stop Assuming

She had never seen things happen this way.  The angel told her she would bear a child, but she had never been with a man.  It would have been easy for Mary to doubt the angel Gabriel's message based on her past experience and knowledge of how things usually work.  Instead, she believed the Word sent straight from God and trusted that everything would happen as the angel had said it would.  (Luke 1:26-38)

I often jump to conclusions, assuming if something seems impossible, then it won't happen.  If the doctor says there is no hope, I tend to agree with him, forgetting that I worship a God of the impossible.  (Matthew 6:26)  

If I watch my child travel down a road headed away from the Lord, I may think he's never coming back, forgetting that I worship a God who specializes in changing hearts.  (Ezekiel 36:26)  

If I lose my dream job, it's hard for me to imagine there could be anything better, forgetting that I worship a God who holds the blueprint of my life in His hands.  (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

True faith sees a way where there seems to be none.

Stop Fearing

She lived in a constant state of fear, worrying about the safety of her children, fretting over the darkness of this world, refusing to submit to God's calling to use her in a way that took her out of her comfort zone.  Fear paralyzed this woman to the point where God no longer ruled her life.

I live in a world with much to fear.  Terrorists seek to destroy freedom-loving people everywhere.  Killers hunt for their next victim.  Rapists stalk unsuspecting women.  Financial ruin threatens my sense of security.  If I'm not careful, fear can hamper my faith, rendering me useless in God's kingdom.

Instead, I can choose to believe that if God is for me, who could be against me? (Romans 8:31) Many could try to thwart my efforts, or steal my peace, or stand in my way, but God is bigger than all.  Even my Enemy whose mission is to steal, kill and destroy has no power against the One who created him out of nothing.  (John 10:10)

We were not created to live in fear.  (Romans 8:14-15)  Instead, we were made to walk with our Shepherd who loves us and will never let us come to ruin.  (Psalm 23, Psalm 55:22)  While Satan loves it when I am paralyzed by fear, God gave me a spirit of power, love and self-discipline to propel me through the darkness.  (2 Timothy 1:7)  I must choose to walk in this strength, however;  it does not come naturally to my weak and lowly flesh to turn away from the temptation to fear.

True faith sees only God's power and sovereignty in the midst of a world filled with frightening possibilities.

The Israelites were standing on the cusp of the Promised Land, so close to grabbing hold of the good things God had stored up for His people.  Instead, they chose to doubt, complaining and grumbling about the hardship of the path God had chosen for them.  When they finally did agree to comply, their feeble attempts to obey after the fact were too little, too late.  To avoid falling into this same trap, I must be careful to walk by faith, looking for the good mixed in with the bad, believing there is a way when circumstances seem impossible to navigate, and seeing only the hand of my mighty God in the midst of a dark and scary world.  In these ways, I will walk by faith not by sight, and please my Father who is always by my side.  

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to turn away from fear.

When do I make it a habit to live in a state of ingratitude by feeling sorry for myself?

How am I revealing my lack of faith by losing hope too soon? 

Eyes of Faith

"Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said,

'We should go up and take possession of the land,

for we can certainly do it.'"

Numbers 13:30

God promised a land flowing with milk and honey.  I'm sure each Israelite formed a picture in their own mind of what that looked like.  Some probably expected abundant fruit, others looked forward to a land to call their own, while still others anticipated peace and prosperity.  Whatever they imagined, I'm sure they didn't expect what they actually received: A land abundantly filled with rich resources yet occupied by giant, powerful people.  It wasn't quite what they envisioned.

Its not so different with me.  I read of God's promise to bring good out of every situation, but my definition of "good" differs from God's.  Therefore, when God's good is delivered, I don't recognize it but label it as difficulty, hardship or impossibility.

This Christmas, let me take on eyes of faith.  As I celebrate the most generous gift of all delivered through the lowly birth of a babe who seemed to be anything but a king but in actuality was a Savior who rescued me from eternal death and ushered me into His kingdom as the precious child of a loving God, let me see the world through kingdom eyes.

Let me see things with an eternal perspective instead of expecting to receive my reward or blessings now.  Let me notice how God is growing me, using the hard times to transform my mind and heart.  And let me see how God's definition of good is so much better than mine.

Jesus is the fulfillment of the greatest promise ever made and the perfect example of how God's good came in an unexpected package.

Promised Land

"When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel,

he said to them,

'Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared

to you this day,

so that you may command your children to obey carefully,

all the words of this law.

They are not just idle words for you--

they are your life.

By them you will live long in the land

you are crossing the Jordan to possess.'"

Deuteronomy 32:45-47

It had been 40 long years of wandering in the wilderness.  Soon, the entire generation who first received the promise of a land of their own would pass away; all but two who were faithful and never doubted God's ability to deliver on His word.

There was no uncertainty that the entire nation of people were God's own; chosen by His hand, but their adulterous way-of-thinking set them on a path that kept them in the desert, away from the Promised Land.

It's not so different with me.  There is no doubt that I belong to God, chosen by His own hand to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but my adulterous way-of-thinking has set me on a path that keeps me out of the way of life. (Romans 8:28-30, John 6:44)

I am drawn toward pleasing my self and following my own desires and the ways of this world.  I am easily led down the path of worldly success, reassuring comfort and a steady diet of entertainment that looks so promising but leads to death   If I would only choose life, otherwise known as God's way, then I would truly live in the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

Abundant Life

She was an outcast, forced to go to the communal well to draw water in the heat of the day when the gossiping women would be resting in the cool of their homes.  Her life was not what she had expected it would be when she was a young girl dreaming of the future.  In those days she was sure of her worth and knew that a man waited for her, desiring nothing more than to spend his time making her happy.  Children's laughter was always a big part of those dreams and friends would often cross the threshold of her imaginary home.  And fantasy it did turn out to be, for reality was harsh and cruel.

Husband after husband had treated her cruelly until she gave up all feelings of self-worth, devoting herself instead to the oldest and most reliable vocation women through the ages turned to in order to try to support themselves.  She didn't care anymore.  What did it matter how she was treated?  Her life was a shambles; there was no way to improve her situation.  It was just her lot in life.

Then she met a Savior who offered her living water that would lead to an abundant life.  This was something she wanted more than anything: not just existing, but flourishing!  She accepted the gift Jesus offered and her life was never the same.  (John 4, John 10:10)

As a follower of Jesus, I too have been offered a full and meaningful life overflowing with joy and peace.  This, however, is not the life I always experience.  Many times its more of an existence filled with regrets, discouragement and sadness.  Either that or I'm trying desperately to keep my head above water, struggling to keep from drowning in commitments, activities and obligations.  Other times it doesn't seem to make sense, as if there were no rhyme or reason for all the heartache I go through.  Whichever way my life seems to be going right now, I would usually not describe it as being rich and abundant.

Choosing life means reminding myself of the Gospel on a daily basis, remembering that, "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)  I am free from the burden that comes with carrying my sins and I no longer need to fear God's wrath.  The blood of Jesus releases me from guilt.  

Walking the path toward the Promised land means following Jesus step by step, making my relationship with Him the most important thing in my life.  I no longer need to prove myself as His disciple.  Instead, I am free to live my life in direct obedience to Him, answering only to Him and not all the dissenting voices that tell me another story.

Picking His way means I must constantly remember that God has a plan for my life.  Everything that happens is a part of that plan, not some kind of punishment or even payback for past sins.  I am free from senseless suffering and have entered into the realm of significance.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am offered the abundant life found in the Promised Land if only I would choose it.

Profound Peace

Beauty pageant contestants are usually asked what they want most in life and some famously say they want, "World Peace."  No one likes war or conflict; we would all love to live in a place where true peace existed.  Unfortunately, with the state of the human heart as it is, there is just not a chance.  Sin rules every persons' flesh.  We are innately selfish, each wanting our own way.  How can we hope to get along when no one naturally has compassion or empathy?

There is another kind of peace that is impossible to obtain in and of ourselves.  This is the harmony with God that can only be found through faith in Jesus Christ.  My sin makes a relationship with a holy God impossible.  Not only that, but I am actually considered to be His enemy because of my rebellious nature.  (Romans 5:10)  To have any hope of reconciliation with God, I need a Savior. Thankfully, Jesus is the perfect lamb of God who gave His life as a ransom for mine.  He took the punishment meant for me, thus making a way for me to have peace with God.

In order for me to live in this promised peaceful state, though, I need to turn over all that causes turmoil in my heart.  Instead, I like to mull over all the possible scenarios for every potential situation, coming up with several promising solutions that could be put into action if need be. (Philippians 4:4-7)

If I'm going to experience this land of peace, I need to live authentically in relationship with God.  Many times I try to put up a front that everything is okay and that I'm not struggling with a thing.  Soon I find myself curled up in a ball on the ground as the facade crumbles all around me.  I can't fake peace: it only comes with trusting Him enough to share my true feelings, hurts and pain.

A peaceful state will come as I stop trying to impress God and others and start living in relationship with Him.  Just as a parent doesn't want their children to jump through hoops to try to earn their love, so God wants me to just accept His love freely.  I am loved because God is love, and this is why I can have peace with Him.  (Matthew 11:28-30)

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am offered the peace that passes understanding if only I would choose it.

Astounding Joy

One of my husband's favorite songs early on in our marriage was the old Bob Marley song, "Don't Worry Be Happy" performed by Bobby McFerrin.  Although it has a catchy tune and feel-good lyrics, the message doesn't ring true.  I can't be happy just by trying to not worry.

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit that comes with trusting Him as the Lord of my life.  It doesn't mean I have to walk around with a smile on my face at all times, but it does mean it is possible to carry a carefree attitude as I go through my days.

Joy is not dependent upon my circumstances.  The prophet Habakkuk seemed to understand this as he recorded a prayer regarding hard times.  He said even if all his crops failed, he had no source of income or anything to eat, still he would rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in God his Savior!  (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Joy is not happiness, but a sense of delight in Who God is and in who I am in Christ.  I am free from the burden of sin.  No matter how bad things look, I am set free from the punishment my sins deserve.  I don't have eternal damnation hanging over me as I live my life but instead have the hope of heaven to spur me on.

God is a good God who will never let me down.  Because of this truth, I can always say, no matter my circumstance, that the joy of the Lord is my strength.  (Nehemiah 8:10)  As I trust in Him, His joy becomes mine.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am offered bountiful joy if only I would choose it.

The Promised land has been offered to me.  Many times, however, I choose to stay on the wilderness-side of the Jordan River instead of crossing over to the abundant life, peaceful existence and astounding joy that has been guaranteed to me as His child.  If I begin this day to choose life, the promise will be mine now and forevermore!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can live the life God has created me to live.

When do I live a dismal life because I'm weighed down by my own sin?

How am I afraid to give control of my life to Jesus so that peace and joy can be mine?