Chalk One up for Wisdom

There is wisdom, and then there is wisdom. Are you scratching your head? Many seasons of my life I felt I had it all together, I felt I knew better than others, how to live my life. But, as the saying goes, "Wisdom comes with age." The more years I pile on, the wiser I seem to grow.

1 Corinthians 3:19-20 (MSG)
  Be God's fool—that's the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It's written in Scripture, He exposes the chicanery of the chic.
  The Master sees through the smoke screens of the know-it-alls.

Ouch! Being called a know-it-all is painful, but often accurate...for me anyway.

What is wisdom? How does one become wise?

Wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight, especially in a mature or utilitarian manner. Wikipedia

"What the world call smart, God calls stupid." 
Well, there you have it. We know Satan prowls the world looking to hurt us, to stop us from acting smart and learning from our mistakes. Satan wants us to put the blame on everything but sin. As we become wise to him and his plots, we recognize our mistakes and his cunning and deceitful ways.

"I'll never do that again."
We are called to be in the world, to reach others and share the love of Jesus. But, we must be wise and careful not to be 'of' the world. Recognize Satan for the evil one he is. Every mistake I/we make will provide one more opportunity to gain wisdom. 

1 Corinthians 3:16-22

What's Your Catch Phrase?

Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good.  You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.  Genesis 18:17-18

My dog turned a year old a couple months ago.  He is a cute dog.  He loves to snuggle, he is really nice, he loves being around us but there is one thing that bugs us.  He’s just not that smart.  It pretty comical really.  We have a catch phrase for him, “I not smart”.  It has become so common for us to say this that my son made up catch phrases for all of us.

Evan’s is, “I forget”

Mine is, “I tired”

And my husband’s is, “I stressed”

We laugh at the phrases but mine and Steve’s sent alerts to us.  Sometimes we don’t notice when life is getting away from us until someone else points it out.

In today’s passage Moses Father-in-law sees trouble on the horizon if Moses keeps down the road he’s on.  It’s good to have others see and speak when they think we are over committing ourselves.  For years I’ve tried to remember the phrase, “If the Devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.”

How are you doing?

I have a quiz for you. 

Do you feel stressed and tired all the time?

• A. Yes, a lot.
• B. Seldom.

Do you become bored if you aren't busy?

• A. No, I can sit and just "be".
• B. Yes.

Are you a master at multi-tasking?

• A. Yes, I'm constantly doing more than one thing at a time.
• B. No, I tend to keep things simple.

Do you really don't know how to relax?

• A. Very true.
• B. I am able to relax totally ... easily.

Are you unable to say "no" even when you are already over-committed?

• A. Yes, often.
• B. No, I don't allow people to use me.

Do you try to keep yourself busy on holiday?

• A. No! I want to relax.
• B. Yes, it is the perfect time to catch up.

Do you often feel anxious because you are constantly "behind" with your tasks?

• A. Yes.
• B. No.

Do you need everything to be just perfect?

• A. Yes, most of the time.
• B. No, I'm only human with one pair of hands.

Do you feel bad when you do something just for yourself?

• A. Yes.
• B. No.

I hope this little quiz can help you see if your catch phrase is, “I too busy”.

Remember if the Devil can’t make you bad he’ll make you busy.  Even God took a day to rest.  Not because he needed it but because he knew we would.

Read the entire passage here.  Exodus 18:7-17

Everybody Loves A Gift

Christmas was just over a month ago, our tree is down and the decorations have been put away since the first of the year.  All the gifts that didn’t fit have been returned and the others are being used.

When I think of Christmas, or anytime we give gifts, I often wonder if the recipient is using the gift.  It is no fun giving a gift that is unwanted or not needed, because it won’t be used.  

The Spirit of God gives us gifts.  Our scripture passage today says that the gifts are given, “for the common good”, or as the New Living Translations says, “so we can help each other.”  We do not get every gift.  The Spirit of God determines which ones he gives and to whom.  The important thing for us to do is USE THE GIFT we have been given.

If you are trusted with the gift of prophesy and don’t share the word God has given you, you won’t help the person God sent you too.  If you can interpret tongues yet keep silent, the message God wanted shared will not be revealed.

When it comes to the gifts of the Spirit, God is a great gift giver.  He will give you the exact right gift.  He does not make mistakes.  Use your gift or gifts.  Don’t be afraid of them.  Use your wisdom or knowledge for his good.  Heal people he sends you to heal.  If you can perform miracles, do it for His glory.

We tend to see the works of the Holy Spirit as taboo in North America, but remember God has not changed. The same God we read about in the pages of scripture is the one we serve today!  So, pretend it’s Christmas morning.  Unwrap your gift and start using it.

Read today's passage here.  1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Called and Equipped

1 Samuel 10:10 (NLT)
 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, they saw a group of prophets coming toward them. Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy. 

If we know any of Saul's history, this verse takes us by surprise. Who would think Saul, the King who pursued David with the intention of killing him, could be filled with the Holy Spirit? I know I had to re-read this chapter to make sure I understood correctly. Saul, was annointed by Samuel as King. What was up with that?

Life Application Study Bible tells us, Saul in his early years as king, was a different person (10:1-10) as a result of the Holy Spirit's work in him. But as Saul's power grew, so did his pride. After a while he refused to seek God; the Spirit left him (16:14), and his good attitude melted away.  

When the Spirit of God came upon Saul, his heart was changed. He was given the heart of a statesman, a general, a prince. Whom God calls to any service he will make fit for it. This gives credance to the saying, "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called."

Saul wasn't prepared to be king, he did not have the heart of a caring and brave leader, but God called him to be king and He equipped Him by giving Him the Holy Spirit.  Saul eventually threw this gift away. He believed He didn't need God's help or guidance.

We can learn lessons from Saul's life. He had it all and let it go because of pride. God's spirit rested on Saul, but Saul wanted to do it all by himself. We can turn to God, to His Holy Spirit for wisdom every day. Our hearts will be changed too.


1 Samuel 10:5-11

Families Pass Wisdom to Future Generations

A friend of mine was very successful in life. He had a good job, a great family, a nice house and was active in his church. Shortly after his father passed, he was sad. Not really depressed, he was melancholy, and he reflected on his dad. He and his dad were close, and his dad passed on a lot of information to him.


One week, things got a bit rough for my friend. It was the first time he needed his dad’s wisdom, but his dad was not there. With some levity, he confided in me, “My dad taught me everything I know. Too bad he did not teach me everything he knew!” Having knowledge and knowing how to apply it are two different things.


Today’s reading is Proverbs 2:1-8. King Solomon was giving advice to his son. Effectively, he told his son to seek God’s Word with more vigor than he would seek mines for silver and other hidden treasures.


Solomon was doing his duty as a father; he was teaching his son in the ways of God. Solomon was passing wisdom to future generations!


That is a father’s great deed in the time of Solomon and in our time as well!


God has given parents a tremendous responsibility when he entrusts them with one of his souls. A key part of that responsibility is to teach their children God’s Word, and train them to be disciples. Parents should not just teach, but also be there to show their children how to apply God’s Word in real life situations.


Today, families are often geographically separated for a variety of reasons. It is not always possible for a child to rely on his parents for advice as it once was.


We in a congregation are part of a family, God’s family. We can, and should, be ready to help, or accept help from, members of God’s family.

 

We can share God’s Word, and life’s applications, with each other.

 

After all, families pass on wisdom to future generations.

Destination: Wisdom

“The proverbs of Solomon ... for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young ... “  Proverbs 1:1-5

Two travelers set out for a place called, Wisdom.  The first to arrive emerged from his car a bit road-weary, but relaxed and in good spirits; he’d used his navigation system and made the journey in pretty good time, even after stopping to rest a few times along the way.  Having set out at the same hour, however, the second traveler reached Wisdom years later, understandably disheveled, exhausted and at least a little irritated.  Both reached their destination, taking different routes to get there.

For there are two roads to Wisdom.  The direct route, “instruction,” is smooth and quiet and clear, like new pavement of black asphalt, freshly marked with bright lines and clear signage.  And like the one who arrived first, those who cruise-control along this freeway gain knowledge and good judgment by taking the wise at their word and by observing the decisions and consequences of others.  They trust sound directions and the people who draw them up ... those who have “been there.”

The other way, “experience,” is really a labyrinth.  Known for its sharp turns,  potholes, and slippery surfaces, this back road is considered, “the hard way” (or, more charitably, “the scenic route”).  There are no shortages of orange barrels and stop-and-go traffic for travelers who go this way.  And several of its bridges are out, which means more detours, of course.  Make no mistake, “experience” does lead to Wisdom, but it’s a tougher journey with a few more wrecks.  Its travelers are a bit more ... jostled.

The fact of the matter is, we all take the experience road to some extent; it’s unavoidable.  Truth be told, some stretches of our experience are helpful, instructive and rewarding, and the lessons we learn there can be shared with others on the same journey.  And many who have traveled the road of experience to Wisdom arrive there with a deep appreciation for the God who never abandoned them during their harrowing journey, but faithfully and lovingly saw them through life’s twists and turns.

Still, instruction is clearly the smoother route and we do well to travel it as much as we can.  So to that end, Solomon hands us his atlas of proverbs and bids us farewell on our trip to Wisdom with this sage advice: Travel the freeway of instruction ... you’ll know it when you see it ... it’s the path that begins with the fear of the Lord.

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

[To see the daily reading, Proverbs 1:1-7, click here.]

Wisdom in the abundance of counsel

For a lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.  Proverbs 11:14
Plans fall for a lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.  Proverbs 15:22
Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.  Proverbs 20:18
A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance and for victory many advisers.  Proverbs 24:5-6

A group of recent college graduates, now early into their careers, asked me, “What did you learn in your 50s that you wish you had learned in your 20s?”

[Wow!  Where do I start?]

“The true value of ‘team,’” I replied.  “I always appreciated team members, but I didn’t truly understand ‘team’ until later in my career.  I wish I had ‘gotten that’ at a much younger age.”

But there were, in the wiring of my soul, three natural resistors that got in my way.  Creative visioning was fun for me and I’d not shared it as completely as I should have.  Also, my natural tendency was to do things myself because I knew they would get done to my liking.  Finally, with a distaste for lording things over people, I felt bad asking them to do things for me.  Not a flattering picture, but an accurate one.

Over time, God showed me not only the value of “team,” but to understand it as his design.  One day, three of my direct reports came to me and said, “Paul, people really want to do things for you.  You need to let them.”  It was a humbling moment.  I felt like a once-inflated snowman at the end of the Holiday Season, now lying flat in the front yard, face down.  Their gentle rebuke was well made and I began to relinquish things to these big-hearted people.  Also, over time, I came to realize that every person does at least one thing better than I can; I needed to respect that – rejoice in it, actually – and rely on the collection of talents innate in each individual.

Finally, I read Tim Keller’s, “Every Good Endeavor” – something of a theology of work, and a very good read!  Early in the book, he explained how God had invited Adam to carry on the creation process.  Having already named day, night, sky, land, sea and so forth, God then delegated to Adam the naming of the animals.  Keller went on to note that God has inspired in each one of us a desire to create, to accomplish something good.  Holding back on asking others for help, I had actually deprived them of “good endeavors.”

I will never forget the integrity of the managers who came to me with much needed advice.  Their guidance was not only for my good, but also for the good of our Division, the team.  And I’ll always be grateful for Tim Keller’s book, for it contained its own great advice: leadership is far nobler than orchestrating others toward an end; it is establishing and safeguarding an environment where people can thrive in their God-given gifts, talents and desires and, through them, create and accomplish something good.

It is a principle without limit: be it work, family or mission, we need guidance.

Lord, open our hearts to the advisers you send us, and bless us all to hear your voice and discern your truth.  Together.

Using Our Gifts

Acts 6: 1-7

We are all gifted. Some of us seem to have gotten in the right line and received many more gifts than others, but the fact is, we have all been blessed with the talents God intended for us. At what point we discover, and put these talents to use is our choice.

1 Peter 10:4 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In today’s passage, seven men were chosen because they were known to be “full of the spirit and wisdom.” They combined their energy and together caused the number of disciples in Jerusalem to increase rapidly.

We do not have to be “full of the spirit and wisdom” to be a warrior for Christ (though it might help).  We simply need to make ourselves aware of the grace of God, and what vehicle he has given us to use as a means to serve Him, serve others, and bring honor and glory to Him.

In order to live a life of service, we are not required to be missionaries, pastors, or elders. We must be who we are, growing where we have been planted, and sharing the good news with a sincere heart. 

“Let The Glory Of the Lord Shine Among Us!”

Read/Listen to Acts 6:1-7

Come, Holy Spirit

Acts 1:4-5, 8 (NIV)  On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

It is interesting to note how Jesus refers the Holy Spirit as a gift from the Father. If we think about it, The Holy Spirit is an amazing gift we each received upon our baptism.  It is the Holy Spirit who convicts, guides, teaches and instills us with wisdom.  Once a person recognizes the Holy Spirit moving in their life it is humbling and yet so exciting.

The Holy Spirit is a big part of the Christian's life.  It took this Christian a long time to realize the power of the Holy Spirit; it also took me years to recognize the Spirit's movement. Now I watch for it every day, asks for it every morning.  Come, Holy Spirit.

I think part of the reason it took me so long to understand that the Holy Spirit was approachable and real goes back to my childhood when we referred to the Spirit as Holy Ghost. I know it is only a word, but that word coupled with my lack of Bible knowledge provided a barrier to understanding and recognition.

The Spirit's role in the Christian's life is on a level playing field as God and Jesus. I find myself praying to the Holy Spirit for wisdom as regularly as I call out to Jesus for forgiveness or surrender my will to God. The Book of Acts is filled with examples of the Holy Spirit's activity in the lives of the new Believers.  Come, Holy Spirit is a prayer to lift up daily.



Acts 1:1-8

Proverbs 4:1-9

These words are synonyms for wisdom: understanding, knowledge, insight, perception, astuteness, intelligence, acumen.  These are also qualities we strive to possess and which take a lifetime to achieve. 

The Life Application Study Bible says, "David taught Solomon as a young boy that seeking God's wisdom was the most important choice he could make." 

The opposite of wisdom is folly.  We don't hear that word too often.  Folly connotes foolishness, silly behavior and unwise actions.  In the day where most children grow up with college as part of the path to adulthood, we consider ourselves smart, too smart to fall victim to folly.  But, the wise person realizes the gift of wisdom doesn't come from any book except the Bible.

Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) 

“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” 

Wisdom and understanding are achieved through study of the Bible and applying those words to our lives every day.  Our education is important and will assist us in maneuvering this world, making a living and providing for our family, but it does not show us the path to eternal life.  It doesn't fill our hearts with peace, nor does education give us the assurances of a secure tomorrow.  Money and prestige may seem to fit the bill, but let the economy take a tumble, and those things can disappear overnight.

We have been reading this week about the value of wisdom and how the Christian's life is more complicated and incomplete without it.  We have also read that wisdom is ours for the asking.  "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)  God will grant that request.

Read Proverbs 4:1-9 here

Listen to Proverbs 4:1-9 here

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

The Scripture reading for today is like a lesson on the Holy Spirit and wisdom. I learned as a new believer I only had to call upon the Holy Spirit and ask for wisdom and it would be available to me.  Perhaps that is where the saying, “Be careful what you ask for,” originates. The Holy Spirit doesn’t pull any punches, He imparts only truth and sometimes truth is difficult to hear.

Because we are Christians, we can get a glimpse of what God has in store for us. I know for me, reading the Bible regularly gives me an opportunity to sense God’s presence, to feel the Holy Spirit around me.  My journals tell the story of my walk with Jesus and as I read from past years entries I can see how the Spirit has been at work.  It becomes obvious as I look back just how involved He has been in my life.

That fact encourages me to continue my walk each day.  I might become momentarily paralyzed by the hideous reality of this world, but by keeping eyes on Jesus and walking in His light the Holy Spirit will take over and fill my heart with hope every day.

"The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:14,16)

It is the Holy Spirit and His involvement in Paul's life that allowed him to say, "But we have the mind of Christ." 

Read the 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 text here.  Listen to a reading of the 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 text here.

Proverbs 25:1-12

Don't jump to conclusions—there may be 
   a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw. (Proverbs 25:8)

Have you ever jumped to conclusions?  Have you ever thought you had something you witnessed, all figured out, only to find how wrong you were?  Talk about embarrassing moments that humble us!

  In the heat of an argument, 
   don't betray confidences;
Word is sure to get around, 
   and no one will trust you. (Proverbs 25:9-10)

The lessons in this Book of Proverbs are very convicting, don't you agree?  Reading the two verses above I am cringing as I recall a time when I allowed my emotions to rule my better judgment.  It takes a lot of effort to find a good and faithful friend, but it only takes one stupid moment to lose that friend.

   The right word at the right time 
   is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
And a wise friend's timely reprimand 
   is like a gold ring slipped on your finger. (Proverbs 25:11-12 MSG)

Proverbs is about relationships, like last week’s Scripture verses.  Proverbs contains so much wisdom and it points me in the direction I need to go.  I feel like God is speaking through Solomon and telling me that humility is the only way to build relationship.  I am instructed not to let pride get in the way of my heart.  Pride is at the root of broken friendships and humility is at the center of a lasting bond. (Sounds like a Proverb, doesn't it?)

Read the Proverbs 25:1-12 text here.  Listen to a reading of the Proverbs 25:1-12 text here.

Sweet Words from God - Psalm 119:97-104

Read the Message translation of the verses for today.  It is so beautiful to pour over.  Does it make you think of anything in particular?

"Oh, how I love all you've revealed;
  I reverently ponder it all the day long.
Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;
  they never become obsolete.
I've even become smarter than my teachers
  since I've pondered and absorbed your counsel.
I've become wiser than the wise old sages
  simply by doing what you tell me.
I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil
  so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
I never make detours from the route you laid out;
  you gave me such good directions.
Your words are so choice, so tasty;
  I prefer them to the best home cooking.
With your instruction, I understand life;
  that's why I hate false propaganda."

When I read through this it reminds me of the child who is now an adult and is speaking to a parent.  The conversation goes something like this.

"You have taught me so well, Dad.  I often remember your words to me when I was worried about the bully who wouldn't leave me alone at school.  Remember how you advised me to behave?  I learned so much by following through with your suggestions."

"And now, Dad, I still practice your advice and find that my current path is smoother too, I have learned to zig when I need zig,  to zag when necessary too.  Your words were so wise to my young years and I learned much about life and the right and the wrong way of doing things."

Dad responded, "I didn't do anything but give you the right book to read, the same book my father gave me when he told me to Grow Up Strong in God's Word."  

Read the text in the NIV translation here.

God's Secret Wisdom - 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

"No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began." (1 Corinthians 2:7)  

The words, "God's secret wisdom" struck me.  There are times when I feel like everything God has planned for me is a secret and He is not letting me in on any of it.

Just when I think I have it figured out, a big question mark appears and my future is once again a secret from me.  I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I do know what my ultimate future is.  I understand there may be secrets surrounding the next days or weeks or years - but I am confident in my salvation.  

And oh, what comfort there is in the verse:

“However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9)

I am Christian and the Holy Spirit gives me wisdom when I ask for it.  This wisdom reveals the secret that I will be with Jesus.  It is only a secret from anyone who does not have the Holy Spirit to direct and guide them.  But they too can uncover this secret by getting to know Jesus.

 Read the text at Biblegateway here.