Proverbs 4:5 says "Get wisdom, get understanding"
What do these words mean and how do I get wisdom and understanding?
First of all, let's look at the definitions of these three words:
Get means to receive, possess, to go after and take hold
Wisdom means knowledge of what is true and right, coupled with judgment and discernment.
Understanding means mental process of a person who comprehends, enlightened intelligence, superior power of discernment.
So to put all those words together, we must go after, take hold and receive this knowledge of what is true and right and comprehend with the power of discernment.
So if now I understand the definitions of these words, how to I "get" this wisdom and understanding?
1. Ask and Seek It
The bible states in James 1:5 "If any man lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously for all". So to get wisdom, we must seek and ask God for it. In verse Proverbs 4:7, it says we should get wisdom though it cost all we have, get understanding. We must seek for wisdom though it cost us everything. In Proverbs 8:10 we must "choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than gold". We must ask and seek for the wisdom that comes from God.
2. Listen to God's Instructions
In Proverbs 1:1, the bible says for us to "Listen to my father's instructions, pay attention and gain understanding. In verse 2, it states that He (God) will give sound learning. In verse 20, we must "listen closely" to God's words. In Proverbs 1:5, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning." In Proverbs 8:6 "Listen for I have worthy things to say, I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true.
So we see in these scriptures that "God will instruct us and teach us with His words". We are to listen closely as God's talks to us for what He is teaching is right and true. While He is speaking to us, the scripture says in Proverbs 2:10 "Wisdom will enter your heart. Discretion with protect you and Understanding will guard you. "
These scriptures assure us that God will teach us and He will speak to us. We will hear His voice because He will speak to us and speak what is true and right.
3. Take hold with all my heart
We must hold on to the instructions that God gives us and not forsake it. We must allow the words to go deep into our hearts, guard it and not forget it. We must "pay attention". In Prov 1:2, the scripture says "do not forsake my teaching". verse 4 says "Lay hold of my words with all your heart". verse 5 say "do not forget my words" His word also tells us as we take hold of this wisdom that God will guide in the way of wisdom and lead" (v11). In verse 13, we are to "Hold on to instruction, guard it well". V21 "Keep them within my heart".
These scriptures tell us that God will teach us and He will speak words of wisdom to our hearts and we must take hold of these words because they are "true and right". His words are words of truth. In a world where there are many that speak lies and try to deceive, we know that God's instructions of true and full of life. We know that God will lead us and guide us.
May we today ask God for wisdom, listen to His voice of instruction and keep those words in our hearts and guard them well.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Trusting in God during difficult times
Jeremiah 17:7: "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is."
Where do you turn when difficult times come? When life seems hard and your heart and soul cries within.... turn your heart toward God and trust him.
Pour out your heart to God:
Pour out your heart, your tears, your heartache to the Lord. Allow God to soothe your pain and heartache. Allow God to place his arms of love around you and comfort you and bring you peace. When all else fails you, when others despise you and go against you, trust in the Lord. He is in control of all things and He sees our tears and hears our prayers. Even though we do not understand, you must trust that God. He knows all and he knows every circumstance of our lives.
Seek Him:
Seek the Lord as stated in Psalm 9:10 " And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee" When difficulties of life overtake us, just seek the Lord. Fall before him and seek Him and His righteousness. He is always available when we seek Him with all our heart.
TRUST HIM:
When you have poured out your heart and have sought Him with your whole heart... when you have done all you can do... just trust and put your hope in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31 and Psalm 18:30: "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; he is a buckler to all them that trust him". What is a buckler? A buckler is a shield, protection, support, defend. When we realize that God is our defender, our protection and our support, then we can look beyond our difficult times and trust him to defend us against all our enemies. We know that God has his "grip" on us and will defend us against all enemies and those who wish to destroy us. We can rest assured that He is with us always and will never leave us or forsake us.
Praise to our Lord Jesus that protects us and holds us close to Him through all the difficulties of life.
Where do you turn when difficult times come? When life seems hard and your heart and soul cries within.... turn your heart toward God and trust him.
Pour out your heart to God:
Pour out your heart, your tears, your heartache to the Lord. Allow God to soothe your pain and heartache. Allow God to place his arms of love around you and comfort you and bring you peace. When all else fails you, when others despise you and go against you, trust in the Lord. He is in control of all things and He sees our tears and hears our prayers. Even though we do not understand, you must trust that God. He knows all and he knows every circumstance of our lives.
Seek Him:
Seek the Lord as stated in Psalm 9:10 " And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee" When difficulties of life overtake us, just seek the Lord. Fall before him and seek Him and His righteousness. He is always available when we seek Him with all our heart.
TRUST HIM:
When you have poured out your heart and have sought Him with your whole heart... when you have done all you can do... just trust and put your hope in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31 and Psalm 18:30: "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; he is a buckler to all them that trust him". What is a buckler? A buckler is a shield, protection, support, defend. When we realize that God is our defender, our protection and our support, then we can look beyond our difficult times and trust him to defend us against all our enemies. We know that God has his "grip" on us and will defend us against all enemies and those who wish to destroy us. We can rest assured that He is with us always and will never leave us or forsake us.
Praise to our Lord Jesus that protects us and holds us close to Him through all the difficulties of life.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What happens when we encounter Jesus?
In John 20, we find Mary Magdalene rising up "early" to go to the tomb where Jesus had been laid after His death. Can you imagine the emotions and sorrow that Mary felt? She was full of despair, afraid, hurting, and unsure of her future. She went to be close to her Lord. Mary was seeking refuge and was trying to find comfort in being near her Lord. It is interesting that the men with Mary left when they found Jesus gone but Mary lingered and stayed behind. What did Mary find in her despair in through her tears? She first saw the angels and they asked why was she crying. She explained her sorrow and then Jesus appeared to her. He revealed himself to her during her time of need. Jesus came to her to give her hope and assurance that He was alive!! He then commanded her to go tell the others. He sent her on her first mission to tell others what the Lord had done and that He was alive. What lessons can we learn from Mary?
1. In our sorrows and times of need, rise up "early" and seek the Lord
2. Open our hearts to him and tell him about our need. Give all our sorrows and hurts to him.
3. Linger and wait for him to reveal himself to us. Wait to hear his instructions to us.
4. Allow Him to comfort us. Allow Him to work in our hearts and lives.
5. Share with others what God has instructed us to share.
When Mary had an encounter with Jesus, she went from despair to having joy and hope and was full of excitement. She was burning with a desire to share Jesus with others. May we encounter Jesus today and share with others what He has done in our lives.
1. In our sorrows and times of need, rise up "early" and seek the Lord
2. Open our hearts to him and tell him about our need. Give all our sorrows and hurts to him.
3. Linger and wait for him to reveal himself to us. Wait to hear his instructions to us.
4. Allow Him to comfort us. Allow Him to work in our hearts and lives.
5. Share with others what God has instructed us to share.
When Mary had an encounter with Jesus, she went from despair to having joy and hope and was full of excitement. She was burning with a desire to share Jesus with others. May we encounter Jesus today and share with others what He has done in our lives.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
When You Get the Blues....
In John 14: 25... Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. The Spirit of Truth will show God to us and will give us peace.
Many times in life our hearts are troubled and downcast. I am going to share from the the book, All Things Are Possible Through Prayer by Charles L. Allen. In this book, the author explains that there will be periods of life where our soul is downcast and disquieted. He also gives 3 things we can do when we feel blue:
1. Never forget that you are important. No person created in the image of God is useless. Maybe you have not found the place in life you want most. But heaven has bestowed on you a personality that noone else can duplicate. Because of who you are and what you are, you can afford to believe in yourself. You are easily upset when you lean on other people. When you learn to balance yourself on your own feet, you develop a stimulating independence. If God had wanted you to imitate someone else, he would not have made you in the first place. Never let yourself forget that you are a person that God made and wanted at this time.
2. "Remember you are needed. There is at least one important work to be done that will not be done unless you do it. God placed you on this earth to do His will and He has a purpose for you."
3. Hope thou in God. When you believe in God, there is hope and hope chases away the blues. In Matthew 14:23, it tells about Jesus hearing that John his closest friend had been murdered. Surely it grieved Him. What did he do? "He went up into the mountain apart to pray". Jesus knew that He needed the strength of the Father to help him. "When a person has a firm hold on God's hand, he has the power and strength flowing into him to keep him on his feet. " Just like a magnetic force, when we are out of line with the Almighty, we have no strength and we lose our grip. We come discouraged and frustrated. But when we come before the Father and our lives are lined up with him, He gives us the strength to hold on, grasp Him and conquer life through Him.
When we set ourselves apart and spend time in prayer, God will give us strength and the Spirit of Truth will bring us peace beyond our imagination. The Spirit of Truth will take away our frustrations and discouragement and replace it with peace and joy. We must allow Him access to our heart and our emotions. The Spirit of Truth will guide us and show Himself to us that we may see the glory of the Father and gain strength from Him alone.
May we see God today and gain strength from him. May he help drive away our blues today and bestow on us His power and strength to be used by Him today.
Many times in life our hearts are troubled and downcast. I am going to share from the the book, All Things Are Possible Through Prayer by Charles L. Allen. In this book, the author explains that there will be periods of life where our soul is downcast and disquieted. He also gives 3 things we can do when we feel blue:
1. Never forget that you are important. No person created in the image of God is useless. Maybe you have not found the place in life you want most. But heaven has bestowed on you a personality that noone else can duplicate. Because of who you are and what you are, you can afford to believe in yourself. You are easily upset when you lean on other people. When you learn to balance yourself on your own feet, you develop a stimulating independence. If God had wanted you to imitate someone else, he would not have made you in the first place. Never let yourself forget that you are a person that God made and wanted at this time.
2. "Remember you are needed. There is at least one important work to be done that will not be done unless you do it. God placed you on this earth to do His will and He has a purpose for you."
3. Hope thou in God. When you believe in God, there is hope and hope chases away the blues. In Matthew 14:23, it tells about Jesus hearing that John his closest friend had been murdered. Surely it grieved Him. What did he do? "He went up into the mountain apart to pray". Jesus knew that He needed the strength of the Father to help him. "When a person has a firm hold on God's hand, he has the power and strength flowing into him to keep him on his feet. " Just like a magnetic force, when we are out of line with the Almighty, we have no strength and we lose our grip. We come discouraged and frustrated. But when we come before the Father and our lives are lined up with him, He gives us the strength to hold on, grasp Him and conquer life through Him.
When we set ourselves apart and spend time in prayer, God will give us strength and the Spirit of Truth will bring us peace beyond our imagination. The Spirit of Truth will take away our frustrations and discouragement and replace it with peace and joy. We must allow Him access to our heart and our emotions. The Spirit of Truth will guide us and show Himself to us that we may see the glory of the Father and gain strength from Him alone.
May we see God today and gain strength from him. May he help drive away our blues today and bestow on us His power and strength to be used by Him today.
Monday, October 4, 2010
When answers do not come quickly......
As I was reading the story of Lazarus in John 11:1-43, several things are revealed about Jesus and answers.
1. Realize that Jesus has a plan just as Jesus had a plan in reference to Lazarus. We may not see the plan that Jesus has but He has one. At the beginning of the story, Jesus receives word that Lazarus is sick. Jesus tells disciples that the sickness will not end in death. Jesus already had a plan. His plan involved revealing God's glory as stated "No, it is for God's glory, so that God's Son may be glorified through it". No matter your circumstance, Jesus has a plan and God will be glorified.
2. When answers do not come quickly, remember to wait on Jesus. In this story, Jesus did not reveal his plan instantaneously, but he waited (4 days) for the "right moment" to reveal His plan. As in this story, Jesus waited 4 days before he went to Mary and Martha. Mary and Martha had sent word for Jesus and then waited for Jesus to come to them. Many times in life, we must call to Jesus and we must "wait" for Jesus and for his answers to come.
3. Jesus cares and understands our sorrows. In John 11:35, Jesus wept. Jesus had compassion and felt the sorrow of Mary and Martha. He comes to us in our times of need and walks with us in our times of despair.
4. We must trust God no matter what. Martha showed that she trusted Jesus because when she met him, she told him that if He had been there, her brother would not have died. But that she knew that even now God will give you whatever you ask" She trusted Jesus and knew that He would fulfill His plan. We must know that God's purpose and plan will be fulfilled completely. He wants our unwavering faith. We must trust God will be victorius and God will be glorified through all we endure. Even when we don't know God's answer and He has not revealed His answer to us, we must trust him.
5. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus went to Mary and Martha. He had a plan and part of His plan was not only to bring Lazarus back to life, but to reveal that He will be with us even in the darkest times. When we lose a loved one, our heart is broken, we are hurting and are lonely from our loss. Jesus came to Mary and Martha to comfort their hearts and to reveal that God had more in store for them than they ever could have imagined.
It is also interesting that God had already purposed to answer the prayers of Mary and Martha before He even arrived at their home. In verse 11, he tells his disciples, "Our friend, Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up". Jesus already knew that Lazarus was dead but He already had a plan in place to raise him from the dead. He revealed His plan to his disciples. Jesus had already answered the prayer before even Mary and Martha knew the answer. Would we be in despair if we knew that God had already answered our prayer and that He was on his way to bring deliverance? Let us believe that Jesus has a plan a purpose and His answers are always with our best interest at heart. May we trust God to answer our prayers and that our answer is on its way so that God may be glorified.
1. Realize that Jesus has a plan just as Jesus had a plan in reference to Lazarus. We may not see the plan that Jesus has but He has one. At the beginning of the story, Jesus receives word that Lazarus is sick. Jesus tells disciples that the sickness will not end in death. Jesus already had a plan. His plan involved revealing God's glory as stated "No, it is for God's glory, so that God's Son may be glorified through it". No matter your circumstance, Jesus has a plan and God will be glorified.
2. When answers do not come quickly, remember to wait on Jesus. In this story, Jesus did not reveal his plan instantaneously, but he waited (4 days) for the "right moment" to reveal His plan. As in this story, Jesus waited 4 days before he went to Mary and Martha. Mary and Martha had sent word for Jesus and then waited for Jesus to come to them. Many times in life, we must call to Jesus and we must "wait" for Jesus and for his answers to come.
3. Jesus cares and understands our sorrows. In John 11:35, Jesus wept. Jesus had compassion and felt the sorrow of Mary and Martha. He comes to us in our times of need and walks with us in our times of despair.
4. We must trust God no matter what. Martha showed that she trusted Jesus because when she met him, she told him that if He had been there, her brother would not have died. But that she knew that even now God will give you whatever you ask" She trusted Jesus and knew that He would fulfill His plan. We must know that God's purpose and plan will be fulfilled completely. He wants our unwavering faith. We must trust God will be victorius and God will be glorified through all we endure. Even when we don't know God's answer and He has not revealed His answer to us, we must trust him.
5. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus went to Mary and Martha. He had a plan and part of His plan was not only to bring Lazarus back to life, but to reveal that He will be with us even in the darkest times. When we lose a loved one, our heart is broken, we are hurting and are lonely from our loss. Jesus came to Mary and Martha to comfort their hearts and to reveal that God had more in store for them than they ever could have imagined.
It is also interesting that God had already purposed to answer the prayers of Mary and Martha before He even arrived at their home. In verse 11, he tells his disciples, "Our friend, Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up". Jesus already knew that Lazarus was dead but He already had a plan in place to raise him from the dead. He revealed His plan to his disciples. Jesus had already answered the prayer before even Mary and Martha knew the answer. Would we be in despair if we knew that God had already answered our prayer and that He was on his way to bring deliverance? Let us believe that Jesus has a plan a purpose and His answers are always with our best interest at heart. May we trust God to answer our prayers and that our answer is on its way so that God may be glorified.
Friday, October 1, 2010
What does our "attitude" reveal?
Have you ever heard..... "Boy, he/she has an attitude? What does the word "attitude" mean? The dictionary says it means "disposition which means state of mind, predominant or prevailing tendency of ones spirits. In Philippians 2:5-11 the Bible states "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus". When I read these scriptures, I asked myself... If I am supposed to have the same attitude of Jesus... then what kind of person is Jesus? These scriptures reveal 5 things about Jesus.
1. Nature and Love of God - Godliness(v6)
2. Humble Spirit (v7)
3. Servanthood (v7)
4. Obedient to God's will (v8)
5. Willingness to doing "all" according to God's purpose(v8)
We must be willing to become like God. We must seek God's will. We must not exalt ourselves but serve others needs. We must be obedient to God's will and willing to give our all to God's purpose.
When others see our lives lived out before them... what attitude do they see? Do they see the attitude of Christ? At first glance, you might think that "attitude" is just a mental state. However, our mental state drives our actions. So our actions reveal our state of mind. If our mental state of mind is on God and becoming more like God then our "actions" will reveal our willingess to put others first and serve them. Our actions will show we are obedient to "do" God's will and do our very best while giving our "all" for God's purpose.
May we live our lives and reveal the "attitude" of Jesus to those around us. May others say of us.... "Boy, he/she has an attitude of Christ!"
1. Nature and Love of God - Godliness(v6)
2. Humble Spirit (v7)
3. Servanthood (v7)
4. Obedient to God's will (v8)
5. Willingness to doing "all" according to God's purpose(v8)
We must be willing to become like God. We must seek God's will. We must not exalt ourselves but serve others needs. We must be obedient to God's will and willing to give our all to God's purpose.
When others see our lives lived out before them... what attitude do they see? Do they see the attitude of Christ? At first glance, you might think that "attitude" is just a mental state. However, our mental state drives our actions. So our actions reveal our state of mind. If our mental state of mind is on God and becoming more like God then our "actions" will reveal our willingess to put others first and serve them. Our actions will show we are obedient to "do" God's will and do our very best while giving our "all" for God's purpose.
May we live our lives and reveal the "attitude" of Jesus to those around us. May others say of us.... "Boy, he/she has an attitude of Christ!"
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Only God Can
Driving home from choir a few weeks ago, God gave me these 3 words..... Only God Can. When you begin to think about those words, it is so amazing to think about ONLY the things that GOD CAN do. It is so refreshing to know that I can put my trust in God because I know He is the only One that can help me through my disappointments, hurts, trials, and circumstances of life.
My mind began to recall many times in the Bible where God won battles with unbelievable odds against the army to prove that He is God and that ONLY GOD CAN win the battles. The times that He healed the sick when there was no other cure. When God gave us examples after examples of His great power and might... it gives me courage to face my battles as well. For I know I can put my trust in the One and Only God that Can. How wonderful that God gives us His words to guide us and we know He is with us!!
Only God Can take away my sin,
Only God Can give me grace within.
Only God Can bring healing on His wings,
Only God Can lift my soul and spirit to sing.
Only God Can give me strength to face today,
Only God Can answer us when we pray.
Only God Can shower his blessings on us
Only God Can bring power and glory we can trust.
May we trust God today and believe in Him. May we trust and hope in Him and witness Him do things in our lives that ONLY GOD CAN do!!
My mind began to recall many times in the Bible where God won battles with unbelievable odds against the army to prove that He is God and that ONLY GOD CAN win the battles. The times that He healed the sick when there was no other cure. When God gave us examples after examples of His great power and might... it gives me courage to face my battles as well. For I know I can put my trust in the One and Only God that Can. How wonderful that God gives us His words to guide us and we know He is with us!!
Only God Can take away my sin,
Only God Can give me grace within.
Only God Can bring healing on His wings,
Only God Can lift my soul and spirit to sing.
Only God Can give me strength to face today,
Only God Can answer us when we pray.
Only God Can shower his blessings on us
Only God Can bring power and glory we can trust.
May we trust God today and believe in Him. May we trust and hope in Him and witness Him do things in our lives that ONLY GOD CAN do!!
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