No Partiality

Acts 10:34 "The Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respector of persons:" (KJV)

This is one of those phrases I have seen in a number of places, but this is the one where it fits the context the best; it's almost one of those statements you look at and say "Well, of course. That's obvious!"

Peter, after having been called upon to heal a paralyzed man and a woman who had died already, was called upon to minister to Gentiles. Up until this point no one had been given this opportunity, and God made it evident in perfect timing in a vision. (Ananias was already told that Saul/Paul would take the Gospel to the Gentiles, but this had not come to fruition yet) Peter could have easily turned away his visitors had God not clearly stated that he was to go with them with no questions asked.

In the Jewish mindset at this time, you would not even enter into a non-Jew's house, let alone see it as your mission to minister to them. (Interesting to think that this was part of the widows' complaint in Acts 6) Peter was obedient to go to Caesarea as he was called upon by God through Cornelius. When he arrived and saw that many had gathered and they were waiting to hear the words God had given him to speak, his response was the verse above. Can you imagine? You're standing in front of a large group of people you never imagined God saving, including a leader who could possible put you in jail, and you know God has called you to speak to them. Would you not turn around and say to yourself "Wow! God really does want everyone to know!!!"?

OK, so this is all nice to think about happening two thousand years ago, but what about today? At that time the Gentiles were not people the Jews would associate with. Today there are people in each of our lives we are unwilling to associate with and minister to. They are hungry to hear, and ready to listen and respond. Are we willing to let God speak through us? Are we ready to put aside our partiality and minister to the needs, not just to those who are attractive to us? Let's go out today and seek the brokenhearted who are ready to receive. You might be surprised at who God calls into your life for ministry!

Faithful in the Little Things

This morning in Acts chapter 9 I read of the conversion experience of Saul (later renamed Paul) on the road to Damascus. Many of you reading this already know of this event and how it happened. If you are not familiar with it, please read the chapter, as I want to focus on a different perspective than we're probably familiar with today: God's calling of Ananias to minister to him.

As we know from the book of Acts and many of Paul's writings, he was a man of destruction when it came to the Christians of the first century. God called to Ananias to minister to him that he might receive his sight again. Ananias' response? Fear. Yet after God told him again to do this 'task' he went on his way obediently and Paul (Saul) was healed, filled with the Holy Spirit, and baptized. He began immediately to preach Christ.

What amazes me is the powerful ministry this man had in Paul's life and in his experience of being called as a part of God's mission, and that we usually don't think of him, nor remember his name unless we dig deep into our minds. He was a behind the scenes minister, one whose call was to lay hands on Paul and administer healing. We don't really know much more about him, only that he was obedient in the little things, and God used him in the life of someone He had called to a much more out-in-the-open ministry.

God has called me to pray for and encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ, and more particularly, my leaders. I know my ministry is to those who have been called to much more evident ministry, and yet I have so much fulfillment in doing just that. I love seeing my prayers answered, and when I cannot get someone off my mind, I know I have to pray for them. I have had expereinces when I found out the next day that that person really needed me at that moment to be in prayer for them, and I was glad to have been faithfully obedient to Christ as He calls me to prayer.

Application point today? Be faithful in the little things. You never know what ministry God has called you to, or what impact those little things will make.

Another Teaching Opportunity

When I think of the book of Acts, I usually think of things like the gift of the Holy Spirit, the conversion of Saul, the stoning of Stephen, and the Gospel being proclaimed among the gentiles. I often forget about the many teaching opportunities that are presented to the apostles.

The latter half of chapter 8 is just that. Philip is instructed to go toward Gaza and as he went he heard an Ethiopian reading from Isaiah. He drew closer when he got there he asked a simple question of the man, "Do you understand what you read?" The man answers with a question, and one that is wise. "How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?"

Philip from there takes the time to teach about Jesus from the very passage the man had been reading, and the man believes and is baptized. All this from one simple question, "Do you understand?"

How many times do we hear someone at work, or in leisure, talking about the things of God and not understanding what they have seen or heard? Are we ready to take those and ask the question? The man was ready to hear, he was seeking that someone would teach him, as are many in our culture. Let's not turn away because we think no one really wants to know. They do! People who have Christian friends are too often disappointed that we do not share with them. They want to hear, and we can share the truth in love as we are called to as His ambassadors in this world. Let's go and share as He gives opportunity.

Who Have You Crushed?

Wow! God's word is amazing! This morning He gave me plenty to chew on, so unfortunately, because I'd like to share it all but I have to go to work, I will only be able to share one tidbit right now.

In Proverbs 26:28 it says "A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted (crushed) by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."

At first thought, my mind went to who we hurt by our lies. How many people have been hurt by the stories we've told, and to we realize the power of our tongues? We all need to examine what comes out of our mouths, and realize that the truth will be found out.

Then as I was prayer journaling, I realized that there is often a question of whether or not we can lie to protect those we love. It is common to hear a discussion on marriage or courting that includes the situation stated like this: "If she asks if she looks nice in something, is it OK to lie so I don't hurt her feelings?" NO, a thousand times no! Lying hurts, and the truth will come out, often at the least opportune time! Think about this, will it hurt more for us to be honest with one another now, of course in a tactful way, and find a better solution, or for us to hide the truth and for the one lied to to find out later that not only, in this case, did the dress look horrible, but that we were lied to as well and cannot trust one another?

OK, so that was a lot of rambling. So, telling the truth is always better, and more loving. And don't forget that the rest of the verse says that flattery leads to ruin. Let's be honest with one another, and if there is a lie that needs to be cleared up, go to the person and ask forgiveness. I know I benefitted more from someone telling me the truth about a lie they told me than if they had never cleared it up and I found out some other way.

Hot Heads and Cool Tempers

In Proverbs 25:21-22 we are told "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall rewared thee."

OK, so the point is not necessarily to heap the coals, but we are not to answer wrath with wrath. We all know of someone who just irks us, and we can't figure out how to get back at them. I am pretty sure as well we have all had the experience of having someone be so nice to us that it makes steam come out our ears. I was always told as a child when people picked on my at school, "kill 'em with kindness." Well, I read this passage and its parallel in Romans and have that image.

Also, in finishing up Acts chapter 7, which I read yesterday and re-read today, we are told that Stephen's last request before being taken to heaven was for the sins of those who were taking his life not to be held against them. Many of those men were probably more furious at this request than anything else he had said up until that point. How could someone so hated think himself higher than they were enough to ask God to forgive them? I am sure there was more than a little steam coming out of those ears.

Stephen kept a cool head though being killed, and in so doing, he heaped coals of fire on their heads. Today let's examine how we interact with those around us. Again, the goal should not be to make them mad, but to keep our own heads cool, and to receive the blessing of God on our lives. Let our actions tell the world of the wonderful King who has made us secure enough not to have to retaliate.

Consider and Be Watchful

So, in case we haven't noticed already, I often post about Proverbs as I read them daily. Today will be no different in that sense. However, many of the Proverbs require us to consider watchfully our lives and actions in order to live appropriately, and I often title the posts by what I learn from them. This morning is a little different in that as I was reading, I was more influenced by the message that we should be watchful of these things in order to make the best decisions.

In chapter 24, verses 11-12 we are made aware that those things about which we give the excuse "I didn't know" can be known if we will only consider those around us, and ask for God who knows all to guide us and open our eyes. This is directly in context to those who are on their way to destruction.

Later we are told not to rejoice when our enemy falls or stumbles. God is the only one who knows the outcome, and He can change the circumstances that get the same results. Consider how we treat those we presume to be under punishment or judgment.

Earlier in the chapter the author talks of wisdom being the means for the building of a house, and that knowledge will fill its chambers with riches. I like this passage as it brings up in my mind an image of walking through the halls of a large mansion and seeing all kinds of tapestry, beautiful wall coverings, luxurious furniture that is large, comfy, and welcoming. These riches are not simply the riches we think of on this planet, but the riches of homes that are welcoming to the eyes of all who visit. Let us consider wisdom and how it can change or embellish our homes.

Those who came up with the chapter breaks have left the end of the chapter with the author's own consideration of the "slothful" man. He walked by a field that had grown over and was no longer useful, as was the wall around it broken down. It is interesting to note here that the man whose field it was was not involved in some gross sin that we would all point and say "you deserve this." Rather he was given to laziness. He did not take care of his possessions, but rather decided to rest. I don't have children, but I have done childcare since I was eight. How often do we hear from the little ones when it's time to do chores "I'm tired." I remember doing it myself, and sadly I know I do it still today. I know I am considering today how I can take the opportunity to care for my possessions in a reaponsible manner so that it does not come to destruction.

Hope you have a great day considering these thoughts and putting God's word into practice.

Don't Take It In Your Own Hands

This morning I was reading in Acts 7 and Stephen's oration about the working of God through the history of the Jews. As I read about Moses it hit me: when Moses killed the Egyptian he was working on his own strength and supposed calling. The response of the people? "Who has made you a ruler over us?"

Moses was in the wilderness after that fourty more years, and when God called him in the burning bush, Moses refuse to go at first. He questioned God's direction relying on his own strength once again. He gave God excuses for why He should choose someone else.

When Moses finally agreed to go, with the help of his brother Aaron God had provided for assistance, the people followed, though it was a difficult leadership, and in the desert they grumbled to go back for food. God had raised up the leader He desired in Moses, and had Moses not gone through the growth process he did, I cannot say what kind of leader he would have been. God is able to use all circumstances to bring about what He wills, but we must wait for His calling.

Moses was "ready" to lead on his own earlier, but since he pushed ahead of the will of God (did he know much about God since he was raised in an Egyptian home most of his life? He may have from the training and care of his mother while very young, but I wonder how well he knew to wait for God.) he was unsure of himself later when God officially called him to lead.

To application points today. The first is, wait on God. Don't do it yourself because though we might be doing the right thing, it the timing is off, we could mess it up and have to wait longer than necessary to see it come to fulness. Second, if you hear God calling you to do something today that you say in your heart "I tried that and it didn't work," please listen to His voice. If He is calling you do it, it is time and He will work. We are to work in Christ's strength, and in doing things this way, we will be more able to respond to His calling.

The Dance of Joy

Last night I was at a reception for two friends' marriage, as they had a small gathering when they got married and now wanted to celebrate with everyone they know. The evening ended with a dance, and it was worship music that was played.

One thing you should know about me is that I usually don't dance socially. I dance to worship the Lord, which may include at a Christian concert, but I have not dance WITH anyone since I think middle school not that I think of it. I was asked last night before the dance began if I would dance, and probably to the surprise of the young man (who has had many shutdowns from me, and I might add, in whom I have no real interest) I agreed.

The dance was awkward, and he more so than I. Boy was I glad for that.

So I have been piecing through some things that have wounded me in the past. Last night was a small letting go for me. As I came home I still had many thoughts going through my head. The song we danced to was "I can only imagine" (and he was not at all comfortable dancing to worship music). This song speaks of dancing before our Lord in heaven some day, and it helped me greatly when my father passed away because I knew that's what he was doing.

OK, so to get to my actual point...In my dreams last night I dreamed that this young man and I had started our dance, and all of a sudden he was swinging me all over the place, and I was free to move and try anything. I felt refreshed and filled with a heart of praise for the freedom of Christ and our ability to worship Him in many ways, and I remember thinking in my dream "This is what it will be like to dance with my Saviour." This morning I have done nothing yet but sit down and type this, as I want a record of this memory and dream, as well as to share it with all of you who read this.

I stepped out of my box/shell and did something that was awkward, and that I had previously not allowed myself to experience since I received the Lord, and He used my experience to show me how to worship Him and release my heart from an area of bondage and brokenness. He wants to dance with me! I say yes, and today as I go to church, I don't know what worship will look like, nor will I push it, but I have a renewed desire to dance with my King!

What Does Ministry Look Like?

Acts 6:7 "And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith."

Context: There were widows from among the Greeks who were complaining that the food distribution was unfair between them and the Hebrews, and the leadership, which at the time was the twelve disciples, asked the people to choose seven from among them who met the requirements to be the stewards of this ministry to come before them. The disciples prayed over them and appointed them as deacons over this ministry.

As I read this verse, it struck me. I do not recall being impacted that it specifically said that even priests (in context it is safe to say we are talking about the Jewish priests) were becoming believers. What hit harder is the realization that this is one example of the Body working in proper order and great things being accomplished in God's kingdom because of it. This passage has been a large part of my life all through college as I desire to lift up my leadership and to support them in ministry. This could also be why I often take on too many things and have to slow down, but I desire to support those in leadership by doing what I can to allow them to focus on their ministry of the Word and Prayer.

When our human bodies work together properly, we are not sick, and we grow more healthy, and bigger if we are still in that part of our lifespan. The same is true for the Body of Christ. If we are all working together as God has gifted us and where we are beneficial, the Body of Christ will grow, and there will be an impact on those who witness God's power and purpose in our lives. What are you doing today with who God has made you to be? This is what ministry looks like. God has gifted us so that we can bless others and meet needs.

Teaching Opportunities

In the first few chapters of Acts, God moves in ways that those who witness them had never expected. Yesterday I wrote about the languages that we spoken by the disciples on Pentecost and how no one who heard them had ever expected to hear their own language spoken there. Today I read in chapter three I read of the lame man who was made to walk. He was not at the temple expecting to be healed and walk, even leap, for the first time in his life. He had never experienced this and probably didn't even know to expect that. All he was asking was for the passers by to drop some money in a can to feed him. Boy was he in for a surprise.

So God moves, and people who are merely witnessing the events are often astounded, amazed, and even confused. God has opened a door to teach about the gospel, His truth. Peter on both occasions launches into an oration about God's truth, in the person of Jesus Christ, His death, and the need for repentence.

How many of these opportunities do we pass by each day? I know the other night I had an opportunity. I don't know if I said all that was necessary, but I did speak of truth and honesty, and hopefully that planted a small seed to start this young man's learning of living in the truth.

Today, look for those opportunities to share with people. Those around you are constantly witnessing events happening around them and don't understand what is happening. Take the chance, live the adventure, share your Lord with someone today and see how God continues to move.

Allow God to Use You

As I read today in Acts 2, I realized something I had never noticed before. Often this passage is quoted to speak only about the fact that God spoke through the disciples in all of the languages represented in their midst, which is a grand and glorious work of God to do such a thing at all. I was struck with the newness of the thing and what it would have been like to stand there and hear the wonderful works of God in my own language from someone I knew did not speak a bit of it. Most of the people there had probably never seen anything like it before, for it had not happened in their lives before.

The only time I recall God changing the language of those who spoke before this was at the Tower of Babel. Think of the magnitude of each occasion. In the Old Testament the people were building a tower to reach all the way up to God, and by this proving they could do anything. God saw this and confused them so that they would not go about thinking and acting as if they could accomplish anything on their own. (Side note: we do not come to God completely on our own srength. He will come to meet with us if we call on His name.) Babel literally means confusion, and that's what happened to their plans.

This occasion, the one in Acts, is one of even more magnitude. God wanted to make it known to the world that He was God, and He used the disciples, ordinary people who had been chosen for an extraordinary purpose, to speak in languages they could all understand. Now most of the poeple there were probably fluent in Greek as it was the language of commerce, but God made it even more personal. And He used men who were not schooled in those languages so it could not be mistaken for man's wisdom and effort. God be praised.

As I have said in a previous post, God seeks to protect the holiness of His name. If we are to decide that we will do something on our own, I believe God will allow this to come to ruin. On the other hand, if we allow God to use us to glorify and further His name and kingdom, He will prosper our work and goals. Today let God use you in ways you never expected.

Integrity and Prayer

This evening upon arriving home to where I am house-sitting, I was greeted by a young man who was selling magazine subscriptions to raise money for his education. While we talked, I told him that I did not have the finances to afford any magazines at this time. He then told me that the company doesn't even look at the checks for three weeks and that during that time period I could call the number and tell them to cancel my order. I was struck with the lack of integrity in this approach, and I told him that I cannot be that dishonest. He remarked that it would not be dishonest, which strikes me even more of the decline in our society to recognize truth from lies, as well as to hold a high standard of integrity in our interactions with others.

I finished the conversation telling him that I would pray for him, that God would bless him with the people who would be able to support him. I am finding it difficult to pray for him this evening as I wrestle with the lack of integrity in this young man's sell. If you read this, please pray for me to pray as I should, and pray for this man to see the light of truth as he continues on his educational goals of business and communication. I hope that the LORD fills my heart with the words appropriate to pray for him as I ought.

May the LORD bless your evening.

Content Choices

Proverbs 16:16 "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen that silver!"

So we all know the question "What would you do if you were given a million dollars?" We have all been asked it or pondered it in various ways.

Have any of us been asked what we would do if we had all the wisdom and could understand anything?

I am not going to write much here, but I only want to make one point: The thing which we decided is our choice is also our source of contentment. If we choose gold and silver, we will never be satisfied, as someone will always have more, and if not, we are not going to be happy with riches. Just ask anyone who has it all, they'll tell you they are not happy for their riches. If we choose wisdom and understanding, we will be satisfied. Though there is always more to learn, the wise man or woman is delighted in learning and content to know he or she is following after wisdom in Godly pursuit.

Make your choice today, wisdom or riches, and see how God changes your level of contentment.

Faithfulness in Routine

I have started this post thinking that it would be different in form from other posts as I write from my prayer time instead on my reading time, but there is a verse there that is applicable as well. I will get to that in a moment.

This morning I woke up at 7am. Now those of you who know me well know that this is a typical time for me to wake up without an alarm. Even while I was in Colorado, I still woke up at 7am, CST, which made it 6am there. As I have been traveling, my routine has been a little haywire, but this morning I felt as if the routine is back. I usually thank God for waking me up when He did, but this morning it took on a stronger thanks.

You see, it is by no work of my own that I naturally wake up at this time. God has worked into my clock to do this, and I thank Him for His faithfulness in waking me up at the same time every day. I am also praying that as the school year begins and I have to be at work by 7am most days, that He will reset my clock so I can focus my day before it starts.

In Hebrews 13 we are told that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is unchanging. He also promised never to leave us or forsake us. He is faithful. Read this chapter today if you take the time. Notice the immediate context arond these phrases. I never noticed that the second is set in the context of being content with what we have. Our place in life is by the hand of God and His faithfulness to remain the same. Let's praise God today for His faithfulness.

All or Nothing

So today I read a few revealing passages. First, in Proverbs this chapter and the surrounding ones are about contrasts between righteousness and wickedness. It struck me today that this is an "All or nothing" matter. One cannot be only partially righteous, just as we cannot say that Jesus was a good teacher and reject His claim to be the Son of God, as this would make Him a liar and no good teacher at all. We must either be rigtheous, declared thus by the blood of Christ, or wicked, left unchanged in our own sins. In Revelation we are told that the lukewarm will be spewed out of God's mouth; we are to be hot or cold.

The second point is in Hebrews 11, the faith chapter. Now I remember memorizing 11:6 in my high school youth group, but until reading it in combination with this section of Proverbs today, I had never made the connection. Our faith is by what we are made righteous (Read Romans), and without faith, we are unable to please God. What is this faith? Well, it is not simply belief in a god. It is a sold-out state of life that consumes all of our being. If we have faith in Christ who died to set us free from sin, our lives should shine with the righteousness that has been imputed on us by the Father. This is the faith which pleases the Father, and this is the faith that will walk on water, call forth mountains, heal the broken and destitute, and carry us through in our dry times on this earth.

We have to be sold out; our lives should be all, totally given to God, or nothing, completely against His plan. He has a plan that is so much more rewarding than we could even imagine. Let's live today completely for His glory!

Strength or Destruction

OK, so first I must apologize to those who may not be reading this on the day it is posted as it is quite late when I'm actually doing it. Please pray for me to find strength in my times with the Father before beginning my hectic days. I just arrived home from vacation last night, and today it was like the entire city of Rochester knew I was home. Other than Bible Study with our women's group this evening, this is the first time I've been able to just sit down all day.

So, here I begin. Proverbs 10:29 "The way of the Lord is strength to the upright; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity."

As I have gone through my day today I have thought of the ways in which the Lord has been at work in the lives of those around me. I am delighted to see that this verse says that the way of the Lord is my strength. I am entering back into what could easily be strength-draining as I return from vacation, and I am encouraged to derive my strength from God and His way. I am also blessed to know that my path is not to be filled with destruction, but strength.

As an application, remember that God is your strength if you have chosen to follow Him, and therefore you can rest in Him.

Whose Cause Do We Plead?

So this morning I read Psalm 74 and found the psalmist making his request to God on the basis on His character and convenant. Sure, the psalmist wanted to see deliverance from his enemies, and descrution come to them, but he made his request known to God on the basis that God's name and covenant were on the line. How often to we come before God and ask that He do something that we want and forget to determine whose cause we plead? Are we here to plead our own cause, or God's?

As witnesses, ambassadors, for Christ, daily our cause to plead should be for the glory of God, and the salvation of the children of God. We are not here on this earth to make ourselves more, but rather the opposite. He must increase, we must decrease, says John.

One final point, one of important application. Today, as you pray, think about whose benefit you seek. If the benefit is God's, you too will be benefitted. If it is solely your own, this will likely not bring the glory to God, and He is not likely to give you your request.

Psalm 74:22 "Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily."

Where Wisdom Dwells

In the eighth chapter of Proverbs we are told that Wisdom rejoices in the habitable parts of the earth, and her delight is with the sons of men. I know I've read this verse several times, but I've never stopped to think about what this means.

Two questions arise in my mind as I think through this verse. The first is "Why does wisdom rejoice in the habitable parts of the earth, and not the desolate?" In my mind I picture this rejoicing as a dwelling and dancing in the place where one rejoices. If this is the case, it only makes sense that wisdom rejoices in habitation and not without someone or something to rejoice in. There is no benefit to anyone or anything if wisdom rejoices elsewhere and we never see her. She is left on her own, and there is mass-chaos for the rest of creation who has to fend for itself.

The second question on my mind is "Why does wisdom dwell with the mankind, and not the animals?" Inherent here is idea that we as mankind are created as image-bearers of God. God has given us a mind to think, and if wisdom did not delight to dwell with us, the rest of creation would suffer from the same mass-chaos as if wisdom did not visit habitation at all. We are thinking beings, and bear the responsibility of making decisions for the rest of creation. God has set us as His stewards over all of it, and therefore we must act with the wisdom that is offered to all of us.

God gives generously, so let's seek wisdom today, for she will come to those who seek her early.

Intoxicating Beauty

OK, so today I am writing again in a more vulnerable fashion, as the chapter I read this morning from Proverbs deals with the kind of sensual love our world knows so well, but has not real foundation for understanding. Among other things, and you can read the chapter yourself for specifics as I will not do that here, the man is challenged to be continually ravished, or intoxicated, by the love of his wife. He is then warned against finding this with a strange woman, ie any woman who is not his wife.

What I thought about this morning is the question that almost every woman and little girl asks herself: "Am I beautiful?" I am reading a book titled "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldridge, and it talks specifically about this desire within woman to know she's beautiful. Lately as I have been thinking about this, I find it hard to picture myself beautiful because our culture is so focused on outward beauty, and we have an outscaled idea of what physical beauty really is. According to the standards of this world, I am not the most beautiful woman around, and I have little to offer in this area. I have to be satisfied with God's assessment, which is much more to be regarded than any man's. He sees my heart and the beauty that He has created there. I am beautiful because I am building Godly character and and seeking to know my Father in heaven.

My hope has never been to win a man's heart through his eyes, and I have been told that's the way to do it. I know that this is not a strong foundation for love, and also, I know the focus must be on the inner beauty that comes from above. My hope is that one day the husband God has chosen for me will see me and be ravished with my beauty, intoxicated by what the LORD has made me to be. Until that day, I will continue to seek Him and His will for each decision I make.

Oh, and for those of you who are reading this and are married, be faithful to your spouse! Men, recognize that she is captivating, and be ravished with her love. Women, know that you are beautiful. You are the pinnacle of God's creation, the crowning glory, an image bearer for the King of all.

What is the One Thing?

As I read Proverbs chapter 4 this morning I was reminded of discussions in philosophy that entailed philosophers trying to boil down all of existence to one factor that can explain all others, and therefore name it the One Thing. In verse seven of today's chapter we read "Wisdom is the principal thing." Then we are exhorted to get wisdom and understanding.

So my mind instantly begins to figure out what it means that wisdom is the principal thing. My first thought is that, in contrast to doubt which one philosopher said was the only thing we can know for certain, wisdom makes sense of all other things that have been created, thought, or done throughout all of history. Wisdom is also vital to daily life and decisions as it guides us and helps us make decisions that are wise. OK, so that was a little circular, but think about it. If we base all of existence and decisions on doubt, we will always be skeptical, and also not think highly of our own decisions, let alone the decisions of others.

Thinking with wisdom allows us to piece together what is good and beneficial, and therefore choose what will most glorify the LORD. Let's ponder what it means to have wisdom as our foundation today, and walk firmly upon it.

Inherited Legacy

This morning I read from Proverbs 3, and the final verse in how we have it split up says that the wise will inherit glory, but that the legacy of fools is shame.

For most of my Christian life I have had it in my mind and heart that I want to leave a legacy of Christ and His love. I had never connected this with an inheritance. In this verse there seems to be a connection. Often we are remiss to think of the promises or blessings of God for those who follow His word. Here we see that there is an inheritance to be gained from living with wisdom.

I am in Colorado right now, and the beauty, majesty, and glory of God's creation is often seen here in the mountains. I have yet to get a close up look, or even a good view from afar, but I will before I leave! How awesome to think of that beauty and glory being my inheritance. (side note: while on vacation, though I will try, I might not be able to post daily as I have for the past few weeks.)

So, now, not only do I desire to leave a legacy of Christ behind me should I leave this earth before Christ returns, but I worship God for His glory of which, as His daughter, I will one day be a partaker. He is worthy of all my praise!

Don't Wait

Jumping right in, as I just finished my post about yesterday's reading.

In the latter part of the first chapter of Proverbs we are told of how wisdom personified deals with those who do not seek her. I am astounded at the exhortation here that wisdom will in a sense laugh at those who call to her from calamity. This will be because they did not seeek wisdom while they were without trouble, but only when they were in need.

This is instruction to us as believers in the Christ who alone can save us. I recently read in a study a book entitled Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald. It is we studied and discussed the essentiality (OK, so maybe I make up words from time to time) of building up our spiritual reseervior while we can so that in the time when we are without the necessary tools to do so and in desparation for such resources, we will have a storehouse of knowledge and strength to get through. As I read in Proverbs today, I was again reminded that we need to seek to grow daily and prepare now for the future, rather than waiting until we are without the resources to help us get through our daily trials.

As I write this I think of a family member who recently told me that he prayed when he needed to, but that his thinking is that God has given us what we need and expects us to "navigate life" ourselves, only calling out to Him when we are in need. Boy am I glad I know that I need Him daily, and that I don't have to navigate the road of life myself. Daily I trust Him to guide me and help me make sound decisions based on His character at work in me.

Anticipation

This is to be the first of two posts today, as this one is more about my reading yesterday, and I had to put some thought into if I was actually going to post this or not.

So, here goes. Yesterday I awoke with an excitement and anticipation about the day. Though there were many things I could be excited about happening during the day, I was more excited for my reading time with God. You see, I am in the habit of reading one chapter from Proverbs each day, and yesterday was July 31st, the day I would read from the 31st chapter. I had not read this the previous month as it had only 30 days, and I was still working on building this routine and not yet ready to push myself to more than one chapter. I was still wanting to read Proverbs 31, however, and I was so excited to read in the morning. I even awoke with a deep desire to do nothing but worship the LORD!

Proverbs, chapter 31 and beginning with verse 10 deals with the kind of character and life a virtuous woman has. A wife of valour is one who is to be sought out and cherished, for she is honour to her husband, and provision and blessing to her children. As in a previous post, I will say here, I desire to be that woman. And again, I will assert that there is instruction here for men as to what to look for. Please don't misunderstand me. I am not saying that any man who is reading this should be seeking me out. I am only saying that I seek for God to make me into the woman for which a Godly man will search. My character is built on what I believe God would have me be, and I will rest knowing that He will plan out my steps. I enjoy reading passages of Scripture that challenge me and make me grow. This is one of my favourites.