JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(James 5:11) "The Lord is very compassionate."
When it comes to Christ like compassion, the Bible teaches us two things.
One, It “relates”… to the needs of others.
Paul wrote, “Jesus…this High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He
faced all of the same testings we do” (Hebrews 4:14-15)
Jesus understands… how comforting!
Whatever situation, challenge, or adversity we find ourselves in, Jesus is saying,
“I can relate. I’ve been there… pressure, rejection, pain, temptation, slander,
lies, I’ve experienced them all”
He understands them all because He’s been there.
Secondly, compassion “responds”… to the needs of others.
It’s not enough just to recognize and relate to the needs of others.
You’ve been called to action on a practical level… otherwise your compassion is meaningless.
Jesus responded to sick people with healing, to hungry people with food, and to
lost people with the good news of the gospel.
Compassion has no limits.
It sponsors a hungry child, helps change a tire for someone stranded on the side
of the road, brings a meal to someone who’s grieving, and listens patiently to
someone who needs a friend.
Compassion gets its hands dirty… it writes checks… it sacrifices its own agenda, schedule,
desires, and dreams to meet the needs of another.
The Bible says, “God anointed Jesus…with the Holy Spirit and with power, who
went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God
was with Him” (Acts 10:38)
What’s your main concern in life… looking good or doing good?
The early Church believers were called Christians by the world around them.
The word Christian means to be Christ like.
I wonder… do people around us see our faith in the things we do and allow ourselves to be involved in.
I think sometimes, as we celebrate and rejoice over our freedom and our salvation brought about by Gods grace and unmerited favor according to (Ephesians 2:8) “For by grace are ye saved through
The Bible says, “God anointed Jesus…with the Holy Spirit and with power, who
went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God
was with Him” (Acts 10:38)
What’s your main concern in life… looking good or doing good?
The early Church believers were called Christians by the world around them.
The word Christian means to be Christ like.
I wonder… do people around us see our faith in the things we do and allow ourselves to be involved in.
I think sometimes, as we celebrate and rejoice over our freedom and our salvation brought about by Gods grace and unmerited favor according to (Ephesians 2:8) “For by grace are ye saved through
faith, and that not of yourselves lest any man should boast but it is the gift of God”…
I wonder if we have overlook another one of the encouragements of that same text of scripture two verses forward which says “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10)
Compassionate people and the compassion of Christ should motivate each of us
to be involved in and be an answer to, and for, and with the pain in our world.
(James 2:18) says this “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works
show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”
In other words if you are a follower of Christ prove it!
(Romans 2:13) “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but
does not have works? Can that faith save him?
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of
you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled’, without giving them
the things needed for the body, what good is that?
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith
apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works’.
Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works
is useless?
Jesus said…“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the
Kingdom of Heaven… but the one who does the will of my Father who is in
Heaven” (Matthew 7:21)
It’s a great life this being a Child of God!
The blessings and the benefits are so fulfilling, but they must come with the realization that “we are not our own… we are bought with a price” (1st Corinthians 6:19-20)
That price is to have compassion on those around us whom have not yet
come to faith and learned to enjoy this relationship with God that is so
fulfilling… and then let that compassion move you to be the hand of
Jesus in helping meet their needs.
So let me ask you… do people “see” that you are a follower of Christ.
Are you “moved” with compassion for others?
Good Day!
I wonder if we have overlook another one of the encouragements of that same text of scripture two verses forward which says “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10)
Compassionate people and the compassion of Christ should motivate each of us
to be involved in and be an answer to, and for, and with the pain in our world.
(James 2:18) says this “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works
show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”
In other words if you are a follower of Christ prove it!
(Romans 2:13) “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but
does not have works? Can that faith save him?
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of
you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled’, without giving them
the things needed for the body, what good is that?
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith
apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works’.
Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works
is useless?
Jesus said…“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the
Kingdom of Heaven… but the one who does the will of my Father who is in
Heaven” (Matthew 7:21)
It’s a great life this being a Child of God!
The blessings and the benefits are so fulfilling, but they must come with the realization that “we are not our own… we are bought with a price” (1st Corinthians 6:19-20)
That price is to have compassion on those around us whom have not yet
come to faith and learned to enjoy this relationship with God that is so
fulfilling… and then let that compassion move you to be the hand of
Jesus in helping meet their needs.
So let me ask you… do people “see” that you are a follower of Christ.
Are you “moved” with compassion for others?
Good Day!
(1st Corinthians 16:9) "A great door for effective work has opened to me…
We all have times in life when “opportunity knocks”.
But the problem is that many won’t open the door, because they are afraid of the challenges that come with opportunity.
Nothing becomes truly great until it overcomes something that looks insurmountable.
Paul wrote, “I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me”.
Great doors of opportunity come with great challenges, and each challenge calls for greater faith and tenacity.
Think about it… if outstanding success came easily, everyone would have it.
And if everyone had it, it wouldn’t be outstanding success.
How does a caterpillar become a butterfly?
By overcoming the cocoon.
And the cocoon is so essential to the process that the caterpillar actually creates it.
Wouldn’t it be easier just to stay in the warmth and comfort of the cocoon?
On days when the caterpillar struggles to get out of it, he probably thinks so!
But deep down, he knows the price of freedom.
Flight and discovery require struggle, development, and breakthrough.
There is no other way!
Why did Jesus send His disciples into a life-threatening storm?
To teach them to trust Him in all of life’s situations.
Soon He would be leaving them, and He was using every experience, every opportunity to teach them, prepare them for their future.
So what are you struggling to overcome right now?
Instead of complaining and asking God to take it away, see it for what it is… preparation.
Remember, your level of preparation indicates the level of blessing that awaits you on the other side of it.
So if God is opening doors of opportunity for you, be prepared for challenges, because you can’t have one without the other.
How ever with those challenges He will give you the needed wisdom, (James 1:5) if you call on Him and ask Him to help you and lead you.
The biggest struggle you’ll have is keeping your focus on Him.
So today, determine in your heart to look for the door of opportunity that God wants you to walk thru and then stay focused on Him.
He says (Mark 9:23) “all things are possible to them that believe”.
Good Day!
(Proverbs 3:5) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
The biggest reason that we as believers run into so many obstacles in our walk with God… is because we are torn between two worlds.
The bible says in (John 16:17) “though we are in this world we are not of this world.”
The moment we began trusting God and walking with God… we were made citizens of another world and society, “The Kingdom Of God”.
That’s why we need to trust in God more than in ourselves or the things of this world.
That’s why the Apostle John writes… (1st John 2:15-17) “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.
If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof… but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We need to constantly reminding our selves that, “this world is not my home, I’m just passing thru, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue”.
When you recognize that and embrace God’s plan for your life, the things of this earth grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
We need to get up every morning with the thought “could this be the day that Jesus comes or He calls me home to be with Him?”
Miss directed focus will handicap you spiritually, mentally, and emotionally and keep you from moving forward.
And it’s a mistake to think you can devote your life to the things of this earth and to play around with it’s temptations and its focus.
The devil uses that to distract us from the goal and the assignment that we all have in this life.
And what is that assignment you ask?
(Luke 10:27) “To love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your soul, and your neighbor as yourself”
But once you understand your personal assignment and tap into His power, you can start believing for success, regardless of what obstacles may stand in your way.
When you know you’re in the will of God, doing what He told you to do, you can stand confidently on these Scriptures:
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
“One man…shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised” (Joshua 23:10).
“In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul” (Psalm 138:3).
With faith in and confidence in God, you can truly experience what Jesus said in (Mark 9:23) “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. ”
You’re not alone today…God is with you!
But you need to change your focus!
You need to rely on His wisdom… and put Heaven in your sites…
The cross before me the world behind me…
Good Day!
(Proverbs 2:6) “For the Lord gives wisdom”
I’ve been talking about wisdom for the last couple of days, because we are facing some real issue’s in our society and our world... issues that are causing our world to come unraveled with uncertainty and fear.
Humanity does not have the answers we need as we face the ravages of sin and pestilence (disease) calamities caused by weather systems that are wreaking havoc in our land.
With the recent rise of Global conflict and war... as never witnessed before in our history... we need wisdom from above as never before.
Real wisdom is basically knowing the right thing to do in every situation, knowing and doing the will of God.
But there are countless other occasions as well, when we desperately need wisdom.
We know it comes from God, but how do we get it?
There are several basic prerequisites.
The first is to admit our need.
Solomon said, “with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2)
The humble are those who do not think more highly of themselves than they should.
They are willing to admit that they do not have all the answers, that their opinions may not always be right, and that they need to know the mind of God.
In other words, they have a “teachable” spirit.
They are willing to learn and are open to change.
We can enjoy God’s wisdom, only if we admit that we need it.
The second prerequisite is to “fear” the Lord.
The Psalmist said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10)
To fear God is not to cower before Him in terror, but to bow before Him in awe, respect, and total trust in His purposes for our lives.
Just as we will put our confidence in a guide’s wisdom and follow him through a dark cave/cavern… so we must be willing to open up and receive, and follow God’s wisdom, respecting Him and believing that He will not lead us astray.
To fear Him, then, is to submit ourselves to Him.
We need not only teachable spirits… but “surrendered self will”.
The third prerequisite is to study God’s Word.
By loving, respecting and meditating on God’s Word daily, the Psalmist discovered that he was “wiser than his enemies… that he had more insight than his teachers… and more understanding than the aged” (Psalm 119:97-100)
Through the Word, he found wise guidance in life “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105)
God’s wisdom is revealed in His Word and that is where we must find it.
The final prerequisite is to pray. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5)
Sometimes praying for Gods wisdom is the last thing we think to do when we face a problem, a difficult decision, a pressing emergency, or an alarming crisis.
The Lord is standing ready to give us His wisdom and yet we often think about everything we can do first to work out our problem, when we should really be running to Him about it.
Regardless of how big or how little the matter may be, He invites us to ask Him for wisdom.
How do we know whether the wisdom we are exercising is from God… or from men… whether it is divine wisdom or human wisdom?
One way will be to compare it to the truth of God’s Word.
His wisdom will always be consistent with all of His Word.
But there is one special passage in the Word that tells us particularly how to identify God’s wisdom…
Its found in (James 3:17) “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy”
God’s wisdom is pure, unmixed with error, untainted by immorality, unclouded by selfish motives, cleansed of all “personal” ambition.
If we are looking out for our own interests, we are probably operating by man’s wisdom rather than God’s.
Secondly, God’s wisdom is peaceable, not quarrelsome, contentious, or cutting, but promoting the harmony and peace that draws people together.
If our words or actions are arousing antagonism in others, we are probably operating by man’s wisdom rather than God’s.
Thirdly, God’s wisdom is gentle, fair, moderate, forgiving, forbearing, and considerate in the demands it puts on others.
If we are putting pressure on others to conform to our way of thinking, we are probably operating by man’s wisdom rather than God’s.
Fourthly, God’s wisdom is reasonable, easy to be entreated, not stubborn or inflexible, but pliable and willing to listen to reason.
If we have already made up our minds and refuse to be influenced by the Word of God… we are probably operating by man’s wisdom rather than God’s.
Fifthly, God’s wisdom is full of mercy and good fruits.
It shows genuine concern and extends practical help toward others in need, even when they have wronged us.
Sixthly, God’s wisdom is unwavering, not hesitant or vacillating, but standing firm on “Biblical principles”, undivided in allegiance to God and consistent from day to day.
And finally, God’s wisdom is without hypocrisy.
When we are operating with God’s wisdom we do not wear masks, play roles, or deceive people by putting on a good front.
We do not try to conceal our true thoughts, feelings, or motives in order to make ourselves look good or to accomplish our own ends.
We are open, honest, and straightforward.
When we begin to get our wisdom from Him, our homes will be happier, our lives more effective, and our God greatly glorified.
And there is really no time to lose.
As the Psalmist put it, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
It is imperative that we begin to live out our lives with Gods wisdom feeding us as never before… if we want to survive and be more than conquerors in Christ.
Good Day!
Real wisdom is basically knowing the right thing to do in every situation, knowing and doing the will of God.
But there are countless other occasions as well, when we desperately need wisdom.
We know it comes from God, but how do we get it?
There are several basic prerequisites.
The first is to admit our need.
Solomon said, “with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2)
The humble are those who do not think more highly of themselves than they should.
They are willing to admit that they do not have all the answers, that their opinions may not always be right, and that they need to know the mind of God.
In other words, they have a “teachable” spirit.
They are willing to learn and are open to change.
We can enjoy God’s wisdom, only if we admit that we need it.
The second prerequisite is to “fear” the Lord.
The Psalmist said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10)
To fear God is not to cower before Him in terror, but to bow before Him in awe, respect, and total trust in His purposes for our lives.
Just as we will put our confidence in a guide’s wisdom and follow him through a dark cave/cavern… so we must be willing to open up and receive, and follow God’s wisdom, respecting Him and believing that He will not lead us astray.
To fear Him, then, is to submit ourselves to Him.
We need not only teachable spirits… but “surrendered self will”.
The third prerequisite is to study God’s Word.
By loving, respecting and meditating on God’s Word daily, the Psalmist discovered that he was “wiser than his enemies… that he had more insight than his teachers… and more understanding than the aged” (Psalm 119:97-100)
Through the Word, he found wise guidance in life “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105)
God’s wisdom is revealed in His Word and that is where we must find it.
The final prerequisite is to pray. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5)
Sometimes praying for Gods wisdom is the last thing we think to do when we face a problem, a difficult decision, a pressing emergency, or an alarming crisis.
The Lord is standing ready to give us His wisdom and yet we often think about everything we can do first to work out our problem, when we should really be running to Him about it.
Regardless of how big or how little the matter may be, He invites us to ask Him for wisdom.
How do we know whether the wisdom we are exercising is from God… or from men… whether it is divine wisdom or human wisdom?
One way will be to compare it to the truth of God’s Word.
His wisdom will always be consistent with all of His Word.
But there is one special passage in the Word that tells us particularly how to identify God’s wisdom…
Its found in (James 3:17) “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy”
God’s wisdom is pure, unmixed with error, untainted by immorality, unclouded by selfish motives, cleansed of all “personal” ambition.
If we are looking out for our own interests, we are probably operating by man’s wisdom rather than God’s.
Secondly, God’s wisdom is peaceable, not quarrelsome, contentious, or cutting, but promoting the harmony and peace that draws people together.
If our words or actions are arousing antagonism in others, we are probably operating by man’s wisdom rather than God’s.
Thirdly, God’s wisdom is gentle, fair, moderate, forgiving, forbearing, and considerate in the demands it puts on others.
If we are putting pressure on others to conform to our way of thinking, we are probably operating by man’s wisdom rather than God’s.
Fourthly, God’s wisdom is reasonable, easy to be entreated, not stubborn or inflexible, but pliable and willing to listen to reason.
If we have already made up our minds and refuse to be influenced by the Word of God… we are probably operating by man’s wisdom rather than God’s.
Fifthly, God’s wisdom is full of mercy and good fruits.
It shows genuine concern and extends practical help toward others in need, even when they have wronged us.
Sixthly, God’s wisdom is unwavering, not hesitant or vacillating, but standing firm on “Biblical principles”, undivided in allegiance to God and consistent from day to day.
And finally, God’s wisdom is without hypocrisy.
When we are operating with God’s wisdom we do not wear masks, play roles, or deceive people by putting on a good front.
We do not try to conceal our true thoughts, feelings, or motives in order to make ourselves look good or to accomplish our own ends.
We are open, honest, and straightforward.
When we begin to get our wisdom from Him, our homes will be happier, our lives more effective, and our God greatly glorified.
And there is really no time to lose.
As the Psalmist put it, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
It is imperative that we begin to live out our lives with Gods wisdom feeding us as never before… if we want to survive and be more than conquerors in Christ.
Good Day!
(1st Corinthians 1:21) “For since in the wisdom of God… the world through its wisdom did not come to know God…”
The people of the world think they can get to know God by using their own human wisdom.
But God says (Isaiah 55:8-9)...“my ways are higher than your ways, my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.”
God knows that mans wisdom cannot save humanity from the ravages and the penalty of sin, so in His perfect wisdom He has provided a way.
His wisdom seems like foolishness to humanity but through it, He manages to deliver people from their bondage to sin and bring them into a satisfying relationship with Himself.
How does He do it?
Greater men much smarter than me have tried to answer that question but still humanity lacks the knowledge and ability to fully answer that question with clarity.
And I believe that part of the reason for that is that we are to walk by faith and child like trust in God… not by site and our own understanding.
That means that we must come to a complete release of our own pride and humanistic wisdom if we truly want to grow in Christ .
Paul goes on to tell us… (1st Corinthians 1:22-24) “For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom… but we preach Christ crucified. To the Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks… Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God”
Christ crucified! That is the only means by which God has provided for mankind to know Him.
To the average human being, it seems ridiculous to think that God’s Son should have to die on a cross to pay the penalty for man’s sin.
But that is the heart of God’s wisdom, the message that brings eternal salvation.
The death of God’s sinless Son to eradicate the continued mastery of sin… was necessary to satisfy “offended holiness”, deliver mankind from bondage to sin, and open the door to His presence.
Those who believe that message are brought into a “living union” or relationship with God through Jesus Christ and become members of His glorious body the Church.
Nothing displays God’s wisdom and demonstrates His glory more dramatically than that body of redeemed sinners who have been eternally forgiven and accepted by His grace.
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 3:10).
God has another way of expressing His wisdom… and that is by ordering the lives of believers.
(Jeremiah 29:11) “for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord plans to prosper you and give you a future… not plans for evil”
(Proverbs 20:24) “Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord. How then can man understand his way?”
God in His wisdom has already mapped out the course of our lives to bring the greatest glory to Himself.
His wise plan even includes the means by which He will use our free will, that being the gift of free choice, (some of which may be contrary to His desires)… in order to achieve His perfect end, as difficult as that may be for us to understand.
His plan also includes the means by which He will use “trying circumstances” in our lives to achieve His perfect goal.
We can trust Him in the dark places of life, because He… in His wisdom knows the way through the darkness.
If you’ve ever had the chance to visit some of the world’s famous caverns, you were probably led through them by a guide.
You trusted that guide and committed yourself to him or her because you were confident that they knew the way.
To refuse to follow them would not only have endangered your own life, it would have insulted their training, their knowledge, their understanding and their wisdom.
To do anything less than to commit ourselves completely to our Lord in simple trust, during the troubling times in our lives, is to insult His wisdom.
To resist Him, question Him, doubt Him, or criticize what He allows in our lives, is to deny that He is the only wise God, and claim that we are wiser than He.
We may not always enjoy what God does, but our enjoyment is not His primary goal.
Our happiness or joy will come, but it will come as we grow in the likeness of His Son.
That is His great goal for our lives, because as we grow to be more like Jesus, not only will we experience greater happiness ourselves, but God’s principal goal of bringing glory to Himself will also be fulfilled.
Allowing trials to enter our experience is part of His wise plan to accomplish His perfect end which is maturity in faith and conformity to Christ.
To understand His wisdom in ordering our lives, will help us to lay hold of His peace in the disturbing circumstances of life.
The most exciting aspect of God’s wisdom, is that He offers to share it with us.
Many of us would be willing to admit that we could use a large supply of it in order to handle the circumstances we confront daily.
Having God’s wisdom does not necessarily mean we will know why God allows certain things to happen to us… or how He will work them together for His good.
It simply means that we will know the right thing to do in each situation, the thing that will bring the greatest glory to Him.
Scripture makes it clear that we need divine wisdom.
Solomon devoted nine chapters in the book of Proverbs to the need for wisdom.
Just as He sought it from God, so he encourages us to do likewise…
(Proverbs 4:7). “Wisdom is supreme… therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding”
The New Testament echoes that need… “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Good Day!
(2nd Chronicles 1:7-10) “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
Suppose that you owned one of those famous magic lamps, and your own private genie promised to grant you anything in this world you desired.
What would you ask for?
Wealth is probably be one of the most popular requests.
Some think more money would solve all their problems.
Good health might also rate high, particularly among those who have lost it.
Happiness would be the leading desire for others.
One worldwide poll of young people revealed happiness as the number one goal in life.
In the Old Testament of the bible (2nd Chronicles 1:7-10), there was a man who had such a choice offered him, not by a fictitious genie, but by the true and living God.
God appeared to King Solomon one night and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
Solomon answered, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people…”
God was pleased that Solomon asked for wisdom rather than riches, honor, long life, or victory over his enemies, so He granted his request.
Scripture testifies that all Israel “saw that the wisdom of God was in him”
(1st Kings 3:28)
God alone has wisdom… infinite and perfect wisdom.
Job was willing to admit that… even while he was enduring grievous
affliction that made no sense to him at all.
(Job 12:13) he declared… “With Him, are wisdom and might,”
The Prophet Daniel as well said much the same thing after God supernaturally revealed to him Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its meaning.
(Daniel 2:20) “wisdom and power belong to Him”
But what is wisdom?
The words used in scripture imply the idea of skill and expertise.
For example, Bezalel had the wisdom, knowledge and talent to make artistic designs in gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood for the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-5)
When he did his work, he had a goal in mind, a plan to reach that goal, the proper materials to use, and the skill to bring it all about.
When applied to God, wisdom seems to refer to Him… “establishing” the best goals and “choosing” the best and most effective means to accomplish them.
Wisdom is “mental excellence” in its greatest sense, more comprehensive and far-reaching than mere knowledge.
Knowledge is an awareness and understanding of the facts.
Wisdom is the ability to adapt those facts into accomplishing a desired end.
God knows all the facts, but He alone also has the ability to work everything He knows… into a perfect plan that accomplishes His perfect purpose.
Wisdom implies a final end or goal.
So if we ever hope to understand God’s wisdom, we must first understand “the primary goal” toward which He is moving.
God is infinitely holy and righteous, He is sovereign, the highest and greatest, infinite in goodness.
In other words, He Himself is best.
He lives to demonstrate His own glory.
That may sound selfish, but it really is not.
It is essential because of “who God is”, and it is to our advantage, for Him to be who He is.
God is God, and there is none greater.
He has the skill to weave everything there ever was or ever will be into the ultimate accomplishment of His glory.
That is His wisdom.
God never faces a situation He cannot handle or a problem He cannot solve, though we certainly do.
I often get myself into predicaments where I simply do not know which way to turn or what action is best to take.
When I face a major decision I try to gather all the facts, because a person’s decisions are only as good as his information.
But even with all the facts, I still may not know the best course of action to take, because I lack the wisdom God has.
But God is the master of every situation.
He knows all the facts, and He knows how to use every one of them to attain the perfect results.
Nobody else can do that.
God’s wisdom is unique.
That is why Paul called Him “the only wise God” (Romans 16:27).
God alone has perfect wisdom in and of Himself.
All other wisdom is merely a reflection of His.
(Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25) says “There is a way that seems right unto a man but the end there of is death”.
(Isaiah 55:8-9) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord… “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways.
Simply put folks Humanity… the world… does not have the answers nor the wisdom we need, to live life victoriously.
“Jesus said man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds form the mouth of God” (Luke 4:4)
I challenge you today and every day forward to seek God and ask Him to impart unto you, His wisdom… to help you with the decisions and the plans that you are making.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and though he stumbles he shall not utterly fall, for the Lord upholds him in the palm of His right hand” (Psalm 37:23)
So today, ask God to walk with you and reveal to you the necessary wisdom you need so that you can be and accomplish all that He has set before you… that’s what young Solomon did, and God was well pleased with him.
Good Day!
(Ephesians 6:12) ”for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”.
The Bible says, ”for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”.
These forces of evil have set their sights on all true believers, and they are unrelenting.
While all true believers know Satan exists, many have succumbed to the notion that spiritual warfare
is not that big of a deal.
It would seem to be the case... that before we trusted Christ... the devil was certainly our enemy, but
It would seem to be the case... that before we trusted Christ... the devil was certainly our enemy, but
not to the degree that he became our enemy, after we trusted Christ.
I read a quote somewhere that says, “If God were not my friend, Satan would not be so much my enemy.”
Therefore, we must make every effort to make use of the means our Lord has given us “to fight the good fight of faith”.
It is written in (Romans 12:21)… “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
It is true that we have passions and desires that maintain the opposite.
We have human reasoning that says, “This is impossible… people will do what they want with me… they will walk all over me”.
To fight the good fight of faith means that we stand firmly anchored in the Word of God and in the power of the Spirit… reckoning ourselves dead to our feelings and our human reasoning… not letting sin rule in our mortal body by obeying its lusts.
I read a quote somewhere that says, “If God were not my friend, Satan would not be so much my enemy.”
Therefore, we must make every effort to make use of the means our Lord has given us “to fight the good fight of faith”.
It is written in (Romans 12:21)… “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
It is true that we have passions and desires that maintain the opposite.
We have human reasoning that says, “This is impossible… people will do what they want with me… they will walk all over me”.
To fight the good fight of faith means that we stand firmly anchored in the Word of God and in the power of the Spirit… reckoning ourselves dead to our feelings and our human reasoning… not letting sin rule in our mortal body by obeying its lusts.
We have to do what Jesus says… Take up our cross daily and deny ourselves. (Luke 9:23)
This does not happen without a fight… and as the bible says “sufferings”.
And the sufferings that the bible talks about... is more in the aspect of being uncomfortable, rejection, and in some cases martyrdom.
Peter says it like this… “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1st Peter 4:1)
Those who want to be faithful to the truth... know that living an overcoming life in the virtues of Christ is not something that comes automatically.
No… its not easy to separate ourselves from the activities and the mindset of this world.
The scriptures speak of a narrow way, about the cross and self-denial… suffering and death.
The scriptures are full of serious exhortations.
They use such words as: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12)
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate” (Luke 13:24)
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine… Continue in them”
(1st Timothy 4:16)
“Exercise yourself rather to Godliness.” (1st Timothy 4:7)
(2nd Peter 1:5) “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith… “virtue”
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure …” (2nd Peter 1:10)
The Holy Spirit within… will ignite the power to fight the good fight of faith.
Paul says to his young prodigy Timothy… (1st Timothy 6:11-14) “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing”
These words that Paul encouraged Timothy with are not words that lead to being luke-warm, but rather quite the opposite.
CS Lewis said this quote that is so pertinent to my topic this morning.
He said… “Jesus Christ did not say, ‘Go into all the world and tell the world that it is quite right”
(1st John 2:15-17) says… “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world… the desires of the flesh, the desires or lust of the eyes… and the pride of life… is not from the Father, but from the world.
The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God remains forever.”
Jesus said to His followers, “Ye are not if this world” (John 8:33)
So my question this morning is… why do we live today like we are going to be here forever.
What exactly does it mean that Christians are “not of this world”?
As Christ followers… Christians are members of His kingdom which is “not of this world,” (Philippians 3:20).
Yes, we are on earth for now, but our earthly lives are nothing but a vapor (James 4:14).
However eternity, now that is a long time, and that is where a Christian’s focus should really be (1st Peter 5:10).
The things of this world, wars, famine, suffering, poverty, etc… they impact Christians and non-Christians alike.
By remembering that we are “not of this world”… remembering that these things are just for a little while… and soon we can and will see them in a different light.
We are still in this world but we are no longer of it (John 17:14).
We are still surrounded by all the horrors and tragedy of this life, but this is not our life (Philippians 3:8-14).
The knowledge that we are not of this world gives Christians hope even in the darkest times (1st Peter 1:6-9)
Hope that this will soon pass and at the end of it… we will be in heaven with our God face to face forever (Revelation 21:3-4)
This cracked and broken place is not where we belong, and it is not where we will stay (Hebrews 13:14)
Christians are not of this world.
We have been adopted as heirs of heaven by God Himself… and Heaven… that is our world… our citizenship (Titus 3:7).
And in the meanwhile we wait (Titus 2:13)
And we hope… and we do what we can to bring others into the “not of this world” relationship with Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:5)
But this world is not our home, and never will be.
So stand up, man up and start fighting the good fight of faith!
Good day!