August 30 – Where Knowledge Begins

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.” – Proverbs 1:5 -6 (ESV)

The book of Proverbs contains many promises given to us through the wisdom sayings of Solomon and others. Almost all of the promises found in Proverbs give us instructions “do this to receive that.” They are read as divine advice from God our Father. Today our promise is this: if we wish to be wise, we will listen and hear the truth that leads to learning. This learning leads to understanding and the all-important guidance we all need even to understand these proverbs and other sayings of the wise. We note here that the wise sometimes deliver wisdom through riddles. When (if) we understand “words of insight” (Proverbs 1:2) we will be able to understand the meaning of proverbs, parables, and the riddles of the wise. The word for “riddle” means an indirect, or puzzling statement which needs explanation. It is used of Samson’s riddle (Judges 14:12–19) and of the “hard questions” the Queen of Sheba asked of Solomon (1 Kings 10:1; 2 Chronicles. 9:1). Let’s pursue this wisdom and knowledge and let's not despise it – for from its attainment we gain understanding and knowledge of how we are to live righteously before our Lord God.

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June 22 – There Is A Purpose

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”  2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul is speaking of Jesus Christ as he writes these words in his second letter to the believers in Corinth, Greece.  For there are many reasons and many purposes that brought Jesus obediently to the cross and His death by crucifixion.  The reason given here is that it was for all people.  There was and is only one way to please God in this life and that is by accepting what He did for us.  This reminds us of what God wants us to do in return.  He died for us and now we no longer live for ourselves.  Jesus knows those of us who have believed in Him and He expects that this will have an effect on how we live.  He wants us to live for Him so that our actions, activities, and attitudes will bring glory to Him.  We are called to this each day, to follow not our own personal goals and ideas but to look to Jesus for His guidance and then trust Him for the ability and strength to follow in His steps.  Let's do so today.

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November 1 – Magnificent Wisdom

“All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.” Isaiah 28:29 (NIV)

We look to the Bible as the revelation of God, revealing to us who He is and what He is like. These words describing our God are very appropriate and we need to remember them every day. Yes He  is the Lord Almighty and we can trust Him to do what He sees is best for us. When we need guidance  in our lives we can present ourselves to God and He will show us what we should do about any situation. He is wonderful in counsel and He gives wonderful advice gladly showing us what to do each time. His advice and guidance is so helpful because it come out of His magnificent wisdom. 

October 14 – Available and Sufficient

“Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”” John 6:32-33 (NIV)

Jesus was making a reference to the manna which God provided as food for the children of Israel in their trek through the wilderness from Egypt to the Promised Land. Each day the people went out and gathered a day's portion. Jesus tells us that it was His Father in heaven that gave that bread to the people not any man, not even Moses. It is God our Father who is the source of our spiritual food each day. It is to Him we look and from Him we receive our daily portion of wisdom and strength and guidance. If today is a day when you need wisdom or strength, trust God to provide, He has promised to do that.  Just as the manna was provided, available and sufficient for each day, so too Jesus provides Himself and He is available and sufficient for us each day.

April 7 – Our Teacher and Counselor

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

Sometimes it can seem that we are living in a confusing world.  So many mixed messages and influences and distractions trying to grab our attention.  Our God is a wonderful God. He knows everything. Not only does He know what is going on in this world, He knows everything that is going to happen before it does and, of course He knows what is good for each of us. Out of God's love, He wants the best for each of us and He is anxious to teach us how we should live. He promises to counsel us but He want us to be open for His counsel So, my friends let’s open our hearts and our minds to be counseled by the Lord and then let’s be sure we follow His guidance because as we follow, He will keep guiding.

April 3 – More Than Can Be Numbered

“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.” Psalm 139:17-18 (NIV)

This is part of a song written by David. When we read these words a question comes to us. It is this: How did David learn of God thoughts? How did he know that they were so infinite? We know that God did reveal His thoughts to David whenever David turned to God for His guidance. In the Old Testament of our Bible we read of many occasions when David did ask God to show him what to do. We believe that David had learned much about God’s thoughts in the sacred writings too. We realize that this is one very good way for us to know what God’s thoughts are. Yes, we can apply the truth of our verse to the way we learn of God's thoughts in the Bible. God has revealed so much of His thinking in the Bible and His thoughts are precious to us. Let’s be sure we don’t neglect making them a part of our lives. 

March 11 – Protect Us from Harm

“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)

It is a blessing and a gift from God that he has given to us the book of Psalms. In them we find many promises to help us in our lives each day. Today’s selection tells us that the Lord will watch over us and keep an eye on our movements and activities. It means of course that He sees what we are doing. God knows all that is going on in this world but our promise means more than that. When God watches over us He is also protecting us. He is keeping us from harm. Yes, my friend, if you are a child of God, He will protect you from harm – this is especially critical in a time when many more are and becoming hostile toward those who believe in Jesus Christ. As we look to Him for guidance He will lead us in the right way as we moved around in life. This is a promised from the One who is faithful. 

November 1

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10 (NIV)

We probably all recognize the daily need for guidance from God.  If we know our God as a loving, caring God we will want Him to teach us to do His will. If we know that He loves us, we know that He will teach us what is good for us. And how does God lead us? Our verse indicates that it is by His Good Spirit. We know Him as the Holy Spirit who lives within us. As we read the Bible or hear His word taught, we will hear the Holy Spirit’s voice assuring us that this is truly God’s word to lead us in our daily lives. So we can pray this same prayer – teach us to do your will and be led by your Spirit.

May 24

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;” Psalm 37:23 (NIV)

This verse tells us how we can live in a way to please the Lord. What it really says is that God wants to have the privilege of directing the steps that we take in our lives. If every step that we take, every decision that we make is directed by God, then our steps will be firm. And the way this comes about is for us to look to God for His guidance.  If we go ahead on our own, thinking that we can make our own decisions, we will be on shaky ground. So what makes our Lord happy is for us to look to Him constantly for His guidance. He will “delight” in us. 

February 26

“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statues.” Psalm 119:59 (NIV)

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. All the way through the emphasis is on the importance of following the teachings God has given us. He has given us so much instruction as to how to live. As we think of what God teaches us we often realize that we are not following it as we should. What shall we do? Do as the psalmist said he did – turn our steps so as to follow more closely what God has told us in His Word. It is our guide to living. Let’s follow it and maintain the attitude of the writer of the verse.

February 10

“Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.” Psalm 31:3 (NIV)

We all have decisions to make every day. Most of them may not be of great importance, but they affect our living. David asked God to be his guide in life. When we accept Jesus as our Savior we become God’s children. We carry His name. We make decisions that affect the good name of our God. Therefore He is anxious to help us make the right decision so that His name is enhanced. That’s what David had in mind in expressing himself. So with us, when we look to God for His guidance it is not only because we want to benefit ourselves. It is for God’s benefit, too, and that is important. 

January 27

“Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?  He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.” Psalm 25:12 (NIV)

There are many things available to those who trust in the Lord. One is guidance in times of decision. God has plans for each of His followers and He is anxious to help us fit into His plans. So that’s why we can depend on Him to guide us in our decisions. Actually, the decisions which we make from day to day – even those which may seem minor to us – are all a part of the trend of our lives. They are just like steps along the way. Our God wants to show us every step that we are to take. The promise is for us, and we show our reverence for God by asking for his guidance. If we follow it, we will end up where He wants us – in the center of His will.