November 1 – Seeking Leads to Blessing

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,” – Proverbs 3:13 (ESV)

Our promise in this verse from Proverbs 3 is for a blessing or to be blessed. Often the word ‘happy’ is used as a synonym for ‘blessed. By understanding that ‘blessedness’ is a mark of supreme and perfect happiness, then this interpretation should fit. Seeking to be blessed is a good desire and action. We caution to not understand this ‘happiness’ the same as the what our world seems to offer up when a person is said to be happy. Such happiness is often the result of self-centered motivation. Blessed is deeper and much more rewarding. Who it is that receives this promise in fullness?  It’s the ones who ‘find’ wisdom. It’s not an accidental or chance finding such as when we find money on the sidewalk. The greater meaning of the Hebrew word for find has the sense of ‘reaches’ what one wants through purposeful ‘seeking.’ The reward of blessing is ours by acquiring the understanding of the wisdom we seek. Of course we seek to find wisdom because we need the understanding and we ‘get’ or ‘draw out’ by digging for that understanding. We are blessed with the result of our search.  

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October 5 – Discernment To Understanding

“But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” – Matthew 22:29-30 (NASB)

For certain, those opposed to Jesus of Nazareth were so because He challenged their errant presumptions. It was some Sadducees intending to trip Jesus up asked him the question about cultural practice of a younger brother marring the wife of an older brother who dies childless.  The trap instead was set for them because they didn’t acknowledge the truth of resurrection or supernatural happenings. Evil practices were considered good by those who misinterpreted Scripture leading many down the wrong path. Yesterday we considered the importance of knowing the right path through discernment and finding the path God has for us. These Jewish leaders used a strawman argument that Jesus dismantled with the  truth of resurrection life. It’s dangerous to presume that there can be agreement over a disagreement on Biblical truth. How often do we say or hear this? “That’s my interpretation of what the Bible says.” Then the response; “Well I hold a different interpretation.” The surest way to the wrong path is to believe in the value of private interpretations which are essentially opinions based on one’s feelings. The Bible teaches us what God wants us to believe and it’s equally good for every believer.

 

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August 28 – For Want of God's Leadership

“When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.” – Proverbs 28:2 (ESV)

Another promise that warns of bad actions. This is meant for the land or country ruled by unrighteous leaders. Unrighteousness in a nation produces political instability, with many vying for power, thus the tenure of each leader is shortened. Wisdom promotes social order and long rule. Poor leadership creates instability on a national level. This is not only true in the current state of most countries today but it has been true over the centuries before and since these proverbs were written. Avarice leads to greed for power and control. False promises can abound to the point that the people of a land do not trust what their leadership says. Does any of this sound familiar these days? There is a promise that is good and true in the second part of the proverb. We can acknowledge God’s hand in the perpetuation of the state led by men of understanding and knowledge. The long and prosperous reigns of the kings of Judah – the Southern Kingdom are strongly contrasted with the records of Israel after the ten tribes split and formed the Northern Kingdom where not a single king is called Good.

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August 15 – Using Wisdom Wisely

“Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, but in the hearts of fools it is made known.” – Proverbs 14:33 (NASB) 

“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly. ” – Proverbs 15:2 (NASB)

The lessons we learn from Proverbs are found more than once. Today we look at two verses that teach us the same truth. Those with understanding hold on carefully to the wisdom they learn. Often does the wise man show the blessing of wisdom on the lips. Here we trace it to its home. It flows from the head, and rests in the heart. But there is another fountain always bubbling up. The fool’s multitude of words, selfish indulgence, uncontrolled passions, make manifest what is in the midst of him. In our second verse from Proverbs chapter 15, We see the he wise commands and has control of his tongue. The fool does not for his tongue commands him. Those without wisdom may have a mass of knowledge in their possession. But lacking the inner sense to know how to use it, its knowledge runs to waste. Wisdom is proved, not by the considerable possession of knowledge, but by its right application. Let’s be careful with what we say, making sure we say it with the help of God’s Spirit and with love and kindness. 

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Today’s blog was posted late. Delay due to illness. Our apologies are offered for missing the schedule.

August 2 – Wisdom’s True Source

 “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you…

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.” – Proverbs 2:1, 6-8 (ESV)

The book of Proverbs came about in different ways. King Solomon, is called the wisest person and he ruled Israel from 971–931 B.C. He was granted great wisdom by God (see 1Kings 4:29–34). He authored the instructive sections found in chapters. 1–9.  It is in this section Solomon addresses his son about what chiefly speaks to the conduct of early life. The importance of knowing and possessing the wisdom God gives is emphasized. It is the wisdom we received from God that we need and want. Wisdom is believing the words of God’s mouth which are revealed in Scripture. We can trust His words because when God speaks He promises. We are promised wisdom will be given from the Lord for He gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The upright are promised this wisdom. The upright identifies those who are true believers. God stores up sound wisdom as He is the source. True believers – covenant seekers – seek to know, love, obey God and to live righteously. Covenant keepers alone know this wisdom and experience God’s protection. For us who are true believers God promises to be our shield and to guard our paths as He watches over us. 

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August 31 –Not Our Understanding But His

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV, NASB)

We look again today at a verse we have considered in the past. It is a favorite verse for many and for many reasons. It is simple, straight to the point and a verse we can’t easily disregard. To trust in the LORD means what He has said to us is better than any conclusion from our own understanding. That’s where we start. We put our trust in God with all our heart. We turn away from our understanding as a guide when it misdirects us. What does “lean on our own understanding” mean? It’s what we do when we learn God’s will from His Word. We take it in and then refine it and revise it until we think we understand it. But we really don’t because our own understanding most times leads us astray from obedience and trust in what God wants. God’s promises can be trusted. God’s word can be acknowledged even when our own means to understand is not in agreement. God promises to make, direct and guide us on straight paths – paths to His way. They are the best and better than anything we come up with using our understanding.

 

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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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May 7 – Perfect Peace Promised

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”  Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)

Are these familiar words to you? They may be just the promise we need to hear these days. Because we all face uncertainty and trying times, because we all can find ways to be upset inside because of outside turmoil. When things are not as they should be, at least in our own understanding, peace escapes us. We believe that we all need to be reminded often of these promises. But first, let us understand what this promise of peace is promising - it's perfect peace. Perfect peace may not be just the absence of turmoil. Perfect peace can be ours in the midst of upsetting challenges. Perfect peace is complete, genuine inner tranquility which we find when we trust the word of God. There are so many influences and distractions in this world to interrupt our thinking and to disturb our peace.  Remember, who is it that benefits from God's peace? It is the person who trusts in God because those who trust in God focus their thinking on God's faithfulness and this gives their minds a real steadfastness. Steady thinking is really a part of real peace. Let's keep our minds steady today, trusting the Lord.

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May 1 – Knowledge and Understanding

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,…” - Colossians 1:9 (ESV)

Paul the Apostle was a man of prayer and filled with love for those who had come to know the saving faith of Jesus through his ministry. One of the servant messengers had brought to Paul a good report from the church in Colossae. This is Epaphras (Epaphroditus), Likely the same one who carried messages and support to Paul from the believers in Philippi (Philippians 4:18). Because of this good report from and of them, Paul continued to pray for them. Paul’s ceaseless prayer does not mean that he prayed without ever stopping but that he never forgot to pray for them when he regularly prayed each day. Paul’s primary petition was that God would fill them with the knowledge of His will. There are two key words, “fill” and “knowledge” which Paul used. The first suggests a filling out to entirety, and the latter is a full, deep understanding. Knowledge of this kind, and of God’s will, does not come from a natural or fleshly mind, but from the Word of God through the Holy Spirit who, dwelling in us enlightens our spirit. That is our promise ⸺spiritual wisdom from the Holy Spirit.

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March 10 – The Wisdom Needed

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” – Colossians 1:9 (NASB)

The believers in the assembly of the church in Colossae were up against false teachers who were co-opting the truth of the Gospel with fabricated rules about eating, drinking and religious traditions. This false teaching developed into the heresy called Gnosticism*. The Colossians, like us, needed to know and understand the deity and superiority of Christ. Paul writes that he prayed for them without ceasing. It means that in his prayer times, they were always included in his prayers. He writes this letter from his prison in Rome and stressed two primary requests.  That they, and us, would know fully and be filled with the knowledge of God’s will; that they would be enjoined with spiritual wisdom and understanding of who Jesus Christ truly was. This perverse heresy taught that Christ was not God. It takes believers with spiritual maturity in faith to overcome false teaching and fully embrace the truth of Christ’s deity as taught in the Bible. Paul wrote this for us as well so that we too will learn to hold fast to the truth of Jesus Christ who is, the Son of God, our Savior. And acknowledge Christ as sovereign head of the Church.

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* Understanding What Gnosticism Is

March 4 – God’s Questions - Finding God in Job Part 2

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” - Job 38:4 (ESV)

God answered Job’s “Why?” questions with a great deal of pointed interrogations. God asked: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.” One such question would have been enough for Job, but it isn’t enough for God.  God pours out the questions to Job and holds him accountable for his presumption of knowing and understanding God’s ways. Like a furious waterfall, or huge breakers, questions burst forth. Questions dash against the walls in the chambers of Job’s heart. God’s questions to Job aren’t intended to teach; they are intended to shock. They aren’t intended to stir the mind; they are intended to bring him to his knees.  “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?” God pins Job’s ears to the wall. “Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine” (Job 41:11). Job has no argument, no snappy comeback. Our Sovereign God owes no one anything. No explanations, no excuses. It’s this astounding fact that flattens our feeble human reasoning in wonder and awe that God has given us anything at all⸺including his only begotten Son Jesus to die in our place for our sin. 

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The book of Job is not easy to read or to understand. When trying to grasp its truth as a whole, it seems nearly unreachable. Thanks to the daily devotional “All Up Words” by Max Lucado. Acknowledgement and thanks for some of these ideas is given to his words        https://maxlucado.com/listen/gods-questions/

February 19 – God’s Spa Is Best

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh  and refreshment to your bones. - Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)

If mom told me once, she told me more than a hundred million times, “Don’t slam the screen door!”  Some lessons need repetition because they are very important.  Our verses today are familiar and they have wisdom and promises we need to remember. So, we return to them often. Don’t weary then of hearing Scripture quoted which you have known before. These truths need to be reviewed more than occasionally; we need to hear them often. We need to admit that we don’t have all the answers and our understanding is not enough. God knows the straight path for us and He knows the end from the beginning. He can direct us when we have decisions to make. So it’s up to us to put our  trust in our loving, all-knowing God. It is risky to think our understanding is enough apart from that given to us by the Lord. It is risky messing around with any means or people who do not follow God’s way. If we turn away from evil and trust the LORD with all our heart, we will have healing and refreshment to our bones.  Better than any spa visit.

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November 10 – After Wisdom Comes Understanding

“The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.”  Proverbs 4:7. (NASB)

We read in yesterday's post to not consider ourselves to be wise.  A wrong attitude about our own capabilities, thinking we are greater than we are, is a dangerous practice. But wisdom is honored and is a good thing. We are instructed to seek out wisdom. Wanting wisdom is good. Today we learn what the starting point of wisdom is. And, it is the acquisition of wisdom. It makes sense. Nothing can compare with wisdom and Solomon learned from his father, King David, how important it is to get wisdom. It’s so simple that we overlook the depth of this truth. With wisdom we gain more wisdom and that is the very nature of having wisdom. Seeking wisdom is the first step. With wisdom, when we find and get it, comes understanding. Understanding guides us onto the wise path that God makes straight before us. Do we ever think we know better than what we read in the Bible? Yes, we do that all the time. We resist wisdom by trying to conform it to our own reasoning instead. The danger is that our reason is built on our human nature. Remember, Eve and Adam’s reasoning was fatally flawed.

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October 24 – More than Enough Power and Understanding

“Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. The LORD supports the afflicted; He brings down the wicked to the ground.”  Psalm 147:5-6 (NASB)

We are looking again at the Psalm that declares God as our Healer who counted and named every star in the universe - seen and unseen. Our promise today continues by telling us that the greatness of our Lord God is his abundant strength. There is no limit to God’s strength and power. It will never be exhausted. The same with his understanding, it is infinite, unlimited. Nothing in our lives will leave God puzzled and contemplating what’s next. He functions perfectly for us because He is our Lord and He is Great in all things. More than that, he cares for us. Are we afflicted? The meaning here is humbled? When others or circumstances bring us to our knees because we recognize that we are not capable in ourselves we are humbled, oppressed, afflicted are all part of the meaning. God is with us and supports us. He lifts us up off the ground because He understands our weakness and our need. But for the wicked, the evildoers, they are brought down to the ground. If it doesn’t happen right now, it will, God has promised so. 

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September 10 – Deeper Understanding

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,”  Colossians 1:9 (ESV)

These words are from the letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the believer’s assembly in the city of Colosse.  We know Paul may not have visited this church in person* (Colossians 2:1), but we do know that he knew of it through Epaphras who likely planted that church. Paul was well acquainted with their progress and love in the Holy Spirit. Twice in  the first few verses of the first chapter, Paul mentions his acts of praying for them in Colossians 1:3 and in today’s verse. It is a regular practice for Paul to pray for this church and to petition for their fullness of knowledge – a work of the Holy Spirit.  This asking that they “be filled with the knowledge of His will,” is for us as well.  Paul’s request for their filling of knowledge is a filling that is complete, lacking nothing.  The ‘knowledge’ is a deep understanding of God’s will for and in our lives. We are promised a clear analysis and decision-making through applying this knowledge to the challenges we face in our Christian life.  The next verse informs us of Paul’s aim in praying this way (Colossians 1:10). 

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* The question of whether Paul the Apostle ever visited the city of Colosse or ever visited the church that Epaphras planted there is an ongoing debate.  Most believe that Paul passed through Colossae on his way to Laodicea but no church had been planted there yet. This was on his third missionary journey. 

January 1 – What Lasts Forever

“Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;”  - Psalm 136:3-5 (ESV)

What is better than something that is truly good lasting forever?  So much of the things in our life today are temporary, and will pass away, or break down.  We know nothing in our material world lasts forever.  If we are looking for something that will be with us for the next 366 days, and the 365 days after that on to the end of time and into eternity, we look to the words given us by God.  We look to his promises and his steadfast love.  This is something that truly will endure forever as our promise in today’s verses tells us. It tells us three times. Actually, if we were to read all of Psalm 136 we would find this promise repeated 26 times.  Everything God does for us, every act of grace is done for our benefit and that God will be glorified. Every gift we receive is motivated by God’s lovingkindness. Because of God’s mercy and because it comes from our unchanging God, His love endures forever.

ED:  Although this blog will not last forever, it has lasted four years and today we begin the fifth year.  The motivation and purpose is to bring Glory to God and exult His Holy Name.  We ask for your prayers as we continue this outreach.  Please, if you are inclined, share with your friends. We accept no advertising and the blog is not monetized in any way.

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November 9 – Multiplying Days – Adding Years

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.”  -  Proverbs 9:10-11 (NASB)

Fear is often talked about in our Bible and it may mean different things depending on the word in the original language and the context where it is written. Many times we are told that frightful fear is not a good thing for us to have and we are encouraged to “Fear not.”  However, in the context of our passage today, awesome fear is a good thing. The Fear of the Lord here is used as a designation of true righteousness.  It is a fear brought together with love and hope, and is therefore not an oppressive dread, but rather obedient respect or awe inspired by the glory, and character of God.  It is not a fear that causes us to shrink away but draws us near to bow down before Him with hearts of praise and adoration.  The promise here?  God will multiply your days and add years to your life.  We do not know how many years, but that is what He has promised.  

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July 10 – Guarding Heart and Mind

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

This promise is for believers who in prayer present their requests to God about things which would otherwise cause anxiety, worry, and distress. The promise is that God will respond by granting His peace.  This verse tells us how God  helps us deal with problems in our lives.  So we take them to God in prayer making our requests and giving our thanksgiving.  In return we receive peace.  It is a peace that we may not understand and others may not comprehend.  It is the Peace of God and it guards our hearts and our minds against worry and distress.  It guards us against giving up when we think circumstances are too great for us to bear – we just want out.  But God give us His peace and that settles our minds and our hearts as we believe His promise.  We pray about it.  We verbalize our requests. We present them to God with thanksgiving. He gives us a peace beyond comprehension but it is real, it's His Peace. 

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February 19 – Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding

“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  Proverbs 2:6 (NASB)

Our God is unlike every non-god which is worshiped for He is the only true and living God.  We have a wise Father in heaven who knows all things and who seeks us out and is willing to share with us, His people, His knowledge and His understanding.  God the Father is not unreachable and detached waiting to catch us failing to do some presumed required thing.  No, the Lord our God is eager to give wisdom to His children, His people.  When we read His word, we learn the knowledge and understanding He has made available to us.  Over the centuries from the beginning, God has spoken to those He has chosen to receive these words and they were recorded for all  who believe.  That is what our Bible is for us.  We can rejoice in the promise that what God has spoken from His mouth and is recorded is for our benefit.  Take His words today with assurance in this promise, He gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding to all who seek it.  

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February 2 – Not Our Understanding But His

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6  (NASB)

A favorite verse for many and one we might see on plaques and wall hangings.  It teaches us that it is possible to have our God show us how to live in this world.  It seems these days that having a focus on who is guiding us is very important.  The Bible reminds us that our Lord is ready to guide us and our verses today tell us what we need to do to be sure we are on the path He is guiding us to.  We are reminded not to think that we know how to live right.  We must always be relying on the Lord to help us make the right decisions.  If we recognize His concern for our welfare and for our right kind of living and we look to Him always to guide us our verses remind us that our paths will then always be straight.  Then we will always please Him.  

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