Posts Tagged ‘wisdom’

Busting the Myths About the Bible

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

‘The Bible’s nothin’ more than an old-fashioned book,” some people say. “A book filled with rules designed to steal all our fun.”

Others say, “The Bible’s merely a collection of fairy tales. Who in their right mind could ever really believe the story about Noah building an ark and filling it with animals two-by-two?”

Some regard the Bible as a holy book and treat it with reverence although they neither read nor apply it. Simply having a copy in their possession somehow makes them feel safe, or like a moral, upright person.

I beg to differ from all of the above.

The Bible is God’s word to mankind. It’s written to protect us, to warn, to encourage, and to develop intimacy between Creator and created. Some people might find its words harsh, but oddly enough, the same folks find solace there in times of sorrow. Who isn’t familiar with Psalm 23—“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”?

The Bible contains answers for every issue we face. Its words give us direction for healthy marriages, parenting, finances, and priorities. It’s all there. We just need to read it and then apply its principles.

These Scriptures popped off the page at me today:

“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living…the laws of the LORD are true: each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest fold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them” (Psalm 19:7-11 NLT).

These words describe the Bible I cherish. Its words revive me when I’m feeling weary and beat-up on the inside. They give me wisdom. They bring joy, and they teach me how to live. They mean more than all the money in the world to me, and when I do what they say, they reward me with peace.

The Bible’s isn’t an old-fashioned book written to rob me of pleasure. Rather, it gives me pleasure. It gives me answers, and it gives me an insight into God’s way of thinking. When I do life His way, I will prosper. Neglecting it would be foolhardy.

What do you think about the Bible?

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Jesus Prays for Me and You!

Monday, November 7th, 2011

Hebrews 7:25 encourages me, especially on days when I’m frustrated, discouraged, or doubt-filled. It says, “Therefore he (Jesus) is able once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

Why does this verse encourage me? Because it assures me that Jesus is praying for moi! How sweet is that? How powerful is that?

My hunch is that Jesus prays a lot more than, “God, please bless Grace today.” If I could hear Him pray on my behalf, I might hear requests such as…

  • “Please grant her a hunger and thirst for righteousness.”
  • “Please cause her to seek for wisdom as for hidden treasures.”
  • “Please cause her to love You with all her heart, soul, mind and strength.”
  • “Please enable her to love mercy, do justly, and walk humbly with You, her God.”
  • “When she feels anxious, remind her that You are her Shepherd and will provide everything she needs.”

In all honesty, until now I’ve never really thought about what Jesus prays for me day in and day out. I’ve found this an enlightening exercise. Exciting, too. Think about it—with Jesus interceding on my behalf, I have no reason to fear or fail or flounder. He’s pullin’ for me. What more do I need to face life with hope?

If you’ve come to God through Jesus, then He’s praying for you, too. What do you think He’s asking on your behalf? Complete this sentence: I think Jesus is asking that I will ______________________.

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There’s Something Different about You

Friday, January 21st, 2011

A girlfriend and I were sitting at my kitchen table, talking about recent challenges our families had experienced and how we’d handled them. Conversation paused for a moment, and then she said, “There’s something different about you. What is it?”

I felt like a dream had come true. Her question was one I’d always wanted to hear for it provided a natural invitation to talk about having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Scripture says believers are to be like salt, creating spiritual thirst in unbelievers’ lives. We’re also to shine as lights in the midst of the darkness around us. This happens when we walk in right relationship with Jesus, reading and obeying His Word and allowing Him to conform us to His image. It occurs when we respond to negative situations with peace and show compassion to those who hurt. It happens when we show kindness to those who treat us unfairly and when we walk in integrity even when no one’s watching. When we reflect Christ’s attitudes and actions, others notice a difference.

Joseph’s life caused others to see a difference and ask questions, too. His wisdom and God-given ability to interpret dreams raised Pharaoh’s curiosity. At one point, Pharaoh turned to his officials and asked, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38). What an incredible testimony to Joseph’s example!

How do others view us? Do they see a difference in us? When they look at our lives, do they recognize that we’re filled with the spirit of God? I pray so!

If unbelievers see no difference in our lives, then we’d best ask God to show us what needs to change. Let’s pray that He’ll work in us so others will thirst for Jesus.

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What does Wisdom Look Like?

Friday, November 19th, 2010

When my kids were toddlers, I began praying that God would grant them wisdom beyond their years. My desire was for them to succeed in every aspect of their lives, and I believed possessing wisdom would be vital to that success becoming reality.

More than two decades have passed, and I still believe the same is true. I also understand more about wisdom and what it looks like. Here are some character qualities that wise men and women exhibit, based on James 3:13-17:

  • An understanding of God’s ways
  • An honorable lifestyle
  • A desire to do good works
  • Humility
  • Purity
  • Peace loving
  • Gentleness at all times
  • Willingness to yield to others
  • Full of mercy
  • Sincerity

Who wouldn’t want those characteristics to be true of one’s family members? Imagine the heartache that could be diverted and the harmony that could be enjoyed if everyone possessed these qualities. And then there’s the flip side….

What character qualities do wise men and women not possess?

  • Jealousy
  • Selfish ambition
  • Boasting
  • Lying

Interestingly, Scripture says outright that “jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom” (v. 15). It even says “such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.” Dem’s strong words! And they increase my motivation to pray for my family—that they’ll run from any hint of those behaviors and attitudes and pursue godly wisdom instead.

How about you? What insights do you have about wisdom? How can you turn these thoughts about wisdom into prayers for your kids and grandkids?

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Behind the Scenes

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

My last blog talked about God’s active involvement in our lives. Personally, I find huge encouragement in knowing He’s at work behind the visible scenes and is in control of every detail. My challenge comes in remembering (and appreciating) that truth when life seems topsy-turvy.

I wonder if that’s how Joseph felt when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers and then imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. As he sat in stocks and chains, did he feel like God had abandoned him? Did he feel forgotten? Abused? Perhaps. But even so, his emotions and doubts could not alter the truth of God’s presence in, and control over, his life.

Acts 7: 9,10 say, “But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace.” Circumstances might have caused Joseph to wonder if God truly cared about him or if He even existed. But Scripture leaves no doubt – God was at work behind the visible scenes. He was present in every moment, and His purposes could not be thwarted.

How’s your life lookin’ today? A wee bit topsy-turvy? If so, remember the truth and cling to it. God is at work behind the scenes. He’s with you and is in control over every detail. Nothing escapes His notice. He’s dealing with an eternal timeline, and His perspective is far beyond our finite understanding.

How have you seen this truth at work in your life?

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