In the context of our various trials we need wisdom to know how to function in those trials and circumstances; it is available from a giving God, and we are to ask for it (James 1:5). Our need is no different from Israel’s. We need not only the power of God to overwhelm our obvious enemies but also the wisdom of God to detect our subtle enemies. Unfortunately, the church too often craves God’s power while it ignores God’s wisdom. Dale Ralph Davis Psalm 19:7-14 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The […]
Wisdom
270 posts
It is easy to show kindness when your children are respectful and obey quickly with a smile. It is easy to show kindness when they clean the living room without being told. But when they are disrespectful and make a mess instead, being kind seldom enters our minds. But think about this. Suppose God chose to follow our example when he disciplines us for our sinful behavior? I don’t know about you, but that is a thought that terrifies me. Being kind does not mean you don’t discipline or correct. It does not mean you roll over and give your kids control of the house. It does not mean lowering standards. Being kind means that you show God to your […]
All of us are born with a tendency to follow Adam and Eve. “The woman you gave me.” “The serpent deceived me.” Humans have been embellishing and refining our ability to be master excuse makers ever since. Excuses keep us from trusting God, erode our human relationships and weaken our character. The default mode for the excuse maker is to shift blame instead of looking to God in repentance. Repentance brings hope. Excuses result in fear. This how the Holy Spirit describes the difference. “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 Concealing sins, excuse making, will not prosper before God. But repentance yields mercy and the blessing of God. […]
Jesus was on a boat with his disciples. He decided to take a nap. While he was sleeping a fierce storm came up. Waves were crashing over the top of the boat. The disciples feared for their lives so, in a panic, they woke Jesus shouting, “we are going to drown!” Let’s stop the tape. Can you identify with the passengers? It appeared the boat was about to sink and what was Jesus doing, sleeping! The disciples acted as if they didn’t alert their sleeping master he wouldn’t know that they were in danger. At that precise moment they were acting very much like you and me. We somehow think it is our job to let God know what he […]
Obedience is not something I use to gain a reward – obedience itself is my reward. Just as I cannot make myself more acceptable to God by my obedience, neither do I want my children to think that I will be more accepting of them because of their obedience. When children disobey, the solution should not be to do better next time. The solution is to to trust Christ for the strength to do what cannot be done in one’s own strength. Training your children to be obedient is not about getting them to do what you want them to do. It is about teaching them to honor God from their hearts. Biblical obedience acknowledges the weakness of the flesh […]
In the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit has provided you with a guide book for understanding emotions. Biblically, emotions can be thought of as the first responders of the heart. If the heart is good and well-guarded emotions can work for us, not against us. If the heart is not guarded then emotions can bring much damage. This is why Solomon is adamant that the heart be guarded above all else (Proverbs 4:23). The book of Job tells us right away the value of emotions. We read that Job feared the Lord and shunned evil. His strong emotional fear of God protected him from evil. This is the same emotional response that protected Joseph when he […]
God provides constant evidence of his greatness and power. For example, today is the first full day of fall, the beginning of another season. God has promised that these seasons will continue as long as the earth remains. If you live in Australia, today means that warmer weather is on the way. If you live in North America, it is time to get ready for winter. The Lord announces the change of seasons with spectacular outbursts of color. Spring arrives with fresh greens and stunning pastels. Fall is announced by splashes of bold yellows, reds and golds. It is obvious that the Lord delights in color. He specifically designed your brain to recognize the visual beauty that accompanies the Sun’s […]
It is impossible to separate the acceptable worship of God from a deep love of the wisdom of God. Biblical wisdom is more precious than anything, anything that you can desire. If you do not desire God’s wisdom above all else, your worship will be an exercise in self-service. One of the reasons that Christ died is so that his people will walk in newness of life, to walk in the wisdom and commands of God. Thus true worship will lead to a life of loving God’s wisdom.. Failure to love wisdom, is a failure to love God. Proverbs 3:13-15 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better […]
Solomon and the internet I realize that Solomon did not have a web page. He didn’t have a blog. He didn’t tweet. But he can still help you navigate the seas of social media. Parents, here are the three most important things to teach your children about using the internet: Verify, Verify, Verify! In the world of social media, little is as it seems. You and your children must verify that what you read and see is not just a half-truth or a flat-out deception. For example, Proverbs 18:17 says: The first to present his case in a dispute seems right, until his opponent comes and cross examines him. It is too easy to accept texts, tweets, posts, emails, etc., […]
The process of instruction is complete when the truth that is learned begins to protect those who hear it. Proverbs 6:22 defines the goal of biblical parental instruction. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. This passage in Proverbs is the goal of what is commanded in Deuteronomy 6:4-7. Truth is to be passed on from one heart to another heart. The goal of biblical instruction is to have your children own the truth of Scripture for themselves when you are not there to watch over them. Solomon says this truth will adorn those who hear it and live it. The end goal occurs […]