CHOOSE WISDOM!

 

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

 

CHOOSE WISDOM!

 

James 1:5

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; [without faultfinding] and it shall be given him. KJV

 

1 Kings 3:7-10

7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. KJV

 

          Solomon said “I am small, a little child, and the task is great. I am so baffled by it that I don’t know what to decide or how. I see the door, but am I entering or exiting?”  The heart-cry of the wise hearted is to be wiser yet. The desire of fools is for God to stand aside and let them press ahead in their foolishness.

 

          It is hard to lead someone who sees you as inept. They think themselves to have a superior knowledge and ability. This person will not learn and can not learn. The narcissist stumbles often because he is always looking at perfection in the mirror. He is never able to see any wisdom or beauty in another, therefore he is often disappointed.

 

Prov 9:8-10

8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. KJV

 

Dear Lord, of David’s sons, let me be more like Solomon than Absalom. AMEN

A LITTLE CLOUD

 

Monday, February 27, 2023

 

A LITTLE CLOUD

 

1 Kings 18:41-45

41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,

43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.

44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. KJV

 

          Elijah had predicted three years before that there would be no rain unless he said there would be. Now Elijah predicts that rain, heavy rain, was coming soon. Then he prayed. This is the reverse of common logic which would be to pray first and then give your prophecy.

 

          Elijah’s servants ran to the sea and noticed a small cloud the size of a man’s hand, but this cloud was the beginning of a rain that would flood the fords and make travel difficult. These rains would be as troublesome to Ahab as was the drought. Often the nature of God’s actions is misunderstood.

 

          Because God doesn’t punish sin immediately, the sinner may think that he has God’s permission and approval. Perhaps a “prophet” may warn of the consequences of sin, but the sinner sees it as a small and negligible thing, so he ignores the warning and continues on his way only to be trapped by the rains of a little cloud.

 

Eccl 8:11

11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. KJV

 

Dear Lord, give me the good sense to see your warnings and the better sense to repent of evil. AMEN

IS THERE ANY WORD FROM THE LORD?

 

Sunday, February 26, 2023

 

IS THERE ANY WORD FROM THE LORD?

 

Jer 37:17

17 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon. KJV

 

          Things were bad, very bad. The Armies of Babylon had besieged the city of Jerusalem even though most of the prophets had predicted safety. Jeremiah, on the other hand, had predicted the attack from Babylon. This made Jeremiah so unpopular that he was put in prison.

 

          The prison was a nearly dry cistern with silt and mud at the bottom. It was there that Jeremiah was supposed to rethink his prophecies against Israel and return with a more pleasant outlook. However, when Jeremiah was removed from the prison, he stubbornly, or rather faithfully, maintained his previous prophecy.

 

          “Is there any word from the Lord” is the heart cry of those who are besieged by the troubles that the world provides. Remember, when you enter church today, that this is your need, and this is the calling of your pastor. It is to tell you the truth that you might properly prepare yourself and perhaps forestall that trouble by repentance.

 

Prov 22:3

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. KJV

 

Lord, thank you for faithful preachers who tell the truth. AMEN

NOT KNOWING!

 

Saturday, February 25, 2023

 

NOT KNOWING!

 

Acts 20:22-24

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

 

Heb 11:8-10

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

 

          The phrase “not knowing” is found seven times in the Bible. A few times it refers to someone’s ignorance or confusion but these two times it refers to a life lived by faith. In the book of Acts, Paul felt very strongly that he should travel to Jerusalem. His friends tried to warn him that persecution, prison and possible death awaited him there. It should have been strong motivation not to go but Paul was driven by a desire to complete the assignments given to him by the Lord.

 

          Abraham was “called” to go out, but the destination was uncertain. Not knowing, he had a choice to make. He could either go or not. He could obey or not. He could trust or not. I find it very interesting that Abraham did not only sojourn TO but IN the land of promise. Wherever he went, whatever the circumstance, God was there with him leading him not only step by step but inch by inch. He did not know – could not know – but God knew and that was enough.

 

         Because we want to know, often we do not feel led but abducted by God! Often, He kicks over our comfortable habitat and scatters our pleasant things so that we will no longer want to stay where we have been for a long time been. We are then cast upon a journey to a place where God always wanted us to be. What we thought was a destination was only a pleasant oasis. Now it is time to saddle the camels and ride. It is not always fun not knowing.

 

Ps 32:8

8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

 

Dear Lord, because my eyes are sometimes blurred by tears, please lead me with your own eyes. Thank you. AMEN

THE TROUBLE WITH TROUBLE

 

Friday, February 24, 2023

 

THE TROUBLE WITH TROUBLE

 

1 Cor 11:27-30

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. KJV

 

          The trouble with trouble is that we usually can not determine its cause. Are we the victim of some evil force against us? Is the cause simply a general difficulty because we live in a difficult world at a difficult time? Did we do something or forget to do something that upset the Lord?

 

          I hesitated to wade into the deep waters of the above verses. Verse 30 is particularly troubling. It suggests that when trouble increases in quantity we should pay close attention. Liked Balaam on his beast of burden, (See Numbers 22) we may not see the restraining angel ahead.

 

          A careful study reveals that the sin in our Bible portion is the casual, literally irreverent manner of our worship. The Greek word for “unworthily” is anaxios which means irreverently, without proper respect.

 

          The result of irreverence is weakness. When Paul said, “many are weak,” he used the Greek asthenes which means “without strength, literally, figuratively, and morally.” It is sometimes why programs and efforts fail. The word “sickly” is the Greek arrhostos meaning infirm. The word “discern” is the Greek diakrino which curiously means “to discriminate and to withdraw.”

 

          Paul saw in the Corinthian church an abnormal amount of wasted effort, physical sickness, and death. He boldly suggested that this was caused by irreverence. Perhaps Paul was remembering the irreverent worship mentioned in Malachi.

 

Mal 1:12-13

12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.

13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. KJV

 

Dear Lord, let us deeply consider how we worship. AMEN

HE SEES OUR STRUGGLE!

 

Thursday, February 23, 2023

 

HE SEES OUR STRUGGLE!

 

Mark 6:45-51

45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

 

          This is one of my favorite portions of Scripture! It is full of instruction regarding our struggle in this world and our relationship to Jesus. Let’s highlight a few things this morning.

 

          This difficult voyage began as an act of obedience! The word “constrained” is the Greek anagkazo and means “to necessitate.” It was a command. Just because you are obedient does not guarantee a trouble-free journey. In fact, obedience can set off a torrent of opposition and trouble. The answer is not disobedience.

 

          Obeying God is sometimes inconvenient! The fourth watch, by Roman reckoning, is from 3am to 6am. These would be the hours the body and mind should be resting – not rowing.

 

          Jesus observes our struggles! “He saw them toiling!” I believe this is the only time the word “toiling” appears in the Bible! It is not sin to struggle. It is not a sign that God has left you alone. It is a sign that you are moving in a direction in opposition to the current. That lonely feeling is a desire for God to bring peace. He’s watching. Never forget that.

 

          Jesus may allow you to struggle for a while! “He would have passed by them!”  At first glance this seems cruel, but it was meant to encourage them. He was not going to ignore them but to show himself to them. As you struggle watch for signs of God.

 

          Nothing happened until they saw Jesus! Jesus observed them in their struggles, but nothing changed until they saw Him. Nothing happened until they cried out! They thought Jesus was a ghost, a phantasma, walking on the water. Perhaps the spirit of some poor sailor lost in such a storm as they were in. Their terror was not at seeing Jesus but in misunderstanding what they were seeing. Ignorance is terrifying.

 

          Jesus spoke immediately! Verse 50 says: “And immediately He talked with them.” He did not return the shout! He spoke what I think were soothing words. “Calm down boys. Everything will be alright. Quit screaming like a bunch of girls.” Well, maybe not those exact words, but something that would have calmed them and given them courage.

 

          Jesus identified himself! He said: “It it I; be not afraid.” At some point in your struggle; probably at the point of panic; Jesus will identify himself to you. You will be convinced at His presence. You will know it will be alright even as the wind continues to blow.

 

          Jesus joined them! He went up into the ship. The result was that the wind settled down and the sea became calm. The disciples were completely amazed. The word “wondered” actually means “to admire.” The result of all their struggles was that Jesus was elevated in their opinion. They had suffered no loss or damage, but Jesus had become larger than life. Let this be the end result of all your struggles today.

 

Dear Jesus, reveal yourself to all those who struggle today and relieve them. AMEN

THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD!

 

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

 

THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD!

 

Matt 10:30

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

 

          Providence is defined as divine guidance or care. It acknowledges that God is active in the affairs of men. It literally means foresight but is generally used to denote God’s preserving and governing all things by means of secondary causes. The Greek word pronoia means “to know beforehand” and, as it relates to God, indicates that to know moves Him to act in concord with His nature. Ps 34:10 says: The young lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

 

          Now, about that hair, it is a little thread made up of many parts. It has a root, a stem, a vein, and more. Every part of it is known by the Heavenly Father. God is the God of small and insignificant things. He catalogs all my parts and knows all my thoughts. If He were an enemy, I could not escape his pursuit and avenging anger but since He is a friend I will never lack His protection and abundant care. There is a difference between fate and providence. Fate is blind; providence has eyes!

 

Rom 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

Dear Lord, it is enough for me to know that you know me and that you care for my needs. Thank you for so many daily gifts of Providence. AMEN

DEFINITION OF “FROWARD”

 

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

 

DEFINITION OF “FROWARD”

 

Prov 16:28

28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. KJV

 

          The old English word “froward” can be found in the King James Version 21 times in 20 verses. I’m sure the folks in yonder times understood it well, but we stumble over it and often get it wrong. Yet we probably are acquainted with some of these folks.

 

          The etymology of the word springs from a cape in southern Chile on the Strait of Magellan. Evidently it faces against the wind. So, a froward man faces against the flow. Hence, the idea of being obstinate and hard to deal with.

 

          The Biblical meaning adds a spiritual and moral element. It is elsewhere translated “perverse.” The English Standard Version uses the word “dishonest.” The fact that “froward” is translated in so many different ways only points out the difficulty it presents in understanding. Yet, we FEEL it more than understand it.

 

          The word perverse, as it is often used, has the idea of turning from or turning away. A perverse man is unwilling to comply with what is required. Not only does he cut corners, but he is predisposed to doing the bare minimum. He is ungovernable because he despises authority. This also defines the word refractory which is unmanageable. Deuteronomy 32:20 speaks of a “froward generation, children in whom is no faith.”

 

          There is reported to be a new REVIVAL at Asbury College. Though some are skeptical, we pray that it is real, biblically based, and Holy Spirit empowered. We shall surely see in time.

 

2 Sam 22:27

27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury. KJV

 

Ah, Lord God. Let me not become froward. Let me yield to what is right. AMEN

NOT TO CHOOSE IS TO CHOOSE.

 

Monday, February 20, 2023

 

NOT TO CHOOSE IS TO CHOOSE.

 

1 Kings 18:21

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. KJV

 

Rom 6:16

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? KJV

 

          I tend to over-think a problem. The problem with indecision is that it literally becomes a choice. That choice is to endure the status quo. It is seldom, if ever, the best choice.

 

          Let me tell you a true story. Many years ago, I was visiting my sister in Ohio. At that time, she and her husband were active in a local church, so we attended mid-week church with them. As luck would have it, we were present at one of their business meetings. It was summertime and the church needed to purchase a weed trimmer.

 

           One man stood and said that they should buy an electric trimmer. It was his opinion that this would offer less maintenance and ease of handling. Across the room, another man stood and countered that an electric trimmer would require a huge length of cord and suggested that they buy a gasoline powered trimmer. Immediately the group was divided. Ultimately, they DID CHOOSE. They chose to table the decision until the next meeting. Meanwhile, THE GRASS CONTINUED TO GROW.

 

          Indecision can be agonizing to the undecided, but it can also bring agony to others who will be impacted by our choice … whatever it is. There was an old 1970s TV show called “Kung Fu.” The main character was an oriental man named Kwai Chang Caine who was wandering through the American west. He was adept at martial arts and his teacher, Master Po, could be heard warning him to “choose wisely, grasshopper.” If I could add anything to Master Po’s advice, it would be this. “Choose wisely grasshopper – but you must choose.”

 

Dear Lord, guide me toward right choices so that I and those who follow me will not suffer a poor choice. AMEN