Gratitude in Action

November 22, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Ho, Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters, And you who have no money, Come, buy, and eat.

Yes come, buy wine, and milk, without money and without price.” lsaiah 55:1 (NKJV)

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving 2017, it is an appropriate time to consider not only what we are thankful for but also, how we show our thankfulness? ln other words, how will we express our gratitude? American writer, Gertrude Stein, offers this view of gratitude: “Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.” I agree! Therefore, I challenge you to move beyond quiet thankfulness to Christ-activated gratitude.

Gratitude is a noun that expresses the quality of being thankful and showing readiness to return kindness. This Thanksgiving, we will reflect on many kindnesses shown to our families and to us individually. As Christ-followers, we are morally obligated to return those acts of kindnesses to others. These opportunities may come to us through individual requests or through needs we personally have identified. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

Gratitude has also been described as a kindness awakened by a favor received. God has given us great favor. ln Isaiah 55, God is inviting sinners to come and receive the abundant gift of eternal life that is only possible through acceptance of Him. The sinner is encouraged to seek the Lord while He may be found-to call upon Him while He is near (verse 6). This invitation is a reflection of God’s love and kindness toward sinner man.

Even today, God invites us to “come, buy, and eat without money and without price.” What God offers is not physical provision for the body (water, wine, and milk) but eternal nourishment for the soul. God’s favor of salvation should awaken kindness within us (2 Peter 1.5, 7) that will result in compassion for others.

Hunger and homelessness are destroying our communities; hopelessness and despair are stealing the dreams of our nation. This holiday, search for opportunities to “give the gift that keeps on giving”—human kindness. This year instead of giving clothing, gift cards, or electronics, give the gift of gratitude in action.

SELAH: What is standing in the way of you showing “gratitude in action”? Read and meditate on Luke 17: 11-19 to help you express gratitude in action.

Advent/Christmas

The Power of Relationship

November 14, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)

Many of you have asked “the source” of inspiration for the weekly WordBytes. Interestingly, many come as a result of simply observing life and the things that God calls to my attention. This week I received an unexpected thank you card from a young lady whom I have the privilege of mentoring. The thank you note was “unexpected” in that I consider my time with her more beneficial to me as I observe her daunting resiliency to life’s interruptions. She signed her name to the card with the addition of this week’s scripture, Proverbs 17:17. Voile! This week’s WordBytes—“The Power of Relationship.”

God has built us for relationship. During Creation, the LORD God observed, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” (Gen. 2:18, RSV) Therein enters Eve; man in relationship with woman.

The Garden of Eden was the meeting place for God and His creation, Adam and Eve. There they walked and talked with one another. Imagine the conversations they must have had; man in relationship with the Creator of the Universe. Then sin entered the scene. Their relationship was broken. Adam and his wife were expelled from the Garden. Their relationship became strained.

In relationship we experience true joy that enables us to manage both painful and difficult situations. In relationship, we find not only a “friendly ear” but also the resources we need to pull us out of our “personal ditches.” We find the confidence we need to “trust our heart.” In relationship, we experience the courage to “overcome our fears.” Solomon captures the power of relationship in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

As we prepare for the holidays, let us reflect on the power of relationship. Many of us minimize the importance of relationship in our lives. It is in meaningful relationship that we can experience true joy. Seek out those who need support and encouragement to live in these difficult times. Extend your love and kindness to those who may be laboring under extreme emotional strain. Lend financial support to those who may just need “a break”. Relationships, whether they are family or friends, are the best investment of your time, talent, and resources. If your relationship with a friend or family is broken or strained, let the holidays be your excuse to reconcile. Get back into relationship!

SELAH: Ask Jesus to show you those relationships He wants you to establish (or re-establish) this holiday season.

Spiritual Endurance

Faith to Persevere: The Application

October 10, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth.”

Hebrews 11:13 (NRS)

All the Faith Hall of Famers “died in faith” not having received the promises but having seen them afar were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Heb. 11:13). The word “promises” in this text from Hebrews speaks specifically to the promised Messiah and their future heavenly inheritance.

As “partakers of God’s glory”, we have begun to receive the promises of God on “this side” of eternity (2 Pet. 1.3-11) with the glorious assurance of eternal life on “the other side.” Informed with that knowledge of God (2 Cor. 4.6) and empowered by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we can move forward with that which God has set before us “being fully persuaded, that what He (God) had promised, He is able also to perform (Rom. 4:21).

Here are three (3) key principles we can adopt from the Faith Hall of Famers to develop persevering faith.

We must believe that He who promises is faithful. This requires that we know Him “personally”. Our schedule should include daily communion and fellowship with Him to better understand His will and His ways (Col. 1:9; Rom. 8:27). Would you put your life in the hands of someone you don’t know personally? Our confidence comes from knowing Him (Deut. 33:12).

We must understand His promises for our life. This is not only those promises we want for ourselves but those He has designated in His Word for us. Some scholars have cited 365 promises of God for His people—one for every day of the year. All the promises of God are “yes and amen” (2 Cor. 1:20).

We must look past our experience here on earth. While we acknowledge our presence on “planet earth”, we must remind ourselves daily that we are “pilgrims” traveling through this temporary period called “time”. “Seeing afar of” requires visual acuity beyond our natural sight resulting in seeing beyond what we can see. (1 Cor. 2:14-16).

I close with these words from Oswald Chambers concerning faith that perseveres:

Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do—He reveals to you who He is. Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him. Then think how unnecessary and disrespectful worry is! Let the attitude of your life be a continual willingness to “go out” in dependence upon God, and your life will have a sacred and inexpressible charm about it that is very satisfying to Jesus. You must learn to “go out” through your convictions, creeds, or experiences until you come to the point in your faith where there is nothing between yourself and God.

SELAH: Meditate on Hebrews 11:13 and then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what holds you to this earth and unable to “see afar off”.

Spiritual Endurance

Faith to Persevere

October 3, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off,

and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and

confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Hebrews 11:13 (NKJ)

To persevere requires one to continue despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement. This requires not only spiritual power but also faith. Our friends and family try to reassure us by telling us to “hang in there” or “tough it out” but unfortunately, encouraging words do not always succeed in moving us forward.

That is where “persevering faith” comes in. Not “saving faith” that we associate with our initial salvation, but the ability to see through difficulties and press forward for the prize (Phil. 3:14). I’m talking about “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Faith that perseveres looks to the future and visualize the promises of God, in all their fullness. It was this “forward looking faith” that helped the Faith Hall of Famers to persevere.

“Having seen the promises afar off.” The word “promises” is a metonymy—a figure of speech in which one word is substituted for another with which it is closely associated. The word “promises” is a metonymy for the “things promised.” Literally, the Faith Hall of Famers “had received” their individual promises—whether it be deliverance from destruction, children to a barren couple, or a future homeland (vv. 10, 14,16). The “things promised” were the spiritual blessings of the Gospel dispensation and the future heavenly inheritance. Each one died in the firm expectation of the promised Messiah and in believing views of the heavenly glory. In their “mind’s eye”, they had an inner awareness of what the promises meant—in all their “fullness.”

“were persuaded of them, and embraced them.” To be “persuaded” means to convince someone to believe something and to act on the basis of what is recommended. In this case, it is God who provided the promises. The Hall of Famers confidently believed based on the veracity of God. To “embrace” means to salute or greet. Based on God’s assurance, they “eagerly welcomed” (versus acquiesced to) their destiny. They moved forward with full confidence.

“confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” To “confess” implies expressing openly one’s allegiance to a proposition or person. The Faith Hall of Famers desired more than this world had to offer, especially after seeing the promises afar off. They fixed their eyes on those things which are above where Christ is seated (Col. 3:1). If they regarded themselves daily as earthlings, they would not have retained the vision of faith and may have been tempted to turn back.

The order of the aforementioned verbs teaches us an important practical lesson on developing persevering faith. First, we must envision the promises of God. Then, based on the Giver of the promises, we confidently accept, believe, and rest on the reliability of God’s word. It is here that our faith becomes grounded. Lastly, faith “sees” with understanding, is “persuaded” in the heart and “embraced” by the will.

In a society where instant gratification is the norm, faith that perseveres requires a daily commitment to “forward looking” faith. This letter to the Hebrews was to press upon them and us, the critical need for a faith that would last, wear, overcome obstacles, and endure until the end. Like the Faith Hall of Famers, the eyes of our heart must see the blessings God has promised and be persuaded that in due season, they will be ours. We are to joyfully anticipate our future as opposed to present advantages. Faith that perseveres single-mindedly looks to the future with an eye on the Provider who “according to His divine power has given us exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Pet. 1:3, 4).

SELAH: Ask God to share with you His plan for helping you to persevere in your faith. What does God want you to “see” with your understanding, be “persuaded” in your heart, and “embrace” in your will?

Spiritual Endurance

Power to Persevere

September 26, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)

If you were to ask me what character trait is critical for spiritual growth and maturity, I would answer, “perseverance”; and if you were to then ask me which character trait is the most difficult to master, I would answer again, “perseverance.” Webster defined perseverance as the “act of continued, patient effort.” While many preachers and teachers typically stress the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as traits worth nurturing, I’d like to spend time exploring a spiritual trait which also merits attention–perseverance.

The term perseverance communicates the idea of overcoming, energetic resistance, steadfastness under pressure, and endurance in the face of trial. To persevere means to be “constantly diligent and persistent”. Perseverance requires us to push through our pain and fear even when the challenge is daunting and difficult. It is more than “stick-to-it-ness” and calls for the believer to see past the current barrier, temptation, or persecution (1 Cor. 4:17-18).

Spiritual perseverance has its basis in two realities: (1) our hope and (2) the Holy Spirit. Our hope is based on confidence in God’s goodness and care–a sense that God loves us (Psalms 63:3) and that “He that began a good work in us is able to perform it (Phil.1:6). The Holy Spirit is critical in cultivating spiritual perseverance. Through His power and presence, we develop courage and boldness to overcome persecution and temptations (Acts 4:31). The Holy Spirit stands ready to empower us to meet the challenges we face (1 John 4:4). It is in His power that we are able to remain faithful to Lord and Savior in the midst of temptation and persecution (Rom. 14:4).

Stand firm on the hope of glory. Energetically serve God. Resist and overcome sin. Call upon the power of the Holy Spirit to help you live a life of personal holiness and service. Be diligent and steadfast in your walk of faith. You have the power to persevere.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:

for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life,

which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1: 12

SELAH: Even the Apostle Paul had to learn to persevere. Read his prayer found in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal key areas in your life in which you need more power to persevere.

Spiritual Endurance

You Know Better!

September 12, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,

bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV)

I was a very mischievous child and admit that every spanking I received was painstakingly earned. But as I grew older, my mother transitioned me to a different technique for shaping my behavior. I call it “verbal recounting”. After recounting my infraction to me, she would retort, “you know better!” In her statement, she was reminding me of prior knowledge I had received and how I should have conducted myself. Paul reminded believers in Corinth that they too were to “know better” as they responded to spiritual pressure from the “prince of the air” (Ep. 2:2).

In our text today Paul is dealing specifically with spiritual warfare. The motif of the Christian life as warfare is a common one (Ep. 6:10-18; 1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 4:7). Strongholds would be understandable to the Corinthians since Corinth had a fortress in which its residents could take refuge. Arguments and high thoughts represented barriers and barricades men used against God and the Gospel to maintain their sinful lives and influence.

As believers in Christ, we must recognize that we are at war with Satan and our battlefield is our current sphere of influence. Our chief enemy, Satan, comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10)—to kill human life and spirit by addiction, brokenness, and bondage; to steal the single-mindedness of family through infidelity, enmity between parents, and the redefinition of marriage. He comes to destroy moral and social order by elevating individual selfishness, indulgent living, and greed. Only “knowledge of God” (versus human tactics) can bring down and thoroughly demolish Satan’s kingdom.

To discount Satan’s activities in the 21^st century is as fatal as walking down the middle of a busy highway blindfolded. Satan’s strategy for defeating God’s beloved creature (Col. 3:12) is dependent on our disbelief in his reality. While we must take responsibility for our personal sins, Satan is intent on minimizing his role in our sinful behavior. He is determined to “stay under the radar” like a stealth bomber on a mission to search and destroy.

“Knowledge” signifies to understand completely. By understanding completely who God is, His truth and His grace, Satan’s fortresses will fall. It is in the knowledge of God, His power and His presence, that those trapped inside damning lies can be set free. As believers we can move forward with great confidence knowing that He that is within us is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). We dwell in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit (1 John 4:13). We need never to feel defeated or distressed. We can claim victory over Satan because we know better!

SELAH: Is there an area of your life where Satan has established a spiritual stronghold—an area which stops you from walking in the fullness of God’s will and blessings? Get in a quiet place with Jesus and ask Him what He wants you to “know” about Him that will set you free. Find a Bible verse that reinforces what Jesus says to you.

Spiritual Endurance

Spiritual Failures

September 5, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:72 (NIV)

One of the most difficult things for believers to do is to recover from spiritual failure. Instead of asking for forgiveness, repenting, and then moving forward, followers of Christ are tempted to simply give up and continue in their pattern of sin. What believers need to do instead is to exercise more “personal compassion”. Personal compassion is the practice of forgiving ourselves and acknowledging our “humanity.” In a society where human error is deemed inexcusable, personal compassion moves beyond the actual mistake and begins to mitigate the negative emotions that follow them—this includes regret, shame, and guilt. Once that occurs, the believer can be restored and continue their faith walk. Our text found in the Gospel of Mark, shares a familiar recounting of Peter’s spiritual failure prior to the crucifixion of Jesus (Mark 14:66-72).

Peter finds himself in a precarious position as he observes from a distance the trial of Jesus after being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Interestingly, none of the other disciples were mentioned in this denial account—only Peter. Peter was part of Christ’s inner circle with James and John. He had experienced special moments with Christ—the transfiguration and walking on water—and was privy to key revelations about Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the promised Messiah. After the feeding of the 5,000, it was Peter who proclaimed that Jesus was the true source of eternal life (John 6:69). It was because of Peter’s confession of faith that he would become the “foundational rock” (petra) on which the universal Church would be built (Matt. 16:18-19) versus a “piece of the building” (petros). So what happened to Peter in the courtyard that caused him to disassociate himself from Jesus?

It is easy to be critical of Peter because of our “unsympathetic bentness” from decades of Bible classes, Sunday school lessons, and Good Friday sermons. But instead of condemnation, try-on a more compassionate approach. Imagine what Peter felt that night? What emotions did he experience in that courtyard? Anger, fear, and confusion were probably racing through his mind. Jesus had been arrested and now people around him were questioning, “Weren’t you with that Nazarene Jesus?” The young girl challenged him, “This is one of them.” They gathered around Peter, “You’re one of them because you talk like a Galilean!” (Mark 14:67-70) Peter had never been in a situation like this so how did he respond? “I know not…I am not…I don’t know what you’re talking about.” As he made his final denial, the cock crowed and he remembered the words of Jesus, “You shall deny me.” What was Peter’s reaction? He collapsed in tears. His emotions vacillated between regret, shame, and guilt. Peter responded in the only way he knew how—in his humanity. How would you have responded?

If we are honest, we will admit that like Peter, we might experience “spiritual failure”. While we may not be in a palace courtyard, we may experience spiritual failure in the corporate boardroom, when we “support” policies or practices that are outside Christian conduct. We might deny Christ when we “quietly accept” ideas put forth that are contrary to God’s will and Jesus’ teachings, i.e., all religions lead to heaven. We may even “curse” others when we fail to stand firm in our profession of faith and instead follow what’s “politically correct.” God has warned us (much like the crowing cock) that we too may be tempted to “deny” our Lord. Our identification with Christ’s comes with consequences. We must remember who we are and whose we are. Expect to be challenged! (John 15:18)

So what is the invitation God is offering us in this account of Peter’s denial? First, this narrative invites us to understand our humanity with its frailties and weaknesses. We should acknowledge the potential for spiritual failure (1 Cor. 10:12) knowing that God uses our failures to strengthen and shape us (James 1:2-4). Second, it is critical that we recognize the source of our strength is the Lord—His Word (Ps. 19:11) and His indwelling Holy Spirit (Ep. 3:16). Peter made the mistake of depending on his own personal commitment (Mark 14:29) rather than Jesus’ words to him (Luke 22:31-32; Mark 14:30). Lastly, and most importantly, we must exercise personal compassion if and when we fail. Peter’s denial of Jesus was the beginning not the end of his becoming the promised “Rock.” Jesus restored Peter after the Resurrection (John 21:15-19) and greatly used Him at Pentecost (Acts 2) and beyond. God alone is both able and willing to restore us after our spiritual failures. Let the Lover of your soul restore it (Ps. 23:5).

SELAH: Read the account of Peter’s denial in Luke 22:54-62. Imagine yourself to be Peter and write down the emotions you might feel. Then ask God to reveal the places where you might be spiritually vulnerable and how to avoid it.

Spiritual Discipline

“Will the real wisdom please stand up?”

August 8, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 (NKJ)

Have you ever watched To Tell the Truth? It is a television game show where three people who claim to be someone are questioned by a panel of celebrities. One of them is the real person while the other two are impostors. The panelists take turns questioning the people about their subject and then try to guess which of the three people the “truth teller” is. The program concludes with the contest moderator asking the question, “Will the real ***** please stand up?” While this is a harmless game of deception, James finds no humor in doing the same as we search for the true meaning of wisdom.

James methodically unmasks the wisdom impostor by clearly delineating what is wisdom and what wisdom is not”.

One doesn’t normally think of James as a book of wisdom. While generally grouped in General Epistles, James has, however, been called the Proverbs of the New Testament because it is written in the terse, moralistic style of wisdom literature—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.

Today’s scripture is found in the overall context of how inner faith is demonstrated outwardly by the believer. In this case, godly wisdom should be an extension of the believer’s faith walk. James challenges believers who would claim to be wise to, “SHOW IT!”

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! (James 3:13, NLT)

James shares how wisdom can either result in that which is divine or that which is demonic. He does this by contrasting seven characteristics of human wisdom with seven qualities of divine wisdom.

Human wisdom is described as earthly, unspiritual (sensual), and demonic. Such wisdom spawns jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and every kind of evil (James 3:16). It originates from a heart that is “sin-bent” (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9), flawed with personal bias, and focused on self-gratification. Such wisdom is also subject to fierce temptation by the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

Divine or godly wisdom is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). This type of wisdom (sophia) acknowledges the holy influence of God upon the actions and thoughts of believers. With God as its source (Deut. 4:5-6; James 1:5), wisdom is framed by those attributes demonstrated in His character within His moral qualities of purity, integrity, and love.

We began our series defining godly wisdom as a way of thinking and conduct that is orderly, socially sensitive, and morally upright. It is a way of viewing and approaching life that results in purposeful, God-honoring living (1 Pet. 1:13, 14). Unfortunately, as we look around our city, our nation, and our world, godly wisdom seems to have been abandoned as men and nations do what is “right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25; Prov. 3:7). It is therefore incumbent upon us as believers to demonstrate outwardly the godly wisdom being placed within us as we obediently follow the teachings of God and the leading of His Holy Spirit. Let James’ words become your wisdom battle cry:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13, NIV)

Get Wisdom

August 1, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)

Is wisdom important? When was the last time you complimented friends or family for their wisdom? Has a political candidate ever run on a wisdom platform? As I listen to daily newscasts and assess our current world affairs, I wondered if Jesus views us as “wise” or foolish stewards. Do people, in general, care about wisdom? With that in mind, I input into my search engine, “where is wisdom in the 21^st century?” I was overwhelmed by the number and variances in responses—7.6M to be exact. People do care about wisdom! So with that information in hand, we begin a new series entitled, “Desperately Seeking Wisdom” as we direct our attention to the Source and Sustainer of true wisdom—God.

Why do we need wisdom? Wisdom is particularly important for us in our technological society, where we place a strong emphasis on knowledge. Climate change, social oppression and injustices, political strife, the erosion of truth and trust in our traditional institutions—these are just a sample of the problems our world faces. None of these pressing challenges can be navigated unless tempered with biblical wisdom. Only when one abandons what seems wise by human standards to accept without hesitation the “divine viewpoint” as revealed in Scripture by the Holy Spirit can true wisdom be claimed (1 Cor. 3:19-20) .

What is wisdom? Wisdom is generally defined as knowledge guided by understanding. Knowledge without understanding often results in misunderstandings and errors in judgment. But I would expand that secular definition and say that “godly wisdom” is a way of thinking and conduct that is orderly, socially sensitive, and morally upright. It is a way of viewing and approaching life that results in purposeful, God-honoring living (1 Pet. 1:13, 14). While wisdom may be relatively easy to define it, the real challenge lies in how to acquire it.

How do we gain wisdom? Though wisdom cannot be learned, its development begins with the access of knowledge; it must be honed by experience. We can gain wisdom vicariously through the experiences gleaned from others—seeing how they handle situations similar to ones we may face. For wisdom that can only be gained through experience, we might seek mentors, special “tech” groups, and life coaches, to help guide our decision making and problem solving. These are a few examples of how we hope to gain understanding, insight, and ultimately wisdom. However, the best source of wisdom is God (Prov. 2:5, 9-10,12).

The wise person is one who is sensitive to God and who willingly subjects himself to Him. The wise person is one who goes on to apply divine guidelines in everyday situations and guided by God’s will, makes daily choices. It is only in joining the Lord’s words to experience that wisdom can be found or demonstrated (James 1:23-25).

I like Eugene Petersen’s Message translation of our opening text.

“Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding. Don’t forget one word! Don’t deviate an inch! Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; love her—she keeps her eye on you. Above all and before all, do this Get wisdom!”

SELAH: Meditate on the benefits of wisdom found in Proverbs 4:5-10. Journal how God’s wisdom has benefitted you this past week.

Prayer

Divine Inquiry

May 30, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?”

And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 2 Samuel 5:19

This month we’ve focused on prayer—the intentionality of it (2017 NDP Post Mortem), the consistency of it (Pray without Ceasing) and the responsibility of it (Watch and Pray). We closeout this series with a few insights as to another aspect of prayer that often goes “unpracticed”—divine inquiry.

Divine inquiry is the discipline of going FIRST to the Lord for guidance and direction. It is not a new phenomenon and is detailed in both the Old and New Testament. 2 Samuel 5:17-25 recounts David’s use of divine inquiry in the defeat of the Philistines in the Valley of Rephaim. On two occasions the irksome enemy of Israel was defeated by David. In both instances, David defers to the Lord of Host to determine the best plan of attack. The result was a resounding victory—driving back the Philistines a distance of fifteen (15) miles. Thus friend and foe could see the evidence of God’s protection and power on David and his kingdom.

Although God desires to counsel and guide believers, we have, unfortunately, developed “habits of behavior” that hinder our ability to hear Him clearly. As we move through life, we have, metaphorically, “gotten on the wrong BUS”—a bus that frequently takes us where we really don’t want to go. And what are the results? We miss the good things God has for our lives.

Busyness robs us of both energy and our ability to hear. Busyness most often is the result of wrong priorities. As a rule, we place priority on the things we value. Hearing from God deserves first priority. It’s hard to hear God when you’re multitasking; He gets caught between our thoughts and His voice becomes “muted”.

Unbelief houses all the lies we believe about ourselves and about God. We believe that God speaks to others but not us. We attribute this excuse to “being humble” but in reality we don’t believe that God is (His existence) or God can (His power) or God will (His promises)—so why talk to Him? There is always a “lie” in unbelief.

Self (sin, too) keep us from hearing from God. This happens when “self” (versus God) rules our life—self-righteousness, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, self-promotion. When self is on the “throne of our heart”, God finds no place for Him to sit (except on the outside). Sin separates us from a holy God. When sin dominates our life, God won’t talk or listen (Gen. 17:1). This condition, however, can be corrected (1 John 1:9).

SELAH: Are you on the “BUS”? Meditate on who God is, what God can do, and what God will do just for you.