Tag Archives: wisdom

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

August 20, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Everybody’s watching something.

Is it easier access to information or a heightened sense of alert that has us watching what’s happening around us? We rise early and sleep late to hear what’s happening nationally and internationally. Is the cost of living rising or falling?

With the upcoming elections, we are watchful to see what will happen politically as potential candidates jockey for leadership. We are eagerly waiting to see who emerges in the key positions on our favorite sports team.

Watchfulness is something that we all do, but the question is, are we watching the right things? Today we will begin a new series entitled, “Practicing Watchfulness”.

What is watchfulness?

Watchfulness is defined as to attend or to observe someone or something closely; being alert and vigilant. Watchfulness suggests a preparedness in order to avoid being taken unaware by an enemy. It involves fighting carelessness to reach a desired goal.

Scripture offers great insight into watchfulness. In Proverbs 8:34 it says, “Blessed is the man who listens for me watching daily at my gate waiting at the post of my door.” In Nehemiah 4:9 it is written that “Nevertheless we made our prayers to our God and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.”

In the New Testament, three basic emphases on watchfulness are found. The first is in being prepared for the Lord’s return (Mark 13:32-37). The second is in our guarding against temptation (Eph. 5:15-16). And finally, watchfulness in our prayers (Eph. 6:18).

A lesson on watchfulness.

To introduce this study on watchfulness, we will share the familiar parable of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13. The lesson on watchfulness is found in verse 10.

But while they [the foolish Virgins] were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked. (Amplified)

Jesus taught this parable to His disciples knowing they might lose heart after He left them. They would need the help of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18). His future Church would also need encouragement as they watched for His Second Coming (Matt. 24:42-44).

In 2024, we too, need encouragement as we go through these extremely perilous times. As we look around, there are serious issues in the world around us. We may become fearful and feel hopeless. But Jesus wants us to be encouraged. We are never alone. As we watch, He stands with us (John 15:4).

Undesired consequences.

In Jesus’ parable, 10 virgins awaited the bridegroom’s return. Unfortunately, only half of them were prepared. They were watchful even in light of the bridegroom’s delay.

Jesus’ parable gives us ample warning about watchfulness and the need for spiritual preparation. Anyone found lacking in either of these, risks eternal consequences.

F. B. Meyer, noted theologian and teacher, shares five (5) mistakes the foolish virgins made. Let us not do the same!

1. They made no preparation for the continuation of their light. How do we keep our spiritual lamps burning? Are we reading God’s Word, praying, and in fellowship with other Christians?

1. They slept. Are we awake and alert today? Are we watchful and ready to serve?

1. They thought they could procure oil from the wise virgins. Are we personally prepared to serve and maintain our relationship with Jesus? Are we depending on others to make the connection for us?

1. They thought that they could get in. Do we think our past actions or positions will guarantee us entrance into eternity? What is our current relationship with Jesus?

1. They thought the bridegroom would recognize them. When He returns, will Jesus recognize us (John 10:14)?

Watchfulness is important to us today. Even more than in the 1^st century. “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matt. 24:42). More to come next week on Practicing Watchfulness.

Knowing God

With Eternity in Mind: Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings, Part 2

July 5, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Danger of MLMs

Myths, lies, and misunderstandings (MLMs) hinder our ability to accept the reality of life and death. Since our belief systems influence our behaviors and the choices we make, a misstep or error in belief can have ramifications that, literally, impact us “forever.”

MLMs, in general, are not biblical. The enemy offers subtle counterfeits that cause us to either doubt, question or compromise what we know is God’s truth. Therefore, it is important for believers to compare MLMs with the truth. Truth can be found in God’s Word.

Below are popular MLMs we often hear. The examples cited are by no means an exhaustive list, but given to provide insight as to some of the erroneous views on heaven and eternity.

Myths

Myths are often connected to spirituality or other religious beliefs versus Christian doctrine. These myths include, for example, the belief that we will be given a second chance to choose where we will spend eternity.

Myths can result in a false sense of spiritual security. We get one chance to make the right choice (Acts 4:12).

Many myths are often tied to what heaven or hell will be like.

Heaven will be a dreamy, floating existence in the clouds.

Heaven is the place where we will continue to serve the Lord (Rev.7:14-15). Just as Adam was given charge of the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:15), we will fulfill the God-glorifying, personally fulfilling work that was part of God’s original plan for our life.

Hell is a place where there’s always a good time and party.

Hell was initially designed to house Satan and those fallen angels that participated in open rebellion against God in heaven (Isa. 14:12-15). While hell was not originally created for human beings, it is now available for those who reject Christ.

People who joke about wanting to go to hell is so much foolishness. There will be no partying in hell only darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12; 13:42) .

Lies

Lies are the most dangerous MLM. Why? Because our belief in them can result in our being in a place we don’t want to be for eternity. There will be no “do-overs”. The following are the most frequently cited and the most deadly lies. These are Satan’s favorites.

There is no heaven nor hell.

God’s Word tells us that there is a heaven and a hell. And every word of God is “yes and amen.” (2 Cor.1:20)

JESUS SAID He was going to prepare a place for us (John 14:2). We know that when “our tabernacle is dissolved we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven.” (2 Cor. 5:1)

Hell is real (Matt. 25:41, 46). It is a place of eternal punishment. There are two popular views that attempt to negate the reality of hell. One teaches that unbelievers are not punished after death. They simply cease to exist (annihilation). The other proposes that because God is good and loving, He would never condemn anyone to a place of eternal torment (universalism).

God doesn’t send people to hell. People send themselves to hell by declining Jesus’ offer of salvation.

All roads lead to heaven.

While this may be a very popular view, the Bible teaches that the only way a person can go to heaven is on “God’s terms”. He has made His terms very clear in His inherent Word and by Jesus Himself.

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, He cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”. (John 14:6)

Salvation is found in no one else but Jesus (Acts 4:12). Anyone who teaches any other way to salvation is in danger of damnation (Gal. 1:6-9).

Misunderstandings

Misunderstandings are often the results of incomplete or incorrect information. While they are the most benign of the MLMs, it is still important to seek out reliable and accurate information about eternity. Acceptance of correct information, of course, is dependent on our willingness to change our view (Prov. 2:6).

God is responsible for death.

Well-intentioned people console loved ones at the death of a family member with statements such as, “God wanted them with Him.” “They’re in a better place.” “God knows what He’s doing.”

They ascribe death to God. In reality, death is the result of man’s sin in the Garden of Eden. It is a guarantee we will all die. The best way to be with family in eternity is to receive Jesus as Savior.

We will worship God in a tabernacle in heaven.

The tabernacle of the Old Testament and the church structure today provide a physical place to worship God.

However there is need for neither in heaven because we will live in God’s presence. The object of our worship, God, will be with us throughout eternity. We will freely worship God continuously (Rev. 21:3,22).

The True Beauty of Eternity

Our understanding of eternity influences all that we do today. It becomes the filter by which we evaluate how we spend our time; what we focus on: where we place our priorities.

Eternity, most importantly, is where we will spend forever with Jesus. Our relationship will never be interrupted by our busy schedule, our unconfessed sin, or the enemies’ firey darts aimed against our faith.

Tony Evans in his book, Eternity: Understanding Life After Death, shares his thoughts on our relationship with our Savior in eternity.

Before we get too excited about heaven, Jesus wants us to get excited about being with him first. Being with Jesus and face to face fellowship for all eternity is what will make heaven so heavenly. All the beauty of heaven is really just the backdrop, the scenery, for our eternal relationship with Christ. The central thing of heaven is that we will see our Savior, face-to-face, and be with him for eternity.

Next week we will close our series on eternity with “Where do we go from here?

Knowing God

Fear and Knowledge of the Holy

October 26, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Fear me!

In last week’s WordBytes, Mike Glenn, in The Fear of God, shared how his father helped him understand the “true meaning” of fear.

Now, son. You’re getting into a new phase of your life. You’re becoming a man. You’ll be going places where I won’t be. You’ll be doing things I won’t see. You’ll be pressured by your friends to do some things, and some of those things, you know, are things I don’t want you to do.”

“And in that moment, you’ll have to make a decision. You’ll have to decide. Are you more afraid of your friends? Or are you more afraid of me?”

Then he leaned across the table, put his eyes directly on mine and said, “You’d better be more afraid of me.”

This exchange was not only a lesson about fear, but also an object lesson on knowledge. Mike Glenn knew his father’s expectations. These expectations coupled with fear guided Mike Glenn in making good decisions and wise choices. The same can be said about our fear of the LORD and our knowledge of the Holy One.

That is why Solomon penned, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Prov. 9:10)

Fear-> Wisdom->Knowledge

Man has always searched for the best method to assist him in making good decisions, right judgments, and sound pronouncements. In primitive times, groups would cast lots and dice, leaving the outcome to the proverbial “fates” (Lev. 16:8; Joshua 18:8).

In Israel’s early formation, decisions were informed by the High Priest who consulted the Urim and Thummin (Exo. 28:30). As the nation grew, Israel deferred key moral and political decisions to God’s chosen representatives. Judges and kings, counseled by wise prophets and priests, became the source of national decision-making.

The fear of the Lord offered motivation to seek “God’s face” (Num. 6:25-26). However, it was the knowledge of the Holy One that established the critical link to God. God was (and still is) the source of all knowledge and wisdom.

Knowledge of the Holy One

The true source of wisdom is identified in the parallel statements found in Proverbs 9:10: the fear of the LORD and knowledge of the Holy One. Knowledge provides insight and discernment based on personal experiences.

It involves the process by which one can recognize, classify, and organize information gained from varied experiences and use them to develop an appropriate response. This “process of knowing” is illustrated in the story of Moses.

Moses’ early knowledge of God came vicariously through others in Pharaoh’s court. He, personally, knew little about God. Therefore, God had no part in his thinking or planning. However, forty years later, Moses experienced God for himself at the burning bush (Exod. 3:2). In seeing that the fire did not consume the bush, Moses recognized God’s power and holiness. Moses’ response to knowing God was awe and reverence (Exod. 3:5).

After witnessing the ten (10) plagues against Pharaoh and Egypt, Moses’ knowledge was exponentially expanded. As Moses observed (classified) the different ways God dealt with Pharaoh’s resistance, he knew that God was more powerful than any god worshiped in Egypt.

Moses’ knowledge of God through his various experiences resulted in the organized deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. Their collective response to God was worship and praise (Exodus 15: 1, 11). On the other hand, Pharaoh’s disregard of what he knew of God, led to the destruction of his army (Ex. 14:18). Pharaoh refused to factor in his knowledge of the Holy One.

The Revelation of God

Knowledge of the Holy One is the revelation of God (Ep. 1: 17-18). It shapes our reality so that we conform to the will of God and respond appropriately to the events of life. This knowledge is gained through our personal experiences with Him, through His revealed Word, and through the Holy Spirit.

What shapes our key decisions and choices? What knowledge do we turn to regarding our family, our profession, and our relationships? Are we like Moses or like Pharaoh?

Knowledge of the Holy One reminds us of three things: (1) whose we are (our relationship with God), (2) who we are (our identity in Christ), and (3) how we are to live (in obedience and service to God).

Fear of the Lord (respect, reverence, and obedience) will lead us to wisdom (a disciplined and holy life).

Knowledge of the Holy One (personal experience) will give us godly insight and discernment to navigate 21^st century challenges.

When wisdom enters your heart,

and knowledge is pleasant to your soul;

Discretion will preserve you;

understanding will keep you.

(Prov. 2:10-11, NKJ)

Victorious Living

Where do you get your information?

October 5, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What’s up?

Well it’s October. The fall is my favorite season. Good-bye bugs and bites! No more 95% humidity and sneezy nose. Bye-bye day light savings time! Better than it being fall, it’s Throwback Wednesday. For those of you who may be new to WordBytes, on Throwback Wednesday, we look at what’s trending in the news or what the hot topic of the week is.

Well if you slept through yesterday, you failed to experience the crash of Facebook and its social media sisters, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Facebook-owned services, WhatsApp and Instagram went down on Monday, for the second time in 2021. This failure left some three billion online users frustrated and unable to connect all over the world. It is reported that Zuckerberg lost nearly $7B alone on the Facebook outage. The outage shut out 2.9 billion Facebook subscribers.

So what did we do when Facebook and her affiliate platforms went down? There are about 3.78 billion social media users worldwide. Social media has become the life blood for us living in the 21^st century. It has become not only a source of information, but also our primary connection with others. This sometimes fosters a false sense of belonging and fellowship. Now really, who has over 20,000 friends? Have you ever asked them for a loan?

Where did you get that from?

That’s the question I usually ask people when they share information that I question. Surprisingly, we look to social media to inform our decision making. “If it’s on the internet, it must be true”. Really?

So where do we, who rely on social media platforms, go to get our information. Is social media the “best” source of truth (that is if you’re looking for truth)? Does it help us “respond” wisely or simply “react”?

According to the Pew Research Center, about a quarter of U.S. adults get most of their news through social media. They recently shared information on “Americans Who Mainly Get Their News on Social Media.” Here are some of their key findings.

1. U.S. adults who mostly get news through social media lag behind others in attention to election and pandemic news.

1. U.S. adults who mostly rely on social media for political news are often less knowledgeable about current events.

1. In addition to lower awareness of current events, social media news users hear more about some unproven claims.

Where do you get your information?

When I opened my email today, I received two invitations to help “inform” me. One was 10 Things You Need to Know Today. They highlight key news stories nationally and internationally. They know where I should focus my attention, right? The “1 Thing I Need to Know Today” is that in Christ Jesus, I live, and move, and have my meaning (Acts 17:28). This one thing guides my actions and thoughts for the day.

The other is The Week. Their subject line states, “Read what the world’s thinking”. I asked myself; “do I really care what the world is thinking?” The only Person’s thinking I’m concerned with is God. So I pray that I have the mind of Christ and joyfully obey His will (Phil. 2:5).

Our continual reliance on social media and the Internet makes it necessary to carefully examine the sources of our information. Believers must especially be intentional in practicing spiritual discernment. Truth and life come from God through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

We must not only seek truth in all we do, but we must also boldly denounce lies that keep others in darkness (Eph. 5:11). A lie by any other name—alternate view, misstatement, or an error in communication, is still a lie. Its intent is to deceive, mislead, and misrepresent.

So for this month’s Throwback Wednesday, we offer for your reading, “Discernment: Light for Darkened Eyes.” MAY THE TRUTH BE WITH YOU!

Spiritual Endurance

Can we handle the truth in 2021?

January 19, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What is truth? What does it look like amid a health pandemic, economic uncertainty, and civil strife? Does truth look different when placed in the context of the current worldview? And how does it stack up against the biblical view we, as believers of Christ are to follow?

When Jesus was brought to Pilate for judgment, the curious ruler asked Jesus, “So you are a king?”

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. (John 18:37-38)

The truth question in 2021

Pilate’s response to the question of truth is often repeated today. With the introduction of relativism, we too may be asking the same question. We demand fewer rules and more personal freedom. The answer to the truth question is dependent on who or what has the greatest influence on our life—man or God.

The prophets warned that a time would come when the matter of truth would cause great division among men. Lack of truth ultimately leads to deception, pride, and injustice (Is. 5:20-23). So here we stand, in 2021, a divided nation, fighting over, “what is truth?”

With that thought in mind, I’d like to recast an earlier WordBytes entitled, “Can you handle the truth?” I have changed the title to better fit the social context in which we now find ourselves. While there are many proposed definitions of the truth there can only be one. Time to answer the question, “Can we handle the truth in 2021?”

Can we handle the truth?

Especially when that truth is measured against the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ? We face a major challenge to walk in biblical truth while living in a postmodern world. Especially as we enter this second decade of the 21st century.

With all the political rhetoric and social bantering, we need truth. Behind the news bytes and sound bits, there is an intention movement to redefine “what truth is and what it isn’t”.

But can we really handle truth? What will we do when we receive it? Will we bury it? Ignore it? Or kill the person who brings it? That’s exactly what the Jews did to Jesus.

This inclination to “repackage” the truth is nothing new. It comes directly from the father of lies, Satan (John 8:44). We must be careful how we define truth, or we too may fall prey to the subtly of deception. “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” (Gen. 3:1, NLT)

Does truth have a limited “shelf life”?

In decades past, people could depend on the media to communicate the “truth” regarding specific issues of the day. Newspapers, magazine publications and newscasters were committed to operate at the highest ethical standards.

In addition, we could depend upon our local leaders—civic or religious—to offer us truth. But over time that has changed.

Unfortunately, both media and individuals now offer opinions based on their personal agendas or corporate bias. Truth is now shaped by social media and image consultants—by the number of “likes”, “retweets” and “followers” one can amass. This leaves us “in search for truth”.

Truth and Realty

What is truth? Truth is defined by Webster as that which agrees with reality. Our reality and meaning are grounded in God. That reality began in the Garden of Eden. Created in God’s image, our purpose and destiny are tied to our identity in Him through Christ (Col. 3:3).

This reality was sidetracked by sin and replaced with Satan’s counterfeit that placed self on the throne where only Christ was to be seated and exalted. Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross, our sins were forgiven, and we are now reconciled back to God (2 Cor. 5:18, 19).

When we affirm our faith, we acknowledge that we have died to our old sin nature (Gal. 5:24) and walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). We no longer follow the worldview—its influence was negated by the Blood. Our meaning and reality is now realigned with God (2 Cor. 5:15). “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a).

Connecting with Truth

More than ever before, we must connect with the only True Source of Truth, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 14:6). God’s Word and the Spirit of Truth stand ready to silence the lies, myths and fables we might hear (2 Tim. 4:3-4). It is God’s truth that will guide our behaviors and our responses in this fallen world.

God is the only source of truth for our lives. Can we handle the truth? Do we dare to speak truth when the world doesn’t want to hear? In 2021, let us through the Holy Spirit have the courage and commitment to be Truth followers!

Spiritual Maturity

The Whole Counsel of God: The Wisdom of God

July 9, 2019 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Today we introduce a new series that, I hope, will help believers in our daily challenge to live in a world where our faith and our Christian lifestyle are at risk. While God’s salvation is unquestionable and His faithfulness to us is undeniable (2 Tim. 2:13), it is we believers who must be reminded to grow in our faith (2 Pet. 1:5-8) so that we may remain free from the sinful influences of the world (Gal. 5:1.)

This series, “The Whole Counsel of God”, will focus on building our confidence and spiritual “grit” to earnestly contend for your faith—unashamedly, openly, without guilt or embarrassment (Jude 3). Reliance on the whole counsel of God will fortify the believer against persistent assaults from the world and satanic attacks (1 Cor. 2:5).

I’d like to kickoff this series by returning to an earlier WordBytes entitled the “Wisdom of God”. I have chosen this teaching because the believer’s understanding of God’s wisdom is foundational in their acceptance of the whole counsel of God and for living victoriously under “Kingdom Rule”. God has the first and final word in all things! Why? Because we trust in His love, we submit to His sovereign rule in our life and we willingly receive His wisdom. Welcome to “The Wisdom of God”.

But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Cor. 1:23, 24 (NKJV)

After reading 1 Corinthians 1-2, I wanted to get out of my seat, stand tall, and stick out my chest, and figuratively, “drop the mike.” This teaching by Paul to the Corinthians was, for me the capstone, the finale, the ultimate answer for those who are desperately seeking wisdom. “Christ crucified” or the Gospel message is not only the power of God but also the wisdom of God. While time and space does not permit me to fully teach on this passage, I would invite you to include it in your future Bible study devotion. Today, however, I’ll attempt to contain myself as we conclude this series, “Desperately Seeking God” by exploring the wisdom of the God.

What is the Wisdom of God?

For believers in Christ, the wisdom of God is the truth set forth in His Word and through His Holy Spirit. This wisdom becomes accessible to us through belief in Jesus Christ and His saving work to lost humanity (Matt. 1:21). This wisdom shapes our beliefs and the reality in which we daily live.

Although 1 Corinthians is not part of wisdom literature, it does illuminate the fact that the Gospel and acceptance of its truth will result in “true wisdom from above” (1 Cor. 1:30). So why was it considered “foolishness” in Paul’s day (and today)? This requires we take a look at the context of Paul’s letter—the city of Corinth and the beliefs at that time.

Corinth was a key city in ancient Greece until it was destroyed by the Romans. The city was filled with shrines and temples leading to idolatry and corrupt living. The diversity of the population produced many philosophers with Greek philosophy being the dominant thinking. These men filled their days with study and in espousing their beliefs as to the existence of divine beings, the nature of life, and how life was to be lived. When Paul spoke of the wisdom and power of the Gospel, the Jews demanded “signs” while the Greek demanded “worldly wisdom”. Both groups appearing as wise “became fools” (Rom. 1:21-22).

You might find some parallels with activities and beliefs we find in the 21^st century. Technology, information, and knowledge are being touted as the “crown jewels of wisdom” for this age. Explosion of the Internet and microchip development, robotics and artificial intelligence, and genetic re-engineering have become but a few of man’s self-proclaimed proofs of his superiority to any professed god. Such progress has created a sense of “deity” within man, leaving God and His wisdom behind as mere relics of a past civilization. The result of such thinking puts future generations in jeopardy of forgetting God and His mighty works (Judges 2:10). Such thinking has become nuevo wisdom.

So why does the wisdom of God seem like “foolishness”? Paul answers this question in 1 Corinthians 2:7-15.

1. The wisdom of God cannot be understood using human wisdom
2. The Holy Spirit (being God Himself) is the revealer of the wisdom of God, and
3. The Holy Spirit does not dwell within unbelievers therefore they cannot receive the revealed wisdom of God.

This being the case, God’s methods in sharing His wisdom, through His Word and through His Spirit are “spiritually incompatible” with the “natural”, unregenerate man. To them, it appears as foolishness.

The wisdom of God, however, is available through Jesus’ work of salvation, providing “whomsoever will” with access to the wisdom of God the Creator, God the Deliverer, and God the Sustainer. He is all wisdom.

Spiritual Maturity

Things I Learned in 2017

January 3, 2018 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD.”

Jeremiah 9:24 (NKJ)

Who’d a thunk it? (Yes, that’s what I said.) We are rapidly approaching two decades into the 21^st century. My, how time flies! When people ask what I’ve been doing, it’s hard to respond: “Just taking it one day at a time.” or “Putting one foot in front of the other.” It’s hard to find words.

So it is with writing this year’s “Things I Learned”. What have I gleaned from my faith walk this past year? As I “examine myself, am I still of the faith”? (2 Cor. 13:5) “Have I studied to show myself approved?” (2 Tim. 2:15) Have I sought the “kingdom of God first” (Matt. 6:33) and am at “peace with all men”? (Heb. 12:14)

“Things I Learned” is written to share my major “ah ha’s” this year with regard to what I learned about God, about myself, and my faith. No judging or regretting. No New Year’s resolutions or personal improvement plans, only silent contemplation about how God has revealed Himself to me from eternity to time we called 2017. What are the things I learned in 2017?

God is faithful and will do everything He can to aid in my success (Jer. 29:11-13). It is, however, my responsibility to insure I am aligned to receive His grace and power. I must exercise caution and be aware of those things in my “human nature” that can impede my “spiritual progress”—fear, doubt, pride and envy. In my daily walk, I must recognize and “set aside the weight and the sin that so easily seeks to ensnare me” (Heb. 12:1): the busyness of the day, the distractions of the urgent versus the important, or the spirit of unforgiveness I may harbor. Lastly, to be successful in accomplishing God’s purpose, it is critical to understand the will of God. While God’s will can be found throughout Scripture, the time I spend in prayer and meditation are key in understanding both His way and His will (Ps. 103:7).

God is in control regardless of what I see happening around me (Ps. 46:1-3). Nothing catches God by surprise whether it is political wrangling, social disparity, or an ecological disaster. Scripture teaches us three truths to sustain us in times of uncertainty and confusion: God is completely sovereign, God is infinite in wisdom, and God is perfect in love. Jerry Bridges writes in his book, Is God Really in Control: “In His love, God wills what is best for us, in His wisdom He always knows what’s best for us, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about.” God has a plan for mankind which was created before the foundation of the world (Ep. 1:4, 10) and each day we are moving to the culmination of that plan. There is no one or nothing that can thwart God’s plan.

God’s Word is critical for victorious living and spiritual transformation (Ps. 19:7-8). Why? Because the Scriptures expresses the very mind of God. It is God speaking directly to us. How? The “word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. God’s Word exposes us for what we really are” (Heb. 4:12, NLT). God’s Word also renews our mind so that we begin to think like Christ (Phil. 2:5) leading us to be conformed to His image–the image God had originally designed for us in the Garden of Eden. Through this process of “exposing and renewing”, or sanctification, we become true children of God (Phil. 2:15). Investing time in God’s Word—devotional reading and systematic study—yield returns that are priceless, in this world and in the world to come (Ps. 19:10-11).

In 2017, I rediscovered the special blessing that can be found in Scripture memorization or as I prefer calling it, “writing God’s Word on my heart.” Oh, the things God has revealed to me about His goodness and His greatness as I’ve “planted” large passages of scripture in my spirit such as Psalms 19 and Ephesians 1. As I memorized each line, I prayed that it would “take root and bear much fruit (Matt. 13:23). This spiritual discipline is not about speed or quantity (how many verses I can learn) but in experiencing the “depth of the riches of His grace” God reveals to me.

What are the things I learned in 2017? I learned that God is God and I’m not, and I’m more than okay with that. However, the Prophet Jeremiah did a much better job in describing what is really important for us to learn in order to live victorious, successful lives:

Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. (Jer. 9:23-24)

SELAH: What are three (3) things you learned in 2017—about God, yourself, or your faith walk?

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.