Buzz Lightyear

On December 1, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

 

Proverb 18: 2            Tree of Life

A fool finds no delight in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Two things about this strike my funny bone. First, people think they are coming up with a great piece of wisdom, and they are, but more often than not, I find that it was said in the Bible several thousand years ago. It is amazing how we have to keep discovering the same truths over and over again. You would think there would be a short cut for that.

Second, this cartoon and verse are just too true. Pastors beware! This is one of the hardest elements to overcome when trying to teach folks. The sermons that really resonate with them aren’t the ones which are full of revelation from God. They are the ones that agree with their own ideas. This reality makes it hard to teach people anything new. They are mired in the things they think they know. However, if you keep saying things long enough, sooner or later they come to the conclusion you have been propounding and think it their idea. If you don’t need to have the credit, you can lead them, eventually.

I have observed that people don’t want to be taught. Solomon calls that person a fool. Is it because we have such weak self-esteems or can it be because we do not believe that God is still teaching His people? I believe God is still pouring out His wisdom and leading us into understanding, but how shall we receive it? And, how shall we share what He teaches us if there is no one to hear? I suppose the answer is, “Don’t hang around with fools and if you find some people who are open to understanding, cherish them.” There is nothing so lonely as wisdom, but you and I must continue to share it and those with ears will hear. For the others, I guess we will adhere to the wisdom of Buzz Lightyear.

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Advanced Wisdom

On November 5, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 1: 8-9

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not ignore your mother’s teaching; For they are a graceful wreath for your head and necklaces for your neck.

Is this the advice every parent wants their teenager to hear? It is advice our society could use because we tend to forsake the wisdom of people older than ourselves, regardless of the age segment. Teenagers think thirty somethings are old and out of touch. Thirty somethings think their parents don’t have wisdom to give. We let the youngest, most naïve, least educated and least experienced segment of our population determine how society should function. That’s nuts! So, maybe we aren’t as wise as we think.

Reality check – this is bedrock. We should learn to lean on those who went before us, but we aren’t built to look for advice from others. Somehow, we grew up not respecting the wisdom of our elders and now we have passed that attitude on to the next generation. I doubt very much we are going to change this behavior socially, but we can affect how we interact with those older, and younger, than ourselves.
Two other ways to think about this admonition from Solomon is to draw on wisdom from old adages and to read books. There is so much knowledge and wisdom stored up on books that we could learn much. Wise people do not rely on their own experiences alone to gain wisdom. They walk in the footprints of those who have gone before. Why should we go through the same learning curve as the previous generation? In this age of electronics, the simple exercise of reading a book has become less common place. Even reading fiction improves one’s grammar, vocabulary and spelling.

One other note, some people have lots of wisdom but will not share it until they know you are a willing recipient. You may have to pull on them a bit. They want to share but do not want to offend. The wise teacher awaits a willing pupil. Man, that is a hard lesson to learn too.

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The Stream of Knowledge

On September 6, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 14: 6

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Again, this week, I find it challenging to choose only one verse from this powerhouse of a proverb. I hope you are utilizing the link at the bottom to read the entire proverb each Monday.

Today’s verse is taken, as usual, from the New American Standard Bible, my Bible of preference. However, I read many versions because sometimes the editors’ use of one different word opens up more understanding for me. Therefore, I wish to share The Passion Translation’s rendering of this verse today, “The intellectually arrogant seek for wisdom, but they never seem to discover what they claim they’re looking for. For revelation-knowledge flows to the one who hungers for understanding.”

I believe this rendition reveals much about knowledge and wisdom. First, we are enlightened as to its source. This passage shows that knowledge is “revealed.” What does that mean? It means that our God, who is the fountain of all knowledge and wisdom, passes that knowledge to us. He is the source. Second, He gives this wisdom and knowledge to those who hunger and thirst for it. Moreover, He gives it to those who seek Him for it rather than those who study and try to succeed in their own strength. Of course, when we are intellectually arrogant, we seek knowledge through our efforts and when we do, we do not seek God. That would require humility. No, instead we study and labor rather than simply humbling ourselves before our God in entreaty.

Third, wisdom and knowledge come to us as a flow. Isn’t that interesting? God downloads His knowledge to us like a stream flowing smoothly across the landscape. This isn’t a painful or labor-intensive method. Flow is found in relaxation. Picture yourself lying beside a quiet little stream and see how peaceful it makes you feel. While you lie there, the stream just bubbles along, seemingly without any energy compelling it. As you relax and breathe, you open your own channels so that the flow may enter you. It is not by striving, therefore, but rather by relaxing in the comfort of the Father that wisdom and knowledge are gained.

Yet, of all the things I ask of you, perhaps this is one of the most difficult, to relax in the presences of God. Stop everything else you are doing. Do not answer the phone or that incoming text. Just bask in the Lord’s presence in quiet, meditative peace, thinking more about your breathing than your “to do” list. If we could all do this more, we would have more answers. We would have more knowledge. Instead, we think, worry, and toil for answers. Stop for a moment. Give yourself a couple of breaths. Put your mind on Yahweh and let the answers come to you, in the name of Jesus.

Proverb 14

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Wisdom and Humility

On August 29, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 13: 10

Through overconfidence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel.

The God’s Word translation uses the word “arrogance” in place of overconfidence. I guess either will do. The point is that when we think we have all the answers, are the font of knowledge, inevitably we come to ruin. Wisdom is in an abundance of counselors.

If the book of Proverbs stands for any one thing, it is wisdom. Here, then, is another dose of wisdom. Solicit advice, receive counsel. In the end, you still have to make your own decision, but you can do so with more perspective. There is something more here though.

Arrogance leads to strife; the verse tells us. This statement is an acknowledgement that we live in dynamic systems. No one is an island. Your decisions affect others. Even at times when it seems your life course is purely a matter of your own concern, it rarely is the case. Our decisions affect others. When we exclude those people from speaking into our lives, we sow seeds of strife. We convey their unimportance and our lack of respect for their thoughts.

My best friend in college didn’t see many things the way I did. You would think that would make us unlikely friends. However, it was just the opposite. I could have never thought the things she thought or seen from those perspectives without her. She always opened my mind to different views. Even if it was sometimes painful for me to stretch that far, it was always illustrative and valuable. Even to this day, I am a better person for having known her. And she is still someone I call when trying to sort out complicated questions.

My point is, first, you don’t have to have all the answers. That really is God’s job and way too heavy a burden for any of us. Second, being that person only makes others think of you as arrogant and dislike you. Third, it sows the seeds of strife in families, work settings and even in friendship. Fourth, it proves you to be unwise rather than wise. The arrogant prove themselves to be ignorant. What a Catch 22 that is. Only those humble enough to receive counsel prove themselves wise. Last, I would add that it is that person who receives counsel who proves themselves secure. The overconfident, arrogant person is anything but self-assured. The truly secure are able to hear other opinions without being intimidated.

So, who are you and who do you want to be? Can you graciously give advice? Can you receive counsel? It is not a sign of weakness to ask other’s opinions. It is a sign of strength.

Proverb 13

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Wisdom Monday

On August 2, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 9: 10 – 11             TPT

The starting point for acquiring wisdom is to be consumed with awe as you worship Yahweh. To receive the revelation of the Holy One, you must come to the one who has living understanding. Wisdom will extend your life, making every year more fruitful than the one before.

Happy Monday. Wisdom is speaking again today. The beginning of the proverb tells us she has spread her table and put out the welcome mat for us. Those who desire to live a good life, will turn their feet to her house.

We have seen previously that the beginning of wisdom is having reverence and love for God and His ways. Truly, that alone is an expression of wisdom. Further, all wisdom, revelation and insight are in the Lord our God. He is the brilliance in good ideas. He is the anointed touch. Therefore, to receive revelation and wisdom one must connect with the source. That is why wisdom begins with following Yahweh.

The second verse is what I wish to highlight. I cannot understand why some people don’t engage in a relationship with God. Others profess to believing in Christ but don’t seem to have much of a relationship with him nor pursue the relationship. I think they will see how Great and Wonderful our God is and how much He blesses everyday life and that alone will cause them to seek Him, but it just does not work that way.

I am so grateful for the truth of this proverb. Not only does wisdom extend our lives but also the life lived with the Lord enriches our very existence. It is a life of health in the face of adversity. It is wellbeing in life, friends, finances, and so much more. When I see all the little touches of God’s benevolent grace, I am overwhelmed. It is God and His beauty that causes great things to happen.

If there is any goodness in me, any kindness, wisdom, proficiency, energy or skill, it is because of Christ within me. I am humbled because I know that I can do nothing without Him. I know that it is the blessing which follows me around that causes good things to happen. Can I just say, the Lord blesses my life and I do what I do hoping that I can spread a bit of His beauty and grace to others? I wish every person would relentlessly pursue God because His touch adds wisdom, grace, beauty and life to every step. Glory to our most holy and loving Father.

Proverb 9:

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverb+9&version=TPT

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Wisdom Calls

On July 26, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 8: 32, 35

Now then, sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. For one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.

There is a lot to love in this proverb and, again, it has been a challenge to choose a verse or two. I will continue to put the link for the proverb at the bottom so that it is easy for you to click and read the entire proverb. The part about wisdom being created and when she was created is fascinating. I chose these two passages, though, because they speak to how we live our lives and the choices we make.

The first idea to take note of is that we can choose to seek wisdom. James 1: 5 reads, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” So, we can receive wisdom by asking Father for it. That is what Solomon did. In 1st Kings, chapter 3 you can read the story of Solomon’s request and God’s grant of wisdom. Solomon became the wisest king of all time because he asked.

There is, perhaps, a little more to seeking than a one time request, however. If you read the story in 1st Kings, you will see that Solomon was devoted to the Lord and had a longing for the things of God. He sought God and in that seeking He found the Lord. I think seeking is done with the heart rather than the mouth. Request is made unto God through speech, but it is with our hearts that we reach out to Yahweh. When we seek God with the strength of our spirit, then we are always going to find Him. Seeking wisdom is the same. When we seek her with determined purpose, our hearts set on our desire, then we shall receive.

The fruit of wisdom is beyond comparison. I remember as a young adult reading these passages from proverbs, and they invigorated me. They still inspire. In wisdom’s palms are treasures of every kind, but life and the favor of the Lord certainly make up the grand prize. What shall we desire once we have the favor of the Lord?

Seeking wisdom is not a one and done. It is a way of life. As life changes, we need refreshing. The wisdom of yesterday was for yesterday. Tomorrow the need will be different. Dedicate your heart and mind to seeking wisdom. Look for her and she will find you.

Proverb 8:

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverb+8&version=NASB

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Acquire Wisdom

On June 21, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 4: 7

The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom; and with all your possessions, acquire understanding.

If we wish to be persons of wisdom then the starting point is, seek wisdom. This verse immediately separates the fools from those who would be wise because in order to acquire wisdom, one must seek her. The first step to being wise is to get wisdom. That makes sense, doesn’t it?

From where will you get wisdom? Well, this book of proverbs is a really good start. I hope you are taking the time to read the entire proverb. There is a link at the bottom of this devotion which will take you to Proverb 4.

Most importantly, God gives wisdom. James 1: 5 reads, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Solomon received wisdom from God because he requested it. He understood that the task before him was beyond his means, so he asked God to give him the requisite wisdom and God did. We should not overlook the opportunity to commune with God and receive all we need from Him.

We should understand that God will speak to our own hearts and minds when we inquire of Him. However, it is also likely that God will use another person to impart answers to you. It seems to me that we live in a time when people do not want to acknowledge that others may have knowledge or wisdom that we do not. However, there are people who have travelled the road before us and others who are anointed by God to offices which are intended to aid us. Sometimes, humility is the key we need to open the door to wisdom. That is a difficult admission. Recognize also that God has commissioned libraries of books which reveal His wisdom. If we truly wish to attain wisdom, we must be wise and humble enough to search for it and search passionately. Solomon reveals that in order to attain the wisdom of God, we must exercise enough wisdom to seek His ways.

The first step is ours. God is willing to give us His wisdom generously and without reproach. Ask of God and be willing to hear His answer. Search for wisdom and you shall find her. She is not rain, though and thus, will not fall out of the sky upon us. She is a precious gem which must be sought after.

The beginning of wisdom is, acquire wisdom.

Proverb 4:

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverb%204&version=NASB

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