Wisdom: The True Gift!

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Today's Passage: 2 Chronicles 1
Memory Verse: 2 Chronicles 1:12

I was in the video game store with my sons the other day and it was a circus.  They were salivating at everything they saw.  Well not really, but they were definitely having a good time.  I took them to the store because they were getting a reward for having good grades for the school year.  So, the fact that they knew they were getting something just added to the excitement.  It was after they made their final decisions that a profound statement was made.

I'd noticed my oldest son didn't have the game he wanted.  Instead, he had chosen an older, less expensive one.    As we walked to the counter, I asked him why he had chosen that game.  He said, "I chose it because I knew you had two more games to buy.  So, I wanted to be wise about what I chose".  I was astounded!  My son's response was the epitome of a child having the heart of their father.  It was at that moment I learned a valuable lesson.  In our passage today, Solomon(who was now king) chose wisdom as well.  He had favor with God so he knew He was going to bless him with something.  However, what he asked for seemingly took even God by surprise.  Why is it so hard for us to see value in having wisdom?  I mean, we admire people we consider wise, but having wisdom ourselves seems to be more of an ideal than an achievable reality.  An ounce of wisdom, or a boat-load of cash: what will YOU choose?  Patience for saving, or an approved loan: again, what will you choose? 

The problem we have with wisdom is it's not instant.  It doesn't bring an immediate, flashy return.  Wisdom is a harvest that reaps heavy returns in the long run.  That's right!  On the surface, you are nowhere near keeping up with the Jones', but you remain immune to the financial pressures that have become part of their everyday lives.  In Solomon's case, he knew the Children of Israel were not easy people to lead.  After all, he had seen his father struggle with it from time to time.  Inasmuch, he was well aware of the fact that all the money in his kingdom would not make him a good leader, nor would 100,000 warriors standing at attention.  The only thing that would make him an effective leader was wisdom.  So, he asked God for it.  Of all the things you'll ever desire my friends, get wisdom first.  Why?  The reason is if you don't have wisdom, you'll squander what you've believed God for.  That's how millionaires go broke, or lovers get divorced. They possessed everything they wanted, except what they most needed: wisdom. 

Finally my friends, if you first pursue wisdom, God will bless you with all the other stuff.  As you can see, God not only gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for, but He gave him all the money and wealth he didn't ask for.  God has the same plans for you.  He knows that wisdom will unlock incredible blessings in your life.  And when you find it, you'll have everything you need.

Prayer: Father I know You have wonderful plans for me.  So, my plan is do my part to establish Your kingdom on the Earth.  To do that, I have to be the image of You.  I can't make bad choices and allow myself to follow the world.  I must walk in wisdom.  I commit right now to separate myself from my own ideas and totally trust You.  I want wisdom for my life now, and forever, in Jesus' name.  Amen.

 

Not Age, Just Wisdom!

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Today's Passage: Proverbs 4:1-13
Memory Verse: Proverbs 4:6

When I was a kid, I used to look at older people and think "He/she must be wise".  See, I was taught old age and grey hair were signs of wisdom.  Many of us still make that assumption.  Truth is, you don't have to be a senior to be wise.  Granted, most seniors are wise.  However, having wisdom is something God wants for all His children, regardless of age.

Grey hair is not a sign of wisdom.  It is in fact a sign of the gift of life given over a long period of time, which in itself deserves our respect and admiration.  But we must find wisdom through righteous living.  Wisdom is defined as having the power to discern and judge what is right and true along with having the character to choose it.  Most of us have the background by which we can recognize what's right and wrong. However, most of us also lack what is needed to choose what is right on a consistent basis.  And this is not something that is added to our lives after an extended period of life.  If you want proof, ask a 8 year-old if he/she wants a stalk of broccoli, or a candy bar.  That child may know full well that the candy bar has no nutritional value, yet he or she'll choose it everytime. 

Adults without wisdom struggle with the same types of choices.  Choices like: Do you get the loan, or save to buy it?  Should you pay attention to the red flags, or keep him/her around because they're cute?  The choices we make are also the differences between candy and broccoli, my friends.  Let's see how God feels about wisdom.  His word says "Never walk away from wisdom--she guards your life; love her--she keeps her eye on you".  This verse prompts me to ask myself how many bad situations I could've avoided had I walked in wisdom.  God loves us so much He gave us a weapon that keeps us from trouble.  Think about some of the things wisdom provides.  It gives immediate access to the Word of God.  It gives us supernatural vision.  It's a background screening system for new relationships, a financial advisor, and a messenger from God.  It's a parent's guide book, a husband's most expensive tool, and a wife's best friend.  Wisdom unlocks authority in the life of the beliver and is a paralyzing agent to the devil.  As a bonus, it drives a person to want to know God more, then becomes the bond that holds the two of them together.

In conclusion, there are few things that are more important than having wisdom.  Our survival depends on it.  If we want to achieve the goals that we've set for our lives, we must have wisdom.  It is truly a guide and a weapon we can use no matter hold old or young we are.

Prayer:  Father, I have given my life totally  over to You.  Leaning on my understanding has led to so many pitfalls and mistakes.  Therefore, I choose now to walk in Your ways.  I choose wisdom to get me through this life.  Whatever it takes for me to become more like You, I'll gladly do, in Jesus' name. Amen    

A Journey Into Wisdom

Monday, June 27th, 2011

Today's Passage: Proverbs 3: 13-26
Memory Verse: Prov. 3: 13-14

Who wouldn't jump at the chance to have a million dollars deposited into his or her bank account?  I can tell you right now that only a small percentage of believers would turn down a lot of money that promises to change their lives forever.  But here's how I know that so many are not ready for it.  At all times of the day, people of all ages and backgrounds can be found at a Handy Way, pouring their hard-earned money into buying lottery tickets, hoping to win big.

Some say the likelihood of winning millions may not be that great.  But most are willing to spend a minimum of five dollars every couple of days in hopes of winning even a couple of hundred dollars in the latest lottery.  And do you know the crazy thing?  A financial advisor would tell you that if you were to put that money into some sort of tax-sheltered annuity, the returns would be much greater than you could imagine.

I'm no expert, but it seems to me that anything we want quick returns on, not willing to wait for more fulfilling results over time, is not a wise investment.  I read a book once in which the author said that Wisdom was looking at a situation in terms of the consequences in the near future rather than the instant gratification it would bring.  And that's what today's passage is expressing to us.

Blessings attach themselves to those who are willing to let Wisdom and understanding  be their companions.  No amount of money can replace the contentment that comes with choosing to live in a place of wisdom  where no quick-fix mentalities are allowed. Every area of our lives as believers can be applied to the use of Wisdom.  As a matter of fact, God expects us to be like him in this regard.  If He could create worlds with wisdom, why can't we?  Long life, peace, blessings, no fear, and every good thing you could desire await us.  Let's commit to embarking on a journey into wisdom today.

Prayer:  Father, how amazing that You mapped out this journey to blessings for Your children millions of years in advance.  Now we want to walk in Your footsteps and taste of the good of the Land.  Please fill us with the grace to walk in wisdom so that we can please You.  There's nothing we want more ... And we can count on You to get us to our destination.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayers That Prevail!

Sunday June 26, 2011

Father, You are the Most High God.  We stand in awe of You.  Your love, mercy, and grace remain evident in our lives day after day.  My prayer is that we don't take that for granted.  We have become so "self" conscious that we've convinced ourselves this life is about us.  It's not about us.  It's about You.  Your will has to take precedence in our lives.  Let us produce on Earth what You have spoken in Heaven.  Let us be Your hands, feet, and voice.  Let the world see Your unfailing love through us.

As we fill Your sanctuaries today, we will bring our offerings of praise, worship, and devotion.  We will be open and prepared to hear, recieve, and apply Your holy word.  Change us.  Transform us.  Don't let us be the same people we've always been.  Let the fragrance of an intimate touch from You be on us as we leave Your house.  We place a demand on the heavens for a tangible encounter with You.  Let our shouts be so loud they confuse our enemy.  Let our worship be so passionate we move Your heart.  Then Lord, give us a heart for the broken.  Let us see them the way You see them.  Blind eyes of judgement and give sight to eyes of compassion.  Let the lonely be conforted, the sick healed, and lost found by You.  We rejoice in You.  We love You.  And we give You praise, in Jesus' name. Amen.     

God Has a Plan!!!

Saturday, June 25th, 2011

Today's Passage: Psalm 37: 1-15
Memory Verse: Ps. 37: 12-13

When you're in the middle of crisis, you find yourself asking God, "Why me?  Why now?"  You ask yourself over and over what you could've done to prevent what happened.  Most of all, you can't seem to get over the hurt from the one(s) who inflicted it, especially if they were close friends or loved ones.  The last thing you can think about is the condition of your enemy.

But today's passage reminds us that, while we're feeling sorry for ourselves, the enemy of our souls is capitalizing on the fact that we are taken aback and blown away by the FACE of the one(s) sent to attack us.  While we're agonizing on who they are and why they of all people could do this to us, satan is hoping we never get the revelation that it's THEM we need to be feeling sorry for.

You see, while plans are being made in secret to take down the people of God, He Who sees all hearts and will judge every man according to his intentions AND his works also has a plan.  The Word says He laughs at our enemies when they get ready to come against us.  He knows that, if they do not repent of their wicked ways, they will be swept away in a tornado of their own, never to be seen again.  

But how is God going to be able to distinguish US from THEM if we don't renew our minds quickly in the midst of the storm?  He knows that we will struggle with bitterness and unforgiveness, which will then turn to hate.  And before we know it, we're plotting retaliation, which is only God's to use.  Then, when it's God's turn, we will be lumped in with the wicked and receive their punishment.  That's why God's Word to us is trust God and continue doing things HIS way.  The way of the wicked is sure, and while we're on our way to healing and victory, only wrath is being held up for them.  This knowledge should cause us to change our attitude towards the wicked.  Imagine what would happen if we even started to pray for them?  God only knows.  Look up, men and women of God.  He DOES have a plan.

Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me that my focus should never be on myself or my situation.  You are calling me to a place where things are being stored up for me, but my mind and heart MUST be right.  You care about the condition of ALL our hearts.  So please fill me with the desire to see even my enemies blessed.  They, too, have souls.  Let my compassion for them overflow as Yours did towards me when I turned MY back on You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

A Glimpse of God's Glory

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Today's Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5: 12- 24
Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5: 19-21

Last night, at the SonShine Network Ministries, the Holy Spirit literally arrested Abundant Life Ministries and took us to another level in His will.  We had a wonderful service, and began to worship as we usually do afterward.  All of a sudden, there was a shift in the atmosphere, and we went from pressing in the spirit for pastors and their ministries to pressing for a greater manifestation of God in our own lives and ministry.

The awesome part about it was that we didn't manufacture that moment.  All we did was flow in worship, feeding off of one another's passion for the presence of the Lord.  Then, when our pastors took a bold step by tapping into the overflow of the Spirit, without hesitation we followed.  Now mind you, service was officially over.  Anything more was sure to be seen as being over-zealous.  But when Pastor Chad took his wife's hand and ushered her to the platform, beckoning to the members of the praise team to follow, every single member jumped at the chance to experience what God was about to do.

When I read today's passage, I felt as if God had taken our already great love for our pastors and swapped it out for something even more precious. And because of the "one accord" that we had to see God manifest Himself in such a mighty way, the Father responded with such a sweet visitation.  Without even realizing it, we were all on our faces, being shown a glimpse of what God's perfect will and glory looks like.

As He put His personal stamp on our worship, I felt myself being filled with an even greater compassion.  It was almost as if God took all our concern for things that don't matter and replaced it with such a heart for God's heart-- souls.  After it was all said and done, Pastor Nette said she felt like this was what the saints in the upper room had experienced.  Nothing else mattered but what God wanted to do.  May we live in this place of being hungry for Him to speak and move like never before.

Prayer: Father, You always give conditions before laying out the blessing attached to those who are obedient.  As we obey Your command to uphold our pastors' vision, and intercede for one another out of just a sheer love for Your will to be done, we're believing for You to manifest Yourself in such a powerful way.  Thank You for trusting us with the seed of Your destiny in us.    Let it be unto us exactly according to Your Word.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

A Holy and Healthy Balance

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Today's Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5: 1- 11
Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5: 6 & 8

We live in a society where some believers feel pressured to loosen up and be more "user" or "seeker- friendly" in order to help make non- believers more relaxed around us.  Many make reference to the scripture in which Paul says he must be all things to all men.  Maybe some have been called to minister in that way-- I can't judge their motives.  Yet, somehow I can't reconcile that gospel with the gospel of being completely obedient to the voice of God in a  world where conformity is so common.

On the other extreme of the matter are believers who can't seem to relax at all.  They see the devil behind every tree, and are convinced that any attempt to mix Christianity with technology is from the pit of Hades itself.  There's even the argument being held that any church using a translation of the Bible other than the King James version is not of God.  Their stance is deliberately controversial and judgmental in nature.

Somewhere in between the two ideologies is the fine balance where kingdom- minded believers need to dwell.  I agree that we should be mindful of those who are not saved.  We should tap into resources such as the Internet where Facebook and other social networks are connecting people worldwide.  I am convinced that the technology involved has a huge role to play in the Great Commission.

But even while we beckon them to the cross with a sensitive heart, we cannot afford to compromise by adopting their lifestyles under the pretext that we're trying to "reach" them.  I don't believe they will be drawn if they don't see a passion in us for His presence rather than the distractions they surround themselves with.  I guess the question that should be at the heart of the matter is this: when people see us, what do they see?  Do they see people trying to fit into the world?  Or do they see passionate people who are also filled with compassion for the brokenhearted?  The answer must be found at the feet of the Master.  All WE have to do is be willing to seek Him for it.

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You haven't left us in the dark concerning Your Will.  Your Word says that Your Holy Spirit reveals secrets from Your heart to ours.  Fill us to overflowing with the grace to stand, wait, and be willing to listen.  You know exactly what Your plan is for drawing the lost.  I stand together now with my brothers and sisters in Your kingdom, believing for a mighty harvest for our cities.  May all we do serve only to bring You glory.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.