I'm going to wait until the holidays are over to continue in my study of Jeremiah - with all that's going on, it's too hard to focus like I want to, in order to study and share God's word without disruption.
I will however, put other verses that the Lord lays on my heart, on here daily.
Today I want to share from Proverbs 16: 3 - "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed".
Proverbs is a book that is full of wisdom for daily living, and today's verse can be applied in every area of your life - work, home, relationships - if the Lord is put first in those areas, he will make them successful.
Have a blessed day - pray for our troops, enjoy this time of Christmas joy, and as the old saying goes - "don't sweat the little things"....take time to enjoy every moment that the Lord gives you. I've learned that it's the little things that make the best memories!
Janelle
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
True Wisdom
We can all go back through the annals of history and cite those who we would or could call "wise". Let's see how the Bible defines true wisdom, and see how those who have made the history books compare to God's standards.
James 3: 13 - 18 says, "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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven, but it is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness".
I think in these times, especially here in America, where we are deciding who to put into the office of President of the USA, we need to look at the candidates with this standard which God has laid down concerning wisdom. Our President surely needs to have wisdom to lead our country, and my prayer is that the person who is elected will be humble and will daily seek God for His wisdom and guidance.
We have heard the masses here in the USA sing, "God Bless America", and at the same time, we see where many are trying to take God's name out of our pledge of allegiance; removal of "In God We Trust" off our money, and allow things like abortion to be legal, when God has clearly said that murder is a sin.
If we truly want God to bless America, we need to adhere to what he says in II Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from the wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land".
We can't expect God to heal our land - to bless us with freedom and safety, if we allow laws and practices that go against everything that is holy - everything that is against his perfect will and perfect order.
Janelle
James 3: 13 - 18 says, "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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven, but it is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness".
I think in these times, especially here in America, where we are deciding who to put into the office of President of the USA, we need to look at the candidates with this standard which God has laid down concerning wisdom. Our President surely needs to have wisdom to lead our country, and my prayer is that the person who is elected will be humble and will daily seek God for His wisdom and guidance.
We have heard the masses here in the USA sing, "God Bless America", and at the same time, we see where many are trying to take God's name out of our pledge of allegiance; removal of "In God We Trust" off our money, and allow things like abortion to be legal, when God has clearly said that murder is a sin.
If we truly want God to bless America, we need to adhere to what he says in II Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from the wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land".
We can't expect God to heal our land - to bless us with freedom and safety, if we allow laws and practices that go against everything that is holy - everything that is against his perfect will and perfect order.
Janelle
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wisdom
After taking a break from blogging for a few days, I am back to continue my study of the book of James, and I'm in Chapter 1: 5 - 8. The Lord blessed me with abundant peace as I went for tests, and allowed me to put my anxiety in his hands. Thank God for dear friends who not only prayed for me, but also love me enough to be straight with me and tell me that I needed to turn it all over to the Lord, and not let the stress of everything take it's toll on me physically, emotionally and spiritually.
James 1: 5 - 8 says,
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. BUT, when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does".
Solomon, a son of King David, was one of the greatest rulers of the Bible. When he was given the position of the ruler of Judah, he COULD have asked God for riches and power, but instead, he asked him for wisdom to rule God's people. God did indeed give Solomon great wisdom, but because he didn't ask for material things, but instead sought out the heart and wisdom of the Lord, God blessed him with wealth and riches; according to scripture, more than anyone in history at that point.
The key was that he knew if he asked God for it, he BELIEVED that God would grant him his desire. He didn't doubt one bit, and that's what James is telling us in these verses. Verse 5 says that it WILL be given to all who ask.
When we doubt, as mentioned in verse 6, it refers to going back and forth between belief and unbelief that God will do what he has already said he WILL do. What then, is the point of asking, if one is going to go back and forth in his belief and trust in God?
When making decisions in our lives, whether it's about our families, our jobs and finances, or anything else you can think of, it is imperative that we seek the Lord before making decisions, and not let our emotions do that for us. Ask God for wisdom in these things - in doing so, you are humbling yourself before him, and acknowledging that HE and HE ALONE has the answers and the best plan for you and the things that you are facing.
I pray that you have a peaceful and blessed weekend. Remember to pray for our men and women in the armed services, who put their lives on the line every day for yours and my freedom here in the great United States.
Janelle
James 1: 5 - 8 says,
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. BUT, when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does".
Solomon, a son of King David, was one of the greatest rulers of the Bible. When he was given the position of the ruler of Judah, he COULD have asked God for riches and power, but instead, he asked him for wisdom to rule God's people. God did indeed give Solomon great wisdom, but because he didn't ask for material things, but instead sought out the heart and wisdom of the Lord, God blessed him with wealth and riches; according to scripture, more than anyone in history at that point.
The key was that he knew if he asked God for it, he BELIEVED that God would grant him his desire. He didn't doubt one bit, and that's what James is telling us in these verses. Verse 5 says that it WILL be given to all who ask.
When we doubt, as mentioned in verse 6, it refers to going back and forth between belief and unbelief that God will do what he has already said he WILL do. What then, is the point of asking, if one is going to go back and forth in his belief and trust in God?
When making decisions in our lives, whether it's about our families, our jobs and finances, or anything else you can think of, it is imperative that we seek the Lord before making decisions, and not let our emotions do that for us. Ask God for wisdom in these things - in doing so, you are humbling yourself before him, and acknowledging that HE and HE ALONE has the answers and the best plan for you and the things that you are facing.
I pray that you have a peaceful and blessed weekend. Remember to pray for our men and women in the armed services, who put their lives on the line every day for yours and my freedom here in the great United States.
Janelle
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Guarding Our Words
Today I'm breaking away from my study in Hebrews because in reading my devotional, "My Utmost for His Highest", and my daily reading in Proverbs, the message that's so strong is dealing with our words and how we use them.
In my devotional journal, the scripture is from Matthew 7:1, which says, "Judge not, that you not be judged". It says that the average Christian is the most penetratingly critical individual....OUCH! In the spiritual domain nothing is accomplished by criticism. The Holy Spirit is the only one in the true position to criticize, and He alone is able to show what is wrong with a person without hurting and wounding. It is impossible to enter into communion with God when you are in a critical temper; it makes you hard and vindictive and cruel, and leaves you with the flattering unction that you are a superior person.
If I see a mote in someone else's eye, it means I have a log in my own. Every wrong thing that I see in you, God locates in me. STOP BEING A MEASURING ROD FOR OTHER PEOPLE.
In Proverbs 17:27 it says, "A man of knowledge uses word with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered". A reference to that passage is Job 6:24, " Teach me and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong".
Well, that sure pierces my heart! I know there are times when I fall into being critical, and need a strong message like this to break me and bring into repentance. I've asked the Lord today to forgive me for when I'm critical and hurtful with my words towards someone, and to let me see them through his eyes. I hope you'll do the same.
Have a great Tuesday, and make sure you give the Lord some time - He longs to spend time with you!
Janelle
In my devotional journal, the scripture is from Matthew 7:1, which says, "Judge not, that you not be judged". It says that the average Christian is the most penetratingly critical individual....OUCH! In the spiritual domain nothing is accomplished by criticism. The Holy Spirit is the only one in the true position to criticize, and He alone is able to show what is wrong with a person without hurting and wounding. It is impossible to enter into communion with God when you are in a critical temper; it makes you hard and vindictive and cruel, and leaves you with the flattering unction that you are a superior person.
If I see a mote in someone else's eye, it means I have a log in my own. Every wrong thing that I see in you, God locates in me. STOP BEING A MEASURING ROD FOR OTHER PEOPLE.
In Proverbs 17:27 it says, "A man of knowledge uses word with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered". A reference to that passage is Job 6:24, " Teach me and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong".
Well, that sure pierces my heart! I know there are times when I fall into being critical, and need a strong message like this to break me and bring into repentance. I've asked the Lord today to forgive me for when I'm critical and hurtful with my words towards someone, and to let me see them through his eyes. I hope you'll do the same.
Have a great Tuesday, and make sure you give the Lord some time - He longs to spend time with you!
Janelle
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Listening to our Parents
As always, I read a chapter of Proverbs each morning, and with it being the first of May, today's focus in on the theme and purpose of the book. Proverbs is a great book to seek God's wisdom for our daily lives.
The passage I'm focusing in on today Ch. 1: 8 - 9
"Listen my son to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland of grace to your head and a chain to adorn your neck".
In the original Hebrew text, the word "listen" means to listen with a view of obedience.
As I've said before, my daddy was a Southern Baptist preacher. Out of all the things I remember the most that he said to me it was this: " Baby girl, when you think that life can't get any worse, when it seems like your whole world is falling apart, go read the book of Job". Being the daddy's girl I was, if he said it - I believed it, so I was listening to my father's instruction, and have been in situations in my adult life where I did think my whole world was falling apart, and that I couldn't go on another day. Reading the book of Job and seeing that what I was facing was nowhere near the trials Job went through, and how God was there with him throughout it all, has been that "garland of grace" referred to in verse 8.
My mother read Bible stories to us all and we heard her singing hymns on a daily basis while doing her housework. She made sure we were in Sunday School, revivals, and Vacation Bible School until we were old enough to leave home. There were so many times, especially when I was a teenager, that church was the last place I wanted to be.
I was "the prodigal daughter" - I rebelled when I left home and went my own way, not attending church, not practicing what I'd been taught, and when I was in my early twenties and faced a situation that I knew that only the Lord could get me out of, I called out to him and He turned was right there with his arms wide open to save me and put me back on the right path.
No parent is perfect; we all as children think we can do it better and in our own way, and the Lord allows us to wander off the path of wisdom, and is always there for us when we reach that point in the road where it ends up at the edge of a steep cliff, and we have nowhere else to turn but to Him. He tells us in the book of Romans that: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved".
As a parent of two adult children, I pray that some of the teachings I gave them as children will help them as face life's trials, and then when they begin families of their own. I pray that they will draw on the same strength and wisdom of the Lord that I have, and will pass this on to their children as well.
I hope your day is filled with the grace and blessings of the Lord.....
Janelle
The passage I'm focusing in on today Ch. 1: 8 - 9
"Listen my son to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland of grace to your head and a chain to adorn your neck".
In the original Hebrew text, the word "listen" means to listen with a view of obedience.
As I've said before, my daddy was a Southern Baptist preacher. Out of all the things I remember the most that he said to me it was this: " Baby girl, when you think that life can't get any worse, when it seems like your whole world is falling apart, go read the book of Job". Being the daddy's girl I was, if he said it - I believed it, so I was listening to my father's instruction, and have been in situations in my adult life where I did think my whole world was falling apart, and that I couldn't go on another day. Reading the book of Job and seeing that what I was facing was nowhere near the trials Job went through, and how God was there with him throughout it all, has been that "garland of grace" referred to in verse 8.
My mother read Bible stories to us all and we heard her singing hymns on a daily basis while doing her housework. She made sure we were in Sunday School, revivals, and Vacation Bible School until we were old enough to leave home. There were so many times, especially when I was a teenager, that church was the last place I wanted to be.
I was "the prodigal daughter" - I rebelled when I left home and went my own way, not attending church, not practicing what I'd been taught, and when I was in my early twenties and faced a situation that I knew that only the Lord could get me out of, I called out to him and He turned was right there with his arms wide open to save me and put me back on the right path.
No parent is perfect; we all as children think we can do it better and in our own way, and the Lord allows us to wander off the path of wisdom, and is always there for us when we reach that point in the road where it ends up at the edge of a steep cliff, and we have nowhere else to turn but to Him. He tells us in the book of Romans that: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved".
As a parent of two adult children, I pray that some of the teachings I gave them as children will help them as face life's trials, and then when they begin families of their own. I pray that they will draw on the same strength and wisdom of the Lord that I have, and will pass this on to their children as well.
I hope your day is filled with the grace and blessings of the Lord.....
Janelle
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wisdom
Today everything in my devotionals speaks of wisdom, and it's importance in our lives. In Psalm 111:10 it says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise".
I then read my daily passage in Proverbs, and it goes right along with this message of the importance of godly wisdom in our lives. Proverbs 24:3 says, " By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures".
The "house" can refer to an individual or family, or any enterprise. It is grounded in wisdom, strengthened by understanding(good judgement), and prospers by continuing knowledge.
So many times when we hear the message of "prosperity", it is mistaken to mean that you will prosper financially, which can and does happen to believers, but the soul who truly prospers is the one who reaps abundant spiritual blessings. I have had many material things in my life, but they do nothing to bring true joy into one's life; many times sorrow is the result of those. It's when I've been trusted to pray with someone for a specific need, whether a physical healing, a family situation, or leading them to Jesus, THOSE are the kinds of "rare and beautiful treasures" that have really blessed my socks off and brought unspeakable joy. It blows me away that God would allow me to participate in such experiences.
Ground yourself in God's wisdom - see what a difference it can make in your life today.
Janelle
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Thought for the Day
I like to read a chapter each day from the book of Proverbs, and the thought I'd like to share today is this:
"Don't wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."
Proverbs 23: 4 - 5
I, like many others, have had to go back to work in the past few years, due to the economy getting so out of hand. I also at times, have put my focus on "if I work more, I will have more money to have more, to do more".....it's when I've allowed myself to focus on the wrong things, that I find myself absolutely miserable!
All it takes is a good dose of going to the "poor" part of town, to a homeless shelter, a children's hospital, and things quickly get put into perspective. Most of us are far richer than we think; if we have a shelter over our heads, we should be thankful, for there are many who sleep under the stars. If we have food on our table, we should be thankful, for there are many who have to dig in the garbage to feed their families.
I am resigning from my job in two weeks and although I know that I will have to cut back on some things, I will have peace of mind at the end of each day. I also know that God has promised all who believe in Him, that he will provide all we need. Key word - NEED. It doesn't mean he doesn't ever give us any of our wants; he surprises me all the time with little things I don't expect! I want my trust in Him, and dependency to be not in how much money I might have saved in the bank, but in the promise that He is here with me and will provide for me.
I will be able to get back to sewing more, drawing more, and having the time to do whatever He leads me to do in the community.
Have a great day!
"Don't wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."
Proverbs 23: 4 - 5
I, like many others, have had to go back to work in the past few years, due to the economy getting so out of hand. I also at times, have put my focus on "if I work more, I will have more money to have more, to do more".....it's when I've allowed myself to focus on the wrong things, that I find myself absolutely miserable!
All it takes is a good dose of going to the "poor" part of town, to a homeless shelter, a children's hospital, and things quickly get put into perspective. Most of us are far richer than we think; if we have a shelter over our heads, we should be thankful, for there are many who sleep under the stars. If we have food on our table, we should be thankful, for there are many who have to dig in the garbage to feed their families.
I am resigning from my job in two weeks and although I know that I will have to cut back on some things, I will have peace of mind at the end of each day. I also know that God has promised all who believe in Him, that he will provide all we need. Key word - NEED. It doesn't mean he doesn't ever give us any of our wants; he surprises me all the time with little things I don't expect! I want my trust in Him, and dependency to be not in how much money I might have saved in the bank, but in the promise that He is here with me and will provide for me.
I will be able to get back to sewing more, drawing more, and having the time to do whatever He leads me to do in the community.
Have a great day!
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