WEDNESDAY WISDOM #17

SEEING SARAH IN YOURSELF

In one of my classes at church, we're studying the life of Sarah. What comes to mind when you think of her? What have you been taught about her all of your life? Most responses are that she is a great woman of faith, and you hear people often say, "I want to be just like her." Well, in a way, most of us are already like her, but it's not necessarily the positive way we've heard or talked about.


Like we function now, and like Sarah often functioned then, we act like humans. And what do humans do? Err. Sin. Some days we sin over and over and over. Will we ever stop? Well, I think you know the answer to that.


Let's look at the life of Sarah a little closer. While she eventually, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:11, became known as a woman of great faith, an obedient wife, and a woman after God's heart (or at least His promises), she didn't always appear that way in Biblical accounts. In fact, Sarah doubted God because of her age. She heard the promise that God made to Abraham, but it wasn't happening in a sensible time frame as far as she was concerned, so she doubted that it would happen, at least through her. She knew the seed of promise was to come through she and Abraham, but she remained barren for so long. Sarah, I think really wanting to obey God and wanting to see the promised fulfilled, took matters into her own hands. She was going to "make" something happen, even if it didn't happen the way God said it would. Do we do that? Are we impatient with God? Do we believe and stand on His promises, no matter how long it seems to take for them to be fulfilled?


Sarah insists that Hagar, her maiden, be given over to her husband so that a child, that she probably thought that she could raise as her own, could be born and the promise fulfilled. Sarah wanted to get on with it. She also didn't want to be the shame in her culture by not producing a child. There were probably many reasons why Sarah took matters into her own hands. She wanted to obey, but was tired of waiting, she was getting older, she would have been put to shame in her culture, she wanted to help God out, she wanted to please her husband, I'm sure. Can we sympathize? But did her reasons make her sin right? Have we had any of the same reasons or excuses for sinning? Even bigger, have we ever felt that God needed our help? If we didn't consciously feel that way, we sure act like He does sometimes.


Sarah and Abraham also were found to be, well...liars. Hmmm, is this still a human problem today? Abraham convinced Sarah to lie about not being his wife to the Egyptians and again to Abimelech. We can see that she wanted to submit to and obey her husband by going ahead with the lies, but that still didn't excuse the lie. Besides, they may have been able to plead innocent with the first lie, although they suffered consequences for that (God eventually saved them out of trouble), but they had no excuse for lieing about the same thing again, and Scripture proves, again. And of course, they had to suffer the consequences...again. There is even an instance in Genesis 18:11-12 where Sarah not only doubted God, but she lied (to God, of all people!) and said that she didn't laugh when our omniscient God knows that she did. Have you ever consciously or unconsciously called God a liar? Do we ever learn? The great thing is that regardless of Sarah and Abraham's sins (over and over), He still intended to and did fulfill His promises, using them. He was still merciful toward them when they got themselves in trouble. Can you recall God being merciful to you after you've taken matters into your own hands, or after you've sinned over and over?


Eventually, God's promise was fulfilled in Sarah and Abraham's life. God sent 3 messengers to tell Abraham that Sarah would be with child in a year's time (the appointed time). Though Sarah doubted this initially, obviously from studying Genesis and reading Hebrews 11:11, she had no choice but to believe what she had already been told and overheard. She was strengthened in old age to have a baby. You can no longer doubt God if you lay with your husband at, what was it 89 and 99, where apparently you weren't even having sex anymore-let alone a baby, conceive, be strengthened enough to carry a baby 9 months, and then deliver a healthy baby boy. That would make a believer out of me too. I'm sure her "faith issue" changed before conception. Her faith issue probably changed when she even had the notion (or Abraham did) or the desire to have sexual relations with her husband. I'm sure in a few weeks when conception was apparent that just really sealed the faith deal. Sarah became a great woman of faith through her trials. Can you see Sarah in yourself? Unfortunately, I know that I can, especially her errors. But I want to see myself in Sarah as the woman of faith; the woman that, despite her constant and apparent need for God and her need for believing Him at His every Word, learns from her mistakes and draws just that much nearer to Him; a woman that will go down in history, like Sarah, as being "real," but loving God and allowing Him to use her trials, unbeliefs, and struggles as ways that she was strengthened, and tried to help others.


What about you?


I hope you have a wonderful rest of the Lord's day!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM #16

When is the last time you just read through the book of Proverbs? We read through the Psalms all of the time (I know I do), but what about the book next door, to the right? Do we study Proverbs? How would you STUDY Proverbs? Well, I guess you'd pray for wisdom and understanding right? :) After all, that's, literally, what it's all about. But then, we should pray for wisdom and understanding when we study any book of the Bible, shouldn't we?


Today, I just thought I'd give you the introduction (from the NKJV) of Proverbs and invite you to start personally studying this book. It's not usually a book we go to and say we're going to study in depth. Well, some might, but most just kind of go through it, looking for gold nuggets here and there. Find a reliable commentary that discusses Proverbs, get a few other study helps pertaining to the book, pray and ask God to open your understanding of the verses (maybe do this first), etc., and with all of that, understand that Proverbs was written in the Hebrew language and in poetic form. Understand that it was thought by priests and prophets that Proverbs were written because it was understood that wisdom was the way of relating to God. It could be used by anyone, no matter their personality or intellectual ability. It gave short, understandable ways of communicating human life, for any and everyone. The priests understood that, and they understood that God knew that we were all different with different needs, but wisdom and "your own special way" of communicating with God was absolutely necessary. And so came the need to write Proverbs. I'm sure there is much more to this story, but that's an important part.


Here is a quote by Roger Hahn about this Wisdom Literature (Proverbs): "People today may respond to the wisdom literature differently according to their personality and training. Wisdom Literature often frustrates people who love the heavy-duty theology of Isaiah or Paul. Some of them even call the Wisdom material secular because it deals so much with life on earth. Other people who have been frustrated by theological intricacies often love Proverbs and other wisdom sayings. They like the simple, bottom line summaries of what pleases God. Regardless of our personality type and the way we individually might respond to the Wisdom literature, we can rejoice that God has included it in the great variety of kinds of Scripture to meet the needs of different people."


So with that, here is Proverbs 1:1-7 to get you started on what I pray is at least a curious journey, if not an in-depth study on why God allowed the Proverbs to be included in the 66 book collection we call the Bible. Remember, all Scripture is profitable.

1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgement, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion--
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.


If you never get farther in the book of Proverbs than the first seven verses, they sum up what it is the Lord would have us get. Get wisdom, but in all your "getting," get understanding, and even bigger than that, fear or respect the Lord. That's when you have true knowledge. You'd be a fool without it.


Have a wonderful day in the Lord.

WEDNESDAY WISDOM #15

WISE ENOUGH TO REFER YOU TO A WISE WOMAN FOR WEDNESDAY WISDOM

Did you get that?

Today, I'm not running out on ya or being lazy. I discovered a blog, LauraLee's Lifesong, that is just so packed full of wisdom. As I was sitting here trying to figure out what God might want me to share today, the idea of featuring LauraLee came to my mind and wouldn't leave.

I stopped by her place this morning to just take a peek. You see, she received the same award I did (The Art Y Pico Award), and I wanted to see how God was using her in Blogland. I'm glad I did. She is packed full of wisdom from our Lord, and she shares it well.

I'd like for you to get to know her too. It is worth the click of the mouse, trust me. Just her first blog page has many posts you will take heart in. In my mind, sharing wisdom with you today meant being wise enough to send you to a wise woman that you will learn something from and grow in Christ because of.

So without anything further from me, I happily present to you http://lovinthearts.blogspot.com/. Go there and meet LauraLee Shaw. You'll be glad you did.

Hope you have a great rest of the Lord's day.

WEDNESDAY WISDOM #14

COMPREHENDING OUR FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD

I don't know about you, but I still have a hard time comprehending that I'm a friend of God. Growing up, in my mind, a friend was a friend; sometimes one that stuck closer than a brother, sometimes one that you had today and then they were gone tomorrow, but neither were on a level with "God" to me. God was "big" to me (He still is). But as a kid, He was big and kind of unreachable. I mean, I knew that He could be prayed to and He needed to be believed in or the alternative was bad (plus, I didn't want to disappoint my parents and going to church was just...normal), but God was God, not a friend. To me saying that was blasphemous and bringing the "big, unreachable" God down to my level, and I wasn't about to do that. I reverenced and respected Him. He was on a pedestal. I couldn't imagine that He could be a friend. I needed Him to be God, somebody bigger than my friends. Friends don't come close to a mighty God. I could see, at that age, that nobody I knew as a friend, no matter how good they were, could compete with God and that He was God all by Himself.

Needless to say, I was so wrong, for the most part. Oh yeah, God is God all by Himself, God is on a pedestal in my life, God is "big," and God's thoughts and ways are higher than mine, so He is not on my level. But God humbled Himself and became man, with the same feelings and physical nature as a man, while still maintaining His perfection, so that He could take the sin of the world on His shoulders and set the captives free! He walked among men and became their friends, and they trusted Him and followed Him. Our Lord called us friend. My husband told me this one day while we were having a "spiritual debate" about something. He said, "Honey, I understand your need to make God the biggest thing in your life and not bring Him down to a human's level, but He stooped or humbled Himself; He called us friend. He didn't lower His standards; He came from heaven and stood among men and made them friends, not on a human level, but as the best and most perfect friend man could ever have." I was floored! God calls me friend! I had to pray for the Lord to help me comprehend or understand this and then accept it.

Well, of course I had to look of Scripture pertaining to this "friend" thing. I even looked at Webster's definition to see if it even came close to what God meant when He said friend, because I was just sure that it would only hit the "human surface" of the word, but I must say, after you know that you're a friend of Jesus, you can use Webster's definition and see how it applies. What is a friend?--One whom you can share your deepest darkest secrets, one whom you can share your dreams and excitement, one whom you can trust fully, one whom you're compelled to share any and everything you have with, one whom you know well and are fond of; you're intimate, you're close; one who is not an enemy but an ally, a supporter and sympathizer. What do you know of God's character? He is one that we can talk to any time, He is an ally and definitely not the enemy, He supports us, He is close to us, He sympathizes with us when we hurt and when we're in need, He shares with us in so many ways, we can trust Him fully, He is fond of us (for He created us for His pleasure!), the list goes on and on!! God IS OUR FRIEND AND WE ARE HIS, although we can never bring anything close to what God does in the friendship to the table. He is perfect and sinless after all. He can't betray us, but we've sinned against Him over and over. He still loves us anyway. That's the best kind of friend we could ever have!! And the biggies (John 15:13 and Prov.17:17)--"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (Thank you Jesus, the one who calls ME friend and laid down His life for ME!!) and "A friend loves at all times."

Even Job knew that God was a close friend. Look up Job 29:1-6. Job was recalling the days when He could sense, feel, and knew intimately of God's friendship with him. Verses 4 and 5 say, "As I was in the prime of my days, when the friendship of God was over my tent; when the Almighty was yet with me, and my children were around me;..." "...when the friendship of God was over my tent..." literally means When God's council was by my tent or When God was an intimate in my tent. My Bible commentary says that this "...evokes a situation similar to that in Genesis 18, where God and two members of His heavenly council eat and drink at Abraham's tent (We're talking God here people!!)--and where God discloses to His friend the imminent birth of the promised son and God's intentions concerning Sodom and Gomorrah." Disclosing this kind of information to a human being, supping with him, etc.--how much friendlier can you get!! I'd faint if God chose, in this day and time, to consider me such a friend that He physically sat down and ate with me!! And while He doesn't make physical appearances, He actually does consider us this close a friend, and He does reveal Himself to us and His plans in so many ways. What a privilege!!

Jesus calls those whom He forgives friends. Consider the paralytic in Luke 5. In verse 20, Jesus calls this man "Friend," and tells him that his sins are forgiven. Again, more proof that we too, are friends of God. You and I (if you've accepted His free gift of salvation) have been forgiven, have been set free, and therefore, are called by God, "friends." What a friend we have in Jesus!! I'm so happy and privileged to be called such!

I pray that you can accept or have accepted that you are indeed, a friend of the risen Savior. I'm sure everyone knew this before I did. I accepted a lot of truthful things about God, but not that He could possibly be my friend. I didn't realize that this was a good thing, and that people who understood these truths weren't lowering God to our standards. He was choosing me as His friend because He loved me. The meaning of friend meant a lot to Him. I now understand and accept that. I challenge you to study further the verses and context around those instances when the word "friend" was used. You'll come away with a greater understanding of what you mean to Him, and in turn, what He means to you.

Have a wiser Wednesday today than you did last Wednesday!!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM #13

WHAT'S BLUE GOT TO DO, GOT TO DO WITH IT? WHAT'S BLUE BUT A SECOND-HAND EMOTION?

No seriously, it could be this, and Tina Turner probably doesn't know it either. You'd better read on then. She, we, and others may find this little bit of information interesting.

Colors were spoken of in the Bible in connection with literal things, and they also had symbolic meanings. From my studies, the KJV speaks of many more colors than any other version, but all versions make reference to the more popular ones we're used to hearing about, like crimson, black, red, etc. So, what does mentioning the colors of the Bible have to do with wisdom? Well, the more you know and are able to see and understand God's Word clearer (how and why the Bible made reference to certain things in the culture and times that it did), the wiser you are, the more you take that new found wisdom and ask God what it has to do with you or how you can apply any truths or facts you've found to your life. Sounds like a plan to me.

First, I'll make you a list of the colors that the KJV mentions (My only question to this was, "why does the KJV mention more colors or translate over more colors than other versions?" The answer to that is long and would require a whole other post). This longer list will include all of the colors that other versions mention. Then, I'll try and give you a brief summary of what the colors were literally describing and what their symbolic meaning has come to be known as today. The symbolic meanings are either alluded to in the Bible or have just come to be known as such over the years.

(1) bay,
(2) black,
(3) blue,
(4) brown,
(5) crimson,
(6) green,
(7) grey,
(8) hoar,
(9) purple,
(10) red,
(11) scarlet,
(12) sorrel,
(13) vermilion,
(14) white,
(15) yellow.
In addition there are indefinite words indicating mixtures of light and dark:
(a) grisled (grizzled),
(b) ringstraked (ringstreaked),
(c) speckled,
(d) spotted.
(The above list was found on www.searchinggodsword.org)

I forgot the color amber on the above list. It is only mentioned in the KJV in Ezekiel. The Hebrew word for the color amber is Chashmal, meaning glowing metal (NAS) or a shining substance. It is used to describe God's glory and His presence. Symbolically, it is associated with fire and God's judgement in other books.

Bay is the same as red.

Black, as you may well know, is associated with sin, disease, death, famine, and sorrow, passion, mourning, and skin color. It was also used to describe healthy or youthful hair in Leviticus, Song of Solomon, and Matthew. Sym., it can mean judgement.

Blue was used to describe hangings, holy coverings, embroidery, the Lord's commandments in Numbers 15, palace adornments, and royal apparel, and wealth and the corruptions thereof. Sym., it meant heavenly, holy service, and chastening.

Brown comes from the Hebrew word meaning sunburnt or "swarthy" and is translated "black" in the Revised Version (British and American).

Crimson was used to describe fine materials and sin. Crimson appears to be slightly darker than red. Sym., it meant the blood or sacrifice.

Green described edible plants, trees, and a meat offering. It was mentioned negatively once in Leviticus 13 to denote disease. Sym., it means rest, life, growth, fruitful, maturity, and frailty in Psalm 37:2.

Gray or grey is used to describe old age, beauty of old age, hair color in old age, and weakness in Hosea 7:9. Sym., it could mean ash, purification, mourning, and repentance. The word "hoar" mentioned above is the same as gray.

Purple described coverings or hangings, fine materials, and the dyeing trade itself. It was also used to describe beautifying the temple and furnishings. In the books of Mark and John, it described royalty, but in mockery. Sym., it denoted riches, royalty, and corruption of riches.

Red is used very diversely in Scripture, but mostly is associated with blood and war. It was also used to describe skin color, stew, wine, sores or plagues, bloodied water, clothing, horses, shields of mighty men, the sky, pottage, pavement, a shield, sins, and the great dragon in Revelation. Sym., it refers to temptation of sin, vengeance, and war.

Scarlet and Crimson are about the same. Scarlet is used to describe fine materials and thread. Like Crimson, it also describes sin, clothing, and riches. It has also been used to describe purification in Leviticus, Numbers, and Hebrews. Song of Solomon talks about scarlet lips in 4:3. Associated symbolism with the word describes the virtuous woman in Proverbs and beasts, fleshly nature, and brute.

Sorrel occurs once in the Revised Version (British and American), in Zechariah 1:8. It is a reddish-brown color.

Vermilion is used to describe paint on a house and in a portrait. Its color symbolism denotes unrighteousness and lust. Sym., this color refers to rust or corruption and paint or a false covering.

White is a familiar color to most people in its meaning and symbolism. Literally, it was used to describe animals, plant flesh, teeth, manna, leprosy, linen, garments, hair, compared as milk and snow, stone, clouds, fields, coriander seeds, and a throne. Sym., it means purity, refinement, heavenly, righteousness, victory, and even false righteousness in Matthew 23 and Acts 23. You will also see it compared to the "milk of the Word" or first teachings.

Yellow is used to describe leperous hair, gold, and pavement in Esther.

For the sake of time and space, I won't discuss the indefinite colors that indicated lights and darks of color mixtures.

This was an interesting study to me. It will help you read and see the Scriptures in a whole new light. It will help you envision what the passage is describing and see clearer what the author meant or was trying to convey. It will help you delve into the culture of the day and understand Scripture contextually. I hope you can use some of the information I've presented here. It is by no means all-inclusive or exhaustive. There are probably many more instances of color usage in the Bible, but this will give you a great start and will help you study and research for yourself.

Have a colorful and wise Wednesday!

(My research and resources have come from the Bible, Webster's dictionary, www.searchinggodsword.org, and other web/internet sources)

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#12)

DID GOD CALL YOU TO FAST? USE WISDOM

Has God called you to fast? Why do we fast? How can you know if He has called you to fast? Do you think fasting is a Christian requirement? Is there more than one way to fast? Can fasting make you a better Christian or cause God to hear you clearer? These are a few of many questions asked concerning fasting or that we need to ask ourselves if we've thought about this act of cleansing, consecration, meditation, and focus.

Some of these answers should be personal, like the first two, but some we need to be educated on and we need to exercise wisdom and gain a great knowledge and understanding about. Fasting is an old practice, practiced as far back as Bible days. Even Jesus fasted. That fact alone says that it can't be wrong, but there is a time, place, and way to do everything, and there should be a sure leading into doing it.

There are some amazing reasons out there for why people fast and some are not Biblical. Some people fast for weight loss reasons, some people fast because they've been told or convinced that they are not real Christians if they don't, some people fast to appear more spiritual, and some people fast because it's something to do-why not?

On the flip side of the above, there are amazing results and blessings for people who have fasted when, how, and why God said to do so. If God lead or prompted a fast, you can be sure that it's not only the right thing to do, but that He will give you the wisdom, strength, sustenance through prayer and His Word, and He will be glorified. Whether you have a mountain-top experience after a fast or feel no really big changes at all, you can be sure that you and the circumstances are not the same. Obedience to God's prompting alone glorifies Him and strengthens your faith in Him. That is change good enough.

Like in everything that means anything in life, we should get understanding about fasting. Recently, I read an article by Dr. Bill Bright (The founder of Campus Crusade for Christ) that gave a clear picture of fasting, a practical way to go into a fast, what to expect through one, his experiences with fasts, and how to come out of one. It was very interesting, insightful, and practical. I recommend anyone who is curious about fasting or feel they've heard from the Lord to go into one read this article. I have certainly benefited from his insight, wisdom, and experience, and have saved the article so that I can refer back to it when or if necessary. The link to the article is http://www.billbright.com/howtofast/index.html.

There are hundreds of articles on the Internet about fasting, but reader beware!! There are some with really wild benefits to fasting and really false non or un-Biblical reasons. Does every fast need to be spiritual or Biblically based? That's up to you. Fasting has such benefits that it should never be taken flippantly or lightly though. There may be times for a type of fast just for internal body cleansing or to let your body have a rest from certain foods, or perhaps to kill a chronic craving for sweets, etc. by denying your body that certain thing for so long that you don't crave it anymore, or as much. This is certainly a different take on the type of fasting I'm referring to in my post, and I don't see these fasts as "wrong." You can certainly do what you choose to do as right or healthy for your body or lifestyle, but for the type we're talking about in this post, God's leading needs to be your only reason for fasting and He will be clear in letting you know. He will make everything about the ordeal clear.

Bill Bright suggests consulting a physician or not doing a fast altogether (for those with severe or chronic health problems that would make fasting dangerous or fatal). He does mention though, that for the healthy, fasting is rewarding.

I thought I'd write this post today because for Christians, we're living in a time where things are "heavy," to say the least, and/or God is calling us to a deeper relationship and fellowship with Him. He may or may not be calling you to fast to make something happen. Sometimes that "something" is just for you to re-focus your affections and attentions on Him, and guys, that's good enough reason all by itself! Our goal in fasting, meditating, or worship is to turn our total attention and affections toward Christ. We need no other reason or need not look for anything else. But, there are times, as mentioned in Mark 9:29 and Matthew 17:21, where God has chosen fasting and praying, by us, to be His method or conduit by which He causes great change from serious issues.

Wouldn't it be a privilege if He chose you? Wouldn't you love to be obedient to the call of fasting because God was getting ready to do something? Wouldn't you just love to deepen your relationship and just be silent before Him because the lack or denial of something (fasting) has given you the freedom to get there? If God has not called you to fast, DON'T. If He has, get ready for a tough and totally rewarding experience that will change your life and perhaps somebody else's. When God is involved, THINGS CHANGE!

I encourage you to read the article by Bill Bright and other reputable Christian authors with fasting experience, look for great books in the book stores and online that talk about it, and talk to others who have had great experience with obedience to fasting. When or if God calls you, you'll be ready and would have gained great understanding into this wonderful privilege of God.

Sorry this article is posted late, but as I've said before, family and priorities first. I'm just glad that I got to think on and post this article at all today. It's been full and busy around here. I hope this post has blessed you. Have a wise Wednesday!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#13)

BE ON GUARD! DON'T FORGET THAT THE ENEMY IS OUT TO THWART GOD'S PLAN!

Nevertheless, God is in control, whether people believe it or not or whether they can see that fact or not. The truth will never stop being the truth, just because someone chooses not to believe it.

I have friends and family members that feel like they've been under attack all week long. It just seemed like a common thread and conversation going throughout everyone's home and life that I've talked to in the last few days. The funny thing is, they've all had deadlines and/or projects for the Lord that they've been working on, and have felt like everything in the world has tried to thwart the plans and stop the action. Well first, let's be assured that if we're on God's timing and about His agenda, no weapon in hell shall prevail against it, so...the plan will go through! But, guess what else? 'Everything in the world IS trying to thwart the plans and stop the action.' The enemy is the prince of the powers of the air and this world, and he is throwing all he's got in his arsenal (in this world-in the seen and unseen world, but still this present age) at anything and anybody that represents God and is into Kingdom- building.

You guys, we're at the end of this present age. As far as I'm concerned, we're in the last days. And yes, I know, every generation since whenever has thought the same thing, but were they paying attention? It's like salvation, YOU CAN KNOW! And I believe if we're in the Word and watching what's continuously going on around us, we can clearly see that we're in the last days. That being the case, the enemy is giving it all he's got, and we need to be aware, stay prayerful, stay vigilant. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but all the tools and weapons necessary to do the battle that, by the way, IS ALREADY WON. Now I'm not saying take on the enemy in your own strength, your own way, etc. I believe (my personal belief, so don't shoot me here and you don't have to take it as Gospel) that we're no match for the enemy. But God...!!! He tells us to stand and assures us that we can!

I've heard that there are 3 ways to combat the wiles and tricks and attacks of the enemy or how to deal and stand when we're in spiritual warfare, and my friends, if you're a friend of God's, you will have to deal with the enemy in some shape, form, or fashion in your Christian walk. If you don't, and everything is smooth sailing all of the time, you'd better go back and do business at the throne...for assurance sake, if you know what I mean! I'm just saying!! Anyway, back to the three ways I mentioned above: I've heard (and practiced) that you must pray and pray without ceasing during these times (as we always should anyway) and pray intentionally, read God's Word, especially those verses pertaining to what we're going through, God's promises to us, and psalms of victory (God ALWAYS makes good on His promises, but everything is according to His will and His timing), and ask God if this is when you need to consider fasting. There are some matters that God may call you to fast so that you can focus completely and solely on what He is trying to communicate and work in and through you. He's so good that while you're focusing and surrendering to Him, He's working out your other problem and you're on the other side of it before you know it. He's good like that!!

In this life, you will have troubles. The enemy's agenda is to take as many to hell with him as he can, but for those of us whom he can't take, his plan and attempts are to render you useless for the Kingdom. Know your enemy, but don't dwell or focus too much there. Know your big and awesome God more! Use what you've learned in God's Word and your experience to know what you see when you see it, but focus on the promises and works of the Almighty, and He is the only Almighty!! God's plans will move forward, and He uses those whom He has created to get the plan done or carried out. Those of you in ministry and just doing God's business in general...STAND!! And when all else fails...STAND!! We're exactly where God wants us to be and we're a part of His plan. You see, He has an agenda too, and that is to do the exact opposite of what Satan is trying to do, to take as many of us who open the door that he knocks at to heaven with Him, and spend eternity together. That's the way He would have it. He also wants to give rewards to those who have been faithful. Would that be you my friend?

If you don't know Him, get to. If you do, faithful ones, may God pour out a blessing for you that you can barely contain! Stand and be faithful. Keep plodding along. Our God in heaven will be glorified. After all, what else are we here for?

Be wise this Wednesday!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#12)

WHY DON'T YOU MAKE LIKE GLASS AND BE TRANSPARENT!

There was a repeated theme that I heard in my women's group today at church, that I thought worth sharing with you guys. Funny thing is, it's something that had come across my mind while I was driving to the class. Wonder if God wanted it to resonate in my spirit then huh?:) It was on the matter of transparency, being open and honest about our mistakes, not to draw sympathy, but to (1) admit before God or agree with God that we are sinful or that we have sinned against Him and possibly someone else, (2)help someone else who has been going through the same thing or is going through the same thing have someone real that they can identify with, and (3) help others come out of shame, self-disgust, blame, etc. and let their walls down so that they can begin to heal. Is this not an important thing to do for all of us?

We need to be as transparent as glass. Of course, we always need to pray about what to say and when to say it, but once it becomes obvious that the time and place is appropriate and safe, we need to BE TRANSPARENT. It is necessary, crucial, freeing (for both parties), detoxifying, a growth opportunity, healing, the list can go on and on. God uses transparency and so it cannot be a bad thing. We must pray to God so that He can reveal its value.

Worrying about whether being transparent will have someone look at you in a negative light is a trick or device of the enemy. If you're in the right company, and God has prompted you to speak and be transparent, He WILL USE IT for your benefit and the listener's and He won't miss the mark. If there is someone there who would use your words against you later, there are many more there that will benefit, and you can't worry about what someone might say. Have you obeyed God in the face of the enemy is the question. God won't allow that person to damage your character/reputation/testimony permanently. You belong to Him. He loves, shields, and protects what's His. You can count on it, no matter what it looks like right then. You will also probably find that everyone else who took your transparency the right way will come to your defense and rescue if someone does try and use your words to hurt or damage you. You need not worry. Pray for them and give the situation to God.

I have always considered myself to be somewhat transparent, but I realize the longer I walk with Christ, I could have been more so at one time or another, again when it was appropriate and would have helped someone. We tend to want to keep some things to ourselves, thinking "How can this help anyone?" or "Now, this is just too bad to tell." All of your experiences aren't horrifying, but even if they are, most, if not all, at some point or another, as you grow and walk with the Lord and love on other people, are or can be helpful.

Let's pray to God for the ability to be transparent. Ultimately, you won't regret it. The listener who greatly benefits certainly won't regret it either. They will be so much better for it. Nothing is wasted; none of your experiences...ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. God is the only one that can turn our bad into good. Praise His Holy, Sovereign, Gracious, Tenderhearted Name!!! I'm glad He is using my experiences and I pray that someone is drawn nearer to Him because of them.

One more thing. You ultimately brag on your Big God when people can see where He has brought you from or out of. It tells them instantly that He can and will do the same for them. Again, Praise His Holy name!

Be wise this Wednesday. Be transparent!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#11)

SHARE YOUR WISDOM WITH THE WORLD

I would like to hear from you again. I always try and leave what words of wisdom I feel like I can share with others, and I try to hear from God before I leave them, not wanting you to hear from me, but what He has put on my heart (Look back at other Wednesday Wisdom posts on the blog.). There is no telling what you might get if you hear directly from me:)! Anyway, I'd like to hear your words of wisdom. Share them with me and other readers; what God has spoken to you; a wise lesson, something you've learned this week or in your lifetime that are true words of wisdom. The Bible speaks highly of obtaining wisdom, but it also says more than that, we should get understanding. What is wisdom without understanding? Well let's hear your words of wisdom and pray that God helps us understand what it is He is trying to speak directly and specifically to us with those words. I can't wait to learn from you, my readers, and broaden my understanding that I might do more for Him and because of Him.

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#9)

WISDOM QUOTES

I just thought I'd share some quotes I found on wisdom. They made me think and see how they parallel with other things and truths as I know them. You can certainly use them if you like. I borrowed them from the author myself, after all. I hope one really stands out to you. Tell me how any one of them made you think or what you thought about it.

Cicero says: " The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "To understand reality is not the same as to know about outward events. It is to perceive the essential nature of things. The best-informed man is not necessarily the wisest. Indeed there is a danger that precisely in the multiplicity of his knowledge, he will lose sight of what is essential. But on the other hand, knowledge of an apparently trivial detail quite often makes it possible to see into the depth of things. And so the wise man will seek to acquire the best possible knowledge about events, but always without becoming dependent upon this knowledge. To recognize the significant in the factual is wisdom.

George Burns says: "Too bad that all the people who really know how to run the country are busy driving taxi cabs and cutting hair." (I don't know if this is wisdom, truth, or what:))

Groucho Marx: " A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five." (I love this one!)

Henry David Thoreau: "It is characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things."

Immanuel Kant says: "Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."

and last for today, Isaac D'Israeli: "The wisdom of the wise, and the experience of the ages, may be preserved by quotations."

Well that's certainly the case with the Bible isn't it? It is the wisdom of the wise and experience of the ages, and it has been preserved through the ages for us to read, having been written by men, guided by the Holy Spirit, to write the quotations of Jesus, others around them (or themselves), and all things that they experienced. It's the most popular quotation book ever! And the neat thing about it is, it's all true!

Be wise this Wednesday (and everyday!)

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#8)

BITE YOUR TONGUE!!

Perhaps you've heard, "Hold your tongue young lady (or young man)!!" Can the tongue truly be tamed? It's not really the tongue itself that gets us in trouble. In fact, the ever-accused (and accursed) organ can't do anything without the mind willing it to speak...BUT, most people don't want to get into a science lesson about thoughts leading to sent messages to an organ that does the physical work. Everyone can readily and easily identify with the tongue (and voice box) either wreaking much havoc or building someone up, instead of tearing them down. The "tongue" has the great potential to do both. Let's first talk about the negative. I'll tell you a personal story first.

Anybody that knows me knows that I talk...A LOT!! I ended up marrying a man that talks more than I do though, and that's a really hard thing to do. Why do I talk a lot? I don't know. I guess I'm a social person, I like to share information, maybe it's hereditary, I'm a mother so I have to (and my kids can't get away from me--haaa!!!), maybe it's a gift (yeah, right!!), maybe it's all of these and more...I don't know. I'm even thinking just now, maybe that's the reason I blog. I talk to my girls, and when I'm finished, I talk to my computer! And here I thought all this time that I was just blogging as an outlet (and small hobby) to share with my readers and to use my skills (now this IS funny! I only have two skills apparently, and those are to talk a lot to people and talk a lot to computers when there are no people! this is a sad existence!) Anyhooty, I even once had an elementary school teacher tell me that if I kept talking so much, I would use up all of the oxygen I was given, and I would die early; so I should talk less or just shut up so that I could live to be a grown-up. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT!! Now apparently I didn't heed that for long, and at some point, I figured out this wouldn't really happen, but by George I believed her at the time and I was afraid! Don't ask me how long I stayed...QUIETER until I figured it out. I don't know, but I know for a short period, this woman traumatized me!! She did not understand how to tame that tongue of hers:)!

Seriously though folks, there is a lot to be said about the tongue: politicians (even Presidents) have purjured themselves with it, people have gotten killed because of it, people have gotten abused by it, people have lost dignity over it, children have been belittled by it, bad deals have been made because of it, vows have been made and broken because of its thoughtlessness and cruelty; the list can go on and on.

While the tongue is a really useful instrument, it needs to be bridled for sure. We need to spend more time training our brains to stop and think than allow that same brain to send those messages to that organ without giving much thought at all, lest we let the wild beast loose. It's hard to tame a shrew! Want some wisdom and knowledge about the tongue? I can only refer you to the source I know that tells it like it is. It tells the truth. The Word. Look at this...

Psalm 5:9b - "Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue." This was King David talking to the Lord about his enemies. The intent of the enemy was to plot against the king and tell lies to discredit him and bring him down.

Psalm 57:4 - "My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows and their tongue a sharp sword." Again, David is talking about his enemies. He compares them to ferocious beasts and again, their tongue was used against him, to discredit or harm him. Are you around any ferocious beasts or lions who use their tongue to hurt you or others? Are you the beast?

Proverbs 6:16-17 - "There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,..." Okay folks, need I say more?! It doesn't say that the Lord simply dislikes these things; He hates them. It looks like lying is right up there with murder, no different in His eyes; sin is sin and He hates it all. Hmmm!

Proverbs 12:18 - "There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." There are contrasts here. I like this because you know what a tongue can do on opposite ends of the spectrum.

Jeremiah 9:8 - "Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceit; with his mouth one speaks peace to his neighbor, but inwardly he sets an ambush for him." How many of us know what we call "two-faced" people like that or "phonies"? Again, is this you, or has it been?

Finally James 3:8,10- "But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." "From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way." Folks, James said it all. Nothing more for me to add.

Be wise this Wednesday!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#7)

FAITH IS NOT INTELLECTUAL, IT "IS THE ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE CONVICTION OF THINGS NOT SEEN"(NAS)

Another Bible version says it "is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (KJV-Hebrews 12:2)

Discussing the subject of faith can be pretty intensive and extensive, but I will just give you a "wisdom nugget" today, so that we can remember not to intellectualize it, like we humans tend to do. We "understand" this word very well, that is, until something happens that shakes us, and asks us to think, do, function, etc. in ways we never have before. This takes us out of our comfort zones, and we don't understand it. I was reading Youngs, Fuller, and Schuller's book Woman to Woman Wisdom and found a really neat excerpt from it that I want to share concerning this matter. At the end of the day, we need to understand that the God of this universe is always in control, does things to get our full attention, wants our full dependency on Him, and strengthens our resolve and relationship with Him through this issue trust or faith. What do you know of it? How has your faith been tested? Do you understand the difference between intellectualizing and just plain faith and trust with wreckless abandonment in Christ?

The authors of the book wrote, "...experiences that shake, rock, and otherwise threaten to buckle our lives can move us beyond business as usual and, instead, to search out a new place-a new way-to live. Whether our angst causes us to reel, scream, plead, or cry out to God, one thing is for certain: when we go knocking-or kicking, screaming, or banging-at God's door, we do find God. As with all productive fights, the exchange leads us to a new understanding of ourselves and beyond a mere intellectual-level understanding of the God of the universe. The difference of the distance we've then traveled is not just a matter of degree, but of redo-much like when a house burns down." Has life caused you to question your faith and question your sense of who God is and what He should or shouldn't be doing?

A man of incredible faith, a pastor, lost his home and all valubles in it. He thought that his faith was strong. He knew God, a good life, hadn't had many trials; He knew what the Word said about faith and could quote it backwards and forwards. That's all good until your faith is tested. How will you trust God then? Will your opinion change? This man sought refuge in God, and at the same time, he railed against Him. He begged God for mercy through his ordeal, but, at the same time, accused God of not sparing a man who was a servant of His. How could this happen? This man had no idea that these pleadings and accusations, his shaken resolve and faith, would transform his thoughts about God and what real faith was. It would force him to rebuild a more solid relationship with God from the ground up. The book says of him, "A faith once rooted in his intellectual and professional life had been tested mightily, and the result was a greater breadth and depth and scope of God than he had ever known. He now knew God intimately and could speak to others on a level he never even understood. He arrived at a far richer place than he could have ever predicted. The branches of his earlier faith withered in comparison."

We will have our moments like the man mentioned above. We will go through the "fire." Our faith will be tested and sometimes harshly. We usually want to race around in our minds trying to figure out what just happened and then what we're going to do about it. We don't connect any lessons for life to it or any building up of character. Sometimes, we withdraw and nothing good comes out of it. If life's trials shake us up, and our faith is merely intellectual, we will be thrown off course or break. Some things are beyond our understanding, and no matter how hard we try and figure it and God out (concerning the matter), we won't get what we're looking for. It's really dangerous too, when things are going well and we adopt the "Don't call me; if and when I need you, I'll contact you" attitude. When the trials and storms do blow in (like they inevitably will), with this attitude, we'll blame God or do away with Him altogether. His goal isn't to drive us; it's to draw us. He uses storms to build or rebuild a relationship with us, because that's ultimately what He is interested in. The authors say, "In this, the storms of life are productive in that they move us from an intellectual understanding of God to a deeper and richer relationship with Him," if you'll just trust Him. "But we need not wait for a "fire" to drive us into a rich and lush relationship with the Almighty. We can do this even when the sun is shining and the skies are clear." This is my admonishment. I find that when I practice loving, seeking, and trusting Him with wreckless faith during the good times, it makes it easier to run to Him and seek His covering, grace, mercy, and protection when things get rough.

Choose to build or rebuild your life with God in the center seat, asking Him to help you trust him blindly, through good times and bad; to help you not intellectualize (and trust in yourself) or over-analyze, but to put your complete and total trust in Him. He is still and always will be in control.

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#6)

I'M NOT TELLING YOU ANYTHING!!

I so crack up when people won't share things like INFORMATION, or recipes, or Biblical wisdom and knowledge, or where they purchased something. Now for the last item listed, I can understand this just a smidgeon because people don't want you to go out and buy something that they have, and then they come over and find it in your house. It somehow robs them of their "uniqueness" and individuality. You "copied" them. Heaven forbid!! Okay sarcasm aside, we all like to be different, and we all want to feel like we've discovered something or shown a piece of our personalities by acquiring something we'd like to think is unique and different...and...hopefully no one else has it. (I'm still cracking up:))


Even though it's obvious and common sense to know this, there are very few one-of-a-kind objects out there. I mean to find something and have it for yourself that no one else in the world (or at least close proximity) has is really rare, to say the least. I know some of you are thinking about at least the "close proximity" thing now. "Well, I know somebody might have one like me, but I've gone out of my way to ensure that it's rare enough that no one in my circle of friends has it. That way I won't 'happen' upon it." This is a crack up too because more than likely the people in your circle of friends shop at the same types/kinds of places you do, probably are in the same income bracket (so can afford it), and because you're friends, you probably have similar tastes. These are the people reading this that will go out of the state or country just trying to ensure that these friends have at least a "hard time" getting what they have. We're so funny as humans. I would say at this point, "Who cares? At least they think that you have great taste like they do, because you both thought to buy the same thing." Your house probably looks like theirs anyway, because "you're friends." You didn't think "unique" when you purchased a house in the same neighborhood because "you wanted to be just like them." What happened to "I want my own, original everything?" I'm not being smart, just realistic, observant, and having a blast watching and hearing people lately on this subject. (Don't get offended. I know that my comments don't speak for everyone and everyone's circumstance)

I was thinking too, that when you purchase things (you know, those unique, one-of-a kind things...sorry), did you see those 30 others of the same kind behind it? Even in the rarest cases, did you see the other 2 behind it? Somebody is going to have what you have! We can only combat this when we start creating and crafting things ourselves. I just wish I had the time...

And what of information? Who is information for? ANY AND EVERYBODY WHO WANTS OR NEEDS TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT SOMETHING OR SOMEBODY. Why do we not tell people things? Do we secretly want to be the only ones to know? Do we want to be the "learned, informed one"? Do we one to be "one-up" on somebody? What's the deal? Does it speak of an insecurity? Now, trade secrets in some cases, I can understand. But just general information...why do we want people to suffer or agonize over something that we can simply tell them? If we can do something well or we know a better way, why not share it? Even if you had to figure out things the hard way for yourself, why not vow to make life easier on someone else...JUST TELL THEM. Now, I know there are some exceptions to the rule here. There are some people who wouldn't look for any information on their own because they know somebody close to them will tell them. This is not the situation I'm talking about. Would we be better off taking some information to our graves (where we can do nothing with it, by the way) rather than share something that can help someone TODAY? Hmmm

Among women, especially in the past when women spent more time in the kitchen, recipe sharing was either really prevelant or really secretive. There were recipe swaps, cookbooks, etc. usually going on, but there were always those women who could not and would not give up "the family recipe" or their new creation. Again, if this were for business reasons or a trade secret (if it was all about the money, IOW), I can see that. But this was usually not the case. "I just didn't want Suzy to have my recipe. I want to be the only one with compliments at the potluck at church. I want people swooning over my stuff only!" I'm telling ya, we crack me up!! :) I wonder if we're secretly scared Suzy can "outcook" or "outbake" us, or make Aunt Smyrna's apple turnovers taste better than Aunt Smyrna did.

Last thing is the church or religious secrets. What of the Bible should be a secret to anyone? It's the one thing we ought to want to share with everyone, but listen people, I know people that for whatever reason won't share with you everything they have learned and won't even share with you techniques of learning the Bible that they have for fear that you might "know." You might surpass them in learning. There are Christian and religious leaders that won't even encourage you to read the Bible or whatever their "book" is because you might surpass them in knowledge. You might really learn something. You might see that they don't know what they "put on" to know. You might find out a whole lot of things. Your life could be changed!! Imagine that!! Who wants that? Then you might grow, think that you're better, share with somebody else, ...no telling what might happen.


If we all go to one of the only two choices of places that I think a person will go after death, what you kept secret in this life won't mean a hill of beans. In one place, you'll be agonizing too much to care of any secrets or information you kept, and you will probably wish you had been less petty and more kind. The other place won't have secrets and the things you concerned yourself with in this world will be null and void, so that would have been a complete waste of your time. You might even get questioned by God, depending on what information you withheld and how important to Him it was, as to why you kept the information to yourself instead of sharing in the first place; He would want to know why you didn't share it in a place and during a time where it would have been more useful to the receiver; He might want to know why you chose to cheat them out of the opportunity for needful and good information for growth, etc. when He freely gives. Freely gives...what a concept.

Why not think of things you can "give" today without fear or apprehension for no really good reason. Share information about a sale you just discovered on something. Tell somebody about Jesus. Let somebody in on where you just bought that beautiful blouse you're wearing (because you've got taste girl!!) or those really cool trousers (guys). Give somebody a recipe and dare them to make it better than you can. Have a "who can cook the best blow-out" party and have yourselves a good time eating it all!! Tell somebody your favorite stores where you purchase things to decorate your house. Help them pick out stuff there that "almost" looks like yours, but is a little different, and help them coordinate to have their own unique look, although they got the great decorating ideas from you. Hey people, this can work out for everyone if you look at it right. Have a good day!!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#5)

WISE PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES

You know, I was just sitting here thinking of how beneficial it would be and would have been, for some of us, to have had wise people to "speak wisdom" into our lives and mentor us as we grow. Do you remember having the thought at all, that you needed one or wanted one even? I was just looking at Titus in the Word, Ch. 2 and it admonishes older men and women to intentionally be examples, mentors, and "speak wisdom" into the lives of those that are younger around them.

As we get older, our speech, appearance, mannerisms, thinking process, heart, etc. shouldn't look the same. We should be getting wiser, making better choices, and choosing to live out our lives responsibly in front of others (basically more mature). Think of what kind of world we would live in if everyone did that. What kind of men (husbands and fathers) would we have if every one of them had an older man whom they could be accountable to, to ensure that they were "...temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perserverance (NAS)." What kind of women would we have if an older woman taught younger women (while they were practicing this lifestyle themselves) to have "...reverent behavior, not malicious gossips,...teaching what was good, so that they may..." be encouraged to "...love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure,...kind...," etc.? It even says that young men should be encouraged to do good deeds. Do we do that or even think about it? Is this too much or archaic in our post-modern world? Surely not. The Word doesn't get old, therefore its admonishments and commands do not. This wasn't a sermon though. I just want us to think.

How wise would it be to link our children, the young ones as well as the ones going into young adulthood, with such wise people? Wouldn't you like to have someone, besides yourself in your parenting role, to "speak wisdom" such as the kind discussed in this post (in Titus 2) into your children? I'm not sure if I had the thought or the inkling to seek out this kind of person for me, nor do I think that my parents thought very much of this, in an intentional way, for the benefits described above, but as you get older, you see the need to have yourself surrounded by wise men and women, for your benefit and your children's. I can remember some people that may have been friends to our family or a family member here and there that may have shown us great and/or memorable things, or said something that I'll never forget, but for the most part, we were surrounded by parents who were our primary mentors and you take what you get. As I've found out since I've had children, parents aren't perfect, but I do know that we certainly had ones that loved us. But, while I don't regret the upbringing and wisdom my own parents gave to me, I know now that I would have benefitted from the additional wisdom and mentoring of outside strong, Godly individuals who could take up the slack where my parents left off, or gave me things that my parents could not or weren't equipped to give (I'm not talking about material things.).

I try to find women now who can do exactly what I'm discussing here, with me. I try to expose my children to people like that also. I wish I had discovered this concept and "need" earlier in my children's lives, but God knows, because my children are really His and He holds their future. Thank God I realized this concept at some point. I hate to think that it might be too late, but God can send my soon-to-be men other men that can fill their lives, at just the right time, with the wisdom and knowledge God wants them to have, despite my lateness and errors in parenting. He can also help me to continue to pour myself into my girls and expose them to just the right women at just the right age and time.

Think about our world. What do you want it to look like or be filled with, as far as people are concerned? What can you do about it? This pertains to us with children and those without. All of us can "speak wisdom" into others' lives, while we're maturing, and mentor by example. Somebody always knows less than you do. Some of us are growing together, but we're doing so intentionally, and that's the key word. If you need a mentor, find one. If you are able to mentor, be one. I'm actually doing both. I have some great women in my life, and I mentor young women and girls in structured and non-structured environments as God has given me opportunity. I'm not perfect by any means, but I love the unfinished products of what God is making us into that have chosen to surrender to Him and the wisdom of others.

Please forgive any typos today. I'm homeschooling again and going from one thing to the next. Have a wiser Wednesday today than you had last Wednesday!!!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#4)

Let me just say from the onset that I was truly going to write about where our hearts and priorities are and whether God was on the center seat of our lives or not, or are we there, and God is on the outskirts somewhere. This would still be a great topic for today, but, I was just lead to share something directly from Proverbs-THE BOOK FILLED WITH WISDOM in the Bible. I'll leave you with this thought concerning this particular topic though: Check yourself and make sure that your days and life isn't filled with everything except your time with God and family. Take this blog of mine for instance. I hesitated to do it initially because I didn't want to spend much time on the computer and away from other priority things, and I'm just not a big computer person. I actually prayed about whether God would be okay with me doing a blog as an outlet for my writing and interests and other things. I asked Him to convict me however He wanted to in making sure that nothing came before HIm and family, and if this blog was going to do it, then I wouldn't have a blog. It was that simple. I also asked Him to help me make sure that I was a wise steward of my time if He did allow me to do it. You see, once I committed even this to Him, I was on the path to making sure that I was doing what was pleasing to Him, not just me. I think through (sometimes:)) what I want to write and share, and how much time it will take me. I prepare (sometimes:)) ahead of time so that I don't waste time when I get on here to type. I commit to only a few minutes a day doing this and I make sure that I'm not robbing my homeschooled girls of any time I need to be with them, or run errands, or do housework (yea, how fun:( , etc. They are usually doing independent work or taking a break when I do this. I feel better about this. Well, you can apply these same principles to things you like to spend time doing. Just make sure that you're honoring God with your time and you're not robbing your family, etc. of what they need. And, obviously, make sure God approves of what you've chosen to do. That might seem obvious, but you know how we like to just go off and do our own thing without consulting Him. I know I've done it. Anyway, I'd like to share a Proverb with you for today's wisdom. In fact, it's titled GOOD THINGS COME FROM WISDOM (Proverbs 2:1-6 NIrV--This is the wisdom of a father to a son, but it can apply to either gender)


My son, accept my words.
Store up my commands inside you.
Let your ears listen to wisdom.
Apply your heart to understanding.
Call out for the ability to be wise.
Cry out for understanding.
Look for it as you would look for silver.
Search for it as you would search for hidden treasure.
Then you will understand how to have respect for the Lord.
You will find out how to know God.
The Lord gives wisdom.
Knowledge and understanding come from His mouth.


Have a wiser Wednesday today than you had last Wednesday:)!!!!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM ( POST #3)

I must apologize for not posting earlier in the day, but today was FULL, to say the least, so some of you may not read Wednesday Wisdom until Thursday. That being the case, and because this day has been so busy and hectic, here's my simple little wisdom for today (and I'll try to give you something more intelligent to read for all subsequent Wednesdays, but no promises people, this is me you know (or you'll learn:)):

1. Don't fill your day with so many things you can't manage them (prioritize--I did do this today, but my day was full non-the-less.)

2. Don't agree to manage what you can't really manage.

3. Don't have kids who dictate and manage your day for you (my kids would never do that:))

4. Send the kids that do that back where they came from until they can learn to manage their own lives

5. Don't manage to have more kids like them in the future.

6. Split the duties if possible. See if your husband would like to manage some of the things you need to have managed. (Maybe he can at least deal with those unmanageable kids.)

7. Manage to manage.

8. Am I detecting a theme here?

9. Does it seem like there is something I want to take out on the kids?

10. Have a wiser Wednesday than your last one, and an even better one next time:)

WEDNESDAY WISDOM ( POST #2)

I don't consider myself all that wise, but I know enough to take you to a great source that gives great wisdom. I'd like to share some wise teachings that might help you this week; they've sure helped me (I'm always "preaching to the choir first"). They are no secrets. They're found in the Bible, but sometimes, unless we're purposely studying these things or have them in our devotions, we don't think of them often and may even forget. Ahh, the simplicity of just going to the Word...:) If you're not yet reading your Bible or don't have devotions, start with the 3 simple "wisdom" verses I mention in this post. God will do the rest. You'll be on your way


First of all, can we define wisdom: It is (according to Webster) the quality of being wise; the faculty to discern right and truth and to judge or act accordingly; sound judgment; sagacity (first time I've heard of this word--now I'm wiser:)); discretion; common sense; extensive knowledge.

Now, I like the part of discerning right and truth and to judge or act accordingly. Common sense can help us do that to some degree, but on-going, deep, and true wisdom comes from God; the leading of the Holy Spirit; the teachings of Jesus. We will surely stumble and err leaning on our own understanding.


Okay, on with the wise part or the good stuff! Check out Exodus 28:3-"You shall speak to all of the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as Priest to Me." I love this! Here is a quote that I think explains this verse well: "The tailors who made Aaron's garments were given wisdom by God in order to do their task. All of us have special skills. God wants (and will) to fill us with His Spirit so we will use them for His glory. A talent must be used or it will diminish." God's wisdom tells us what to do and how to do it and the result of us acting in obedience to that produces a "perfect product." May we use our talents for His glory always!


You say you want to be truly wise, it's very simple--Psalm 111:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever." I guess, because of the Holy Spirit working in me, causing my respect and reverence for the Lord, I can be considered wise after all:). Thank you Jesus!! Often, people think that becoming wise means skipping the above step and and focusing on gaining life experiences and education. They think that's all they need. Wisdom starts with the All-Wise One, no cutting corners.


Last thing I want to share today is that Jesus wants us to model Him. You knew that right, but what was Luke saying in Luke 2:52? Jesus doesn't want our growth to be stagnant. His was not. Luke 2:52 says, "And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." This is a great example and model of the Christian life. Here's another great quote that I think sums this verse up nicely: "The second chapter of Luke shows us that although Jesus was unique, he had a normal childhood and adolescence. In terms of development, he went through the same progression we do (that's why He can so understand our feelings, emotions, development, etc.--He's been there and done that!!). He grew physically and mentally, he related to other people, and He was loved by God. A full human life is not unbalanced. It was important to Jesus--and it should be important to all believers--to develop fully and harmoniously in each of these key areas: physical, mental, social, and spiritual."

Let's ask God for His wisdom today and lead fuller lives for Him! Have a wiser Wednesday!!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM

Are you interested in your role as a man or a woman? Do you think you have these roles down to a science? How do you know? What can you gauge it by? Is there a big difference between men and women? Can you just look at society and your immediate surroundings and environment to figure these things out or get it right?

All of these questions can be answered pretty clearly, leaving nothing to question if you look in the right place for answers or verification. The Word (Bible) really does contain clear and true descriptions of the differences between male and female, although Genesis 1:26-27 does identify the SPECIFIC ways in which we were created equal. Our first goal should be to accept the Word as truth (because it is) so that we can have something firm and sure to go by. The next thing to do would be to investigate; look for those "gold nuggets" of wisdom and truth in the Word that will take us on a journey that will answer all of the above questions. We all need something we can wrap our fist around and hold tightly as truth. We all need assurance.

Society has too many options and choices. How can you know and trust which one is right? There is no one "right" answer in the world. According to it, everything is "right." It just depends on what you want or what society dictates at the time. Is that enough for you? Wouldn't you want the assurance of a single, right answer for whatever question you might have concerning who you are and what that should look like versus a plethora of choices and then you've got to figure this whole thing out yourself? How can you trust you get it right? I couldn't trust myself. After all, I'm just human (imperfect) and how often do we get things right? Who wants to take the chance when you CAN get things right 100% of the time ( at least when we're looking for and practicing truth)? The Word holds the 100% truth 100% of the time. Where else can you get those kind of guarantees? Nowhere in the world!!

We could discuss in post after post after post true female and male roles as dictated by the Truth, but for the sake of space and time, let me just leave you with this: Don't let society dictate to you who you are and what that should look like. Don't let anyone tell you that there are no one right answers to all of the questions posed here. God created male and female, and how He designed them, why He designed them, and the order he designed them in was no accident. After all, God doesn't make accidents. We were created on purpose, therefore, it only makes sense that what His creations look like and act or function like were purposeful creations also. God is also not the author of confusion and so would not want His creatures confused. There are RIGHT and CLEAR answers, and when investigated, studied, and played out, make a beautiful, TRULY peaceful, and satisfactory (100% of the time) picture and life for all. THAT IS A GUARANTEE!