The Feminine Nature of Wisdom

 Wisdom is is spoken of as a woman in parts of Proverbs and i have been fascinated by that idea. This 'personification' is not actual... but it does reflect an aspect of human nature.

"The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man." - Genesis 2:20-22 ESV

Adam was missing something. He was incomplete. This morning i am seeing that rib as language and mathematics. Human things that are descriptive. God is transcendent. He is beyond what he has created but he took something human and made a woman to complete 'him' (humanity). Be His companion.

He gave us what we could never have alone.... wisdom... the rib became a woman... the logos (information) becomes a rhema (logical God breathed illumination).

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, do not lose sight of these - keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." - Proverbs 3:13-26 ESV

Wisdom isn't a person we can meet like in Greek mythology... She is a gift we can treasure and a way we can operate. A companion both men and women can have so we are not alone in this world. Our 'plus one' who comes with us to commune with God and whispers insight into our ears about what she sees in those meetings.

"The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth, before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man." - Proverbs 8:22-31 ESV

We are made in God's image and wisdom is an impartation He has given us if we want it and woo it and value it. We can be fools. Information can just be a tool for our selfishness but it doesn't have to be... she can make us noble.

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The Need For Fresh Wisdom

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." - James 1:5-8 ESV

- No one is disqualified from getting wisdom from God because of a pre-existing condition
- God gives generously
- God won't 'reproach' those who ask. He won't taunt, revile or 'make fun' of anyone. Shame should not prevent anyone from asking
- The doubter disqualifies themselves
- Doubt creates instability that resembles a ship tossed in a storm
- Doubt is functioning in an identity that is split into two opposing 'minds'
- The doubter must not 'suppose' (an interesting word that means think but it is a verb in the middle voice so the person is also the recipient of the action of the verb) that they will receive anything from the Lord. I think the word 'suppose' is key to understanding this passage properly
- Asking 'in faith' is a key component. No one is disqualified but not everyone gets wisdom. Asking with a particular mindset is needed

The author is inspired by God and He is telling us something here. He is giving us the ability to problem-solve with God.

This is a great passage to talk to God about. We can't be in that 'in faith' pocket apart from that dynamic.

I lack wisdom. My day is far from cut and dry. I love that I can come agenda-free to God and say, 'I want to collaborate with you.' and He is available to that. The disciples didn't 'suppose they would receive anything' from Jesus and when they did He gently rebuked them. He was for them but His actions were not centered around them. He was seeking to save and redeem what was lost. I want that wisdom today. I want to be free from arguing with myself about myself and worrying that a won't have what I need if things don't turn out a certain way.

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When Wisdom Can Not Comfort Us

Ok. This next passage comes at a time when the king had troubling dreams. His wise counsellors could not comfort him and he was so troubled that he ordered the death of all the wise men in Babylon.

That alone is telling. Maybe we have all gotten to a place of frustration where we have said, 'There are no answers to my dilemma. All of you people who say you know something can take a hike.'

The thing is... God had a man in Babylon.

"And Daniel went in and requested the king to appoint him a time, that he might show the interpretation to the king. Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said:

'Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter.' " - Daniel 2:16-23 ESV

God raise up people and He puts them down. That says so much to me. Is every leader or person 'raised up' by God? No, Some get raised up by birth, influence or ability but God does raise people up and God does put people down.

Daniel was wise and compassionate. He asked for prayer. Prayer is a mechanism God seems to use. We pray and God restores order. The fall brought entropy into our lives. Things tend to move into a state of disorder but life is complex and ordered.

This is what happened after Daniel spoke to the king.

"Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. The king answered and said to Daniel, 'Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.' Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king's court." - Daniel 2:46-49 ESV

God used Daniel to comfort this king who could be comforted no other way. The king's confusion was turned to joy and satisfaction.

Jesus is my Daniel. Daniel was a 'type' of Christ. Jesus can comfort a person that no one else can reach. Answers sometimes are not the answer. God raises up a person to reveal Jesus and the confusion that seemed to have no remedy is replaced by the joy of eternal perspective.

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Fernweh

I love reading the Gospels but I must say they give me a great sense of 'fernweh' (a sense of longing to be in a far away exotic place). You read and Jesus is speaking right there around the corner. People go to Him and ask for a healing for themselves or someone else and in a sentence or two, that person has their healing. I can see why some think of the Bible as a kind of fairytale because needs seem to be met so quickly and completely.

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God." - Hebrews 11:8-10 ESV

I'm thinking this morning of all the people I know who are waiting for doctors appointments and need wisdom. It hasn't been an instant healing. They are on a journey like Abraham was on a journey.

Humanity had Him and His ministry for the space of three years. That time is recorded and it isn't fiction. Still, during those days when He was here Heaven's doors were shut to mankind. God was answering His prayers but no one else had that access.

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV

Yes. I see this happening now. Jesus won us this access and God is working every hour and moment in more subtle ways in life after life.

I long for face to face time with Christ. I would love to know I could hear His voice if I walked around a corner and the words He would speak would shock, challenge and comfort me.

Wait a minute... I do have that now. I have the closest thing I could have with Him being there in Heaven and me being here on Earth. I have the Bible and the Holy Spirit making the Bible alive in my mind and Spirit.

Yes. I long for that eternal city that has not made by human hands but I also am alive right now in the moment and in the provision of the moment. God is here. His words are alive. There is healing in His wings. There is wisdom in the book.

Thank You God. Open the eyes of the blind. Please quicken the lonely heart waiting from day to day. Visit us in this moment. Thank You. Praise You. We want You to be close not far and the blood of Christ has brought us close. Thank You.

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Some We Just Avoid

"...avoid such people." - 2 Timothy 3:5b ESV

Yes. The scriptures say this in the new testament. It is a 'seek and save' age. We love and in one sense we are sent in as sheep to the slaughter but it also says that we avoid some folks. We love them and pray for them from afar.

Here is the context.

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." - 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV

Why avoid them? They will steal your time and resources. They will add roadblocks and confusion.

The scriptures go further.

"For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." - 2 Timothy 3:6-7 ESV

I notice that is says, '...among them...' as if these are a subset of the previous group with attributes of that group. Not all abusive people are users but all users are abusers in some way.

God died on a cross for their sins. He loves the whole world with an intensity we can't understand but at the same time, He gives warnings.

Seducers don't show all their cards until they creep into your house but the warning signs are often there.

"Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Owe no one anything, except to love each other..." - Romans 13:7-8a ESV

Often a sense of duty will seem to be present to help or continue but don't be fooled. Jesus is the Savior not us and we listen to His voice to see what role we have, if any, in someone's life.

Some folks you have to love from far away. Perhaps even through prison bars. Mercy, love and forgiveness... God has given us those things. He also has given us wisdom.

Let's be wise.

The Apostle Paul didn't start out that way. He used to be Saul. Saul was a man to avoid. God had to blind him and knock him down a few pegs before conversion happened in his life. We don't want to meddle in that process. Paul is a man I'm looking forward to meeting... not Saul. That guy can just keep on walking.

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Understand The Will Of The Lord

Many thoughts today...

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." - Ephesians 5:17-21 ESV

Maybe we can look at this phrase 'understand what the will of the Lord is' and it translates in our mind as 'knowing what to do next' but really it is 'knowing how to live life'.

Wisdom creates a priority system that excludes regret. It is value system. Wisdom lets us respond instead of react. Wisdom gives us a way of escape so we don't have to live in self-medication. Guilt has a solution.

"Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." - Proverbs 4:5-7 KJV

Jesus Is the Living Word. He Is wisdom incarnate. Knowing Him will shape our value system. He reveals God as gracious. His good news is pure and powerful. It doesn't bring people into bondage. It frees hearts and minds.

The Gospel is the 'will of God' for mankind.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." - John 3:16-18 ESV

That is God's will for this moment in history. Will we embrace it and enter into an experience of His favor or will we drift with nothing to sing about in a continual pursuit of vain pleasure that can never satisfy the deepest needs of our soul?

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Reading And Rereading Proverbs Chapter 24

I am reading and rereading Proverbs chapter 24 this morning and it is so refreshing.

"My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off." - Proverbs 24:13-14 ESV

I so identify with what is being said in this chapter.

"If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'Behold, we did not know this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?" - Proverbs 24:10-12 ESV

We can have seasons where we are so bombarded with issues and concerns that we just don't have a capacity anymore to hear about more tragedy. Unless we get a break, rest and be renewed we will begin to turn a 'blind eye' to need.

"I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man." - Proverbs 24:30-34 ESV

Yes. This is wisdom. It is practical.

We can read and reread and be washed and realigned. None of us know what the future will bring but there is wisdom that imparts hope.

We can deal with a few weeds and take note of weak places in our wall that need repair. If we are not overwhelmed we can do little things here and there and live with compassionate eyes that see, acknowledge and love.

If our strength is small there is no condemnation we can be realigned in grace and mercy.

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." - Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV

Yes. Amen.

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Detective Stories

Detective stories amuse us because they make us feel smart. Clues are fed to us by writers and we get to think we 'discovered' the truth. It is a thing that rarely happens in real life for most of us. Life isn't that cut and dry.

If we spend our life looking to uncover a plot and identify a villain we will be taking a real detour and we may inadvertently sabotage our relationships with people.

The Gospel is the true story of a hero. That hero isn't us. It is Jesus. Once we come to the right conclusion about Him... a conclusion we would never arrive at ourselves it changes our life and perspective. We start looking for the Hero in each situation, not the villain.

I plan to find my Hero again today. He has already gone before me. He Is the one who saves lives and cleanses minds.

He has taken this villain's blame upon Himself.

Those Who Turn Many

Those who are wise shall shine...

"At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." - Daniel 12:1-3 ESV

'Those who turn many' is one word in Hebrew. It is 'rab' (Strong's H7227) and as an adjective, it means many, abounding in or 'more numerous than.' but it can also be used as a noun and as a noun it means Captain or leader.

Here is a different translation...

"And those teaching do shine as the brightness of the expanse, and those justifying the multitude as stars to the age and for ever." - Daniel 12:3 YLT

In other words... We provide leadership in presenting divine viewpoint and many turn to God. The term 'soul winner' sounds antiquated or religious to some but it is a good fit for what Daniel is proclaiming here. A person who has made it their mission to provide leadership in seeing many people turn to God and His righteousness. It isn't a person who pounds people over the head about their sin. It is the person who points to the graveyard and says, 'All those people are going to stand before God. Some will 'wake' to everlasting life and others to shame and everlasting contempt. Believe in Jesus, the righteous One, and you won't be ashamed.'

This isn't about a natural leadership gift. This brightness will be determined by a decision to live a life that gives others exposure to divine viewpoint. Anyone can shine. Shy people and outgoing ones... quiet and loud... intellectual and plain speaking people. We provide leadership through imparting wisdom and God does the turning.

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More For The Rich

I'm praying for different people this morning and thinking of this passage...

"For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." - Matthew 25:29 ESV

It is a concept that is repeated five times in the Gospels (2x Matthew, 1x Mark, 2x Luke).

At first glance, it seems brutal but then as you ponder the concept it really makes sense if it is referring to wisdom and not Earthly possessions.

I'm praying this morning for people with vision and true wisdom. I praying that God would add what is needed to that compliment vision. I'm also praying for those who have small goals that are ill-conceived... not by my standards but by God's standards... I'm praying that God would drain away the little they have so that they would change their minds and enter into a true abundant vision from God.

Jesus' idea of wisdom distribution was the opposite of Robin Hood's view of wealth distribution... 'Rob from the poor and give to the rich.'

If people are rich in grace and truth (and everyone that sees Jesus as divine, holy and precious is rich beyond measure)  God is planning to give more to those folks. Let that be us this Christmas season and in every season.

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The Wisdom Of Eternal Perspective

I visited the neighborhood where I grew up recently. Don't go very often. I was struck this time by how old the buildings look. I'm not talking about the buildings that were there when I grew up. I expect those to be old. The newer building are old. The buildings that used to be open spaces when I was a boy are old now. How many people remember what I remember?

I read recently that there may only be one person left who was alive in the 1800s. It makes sense. It is 2016 after all. Does that person every remember what it was like they were just a baby then.

Can we fathom eternal life? Eternal perspective.

"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!" - 1 Kings 8:27 ESV

"The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?" - Psalm 113:4-6 ESV

"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,' even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb." - Psalm 139:7-13 ESV

"Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD. I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, 'I have dreamed, I have dreamed!' How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, who think to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal?" - Jeremiah 23:23-27 ESV

Imagine us describing the world to God? Isn't it folly to disagree with Him? He sees it all. He was there when everything has happened.

"...declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,' " - Isaiah 46:10 ESV

Our God is a God who inhabits the past, present and future all at the same time. A lie must be the most horrible thing for him. He can't lie and nothing is hidden.

If He speaks I want to hear what He says. If He has a recommendation or a commentary a want to hear it and make it more important then my own thought on the matter.

He Is God and His methods are gracious.

I just want to worship Him. I understand why someone would want to use a person with this much knowledge. How can I even have such an agenda? He sees my heart. I am naked before Him. Worship is the right thing to do considering the fact that a person so lofty would function so kindly in our individual lives.

Imagine if I spoke to a boy living in my old neighborhood and said, 'I remember when that building was just a field. I used to run and play ball there.' and he said, 'You crazy old man. That building has always been there.'

God's perspective is eternal. It has value. If He is talking then I am listening. I can only imagine what He has seen. His words matter. They will last forever.

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The Cattle On A Thousand Hills

What do you give the person who has everything?

"I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine... Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." - Psalm 50:9-12, 14-15 ESV

Interesting.

God is gracious and He doesn't need anything from us. The literal translation of 'a sacrifice of thanksgiving' is 'make thanksgiving your sacrifice'. That changes things doesn't it?

I'm meditating on this idea and it is very convicting. God has great ability. Am I tying His hands?

If we owned 100 million dollars we would have some amazing abilities wouldn't we. Think of the equipment at our disposal and the real estate we could purchase. If we were smart we wouldn't ever have to use the money. Just having it would give us leverage.

This Psalm isn't directed at the needy person. Needy people claim these promises all the time but it isn't directed at that crowd. It is directed at those who think they have something to give.

Can't God sell some of that cattle and provide for the needy people? If He did then what kind of power would He have? His ability is rooted in His ownership.

"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." - Matthew 25:1-13 ESV

The virgins had oil so they had illumination and access. No one can give me their oil and I can't give anyone my oil. I don't see God selling any cattle.

Grace is God's willingness to give favor. I see a God who is willing to deliver and wants us to have wisdom so that we can access what we already possess if we know Him. A child of God is an the heir of a King who will never die.

I often see a need for my thinking to shift. Does God need what ever it is I have to give? No. People might but God doesn't. The sacrifice is praise. If I use my brain and cry out to Him it the time of trouble He is glorified. He never sells anything and I never sacrifice anything. It is finished.

Progress is made when our lamp is full of oil. We can help in other ways because we love people. We can give time and resources. There is no out giving God.  Best of all we can point people to the richest One of All who will give a person their own oil.

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A Person We Can Trust

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." - 2 Timothy 2:22-26 ESV

I was thinking this morning about the picture of the man of God being a man who is trustworthy as a wholesome confidant. Some people have no one to trust with their faults or misdeeds. They can't tell family nor do they feel they can tell their friends and yet they are burdened by fears, guilt and shame.

In the catholic tradition they could tell their priest and that secret is kept confidential.

We all have a marvelous provision that everyone should take advantage of.

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:8-9 ESV

I talk to God everyday and rely on the provision found in this passage. God is faithful. This is primary and irreplaceable.

At the same time parallel to this it is wonderful to have people that do not strive. They are not quarrelsome. They can be trusted. The are not accomplices who share a secret. They are people who can teach us how to do the thing that would set us free from our burden. They travel a wholesome road and welcome company on that road for the journey.

"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 ESV

Isn't it wonderful to be with a person who sees you as new even if your faults have been made known to them. What a treasure that is. If we have family members like that we are very fortunate. If we have friends like that we are rich people.

The finished work of Christ allows us this perspective. Old things have passed away and all things have become new. A nail pieced hand reaches down into the pit of shame and guilt and pulls us out into the light to live lives of freedom.

Depending on the error that might not mean a release from all consequences. It is good for us to face the music for certain things. It is needed but it does mean freedom from the bondage of guilt, shame and the loneliness of isolation. Maybe all any of us need is a companion who will go with us and encourage us in Christ's stead because they have His mind.

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." - Galatians 6:1-3 ESV

I think this morning of children who are not equipped to bear the burden of their parents but instead of going to someone outside the family the parent has loaded something on their child that is heavy and smothering for them to bear. I pray for those situations. If only someone with knowledge and experience with God could be brought in then both parties could be set free.

For some issues it is best if the minister of reconciliation is someone unaffected and has a little distance so that the counsel can be free from a personal agenda.

The key to freedom from wrong knowledge is right knowledge. The cross of Christ is that right knowledge. Jesus died for the sins of man. It is finished. Mankind has a provision of forgiveness. Once that provision has been received we can die to self so that others can live.

"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." - 1 John 3:8b ESV

He has destroyed those works at the cross and the cross is still active to destroy those works in people's lives. Let's take up His cross and live in the cycle of resurrection.

Help us God. Help us be trustworthy people. Help us to face the music if that is what is needed. We know You know us and love us. We are so grateful for that. You see all who believe as clean and perfect in Your Son. Thank You God for for loving us and making a way of escape for us.

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The Ones Who See All Things As Pure

"To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled." - Titus 1:15 ESV

The statement seems to describe two kinds of people.

The naive person thinks all things are pure because their imagination can not yet fathom the depth of deception and evil in the present circumstances. It might be because of lack of exposure but it might also be the pair of rose colored glasses they wear. This person is dangerous in their simplicity.

The second type of person described is a Godly person who is well aware of evil and trouble but sees God's hand in each circumstance. The purity this person sees is not the illusion of the purity of man... it is the purity of God.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" - Jeremiah 17:7-9 ESV

It is amazing how those ideas mesh together in that passage. The wise person has roots that touch an underground stream. The water up on top can be quite polluted but there is water below out of sight for those that believe.

There are so many people that mean well that just have deceitful hearts. They may even want to help people but in the end the get things all twisted up because a crocked person can only get things straight by mistake.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." - Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV

Amen.

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Loving Potentially Dangerous People - Part 1

Struggling with this question this morning... How do you love potentially dangerous people?

In 2015 it is Syrian refugees... In 1938 it was Jews fleeing Europe... Both groups could contain spies. Both groups would not be easily absorbed into the culture because their beliefs kept them separate. In the midst of needy people there are also a few dangerous ones. The family seeking to adopt goes and visits an orphanage and looks to see if a son or daughter is there that they can love but one or more of those children might be dangerous because of the violence they had to endure... homeless ministry has danger... prison ministry has danger.

In Joshua chapter 9 Israel took in their Trojan horse...

"But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. And all their provisions were dry and crumbly. And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, 'We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us.' " - Joshua 9:3-6 ESV

This is what we all worry about. Who is what they seem to be? Who is safe and who is lying?

"They said to Joshua, 'We are your servants.' And Joshua said to them, 'Who are you? And where do you come from?' They said to him, 'From a very distant country your servants have come, because of the name of the LORD your God. For we have heard a report of him, and all that he did in Egypt...' " - Joshua 9:8-9 ESV

But they weren't from far away. Who are you refugee? Who are you nicely dressed young man coming to our church... Are you here to find God or do you want to corrupt our daughters? Who are you person who wants to rent out my basement apartment... have you cheated the last three families you rented from or are you who you say you are?

"So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them." - Joshua 9:14-15 ESV

Here we see the problem. Israel didn't love with wisdom. Love is dangerous no matter how you do it. People are fallen, broken and damaged. Some need help and some need to loved from behind a locked door because their motives are evil.

We must never stop loving but we must ask God who to love and how to love. That is why Churches have wise watchful men assigned to security.

"Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body." - Hebrews 13:1-3 ESV

Fear can stop us from 'letting brotherly love continue' and we never want that to happen.

Pray, love and get involved. Be very careful and prayerful about who you let live in your basement but that room can't be vacant forever.

There is no clear cut answer in this... God must give us an answer... we can't just harden our hearts without consequences and we can't be naive either. If we are prayerfully involved there might still be hardship but there will also be great fruit.

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Specific Wisdom

I was thinking this morning about specific reliance upon God... having real proactive reliance where we are seeking Him for specific answers and provisions in circumstances.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." - 1 Peter 5:6-9 ESV

"This God - his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? -  the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip." - Psalm 18:30-36 ESV

Maybe we have been conditioned to mentally beat ourselves up or lament our inability but we can revenge that kind of thinking with faith obedience. We can live saying to God, 'God. Teach me how to do this. I am looking for your wisdom and I believe You will show me something today.'

Faith is the blameless way because faith has integrity and accountability.

"And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." - Isaiah 35:8-10 ESV

The highway of holiness is the path of worship and faith reliance. It is walking in a life of expectation. Fools can be redirected there on that highway.

Hard tasks become easier when a professional shows you how to do something. If that coach stays with you until you get a handle on the technique and checks in on you from time to time you begin to look like an expert also.

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you... These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." - John 14:16-17, 25-26 ESV

The Greek word translated helper (or comforter) is parakletos (Strong's G3875). He is here indwelling us to be our coach and defense attorney. He never leaves us or forsakes us. If we lean on the Father in the name of the Son the Spirit will be our support. If we ask the Father in specifics the Spirit will reveal details and methods.

This kind of a mindset coupled with a willingness to open and explore the Bible is a powerful combination.

"You do not have, because you do not ask." - James 4:2b ESV

Thank You God. It is amazing what You have taught me over the years. Today I want to learn. I want to learn how to love. I want to learn how to communicate. Show me how to be a good steward. There are new challenges and I need specific wisdom. Help God. I ask and I know you will answer. Thank You God.

Please help all those who are reading this and asking for Your wisdom. Bless them richly with specifics today and in the weeks to come. Thank You God.

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A Steward Of The True Riches

Jesus is a wise manager of His Father's wealth. Grace is wise management. Mercy is a good investment. What is the result we are looking for?

"He also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.' And the manager said to himself, 'What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.' So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' He said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' He said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.

One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."" - Luke 16:1-13 ESV

The children of light sometime aren't very good with dealing with mammon. Mammon is more than just money. Mammon is the deal itself also. Mammon is leverage.

Sometimes believers in Christ are just not as shrewd as the ones who are in touch with what is happening in this age. The people of the age are looking for a material salvation. They think things and connections will save them so they hone the skills that they can hone to gain an advantage.

God wants us to be good managers at the same time He has praise for those who are generous with His resources.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever." - Psalm 23:4-6 ESV

God keeps pouring until our cup runs over.

What does that mean? Often times that does not mean that we have material prosperity. We become generous people who say, 'Maybe you do own 100 but Jesus paid your back bill so let's call it even.'

Our generosity has a purpose. It isn't naive. It is relationship building. We are not givers who just feed the hunger of several takers. We are givers of grace and mercy investors who cut deals so that eternal habitations can happen.

Today is another day to be a steward of the 'true riches.'

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Find The Victory

If you or I have a problem we can look up every scripture in the Bible related to that issue and it is amazing How God will speak to us.

"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." - Proverbs 24:3-6 ESV

Perhaps that requires creativity and a few study tools. A concordance will find where certain specific words are used but we might have to look for synonyms and phrases that touch on the concept also. It takes digging and searching but mining the scripture is like delving into a diamond mine. We become surrounded by treasure as we look for answers.

I'd rather have the abundance of counselors that the scripture provides than any other resource in the world. The scripture often shows me multiple perspectives in the context of divine inspiration. Those perspectives connect with my soul on many different levels. My emotions are addressed. My will is challenged. The mind is nourished with rational thought. My sense of self is explained or redefined and my conscience is cleaned and rebalanced. All this without speaking the problem out loud to any other human being.

There is something very special about taking a deep troubling issue to God and searching the scripture for answers before you ever even say anything aloud to anyone. It is like playing a game of chess and the first words out of your mouth are, 'Checkmate'. I'd rather only speak words of victory about something if it is at all possible. The Bible makes that reality possible.

People are a legitimate resource also. Of course they are. There are things that must be taught or caught from someone else but even then I want the Bible to be my ultimate guide. What people say is never the final authority on a subject. What God says is.

If you would permit me to I'd like leave you with one small piece of advice to close this week of blog posts. Take that problem you have been struggling with and find everything the Bible says about it. Then once you think you have exhausted the subject look awhile longer. After that start to look at those verses in detail. Meditate on them. Memorize them. Pray about them asking for God to give them to you. Internalize them. Don't just do it lightly. Pay a price to do it. Lose some sleep. Do whatever it takes.

Before long that problem won't be such a problem anymore. Jesus won a victory when He was raised from the dead. He wants us to partake of that victory today and forever. That victory is in the scriptures. Find it and revel in it.

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The Importance Of Humor

Just thinking this morning of the joy and release of laughter and how much of a covering it is to have people in charge who have a sense of humor coupled with integrity. When mom and dad can laugh and often do then it is a happy home. When you have a boss that laughs with you (not at you) instead of a humorless overseer it makes for a better workplace.

"A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it." - Proverbs 15:13-16 ESV

Amen.

There is real wisdom there. Understanding and humor are linked.

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." - Proverbs 17:22 ESV

"Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" - Psalm 144:15 NKJV

God is happy with His people. He covers us with a covering of joy. There is joy in His household. He is fun to be with.

Joyless religion is like a child brooding up in his or her room while mom and dad are tickling each other and having fun making dinner downstairs.

Life is filled with many difficulties and there are times to be sober and serious but we can live under the covering of joy so that our bones are fresh and our minds are flexible in the midst of it all.

In order to be genuinely wise we must have a sanctified sense of humor.

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Prudence

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." - Philippians 4:4-6 ESV

The King James says 'Be careful for nothing' in verse six and I like this better... maybe because it doesn't carry all the psychobabble connotations that the word anxious does.

Prudence is good. Wisdom is prudent. A prudent person is in it for the long haul. They want to have words and actions that contribute to something lasting. Instead of living only in the moment they are living in the future as well.

Being 'careful' is fear based. Being prudent is wisdom based. Carefulness is born from fear of failure or exposure but prudence is sourced in desire for success.

Wounds make us careful people. Actions and words are buried out of fear.

Prayer changes that. Thanksgiving can be transforming.

We take the words we tempted to bury and give them to God. We take the actions we are responsible for because we acted in passion instead of principle and give them to God.

Wisdom isn't holding back. Wisdom is moving forward by faith because we have an outcome that we desire to see accomplished.

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:11-13 ESV

"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith - that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you." - Philippians 3:8-15 ESV

If we know God then we have a calling to reveal God in the world to people and walk with Him in peace. Today is another day that calls for prudent action and not 'careful' avoidance.

God fill us with your Spirit and make us wise by reminding us who You Are and who you have made us to be. Send us out into our day and give us wisdom to make bold decisions that are based on 'long haul' thinking. We love You. We trust You. Amen.

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