November 22, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Ephesians 5: 15 [note terms in bold] – [NIV] … 15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 …
Ephesians 5: 15 [note terms in bold] – [NASB] … 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, …
My Journal for Today: John MacArthur, in his Strength for Today devotional on this date, returns to Ephesians 5: 15 to emphasize the exhortation to Christians to “live carefully” in Christ. I’ve added the NASB version of today’s key verse above because it uses the translated term “walk,” which is another translation from the Greek, rather than “live,” as in the NIV. I like the term “walk” paired with “be very careful” because, as MacArthur alludes in his devotional, they can create the word picture of a soldier being so very careful as he clears a minefield.
I’ll return to this mental image; but focusing on the Greek, term “akribos,” which has been accurately rendered in the NIV for Eph. 5: 15, “to be very careful;” and it’s a term which means to be hyper-vigilant to what is going on around us in the world. The second key term in today’s verse is “paripateo” in the Greek; and it refers to our ”daily living or walk,” especially those habits or disciplines which comprise our habitual walk in the world. Using these terms together, Paul was saying to the Ephesians, and to us [paraphrased], “As you walk everyday in this world, walk with extreme care!”
And that’s why the mine-clearing soldier image is so apropos in this exhortation. Life, as we know it, truly is a minefield. And I’ve often asked this question of other Christians, “If you had to walk through a minefield, would you rather be first; or would you rather follow someone who knows exactly where every mine is placed?” The answer is a no-brainer, of course. And applied to Eph. 5: 15, Paul is saying that the wise Christian will do all he can to seek the perfect minefield walker; and that, my dear readers, is Jesus; and then we follow Him.
Christ commanded His disciples (in Matt. 16: 24, Mark 8: 34; and one which I probably quote more than any other in ministry, Luke 9: 23) to follow Him ever so closely by denying ourselves. Proverbs 3: 5 commands the believer to trust God’s way completely and not try to walk in life using our own ideas; and Prov. 3: 6 promises that if we do that, God will lead us carefully down His straight and narrow pathway of life.
To the world, a “careful walk” might mean using our head knowledge, gleaned from worldly education, science, or even from man-made religion, to avoid the dangerous circumstances of life. It might encourage the worldly warrior to take on the minefield alone by using modern technology or to follow religious positive thinking gurus to point out the mines of life; but the truth of such strategies would place us at the mercy of others who are simply trying to show us the way by man-created technologies or thought processes. When we follow the way of Prov. 3: 5 – 6 and/or Luke 9: 23, merely trusting and following Christ, we may not always avoid the dangers of life’s minefields; but we’ll always know that God will bring us through the right way! And I don’t know about you; but I’d much rather follow Jesus through life than risk doing it on my own.
My Prayer Today: Lead me, Lord, and I will walk where You walk. Amen
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 21
November 21, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: 2nd Peter 3: 18 (highlight verse in bold) … 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
My Journal for Today: It is true … at the time of conversion for a Christian, with the indwelling of God’s Spirit, we are given, with the knowing of Christ, all that we will need (from God’s enabling grace) to allow us to grow into Christlikeness (see 2nd Peter 1: 3). However, in today’s passage/verse, Peter charges believers to grow beyond our initial conversion state of enablement as we grow to become more like Christ in all aspects of life.
And John MacArthur for this date in his Strength for Today devotionals indicates that growing in Christ is growing in Godly wisdom; and how could one disagree with that? Therefore, in the development of our wisdom quotient, MacArthur points us toward four steps …
------------------
>>> WORSHIP – Worship is the life expression of the “fear of God,” which we know from Scripture (Prov. 9: 10) is the beginning of all wisdom. Therefore, our 24/7 lifestyle of worship becomes the breakthrough surrender to God’s Spirit and the avenue to the mind of God.
>>> PRAYER – James 1: 5 clearly says that God will provide us with His wisdom in abundance IF we are willing to ask for it with the expectation of His fulfillment of that promise. And prayer, of course, is the vehicle for us to ask God for His way/will.
>>> RECEIVE INSTRUCTION – There is Godly wisdom in the counsel or mentoring from others whom we know are more mature (i.e., wiser) in God’s ways than are we (see Prov. 8: 14 and 15: 22; as well as Col. 1: 28).
>>> STUDY SCRIPTURE – 2nd Timothy 2: 15 clearly charges that we, as Christians, be approved before God as we accurately handle His word [i.e., “the word of truth”].
---------------
Therefore, as has been the case this month in our search for Godly wisdom, it’s another check up time!
First, AGAIN, we must ask ourselves, … just how serious are we to find God’s mind? And if we are serious, what are we doing about it (as outlined by this very practical list above)? As you can see above, God’s word supports every one of the above listed steps to seek out Godly wisdom; but those who find it difficult to break the inertia of embarking on this quest for Godly understanding usually find themselves giving excuses that allow them to stay in the pattern of self-driven patterns or worldly access to understanding.
Often I hear things like, …
-------------------
“I’m no Bible scholar and never will be.”
“I just don’t have time to … [you fill in the blank]!”
“The Bible is so difficult to understand.”
“I’m pretty wise in the ways of the world.”
“I can handle it (the tasks of life) on my own.”
-------------------
Well, all I can say is … if these or any other excuses are keeping any of us from growing in our understanding of God’s word, I’m afraid Satan has us totally conned and believing all that he would feed us to keep us away from knowing God more intimately. And to any of us who are in that position, I feel for what will result from our self-empowered ignorance or denial of God.
My Prayer Today: Fill me daily, God, with Your mind. … Amen
Passage of the Day: 2nd Peter 3: 18 (highlight verse in bold) … 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
My Journal for Today: It is true … at the time of conversion for a Christian, with the indwelling of God’s Spirit, we are given, with the knowing of Christ, all that we will need (from God’s enabling grace) to allow us to grow into Christlikeness (see 2nd Peter 1: 3). However, in today’s passage/verse, Peter charges believers to grow beyond our initial conversion state of enablement as we grow to become more like Christ in all aspects of life.
And John MacArthur for this date in his Strength for Today devotionals indicates that growing in Christ is growing in Godly wisdom; and how could one disagree with that? Therefore, in the development of our wisdom quotient, MacArthur points us toward four steps …
------------------
>>> WORSHIP – Worship is the life expression of the “fear of God,” which we know from Scripture (Prov. 9: 10) is the beginning of all wisdom. Therefore, our 24/7 lifestyle of worship becomes the breakthrough surrender to God’s Spirit and the avenue to the mind of God.
>>> PRAYER – James 1: 5 clearly says that God will provide us with His wisdom in abundance IF we are willing to ask for it with the expectation of His fulfillment of that promise. And prayer, of course, is the vehicle for us to ask God for His way/will.
>>> RECEIVE INSTRUCTION – There is Godly wisdom in the counsel or mentoring from others whom we know are more mature (i.e., wiser) in God’s ways than are we (see Prov. 8: 14 and 15: 22; as well as Col. 1: 28).
>>> STUDY SCRIPTURE – 2nd Timothy 2: 15 clearly charges that we, as Christians, be approved before God as we accurately handle His word [i.e., “the word of truth”].
---------------
Therefore, as has been the case this month in our search for Godly wisdom, it’s another check up time!
First, AGAIN, we must ask ourselves, … just how serious are we to find God’s mind? And if we are serious, what are we doing about it (as outlined by this very practical list above)? As you can see above, God’s word supports every one of the above listed steps to seek out Godly wisdom; but those who find it difficult to break the inertia of embarking on this quest for Godly understanding usually find themselves giving excuses that allow them to stay in the pattern of self-driven patterns or worldly access to understanding.
Often I hear things like, …
-------------------
“I’m no Bible scholar and never will be.”
“I just don’t have time to … [you fill in the blank]!”
“The Bible is so difficult to understand.”
“I’m pretty wise in the ways of the world.”
“I can handle it (the tasks of life) on my own.”
-------------------
Well, all I can say is … if these or any other excuses are keeping any of us from growing in our understanding of God’s word, I’m afraid Satan has us totally conned and believing all that he would feed us to keep us away from knowing God more intimately. And to any of us who are in that position, I feel for what will result from our self-empowered ignorance or denial of God.
My Prayer Today: Fill me daily, God, with Your mind. … Amen
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 20
November 20, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Ephesians 5: 15 [highlight verse in bold] … 15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
My Journal for Today: John MacArthur makes a rather startling claim as he once again discusses Ephesians 5: 15 in today’s Strength for Today devotional. He maintains, supported by such Scripture 1st Cor. 1: 3, and Col. 2: 3, as well as today’s passage, taken from Eph. 5: 1 – 16, that even the new, born-again believer has been endowed with enough wisdom to be able to fulfill the mandate of today’s verse/passage.
Ephesians 5: 1 – 14, which precedes today’s verse, [please read it!] is Paul’s forceful teaching that we must, as Christians, be imitators of God (i.e., Christ); and one verse in this passage is a linchpin verse for Battle Plan Ministry, the ministry into which God led me over 10 years ago. It is Eph. 5: 3; and it states: “But among you [i.e., Christians] there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.”
That is a high standard for any Christian to uphold, let alone one who has become wracked by habitual sexual sin. However, it is the mirror of truth because God is Holy; and we must aspire to be Holy, as He is Holy, … 24/7. Paul had no less that five separate exhortations in his New Testament epistles where he charged his fellow Christians to be Holy because of God’s holiness (see Rom. 12: 1, Eph. 1: 4, Col. 1: 22, 1st Thes. 4: 4, and 2nd Tim. 1: 9). And if that is not enough from God’s Spirit as the Author of Scripture, he was joined by Peter who quoted God from the Old Testament, Who commands His children to be Holy as He is Holy (see Lev. 11: 44, 19: 2, and 20: 7).
So, though we have been given free-will, if we are truly IN CHRIST, we are driven by God’s Spirit to make choices that pursue and aspire to absolute holiness. Christ commanded us to shine His light through our lives into the darkness of a sin-engulfed world so that others can see God, the Father, being lived out in our lives (see Matt. 5: 16); and that can only happen when we live in holiness, reflecting the Holy light of Christ.
And yes, I agree with Peter’s contention that all Christians, are endowed by God’s Spirit with all they need to live holy and blameless in God’s sight (see 2nd Pet. 1: 3 – 4). Theologically and spiritually that’s our positional righteousness in Christ. However, reality and experience has shown me that new or immature believers are more susceptible in their posture to the foolishness and schemes of the devil and his system in the world. They are more vulnerable in their own deceit-ridden hearts as well (by now you should know Jer. 17: 9), especially if that heart has been saturated for much of the life of that new believer by habitual sin.
But even a babe in Christ is more capable of resisting sinful living and making Christlike choices than any non-believer. And over time, if that immature believer intentionally chooses to follow God’s word, seeking His will and His way, he will become a stronger, wiser, more Christlike believer, shining Christ’s light more often and with more intensity into the darkness and glorifying his Father in Heaven as he does so.
So, we must continually ask ourselves if we are forever pursuing God’s mind, especially in the face of an increasingly confusing and foolish world which presses us on all sides to take our minds off of God’s will and His way. We must look at our choices and determine if they are choices to follow self or the Savior. And if those choices are more and more the latter, we are growing in Christlikeness and shining an ever brighter light into this world.
My Prayer Today: Fill me, God, daily with Your mind. Amen
Passage of the Day: Ephesians 5: 15 [highlight verse in bold] … 15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
My Journal for Today: John MacArthur makes a rather startling claim as he once again discusses Ephesians 5: 15 in today’s Strength for Today devotional. He maintains, supported by such Scripture 1st Cor. 1: 3, and Col. 2: 3, as well as today’s passage, taken from Eph. 5: 1 – 16, that even the new, born-again believer has been endowed with enough wisdom to be able to fulfill the mandate of today’s verse/passage.
Ephesians 5: 1 – 14, which precedes today’s verse, [please read it!] is Paul’s forceful teaching that we must, as Christians, be imitators of God (i.e., Christ); and one verse in this passage is a linchpin verse for Battle Plan Ministry, the ministry into which God led me over 10 years ago. It is Eph. 5: 3; and it states: “But among you [i.e., Christians] there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.”
That is a high standard for any Christian to uphold, let alone one who has become wracked by habitual sexual sin. However, it is the mirror of truth because God is Holy; and we must aspire to be Holy, as He is Holy, … 24/7. Paul had no less that five separate exhortations in his New Testament epistles where he charged his fellow Christians to be Holy because of God’s holiness (see Rom. 12: 1, Eph. 1: 4, Col. 1: 22, 1st Thes. 4: 4, and 2nd Tim. 1: 9). And if that is not enough from God’s Spirit as the Author of Scripture, he was joined by Peter who quoted God from the Old Testament, Who commands His children to be Holy as He is Holy (see Lev. 11: 44, 19: 2, and 20: 7).
So, though we have been given free-will, if we are truly IN CHRIST, we are driven by God’s Spirit to make choices that pursue and aspire to absolute holiness. Christ commanded us to shine His light through our lives into the darkness of a sin-engulfed world so that others can see God, the Father, being lived out in our lives (see Matt. 5: 16); and that can only happen when we live in holiness, reflecting the Holy light of Christ.
And yes, I agree with Peter’s contention that all Christians, are endowed by God’s Spirit with all they need to live holy and blameless in God’s sight (see 2nd Pet. 1: 3 – 4). Theologically and spiritually that’s our positional righteousness in Christ. However, reality and experience has shown me that new or immature believers are more susceptible in their posture to the foolishness and schemes of the devil and his system in the world. They are more vulnerable in their own deceit-ridden hearts as well (by now you should know Jer. 17: 9), especially if that heart has been saturated for much of the life of that new believer by habitual sin.
But even a babe in Christ is more capable of resisting sinful living and making Christlike choices than any non-believer. And over time, if that immature believer intentionally chooses to follow God’s word, seeking His will and His way, he will become a stronger, wiser, more Christlike believer, shining Christ’s light more often and with more intensity into the darkness and glorifying his Father in Heaven as he does so.
So, we must continually ask ourselves if we are forever pursuing God’s mind, especially in the face of an increasingly confusing and foolish world which presses us on all sides to take our minds off of God’s will and His way. We must look at our choices and determine if they are choices to follow self or the Savior. And if those choices are more and more the latter, we are growing in Christlikeness and shining an ever brighter light into this world.
My Prayer Today: Fill me, God, daily with Your mind. Amen
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Prayer for God's Armament
I hope I can assume that as a Christian you agree that we're in a battle every day to protect our testimony and witness as Christians against our spiritual enemies, ... Satan, the world, and our own deceitful hearts [i.e., "flesh"]. This warfare is clearly laid out by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6: 10 - 13 [link provided].
For years now in my Christian discipleship I have had a morning preparation "ritual" of getting dressed for battle. I agree with the passage linked above that our battles are more spiritual than carnal; and I'm not strong enough, in and of myself, to do battle in Christ's Name. Satan is a powerful enemy ... much more powerful than I am in my own flesh. I recognize and believe the truth that, as a Christian, I have power from God which is far more powerful than Satan or his world (see 1John 4: 4). However, every day in battle against my spiritual foes, I need to wear God's full armor and to carry His sword of the Spirit and to take the high ground of prayer as God's word describes in Ephesians 6: 13 - 18.
That's why I come to God each morning, humbly praying and "dressing myself" (at least mentally and spiritually) for the day's battles ahead. ... Perhaps you are like me and need to get ready for battle each day. Well, if so, I've decided to formalize and write out my prayer for God's full armor. These may not be exactly the words I've been using for all these years as I get ready for my day ahead; but this prayer captures the essence of what I pray for as I get ready to do battle in Christ's Name.
So, I share this with any Christian warrior who desires to be stronger in spiritual warfare and wants to get ready to do battle daily. I hope this preparation of prayer helps you as it has for me ...
================
A Prayer for God’s Full Armor
by ... Bill Berry
Heavenly Father, … Lord Jesus, … precious Holy Spirit; … I am here today as I am on other days, praying for a covering of Your full armor. As the Apostle taught believers in his letter to believers like me in Ephesus, we are in a battle to protect our witness as Christians every day; and the warfare is not carnal but spiritual; and my spirit needs the promise of your love, and strength, and of a sound mind, as you promised Timothy through Paul in 2nd Tim. 1: 7.
So, I come humbly this day to seek the covering of your full armor. Help me, Lord, to put on Your breastplate of righteousness, which protects the PURITY of my heart … to strap on the belt of truth, which girds me with INTEGRITY … to wear the sandals of the gospel of peace in order to walk into battle and stand with SURETY as I face my enemies … to be protected by my shield of faith, which gives me CERTAINTY as I stand with other warriors in Your Name … and to wear Your helmet of salvation to protect my SANITY, avoiding all fear as I go into battle this day.
And Lord, my Commander, I stand ready to do battle with the sword of Your Spirit, which is Your ever powerful and penetrating Word. I carry an ever ready, sharpened, and practiced sword of truth into battle; and as you used it in the wilderness against our common foe, I stand ready to wield its sharp blade of truth to bring down the strongholds of sin in my life or to help other warriors on the battlefields of life.
And I will also come, as I am now, to this high ground in prayer, humbly seeking Your grace, Lord. And it is only through Your grace that I can stand ready this day and empowered to do battle in Your Name. So, into my humbled heart, dear Lord, as you said to Your servant, Paul, in 2nd Cor. 12: 9, … pour your sufficient grace to give me Your strength to shore up my weaknesses.
Oh, Lord, how I desire to come from this high ground, wearing this armor into battle and carrying your powerful Sword … so that You might shine a light of victory into this darkened and war-weary world as I do battle in Your wondrous Name, … that Name above all names, Who is Jesus!
Amen
by ... Bill Berry
Heavenly Father, … Lord Jesus, … precious Holy Spirit; … I am here today as I am on other days, praying for a covering of Your full armor. As the Apostle taught believers in his letter to believers like me in Ephesus, we are in a battle to protect our witness as Christians every day; and the warfare is not carnal but spiritual; and my spirit needs the promise of your love, and strength, and of a sound mind, as you promised Timothy through Paul in 2nd Tim. 1: 7.
So, I come humbly this day to seek the covering of your full armor. Help me, Lord, to put on Your breastplate of righteousness, which protects the PURITY of my heart … to strap on the belt of truth, which girds me with INTEGRITY … to wear the sandals of the gospel of peace in order to walk into battle and stand with SURETY as I face my enemies … to be protected by my shield of faith, which gives me CERTAINTY as I stand with other warriors in Your Name … and to wear Your helmet of salvation to protect my SANITY, avoiding all fear as I go into battle this day.
And Lord, my Commander, I stand ready to do battle with the sword of Your Spirit, which is Your ever powerful and penetrating Word. I carry an ever ready, sharpened, and practiced sword of truth into battle; and as you used it in the wilderness against our common foe, I stand ready to wield its sharp blade of truth to bring down the strongholds of sin in my life or to help other warriors on the battlefields of life.
And I will also come, as I am now, to this high ground in prayer, humbly seeking Your grace, Lord. And it is only through Your grace that I can stand ready this day and empowered to do battle in Your Name. So, into my humbled heart, dear Lord, as you said to Your servant, Paul, in 2nd Cor. 12: 9, … pour your sufficient grace to give me Your strength to shore up my weaknesses.
Oh, Lord, how I desire to come from this high ground, wearing this armor into battle and carrying your powerful Sword … so that You might shine a light of victory into this darkened and war-weary world as I do battle in Your wondrous Name, … that Name above all names, Who is Jesus!
Amen
=============
And if you have used this prayer to help you get ready for battle, please let me know by contacting me via email @ billb13@bellsouth.net . And I pray that you will be strengthened in your spiritual battles for Christ ... <'BB><
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 19
November 19, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Ephesians 5: 15a [highlight verse in bold] … 15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
My Journal for Today: In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul cautions believers to be careful in our Christian walk and to be wise; and he likely makes this observation in the context of a previous exhortation to Christians in Ephesians 4: 1, where he wrote that Christians must “…live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
And John MacArthur helps me (us) see, in today’s Strength for Today devotional, that a “worthy” life or walk in Christ is one of humility (Ephesians 4: 1 – 3), unity with other believers (Eph. 4: 4 – 16), uniqueness and separation from the world (Eph. 4: 17 – 32), and one exhibiting Christ’s love (Eph. 5: 1 – 7) from the illumination of God’s Spirit (Eph. 5: 8 – 14); and all of this is living a life of Godly wisdom (see above in Eph. 5: 15 – 17), avoiding the foolishness of the world. And MacArthur is right when he says that such a walk is severely impeded, if not impossible, when Christians make worldly or self-centered choices, seeking to use the tools of worldly wisdom or relying on the wisdom generated from our own deceit-ridden hearts (see Jer. 17: 9). MacArthur quotes Paul again, but from 2nd Timothy 3: 7 this time, indicating that the world cannot become Godly wise because it is “…always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.”
And the latter truth is why, according to the Apostle John (see 1st John 2: 15 – 16), we must separate ourselves in the love of God from the world’s way of thinking and living … so that we can take up the torch Jesus mandated for us as Christians to “… let (our) light shine before men that they may see (our) good works, …” [see Matt. 5: 16] and realize that the ways of God are the only ways worthy of pursuit as we live in this foolish world.
My Prayer Today: Shine, Jesus, shine through me! Amen
Passage of the Day: Ephesians 5: 15a [highlight verse in bold] … 15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
My Journal for Today: In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul cautions believers to be careful in our Christian walk and to be wise; and he likely makes this observation in the context of a previous exhortation to Christians in Ephesians 4: 1, where he wrote that Christians must “…live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
And John MacArthur helps me (us) see, in today’s Strength for Today devotional, that a “worthy” life or walk in Christ is one of humility (Ephesians 4: 1 – 3), unity with other believers (Eph. 4: 4 – 16), uniqueness and separation from the world (Eph. 4: 17 – 32), and one exhibiting Christ’s love (Eph. 5: 1 – 7) from the illumination of God’s Spirit (Eph. 5: 8 – 14); and all of this is living a life of Godly wisdom (see above in Eph. 5: 15 – 17), avoiding the foolishness of the world. And MacArthur is right when he says that such a walk is severely impeded, if not impossible, when Christians make worldly or self-centered choices, seeking to use the tools of worldly wisdom or relying on the wisdom generated from our own deceit-ridden hearts (see Jer. 17: 9). MacArthur quotes Paul again, but from 2nd Timothy 3: 7 this time, indicating that the world cannot become Godly wise because it is “…always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.”
And the latter truth is why, according to the Apostle John (see 1st John 2: 15 – 16), we must separate ourselves in the love of God from the world’s way of thinking and living … so that we can take up the torch Jesus mandated for us as Christians to “… let (our) light shine before men that they may see (our) good works, …” [see Matt. 5: 16] and realize that the ways of God are the only ways worthy of pursuit as we live in this foolish world.
My Prayer Today: Shine, Jesus, shine through me! Amen
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 18
November 18, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Proverbs 10: 20 … 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
My Journal for Today: As we’ve seen this month, according to God’s word and His truth, His wisdom begins when we reverence His Name and we live according to His standards. However, the fool of this world, as we noted yesterday, rejects Godly wisdom and lives by his own “natural” ways (see also Prov. 1: 7 and 1st Cor. 2: 14).
As John MacArthur points out in today’s Strength for Today entry, “the fool” is quick to blurt out his own, selfishly considered opinions. And nothing gives biblical evidence more to this than in Proverbs 15: 2, where it says that “… the tongue of the fool gushes folly.” You’ve heard the fool in our world, especially when/if you know that he is spouting foolishness in direct contradiction to God’s word. The foolishness gushes forth from his mouth like projectile vomit; and unfortunately, in our politically correct world, sometimes that folly seems to carry the day.
But as we read in James 3: 8 – 12, both bad and good water cannot come forth from the same spring; and the poison that comes from the mouth of the fool, if consumed, pollutes all it contacts. And the foolishness and poison from the hearts/minds/mouths of today’s fools are proliferating at an incredible pace, even from the pulpits of many of today’s churches or from televangelists who purport to be “Christian teachers.” These Satan-honoring words and ideas not only contaminate our world with the ideals they espouse; but sadly they condemn the fools who propagate them. That condemnation may not come from the world at this time (it seldom seems to these days!); but ultimately, as you can read in Prov. 16: 22, it will come from God. So, I pray that I’ll be aware of my own heart of foolishness and avoid its selfish desire to gush forth, restraining myself until I can speak truth from God’s mind.
As Christians we are blessed to have access to the very mind of God, especially being expressed by His Spirit through His word; and when we open ourselves to that fount of wisdom, sharing it with others in His Name and for His glory, our ideas and words express Godly wisdom and reflect His power (see Isaiah 55: 11).
Hence, we move on this month, and prayerfully for life, in our pursuit of God’s way through His word.
My Prayer Today: Speak Your word through my life, Lord! Amen
Passage of the Day: Proverbs 10: 20 … 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
My Journal for Today: As we’ve seen this month, according to God’s word and His truth, His wisdom begins when we reverence His Name and we live according to His standards. However, the fool of this world, as we noted yesterday, rejects Godly wisdom and lives by his own “natural” ways (see also Prov. 1: 7 and 1st Cor. 2: 14).
As John MacArthur points out in today’s Strength for Today entry, “the fool” is quick to blurt out his own, selfishly considered opinions. And nothing gives biblical evidence more to this than in Proverbs 15: 2, where it says that “… the tongue of the fool gushes folly.” You’ve heard the fool in our world, especially when/if you know that he is spouting foolishness in direct contradiction to God’s word. The foolishness gushes forth from his mouth like projectile vomit; and unfortunately, in our politically correct world, sometimes that folly seems to carry the day.
But as we read in James 3: 8 – 12, both bad and good water cannot come forth from the same spring; and the poison that comes from the mouth of the fool, if consumed, pollutes all it contacts. And the foolishness and poison from the hearts/minds/mouths of today’s fools are proliferating at an incredible pace, even from the pulpits of many of today’s churches or from televangelists who purport to be “Christian teachers.” These Satan-honoring words and ideas not only contaminate our world with the ideals they espouse; but sadly they condemn the fools who propagate them. That condemnation may not come from the world at this time (it seldom seems to these days!); but ultimately, as you can read in Prov. 16: 22, it will come from God. So, I pray that I’ll be aware of my own heart of foolishness and avoid its selfish desire to gush forth, restraining myself until I can speak truth from God’s mind.
As Christians we are blessed to have access to the very mind of God, especially being expressed by His Spirit through His word; and when we open ourselves to that fount of wisdom, sharing it with others in His Name and for His glory, our ideas and words express Godly wisdom and reflect His power (see Isaiah 55: 11).
Hence, we move on this month, and prayerfully for life, in our pursuit of God’s way through His word.
My Prayer Today: Speak Your word through my life, Lord! Amen
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 17
November 17, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Proverbs 24: 7a … 7a Wisdom is too high for a fool; …
My Journal for Today: John MacArthur writes, in his devotional from Strength for Today for this date, “… we live in a world of fools.” Wow [!]; … how could one read the news and disagree with that? How could I view what I’ve done in my past and disagree? Until I was 39 years old, for almost 22 years of my life I was a captive of my sin nature. Godly wisdom, as today’s verse proclaims, was way out of my scope of reasoning.
Macarthur indicates that there are three things which mark “the fool” in today’s world …
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#1. The fool denies God (see Psalm 14: 1), living as if there were no God. It’s what MacArthur calls, “practical atheism,” … a life of corruption and idolatry.
#2. The fool becomes his own God (see Prov. 12: 15a), worshipping and living for self rather than for The Savior, which again is self-indulgent idolatry.
#3. And the fool mocks sin (see Prov. 14: 9a), making up his own rules and being his own standard to justify sinful behavior. His way becomes the “right” way.
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Yes, that was me prior to 1977 … a selfish “fool,” who finally looked into God’s mirror of truth and saw myself for whom I really was. However, when I first saw the reality of myself in that mirror, I ran, seeking for wisdom in all the wrong places, … primarily into spiritual thought processes managed by the enemy … “religions” such as Buddhism, Taoism, and New Age-ism. But in 1983, I finally was able to look into God’s mirror of true wisdom and, by God’s grace, sense Christ calling me; and I stepped away from foolishness and toward wisdom. And to a great degree, though I’ve had some fool-hardy selfish detours and distractions along the way, I’ve come to live in the convicted direction of Luke 9: 23, Prov. 3: 5-6, and Romans 12: 1-2, which shows any sinner-saint how to stay on track and follow God.
Yes, all believers still must contend with the residuals of our sin nature (Rom. 3: 23 and Jer. 17: 9); but now. as born-again believers, we have God’s spirit to bring us toward God’s wisdom and away from worldly foolishness (Gal. 2: 20 and 1st John 4: 4). I don’t have to walk the way of the fool any more; and neither do you if you’ve truly surrendered to Christ and His Spirit.
What is your path these days? Don’t you think it’s time we all get off the selfish track and follow the Savior?
My Prayer Today: Fill me, Lord, that I may never be the worldly fool. Amen
Passage of the Day: Proverbs 24: 7a … 7a Wisdom is too high for a fool; …
My Journal for Today: John MacArthur writes, in his devotional from Strength for Today for this date, “… we live in a world of fools.” Wow [!]; … how could one read the news and disagree with that? How could I view what I’ve done in my past and disagree? Until I was 39 years old, for almost 22 years of my life I was a captive of my sin nature. Godly wisdom, as today’s verse proclaims, was way out of my scope of reasoning.
Macarthur indicates that there are three things which mark “the fool” in today’s world …
----------------------
#1. The fool denies God (see Psalm 14: 1), living as if there were no God. It’s what MacArthur calls, “practical atheism,” … a life of corruption and idolatry.
#2. The fool becomes his own God (see Prov. 12: 15a), worshipping and living for self rather than for The Savior, which again is self-indulgent idolatry.
#3. And the fool mocks sin (see Prov. 14: 9a), making up his own rules and being his own standard to justify sinful behavior. His way becomes the “right” way.
------------------
Yes, that was me prior to 1977 … a selfish “fool,” who finally looked into God’s mirror of truth and saw myself for whom I really was. However, when I first saw the reality of myself in that mirror, I ran, seeking for wisdom in all the wrong places, … primarily into spiritual thought processes managed by the enemy … “religions” such as Buddhism, Taoism, and New Age-ism. But in 1983, I finally was able to look into God’s mirror of true wisdom and, by God’s grace, sense Christ calling me; and I stepped away from foolishness and toward wisdom. And to a great degree, though I’ve had some fool-hardy selfish detours and distractions along the way, I’ve come to live in the convicted direction of Luke 9: 23, Prov. 3: 5-6, and Romans 12: 1-2, which shows any sinner-saint how to stay on track and follow God.
Yes, all believers still must contend with the residuals of our sin nature (Rom. 3: 23 and Jer. 17: 9); but now. as born-again believers, we have God’s spirit to bring us toward God’s wisdom and away from worldly foolishness (Gal. 2: 20 and 1st John 4: 4). I don’t have to walk the way of the fool any more; and neither do you if you’ve truly surrendered to Christ and His Spirit.
What is your path these days? Don’t you think it’s time we all get off the selfish track and follow the Savior?
My Prayer Today: Fill me, Lord, that I may never be the worldly fool. Amen
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Annual Ken-Lake Pilgrimage
Each year our Church in Collierville, TN, makes two weekend pilgrimages to Ken-Lake Resort, near Hardin, KY. The Resort is situated on a beautiful lake in Southwestern Kentucky, one of the lakes created by the incredible earthquake of 1811 involving the New Madrid fault. This earthquake was so great, it created fissures in the earth, into which the Mississippi River backflowed filling the gaps to form a chain of lakes. But that's a story of the past. Now, until another earthquake of this fault (which is supposed to happen one day), we can come to this area in Kentucky and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery and the lovely lakes.
And that's exactly what our adult Christian classes (i.e., "Sunday School" classes) do each year on the first two weekends in November. We hold adult Christian retreats, where a number of the teachers present lessons of faith out here in the midst of "God's country," where we can get away, relax, and be filled with the truth of God's word. Elly and I have been coming up here now for about 10 years or more; and each year it's a glorious experience of fellowship, fun, and the love of God being expressed through His creation.
I've also had the opportunity to teach at this retreat for all these years as well; and I also pray that God can use my teaching gifts for His glory up here. And so far, some of the best teaching sessions he has ever given me have been up here. But above you see a couple of fotos that I've take up at Ken-Lake of the gorgeous sunrises. Each year I go down the hill from the resort early on Saturday and Sunday mornings (when weather permits) to "the point" where there are a couple of benches by the lake (you can see them in one of the fotos above). It's a wonderful spot to have a morning devotional time; and as you can see in these two fotos (taken last year - it was overcast this year), many times I can see some breathtaking displays of color as the sun rises over the lake.
Today, because of the cold, overcast weather there will not be such a color display. However, I just spent my morning devotional and prayer time bundled up down on the bench. There was very little wind; and when I'm there I always feel very close to God. It's always such a sweet time; and I look forward to making this pilgrimage each year to take in God's glory by the lake and to be used by Him to teach others and to grow closer to Him through the fellowship.
For anyone who might read this, I hope you have some special traditions in your life which bring you very close to God ... like the Ken-Lake experience is for me each year. As I sit here this year overlooking the lake in the resort and watching the sun come up, I'm so grateful to be connected to my Lord in this place with these people and in this time. It helps to remind me how small I am and how big my God truly is.
And oh, what a big God we love and serve. May the "Ken-Lakes" of our life give us glimpses of the glory to come. <'BB><
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 16
November 16, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 18 [highlight verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: If you’ve been here studying the pursuit of WISDOM with me this month – i.e., true Godly understanding for living - we’ve used this passage from one of God’s authors, James, on the subject (i.e., James 3: 13 - 18). And in it, James makes the solid connection between Godly wisdom and doing good (i.e., righteous living). Yesterday we saw the very challenging list of attributes (from James 3: 13, 17) that one would expect to find in the mature Christian who ardently pursues Godly wisdom for righteous living.
However, in today’s tag verse (James 3: 18) we read the author using an agricultural word picture to help us realize that it is the Godly wise person who becomes God’s “peacemaker,” sowing the seeds of peace into his own life and reaping the harvest of righteousness. The Greek term for “peace” in this verse is “eirene” [pronounced eye-ray’-nay], which, in the Christian context, would refer to one whose inner being or soul has an deep assurance of salvation and a confidence before God of living for Him. If such a one – a God-surrendered maker of peace – sows such peace into every part of his life, the harvest will be a life of righteous living, which James outlined in the list we reviewed yesterday (again see James 13, 17).
Therefore, John MacArthur, in his Strength for Today devotional on this date, states the equation, “Where true wisdom exists, true righteousness follows,” which then, in turn, becomes the seed for even more righteousness." Again MacArthur: “It’s a continual cycle: one righteous act becomes the seed to grow another righteous act.” It’s like perennial plants which sow their own seeds for renewal and growth in the next growing season – and on and on they grow, producing the peace in a believer’s soul, which, in turn, produces more righteous fruit for God’s glory.
So, I guess it really depends on how much a believer really desires to know the mind of God; because that’s where the seeds are procured. As James 1: 5 – 6 indicates, when a true Christian really pursues Godly wisdom with the expectation that God will provide it, he will receive such wisdom in abundance from God’s grace. And it is those seeds of understanding which, when planted into the life of a Christian, produce Godly living and His fruitfulness (again, see Gal. 5: 22 – 23). That’s why I must continually be reminding myself that my drive to know God and His will is at the heart of just how much fruitfulness I can expect to be harvested in my life.
Therefore, I ask myself and you, who might be following this thread of devotionals, “How much peace do I now have about my pursuit of Godly wisdom; and how much fruit is being reproduced from my life, … the life of one who desires to be God’s peacemaker?” And with that mirror in front of me, I will let God’s word guide me onward to be a wise and fruitful Christian.
My Prayer Today: Lord, let me sow Your seeds and reap Your fruit. Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 18 [highlight verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: If you’ve been here studying the pursuit of WISDOM with me this month – i.e., true Godly understanding for living - we’ve used this passage from one of God’s authors, James, on the subject (i.e., James 3: 13 - 18). And in it, James makes the solid connection between Godly wisdom and doing good (i.e., righteous living). Yesterday we saw the very challenging list of attributes (from James 3: 13, 17) that one would expect to find in the mature Christian who ardently pursues Godly wisdom for righteous living.
However, in today’s tag verse (James 3: 18) we read the author using an agricultural word picture to help us realize that it is the Godly wise person who becomes God’s “peacemaker,” sowing the seeds of peace into his own life and reaping the harvest of righteousness. The Greek term for “peace” in this verse is “eirene” [pronounced eye-ray’-nay], which, in the Christian context, would refer to one whose inner being or soul has an deep assurance of salvation and a confidence before God of living for Him. If such a one – a God-surrendered maker of peace – sows such peace into every part of his life, the harvest will be a life of righteous living, which James outlined in the list we reviewed yesterday (again see James 13, 17).
Therefore, John MacArthur, in his Strength for Today devotional on this date, states the equation, “Where true wisdom exists, true righteousness follows,” which then, in turn, becomes the seed for even more righteousness." Again MacArthur: “It’s a continual cycle: one righteous act becomes the seed to grow another righteous act.” It’s like perennial plants which sow their own seeds for renewal and growth in the next growing season – and on and on they grow, producing the peace in a believer’s soul, which, in turn, produces more righteous fruit for God’s glory.
So, I guess it really depends on how much a believer really desires to know the mind of God; because that’s where the seeds are procured. As James 1: 5 – 6 indicates, when a true Christian really pursues Godly wisdom with the expectation that God will provide it, he will receive such wisdom in abundance from God’s grace. And it is those seeds of understanding which, when planted into the life of a Christian, produce Godly living and His fruitfulness (again, see Gal. 5: 22 – 23). That’s why I must continually be reminding myself that my drive to know God and His will is at the heart of just how much fruitfulness I can expect to be harvested in my life.
Therefore, I ask myself and you, who might be following this thread of devotionals, “How much peace do I now have about my pursuit of Godly wisdom; and how much fruit is being reproduced from my life, … the life of one who desires to be God’s peacemaker?” And with that mirror in front of me, I will let God’s word guide me onward to be a wise and fruitful Christian.
My Prayer Today: Lord, let me sow Your seeds and reap Your fruit. Amen
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 15
November 15, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 17 [ highlight verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: For any who have been following or undertaking this study of the pursuit of Godly wisdom, you’ll remember that James, the author of our current study in James 3, began our discussion with a rhetorical question he asked in verse 13. He asked who, among his readers, is wise and understanding. Then he begins an answer with a general declaration that the truly wise person is one whose deeds and attitudes will reveal that person’s wisdom [which is a measure of his Christlikeness].
Today, in James 3: 17, the author is more specific as to the qualities one would find in the Godly wise Christian; and if one reads/studies the list, he/she will find that it is an imposing one, for sure! I think of my oft used word picture of God’s word being a mirror of truth. And the reaction of the natural man when confronted by such a mirror, for example in James’ list in today’s passage, is to either rebel or run from the mirror, not wanting to see what is depicted. However, James is saying that the God-inspired Christian will desire to take what is revealed (i.e., the natural self) and turn himself into the supernatural image of Christ.
In the list presented in James 3: 17, we read that the Godly-wise Christian lives a life of Godly excellence [James 3: 13], where that one is found to be humble, pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, filled with God’s fruit (see Gal. 5: 22, 23), totally unwavering, and completely without hypocrisy. Wow! What an inventory of values, attitudes, and lifestyle choices! And I don’t know about you; but I’ve got some growing to do as I inventory this list to become a Godly-wise Christian.
Having done an in-depth study of these qualities, even of the Greek terms for each value, I can say that having this list as a periodic viewing into God’s mirror of truth can be a bit painful; but it is a very productive exercise to promote Christian growth. But, we have to be willing to see who REALLY we are when compared with our model, Who, of course, is Christ.
I strongly believe that God wants His own [i.e., the born-again Christian] to keep looking into God’s mirror of truth/faith (see 2nd Cor. 13: 5) to see where we stand and where we need to grow. That’s why using a self inventory like this one today or looking at another like Paul’s fruit of the Spirit (again, see Gal. 5: 22, 23) periodically can be a productive way to let God’s conviction and direction move us closer to Him (see Prov. 3: 5, 6).
My Prayer Today: Lord, may my life reflect Your mind. Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 17 [ highlight verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: For any who have been following or undertaking this study of the pursuit of Godly wisdom, you’ll remember that James, the author of our current study in James 3, began our discussion with a rhetorical question he asked in verse 13. He asked who, among his readers, is wise and understanding. Then he begins an answer with a general declaration that the truly wise person is one whose deeds and attitudes will reveal that person’s wisdom [which is a measure of his Christlikeness].
Today, in James 3: 17, the author is more specific as to the qualities one would find in the Godly wise Christian; and if one reads/studies the list, he/she will find that it is an imposing one, for sure! I think of my oft used word picture of God’s word being a mirror of truth. And the reaction of the natural man when confronted by such a mirror, for example in James’ list in today’s passage, is to either rebel or run from the mirror, not wanting to see what is depicted. However, James is saying that the God-inspired Christian will desire to take what is revealed (i.e., the natural self) and turn himself into the supernatural image of Christ.
In the list presented in James 3: 17, we read that the Godly-wise Christian lives a life of Godly excellence [James 3: 13], where that one is found to be humble, pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, filled with God’s fruit (see Gal. 5: 22, 23), totally unwavering, and completely without hypocrisy. Wow! What an inventory of values, attitudes, and lifestyle choices! And I don’t know about you; but I’ve got some growing to do as I inventory this list to become a Godly-wise Christian.
Having done an in-depth study of these qualities, even of the Greek terms for each value, I can say that having this list as a periodic viewing into God’s mirror of truth can be a bit painful; but it is a very productive exercise to promote Christian growth. But, we have to be willing to see who REALLY we are when compared with our model, Who, of course, is Christ.
I strongly believe that God wants His own [i.e., the born-again Christian] to keep looking into God’s mirror of truth/faith (see 2nd Cor. 13: 5) to see where we stand and where we need to grow. That’s why using a self inventory like this one today or looking at another like Paul’s fruit of the Spirit (again, see Gal. 5: 22, 23) periodically can be a productive way to let God’s conviction and direction move us closer to Him (see Prov. 3: 5, 6).
My Prayer Today: Lord, may my life reflect Your mind. Amen
Friday, November 14, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 14
November 14, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 17a [highlighted verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: The pursuit of Godly wisdom (i.e., finding the mind/will of God) is a pursuit of purity. So, what is James referring to when he writes that Godly wisdom is first of all “pure?”
Well, the Greek word for “pure” in this verse is the word “men” (pronounced “may’-een”); and, according to John MacArthur in his Strength for Today entry on this date, it refers to “… spiritual integrity and/or moral sincerity. " Jesus Christ was, of course, our perfect example, as He is with all such characteristics to which we ascribe as Christians. Following Jesus’ life, we see a total absence of the jealousy and/or selfish ambition referred to in James 3: 16, which characterizes the wisdom and/or understanding pursued by or coming from the world or the flesh.
As MacArthur puts it, “… the true believer (in Christ) will [as he matures in the faith] have pure desires;” … and I would add that if a Christian falls into impurity, he/she will be immediately convicted by that thought or action as Paul spoke of in Romans 7: 15 – 21. And that is God’s Spirit calling the Christian to purity and then onward to know God and His way more deeply … with purity becoming more and more a part of that Christian’s sanctified life.
In Old Testament prophesy (see Ezekiel 11: 19), God said to His people that He would give them a new heart, … a totally pure and undefiled love for God. Now, though there may be debate over the context of the passage from which Ezek. 11: 19 comes (i.e., Ezekiel 11: 16 – 25), I believe this was a reference to the purity of heart found in the believer rewarded in Heaven from the Great White Throne Judgment. In other words, when all of God’s people are taken to God’s ultimate “promised land” in the New Heaven, we will have totally pure hearts; and our pursuits will be totally focused on worship of the Lamb of God. That is the ultimate completion and perfection referred to by Paul in Phil. 1: 6; and it is the ultimate outcome of sanctification. However, until that prophesy becomes reality in glory, it must be the goal of every believer, as we read in today’s verse, to pursue the mind of God with as much spiritual energy and purity of heart as we can muster.
Unfortunately right now, in this life, that heart for Godly wisdom, is, as MacArthur puts it, is “…incarcerated in our old flesh,” which is going to produce continual warfare (see Romans 7: 22 – 23). But God has blessed the born-again believer with a newly indwelt heart, one which seeks after purity (see Matt. 5: 8); and one which is stronger than that of the flesh or the enemy (see 1st John 4: 4). And one day in glory, after pursuing God through the rigors of sanctification, our hearts will be as Christ’s (meditate on 1st John 3: 2). And to that end, even now in our imperfection, we must pursue God’s mind for His glory.
My Prayer Today: Help me to find Your heart, O Lord, and to be pure as I seek to know You. Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 17a [highlighted verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: The pursuit of Godly wisdom (i.e., finding the mind/will of God) is a pursuit of purity. So, what is James referring to when he writes that Godly wisdom is first of all “pure?”
Well, the Greek word for “pure” in this verse is the word “men” (pronounced “may’-een”); and, according to John MacArthur in his Strength for Today entry on this date, it refers to “… spiritual integrity and/or moral sincerity. " Jesus Christ was, of course, our perfect example, as He is with all such characteristics to which we ascribe as Christians. Following Jesus’ life, we see a total absence of the jealousy and/or selfish ambition referred to in James 3: 16, which characterizes the wisdom and/or understanding pursued by or coming from the world or the flesh.
As MacArthur puts it, “… the true believer (in Christ) will [as he matures in the faith] have pure desires;” … and I would add that if a Christian falls into impurity, he/she will be immediately convicted by that thought or action as Paul spoke of in Romans 7: 15 – 21. And that is God’s Spirit calling the Christian to purity and then onward to know God and His way more deeply … with purity becoming more and more a part of that Christian’s sanctified life.
In Old Testament prophesy (see Ezekiel 11: 19), God said to His people that He would give them a new heart, … a totally pure and undefiled love for God. Now, though there may be debate over the context of the passage from which Ezek. 11: 19 comes (i.e., Ezekiel 11: 16 – 25), I believe this was a reference to the purity of heart found in the believer rewarded in Heaven from the Great White Throne Judgment. In other words, when all of God’s people are taken to God’s ultimate “promised land” in the New Heaven, we will have totally pure hearts; and our pursuits will be totally focused on worship of the Lamb of God. That is the ultimate completion and perfection referred to by Paul in Phil. 1: 6; and it is the ultimate outcome of sanctification. However, until that prophesy becomes reality in glory, it must be the goal of every believer, as we read in today’s verse, to pursue the mind of God with as much spiritual energy and purity of heart as we can muster.
Unfortunately right now, in this life, that heart for Godly wisdom, is, as MacArthur puts it, is “…incarcerated in our old flesh,” which is going to produce continual warfare (see Romans 7: 22 – 23). But God has blessed the born-again believer with a newly indwelt heart, one which seeks after purity (see Matt. 5: 8); and one which is stronger than that of the flesh or the enemy (see 1st John 4: 4). And one day in glory, after pursuing God through the rigors of sanctification, our hearts will be as Christ’s (meditate on 1st John 3: 2). And to that end, even now in our imperfection, we must pursue God’s mind for His glory.
My Prayer Today: Help me to find Your heart, O Lord, and to be pure as I seek to know You. Amen
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 13
November 13, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 16 - 17 [highlight verses in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: Okay, in the passage we’ve been considering for the last few days, James, the pragmatic half-brother of Jesus, from God’s inspiration for His Word, lays out our choice, as Christians, when it comes to pursuing “wisdom.” We can either choose worldly or human wisdom; or we can choose to pursue the wisdom of God.
Therefore, as James reveals in James 3: 16 - 17, today’s highlighted passage, there is truly a wise one, from pursuing the mind of God – primarily from His Word – who has an attitude of humility and meekness and whose life is marked by Godly works (see James 3: 13). OR, there is the one who pursues human and/or worldly wisdom, whose attitude is marked by self-centeredness and whose life produces disorder, chaos, or in the words of James, “… every evil practice.” So, when we look at our own attitudes, motives, and/or actions (especially our habit patterns), we ought to be able to determine whether we’re choosing to pursue the mind of God or use the patterns of our flesh or the world to glean wisdom to live our lives. And a discerning Christian, tempered by humility, also ought to be able to see Christian attitudes/actions, or lack thereof, in the lives of others. That discernment is a reflection of Godly wisdom.
I would certainly say, without hesitation, that today’s world, even our daily news, is replete with evidence that the world’s pursuit of knowledge/understanding through science, worldly education, humanistic philosophies, and even some works-oriented religions, has in-fact produced the realm of chaos and evil that we see all around us. And that is what is prophesied by one of today’s highlighted verses (see James 3: 16 ).
However, when you find a Christian – a true born-again believer – in head-long pursuit of the mind and/or will of God, you will see a person whose life is marked by the fruit of the Spirit, most especially lit up by love, joy, and peace [which are reflected in James 3: 17].
What about it? Is your life a light for Christ in this sin-darkened world? Are the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5: 22 – 23] evident when others look at your life? Or when one sees our lives on display for the world to see, do the fruit of the flesh shine forth like a neon sign [see Gal. 5: 19 – 21]? If the latter is the case, perhaps we could be seeking our way in life by pursuing the ways of our own deceitful hearts or by trying to selfishly find our knowledge or understanding in the world. When are we going to see that the truth of James 3: 13 – 18 [see above] demands that we seek our wisdom from God and God alone?
Yes, the probing inventory continues. Which type of wisdom will be our pursuit? I know that my heart is to find God’s way and His will through His word; but too often I revert to a pursuit of knowledge or wisdom with selfish motives. Oh, how I pray to avoid the latter and pursue the former.
My Prayer Today: Make mine Yours, Lord! Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 16 - 17 [highlight verses in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: Okay, in the passage we’ve been considering for the last few days, James, the pragmatic half-brother of Jesus, from God’s inspiration for His Word, lays out our choice, as Christians, when it comes to pursuing “wisdom.” We can either choose worldly or human wisdom; or we can choose to pursue the wisdom of God.
Therefore, as James reveals in James 3: 16 - 17, today’s highlighted passage, there is truly a wise one, from pursuing the mind of God – primarily from His Word – who has an attitude of humility and meekness and whose life is marked by Godly works (see James 3: 13). OR, there is the one who pursues human and/or worldly wisdom, whose attitude is marked by self-centeredness and whose life produces disorder, chaos, or in the words of James, “… every evil practice.” So, when we look at our own attitudes, motives, and/or actions (especially our habit patterns), we ought to be able to determine whether we’re choosing to pursue the mind of God or use the patterns of our flesh or the world to glean wisdom to live our lives. And a discerning Christian, tempered by humility, also ought to be able to see Christian attitudes/actions, or lack thereof, in the lives of others. That discernment is a reflection of Godly wisdom.
I would certainly say, without hesitation, that today’s world, even our daily news, is replete with evidence that the world’s pursuit of knowledge/understanding through science, worldly education, humanistic philosophies, and even some works-oriented religions, has in-fact produced the realm of chaos and evil that we see all around us. And that is what is prophesied by one of today’s highlighted verses (see James 3: 16 ).
However, when you find a Christian – a true born-again believer – in head-long pursuit of the mind and/or will of God, you will see a person whose life is marked by the fruit of the Spirit, most especially lit up by love, joy, and peace [which are reflected in James 3: 17].
What about it? Is your life a light for Christ in this sin-darkened world? Are the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5: 22 – 23] evident when others look at your life? Or when one sees our lives on display for the world to see, do the fruit of the flesh shine forth like a neon sign [see Gal. 5: 19 – 21]? If the latter is the case, perhaps we could be seeking our way in life by pursuing the ways of our own deceitful hearts or by trying to selfishly find our knowledge or understanding in the world. When are we going to see that the truth of James 3: 13 – 18 [see above] demands that we seek our wisdom from God and God alone?
Yes, the probing inventory continues. Which type of wisdom will be our pursuit? I know that my heart is to find God’s way and His will through His word; but too often I revert to a pursuit of knowledge or wisdom with selfish motives. Oh, how I pray to avoid the latter and pursue the former.
My Prayer Today: Make mine Yours, Lord! Amen
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 12
November 12, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 15 [highlight verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: Make no mistake about “wisdom” [i.e., our understanding of life]. It takes on two distinct forms; and in James 3: 13 – 15, God, through James, shows us the two quite clearly.
First, there is Godly wisdom, primarily provided by God for man’s well being. And then there is worldly wisdom, which is pursued and created by man and channeled from Satan or the world for man’s selfish desire as he tries to understand those elements of life which impact him. We have seen in these past days that when a believer mines God’s truth with an attitude of humility and expectation (see Job 28), primarily from God’s word or insights from His Spirit, God will provide His will and His way to man in abundance (see James 1: 5 – 6). However, when man, from an attitude of selfishness or ambition, seeks understanding from life on his own, such wisdom may come from his own heart (and we see what we can get into going that route Jeremiah 17: 9). Our search for understand also may come from Satan or the world (see today’s verse), who are certainly ready to deceive us and draw us away from God, resulting in all kinds of disorder and evil (read ahead to James 3: 16).
That’s what happened when Solomon was given discernment to pursue wisdom from God (see 1st Kings 3: 5 – 13). God was pleased with Solomon when he had a chance to gain anything from God; and the new king chose wisdom. So, God provided Solomon with a discerning heart, provisionally allowing the king to be the wisest man who ever lived. But we know from “the rest of the story” that Solomon blew it by pursuing selfish pleasures and power rather than God’s presence and plan; and the book of Ecclesiastes chronicles what Solomon learned about those pursuits. We also read [see Eccles. 12: 13] that the Hebrew King finally came to God’s conclusion, giving all believers the insights from his experience: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” And much of the book of Proverbs [especially Chapters 1 – 9] was, I believe, Solomon’s attempt to get that message across to his son (and from God to all of us). Think of the exhortation of Prov. 3: 5 -6 where Solomon desperately wanted his son [and readers like you or me] to trust in God for direction and his warning not to lean on our own, human, understanding.
And the Apostle Paul in the New Testament warned Christians to beware of the agents of Satan in the world – even within the church – disguising themselves as ministers of light and righteousness (2nd Cor. 11: 14 – 15). Paul says that we’ll get what we deserve if we cannot discern man’s version of “truth” from God’s perfect word; and that will be what our selfish desires get from what Satan provides. The history of mankind and God’s chronicles of His chosen people (see all of the book of Judges), are evidence of what man will get when he chooses to pursue human understanding rather than Godly wisdom.
How are we doing? How are YOU doing?
My Prayer Today: Help me see Your true wisdom, Lord, as I live in this world. Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 15 [highlight verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: Make no mistake about “wisdom” [i.e., our understanding of life]. It takes on two distinct forms; and in James 3: 13 – 15, God, through James, shows us the two quite clearly.
First, there is Godly wisdom, primarily provided by God for man’s well being. And then there is worldly wisdom, which is pursued and created by man and channeled from Satan or the world for man’s selfish desire as he tries to understand those elements of life which impact him. We have seen in these past days that when a believer mines God’s truth with an attitude of humility and expectation (see Job 28), primarily from God’s word or insights from His Spirit, God will provide His will and His way to man in abundance (see James 1: 5 – 6). However, when man, from an attitude of selfishness or ambition, seeks understanding from life on his own, such wisdom may come from his own heart (and we see what we can get into going that route Jeremiah 17: 9). Our search for understand also may come from Satan or the world (see today’s verse), who are certainly ready to deceive us and draw us away from God, resulting in all kinds of disorder and evil (read ahead to James 3: 16).
That’s what happened when Solomon was given discernment to pursue wisdom from God (see 1st Kings 3: 5 – 13). God was pleased with Solomon when he had a chance to gain anything from God; and the new king chose wisdom. So, God provided Solomon with a discerning heart, provisionally allowing the king to be the wisest man who ever lived. But we know from “the rest of the story” that Solomon blew it by pursuing selfish pleasures and power rather than God’s presence and plan; and the book of Ecclesiastes chronicles what Solomon learned about those pursuits. We also read [see Eccles. 12: 13] that the Hebrew King finally came to God’s conclusion, giving all believers the insights from his experience: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” And much of the book of Proverbs [especially Chapters 1 – 9] was, I believe, Solomon’s attempt to get that message across to his son (and from God to all of us). Think of the exhortation of Prov. 3: 5 -6 where Solomon desperately wanted his son [and readers like you or me] to trust in God for direction and his warning not to lean on our own, human, understanding.
And the Apostle Paul in the New Testament warned Christians to beware of the agents of Satan in the world – even within the church – disguising themselves as ministers of light and righteousness (2nd Cor. 11: 14 – 15). Paul says that we’ll get what we deserve if we cannot discern man’s version of “truth” from God’s perfect word; and that will be what our selfish desires get from what Satan provides. The history of mankind and God’s chronicles of His chosen people (see all of the book of Judges), are evidence of what man will get when he chooses to pursue human understanding rather than Godly wisdom.
How are we doing? How are YOU doing?
My Prayer Today: Help me see Your true wisdom, Lord, as I live in this world. Amen
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 11
November 11, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 14 [highlight verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: Yesterday I ended my devotional journal entry with a challenge to any reader who is serious in his relationship with Christ [but mostly the challenge was for myself!]. I asked us to do an inventory of our attitudes to see if we truly seek to know God, a goal which I would assume is shared by every Christian. John MacArthur in his Strength for Today entry for this date has a similar charge, comparing James 3: 13 with verse 3: 14 and asking believers to be honest in their hearts about how much we would want to know our God.
In seeking to know the mind of God, we must probe more deeply to determine whether our pursuit of wisdom has self-centered motives; or are we “other-motivated” in our life search for understanding, knowledge, and insight into God’s word [the Holy sanctuary of God’s will]. In light of James’ questions in James 3: 13, MacArthur writes, “Humility is the hallmark of the wise person.” And from my past studies, I know, as I hope readers do as well, that humility is the key to God’s grace (see James 4: 6 or 1st Peter 5: 5 – 6).
One of the endowments of God’s enabling grace is insight into Himself. So, when a believer humbly comes to God, usually digging into His Holy Word [remember the word picture of Job 28], God is most willing to pour out His wisdom to that expectant believer. That is the promise of James 1: 5 – 6. However, you’re not going to find God's grace-empowered wisdom being dealt out to those who are motivated by pride, bitter jealousy, or selfish ambition, … nor those who brag about their achievements. No, such a person is living a lie from hell which stands against the truth of the Gospel. Seeing such a person, one would really have to wonder if he were saved at all or if he were a Christian fool, severely out of fellowship with his Savior; … and most certainly one who is out of line with God’s will.
Therefore, once again I challenge us all to take stock and see if we are pursuing God’s mind with the humility which marks a sincere and serious Christian warrior.
My Prayer Today: Humbly, Lord, I pray to know You and to share Your truth with others. Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 14 [highlight verse in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: Yesterday I ended my devotional journal entry with a challenge to any reader who is serious in his relationship with Christ [but mostly the challenge was for myself!]. I asked us to do an inventory of our attitudes to see if we truly seek to know God, a goal which I would assume is shared by every Christian. John MacArthur in his Strength for Today entry for this date has a similar charge, comparing James 3: 13 with verse 3: 14 and asking believers to be honest in their hearts about how much we would want to know our God.
In seeking to know the mind of God, we must probe more deeply to determine whether our pursuit of wisdom has self-centered motives; or are we “other-motivated” in our life search for understanding, knowledge, and insight into God’s word [the Holy sanctuary of God’s will]. In light of James’ questions in James 3: 13, MacArthur writes, “Humility is the hallmark of the wise person.” And from my past studies, I know, as I hope readers do as well, that humility is the key to God’s grace (see James 4: 6 or 1st Peter 5: 5 – 6).
One of the endowments of God’s enabling grace is insight into Himself. So, when a believer humbly comes to God, usually digging into His Holy Word [remember the word picture of Job 28], God is most willing to pour out His wisdom to that expectant believer. That is the promise of James 1: 5 – 6. However, you’re not going to find God's grace-empowered wisdom being dealt out to those who are motivated by pride, bitter jealousy, or selfish ambition, … nor those who brag about their achievements. No, such a person is living a lie from hell which stands against the truth of the Gospel. Seeing such a person, one would really have to wonder if he were saved at all or if he were a Christian fool, severely out of fellowship with his Savior; … and most certainly one who is out of line with God’s will.
Therefore, once again I challenge us all to take stock and see if we are pursuing God’s mind with the humility which marks a sincere and serious Christian warrior.
My Prayer Today: Humbly, Lord, I pray to know You and to share Your truth with others. Amen
Monday, November 10, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 10
November 10, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 14a [in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: This month we began our pursuit of Godly wisdom with a question from James (remember or see above: James 3: 13). In the next few days I’ll be continuing to answer his question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” So, if you’re following me here, you’re going to need to see the contextual passage following James’ question explained (i.e., James 3: 14 – 18). Today the focus begins to highlight a comparison with Godly wisdom by declaring one of qualities one will NOT see in the Godly wise person … that of “bitter envy.”
In fact, this comparative passage implies that the pursuit of worldly understanding often produces envy, tinged by bitterness and/or jealousy. The translated construct “bitter envy” comes from two Greek terms. The first is “pikros,” which points to one who has a driven attitude, bound up in self-centeredness; and it is paired with the term “eritheia,” where one exhibits a “me versus them” attitude. So, James is saying that the dogged pursuit of worldly understanding often produces people who are selfish, highly-competitive, and uncaring. And is this not the case in the elitist, academic circles of our world? I’ve been there, folks. I was on the faculties of two major universities for over 30 years; and the “publish or perish” mentality pushes academia to pursue worldly knowledge to get their name in print before others … often at any cost.
James is saying that those tendencies will not be found in the one who pursues Godly wisdom. This becomes an exhortation, by exclusion, from God’s word for the Christian to beware of seeking worldly knowledge with no thought of God’s way so that one can rise above others. Rather, as we saw earlier this month in our discussion of James 3: 13, the pursuit of Godly wisdom will drive the believer to know the mind of God (i.e., His will) in order to serve others, ultimately resulting in “deeds done in humility.”
Hence, we need to ask ourselves, “Is my drive toward understanding and knowledge to get ahead of others or is it to serve them?” If we know that we’re in Christ and it is the latter, then we are likely pursuing Godly wisdom with a Godly attitude.
My Prayer Today: May I know You, Lord, so as to serve You and others. Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 14a [in bold] … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
My Journal for Today: This month we began our pursuit of Godly wisdom with a question from James (remember or see above: James 3: 13). In the next few days I’ll be continuing to answer his question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” So, if you’re following me here, you’re going to need to see the contextual passage following James’ question explained (i.e., James 3: 14 – 18). Today the focus begins to highlight a comparison with Godly wisdom by declaring one of qualities one will NOT see in the Godly wise person … that of “bitter envy.”
In fact, this comparative passage implies that the pursuit of worldly understanding often produces envy, tinged by bitterness and/or jealousy. The translated construct “bitter envy” comes from two Greek terms. The first is “pikros,” which points to one who has a driven attitude, bound up in self-centeredness; and it is paired with the term “eritheia,” where one exhibits a “me versus them” attitude. So, James is saying that the dogged pursuit of worldly understanding often produces people who are selfish, highly-competitive, and uncaring. And is this not the case in the elitist, academic circles of our world? I’ve been there, folks. I was on the faculties of two major universities for over 30 years; and the “publish or perish” mentality pushes academia to pursue worldly knowledge to get their name in print before others … often at any cost.
James is saying that those tendencies will not be found in the one who pursues Godly wisdom. This becomes an exhortation, by exclusion, from God’s word for the Christian to beware of seeking worldly knowledge with no thought of God’s way so that one can rise above others. Rather, as we saw earlier this month in our discussion of James 3: 13, the pursuit of Godly wisdom will drive the believer to know the mind of God (i.e., His will) in order to serve others, ultimately resulting in “deeds done in humility.”
Hence, we need to ask ourselves, “Is my drive toward understanding and knowledge to get ahead of others or is it to serve them?” If we know that we’re in Christ and it is the latter, then we are likely pursuing Godly wisdom with a Godly attitude.
My Prayer Today: May I know You, Lord, so as to serve You and others. Amen
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 9
November 9, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: 1st Corinthians 1: 20 … 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
My Journal for Today: Today’s passage reminds one of the question James asked to start off this month, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” [James 3: 13] And the more that yours truly, this born-again believer, contemplates my search for Godly wisdom, the more awesome becomes the realization of what has happened to my mental approach to life since I became a converted believer in Christ.
The Apostle Paul laid out this process for Christians, beginning with today’s passage and on through 1st Cor. 1: 20 – 30 [which I’ll not print here for space considerations – but I expect you to study this passage]. He also related a similar exhortation to the Colossians (in Col. 2: 3) … that we Christians have “… all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Peter claimed that Christians have all we need from God (see 2nd Peter 1: 2 – 4) to live our lives in harmony with Him. And today’s passage closes with a question that hits the nail of truth right on the head … pointing out that God has made foolish, through His infinite mind, all the wisdom of this world. [See Isaiah 55: 8-9 for this truth.]
Hence, I – Bill Berry – have the very mind of God in Christ, especially through His written word, the Bible, to give me answers to questions/issues which seemingly baffle the world … issues like capital punishment (see Gen. 9: 6 and Romans 13), abortion (see Deut. 30: 19 and Psalm 139: 13), and homosexuality (see Lev. 20: 13 and Romans 1: 26 – 27). As John MacArthur puts it in his devotional for this date from Strength for Today, “Knowing Christ makes the believer wiser than the world.”
But note that phrase in MacArthur’s quote … “knowing Christ.” It is true, as John says in 1st John 4: 4, that “…the One [God’s Spirit] who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” However, if a believer, by apathy, laziness, or refusal, is ignorant of the mind of Christ in him, that one becomes weakened in his understanding of God’s ways by not “knowing Christ” to the extent he could if he developed a deep and abiding relationship with our Lord. And such inward and limited thinking will produce inward and limited behavior … and certainly much less Godly behavior than the one who diligently seeks, finds, and uses the wisdom of God. [Again, Job wrote about this in Chapter 28 of his book.]
Do you really KNOW Christ, … intimately, deeply, completely? Because the more you know Him, the more you will know His mind; and knowing His mind, as the scriptures above proclaim, allows you to have all the wisdom and understanding you need to live in this life so that you might avoid sinfulness and live in Christlikeness. Is that not worthy of anything we can do to pursue the mind of Christ in this life? [Remember the study from Job 28 on mining the mind of God. See my devotional entries for Nov. 6 -7 for this review.]
This is pretty awesome stuff [!], wouldn’t you say? And so, what I, and all believers, must do is to trust God’s truth, as I wrote yesterday about from 2nd Tim. 3: 16 – 17, and let the very mind of God lead me on God’s path of life (as it says in Prov. 3: 5 – 6).
My Prayer Today: I do trust you, Lord; and I will continue to search for Your truth. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Corinthians 1: 20 … 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
My Journal for Today: Today’s passage reminds one of the question James asked to start off this month, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” [James 3: 13] And the more that yours truly, this born-again believer, contemplates my search for Godly wisdom, the more awesome becomes the realization of what has happened to my mental approach to life since I became a converted believer in Christ.
The Apostle Paul laid out this process for Christians, beginning with today’s passage and on through 1st Cor. 1: 20 – 30 [which I’ll not print here for space considerations – but I expect you to study this passage]. He also related a similar exhortation to the Colossians (in Col. 2: 3) … that we Christians have “… all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Peter claimed that Christians have all we need from God (see 2nd Peter 1: 2 – 4) to live our lives in harmony with Him. And today’s passage closes with a question that hits the nail of truth right on the head … pointing out that God has made foolish, through His infinite mind, all the wisdom of this world. [See Isaiah 55: 8-9 for this truth.]
Hence, I – Bill Berry – have the very mind of God in Christ, especially through His written word, the Bible, to give me answers to questions/issues which seemingly baffle the world … issues like capital punishment (see Gen. 9: 6 and Romans 13), abortion (see Deut. 30: 19 and Psalm 139: 13), and homosexuality (see Lev. 20: 13 and Romans 1: 26 – 27). As John MacArthur puts it in his devotional for this date from Strength for Today, “Knowing Christ makes the believer wiser than the world.”
But note that phrase in MacArthur’s quote … “knowing Christ.” It is true, as John says in 1st John 4: 4, that “…the One [God’s Spirit] who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” However, if a believer, by apathy, laziness, or refusal, is ignorant of the mind of Christ in him, that one becomes weakened in his understanding of God’s ways by not “knowing Christ” to the extent he could if he developed a deep and abiding relationship with our Lord. And such inward and limited thinking will produce inward and limited behavior … and certainly much less Godly behavior than the one who diligently seeks, finds, and uses the wisdom of God. [Again, Job wrote about this in Chapter 28 of his book.]
Do you really KNOW Christ, … intimately, deeply, completely? Because the more you know Him, the more you will know His mind; and knowing His mind, as the scriptures above proclaim, allows you to have all the wisdom and understanding you need to live in this life so that you might avoid sinfulness and live in Christlikeness. Is that not worthy of anything we can do to pursue the mind of Christ in this life? [Remember the study from Job 28 on mining the mind of God. See my devotional entries for Nov. 6 -7 for this review.]
This is pretty awesome stuff [!], wouldn’t you say? And so, what I, and all believers, must do is to trust God’s truth, as I wrote yesterday about from 2nd Tim. 3: 16 – 17, and let the very mind of God lead me on God’s path of life (as it says in Prov. 3: 5 – 6).
My Prayer Today: I do trust you, Lord; and I will continue to search for Your truth. Amen
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 8
November 8, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Psalm 111: 10 … 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
My Journal for Today: Besides today’s passage from the Psalms, as well as those from Solomon [Prov. 1: 7 and 9: 10which declare that one’s reverence of God is the beginning of all true wisdom, we see that the Psalmist [author unknown of PS. 111] also declares that those who follow God’s precepts develop a good understanding of life. There are a number of verses in God’s word which also declare this truth. Let me document a few of them here [all NIV]...
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Job 28: 28 - And [God] said to man, 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'
Prov. 8: 13 - To fear the LORD is to hate evil; …
John 14: 15 – [Jesus] “If you love me, you will obey what I command.“
1st John 2: 3 – We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands.
James 3: 13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
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Maybe you’re getting the picture. Any time God’s word paints a picture by several authors, I know that I need to pay attention. If we, as Christians, truly believe the truth of 2nd Timothy 3: 16 – 17 which states clearly that God’s Word (The Bible) is the very mind of God, which He has provided for our instruction and our living, then these passages above are very clear that obedience to God’s word characterizes the life of one who loves the Lord and desires to know and follow His way [in other words one who has a “fear of the Lord”].
As John MacArthur puts it in his Strength for Today devotional for this date: "Saving faith is obedient faith. … Obeying the Lord’s commandments and shunning evil are dynamics that work in the soul of one who truly fears God.”
Therefore, it’s time to stop and reflect; and … well, I think you know what we must ask and then what we must do!
My Prayer Today: All I want to do, Lord, is to live in the center of Your will. Amen
Passage of the Day: Psalm 111: 10 … 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
My Journal for Today: Besides today’s passage from the Psalms, as well as those from Solomon [Prov. 1: 7 and 9: 10which declare that one’s reverence of God is the beginning of all true wisdom, we see that the Psalmist [author unknown of PS. 111] also declares that those who follow God’s precepts develop a good understanding of life. There are a number of verses in God’s word which also declare this truth. Let me document a few of them here [all NIV]...
---------------
Job 28: 28 - And [God] said to man, 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'
Prov. 8: 13 - To fear the LORD is to hate evil; …
John 14: 15 – [Jesus] “If you love me, you will obey what I command.“
1st John 2: 3 – We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands.
James 3: 13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
--------------
Maybe you’re getting the picture. Any time God’s word paints a picture by several authors, I know that I need to pay attention. If we, as Christians, truly believe the truth of 2nd Timothy 3: 16 – 17 which states clearly that God’s Word (The Bible) is the very mind of God, which He has provided for our instruction and our living, then these passages above are very clear that obedience to God’s word characterizes the life of one who loves the Lord and desires to know and follow His way [in other words one who has a “fear of the Lord”].
As John MacArthur puts it in his Strength for Today devotional for this date: "Saving faith is obedient faith. … Obeying the Lord’s commandments and shunning evil are dynamics that work in the soul of one who truly fears God.”
Therefore, it’s time to stop and reflect; and … well, I think you know what we must ask and then what we must do!
My Prayer Today: All I want to do, Lord, is to live in the center of Your will. Amen
Friday, November 07, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 7
November 7, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Job 28: 28 [in bold] … 23 God understands the way to it [i.e., wisdom] and He alone knows where it dwells, 24 for He views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. 25 When He established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, 26 when He made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, 27 then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He confirmed it and tested it. 28 And He said to man, 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.' "
My Journal for Today: If you’re following along with me this month, yesterday I asked you to read and meditate upon Job, all of Chapter 28, where the much maligned Job lamented about where one might find God’s mind – i.e., His wisdom. And in verse 28, Job quoted God’s decree of where it can be found … in the “fear of the Lord,” … with the understanding of God’s wisdom being exhibited by the believer in the shunning of evil.
This is the same refrain echoed by Solomon when the King wrote to his son (and to you and me by extension), “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge [i.e., wisdom], but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” [Proverbs 1: 7] And in Prov. 9: 10, Solomon similarly penned, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.“
Solomon really wanted his son to understand how important Godly wisdom was for God’s children; and I believe through his life and many failures (chronicled in the book of Ecclesiastes), Solomon had come to the realization of where true wisdom resides – i.e., in the mind of God alone; and that is where it must be pursued. So, if Solomon’s son – and any Christian – desired to understand and reflect Godly wisdom in his/her life, that one must know God’s mind. And for us, as Christians pursuing Godly wisdom, the best place to find God’s mind is in God’s word (see 2nd Tim. 3: 16 – 17).
Therefore, for the Christian, fearing God [i.e., revering and/or submitting to God, the Holy Spirit], is the key to open God’s mind for His wisdom; and this begins at salvation and growing to the extent that the believer (i.e., converted Christian) knows and reveres God and lives according to His truth. All of life, therefore, becomes a head-long – no, probably better said, a “heart-long” – pursuit to know God; because the more a Christian knows God, that believer will reflect God in living worship, which is the 24/7 life of Godly values, attitudes, and behavior [and right now some of you may be thinking of Romans 12: 1-2, which reflects this truth].
So, I must ask myself - as should you – “Do I fear God? … Do I know Him?” And my answer is to both questions is, for sure; … BUT … NOT WELL ENOUGH! Therefore, as the word picture in Job 28 indicates [see yesterday’s entry], it will be my life-long pursuit to mine God’s mind from His word.
My Prayer Today: To know You, Lord is to live for You. Amen
Passage of the Day: Job 28: 28 [in bold] … 23 God understands the way to it [i.e., wisdom] and He alone knows where it dwells, 24 for He views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. 25 When He established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, 26 when He made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, 27 then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He confirmed it and tested it. 28 And He said to man, 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.' "
My Journal for Today: If you’re following along with me this month, yesterday I asked you to read and meditate upon Job, all of Chapter 28, where the much maligned Job lamented about where one might find God’s mind – i.e., His wisdom. And in verse 28, Job quoted God’s decree of where it can be found … in the “fear of the Lord,” … with the understanding of God’s wisdom being exhibited by the believer in the shunning of evil.
This is the same refrain echoed by Solomon when the King wrote to his son (and to you and me by extension), “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge [i.e., wisdom], but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” [Proverbs 1: 7] And in Prov. 9: 10, Solomon similarly penned, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.“
Solomon really wanted his son to understand how important Godly wisdom was for God’s children; and I believe through his life and many failures (chronicled in the book of Ecclesiastes), Solomon had come to the realization of where true wisdom resides – i.e., in the mind of God alone; and that is where it must be pursued. So, if Solomon’s son – and any Christian – desired to understand and reflect Godly wisdom in his/her life, that one must know God’s mind. And for us, as Christians pursuing Godly wisdom, the best place to find God’s mind is in God’s word (see 2nd Tim. 3: 16 – 17).
Therefore, for the Christian, fearing God [i.e., revering and/or submitting to God, the Holy Spirit], is the key to open God’s mind for His wisdom; and this begins at salvation and growing to the extent that the believer (i.e., converted Christian) knows and reveres God and lives according to His truth. All of life, therefore, becomes a head-long – no, probably better said, a “heart-long” – pursuit to know God; because the more a Christian knows God, that believer will reflect God in living worship, which is the 24/7 life of Godly values, attitudes, and behavior [and right now some of you may be thinking of Romans 12: 1-2, which reflects this truth].
So, I must ask myself - as should you – “Do I fear God? … Do I know Him?” And my answer is to both questions is, for sure; … BUT … NOT WELL ENOUGH! Therefore, as the word picture in Job 28 indicates [see yesterday’s entry], it will be my life-long pursuit to mine God’s mind from His word.
My Prayer Today: To know You, Lord is to live for You. Amen
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 6
November 6, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Job 28 [Yes, the entire chapter. Please read it!]
My Journal for Today: I’m captivated by the word picture created by Job in Chapter 28, who, because of his dire circumstances became a desperate seeker after the mind of God (i.e., His wisdom). In this chapter he pictured the search for wisdom by man as being like that of the mining practices of his day. If you do a little study on this, as I have, you’ll find out that ancient miners, seeking the precious gems and/or ore of the time, would dig deep vertical shafts into the rock or earth; and then they would lower themselves down on harnesses into the earth to dig further or to pick for the precious gems or ore which they sought. The shafts were barely wide enough for one man to fit into them; and the deeper the hole became, the greater was the risk for cave-in and death for the seeker. But at the same time, as the risk became greater, so did the chances that the miner would pull up products of greater value.
Job saw our search for wisdom like those mining practices of his day. We pick away, mining in the risky life of this world, digging and digging into our relationship with God, … trying to find what we can from God’s mine (of his mind) of great value, many times searching to find the most precious of all commodities, … jewels from the very mind or heart of God. The frustration of such a search is reflected in Job 28: 21, where Job writes, “It [Godly wisdom] is hidden from the eyes of every living thing;…” and if we seek for God’s precious gems of wisdom in the minefield of this world, we will never find the treasures He has waiting for us.
However, … after exploring the metaphor of earthly mining for God’s precious wisdom, Job came (at the end of Chapter 28, in verse 28) to a gem of wisdom, when he quoted directly from God, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Now, that is a jewel for which we’d be well served to mine in this life and eternally. As John MacArthur puts it in today’s devotional entry from Strength for Today, “Wisdom is found in a Person, not in a place.” Knowing and fearing (i.e., revering) God is the only productive mine where we can dig for true – Godly - wisdom.
True wisdom – the very mindset of God – can only be found in an exhaustive – and sometimes even risky – pursuit of God Himself; and our understanding will be measured by the degree to which we obey His word and depart from the evil God desires for us to avoid (i.e., sin). And we have the richest mine field of all for digging for God’s wisdom available to us in the pages of His word.
Now, I ask myself, “Am I mining for the mind of God deeply enough?” It’s a question worthy of finding the precious answer … the jewels of Godly wisdom.
My Prayer Today: Help me to mine deeply enough to find gems of Your wisdom, dear Lord. Amen
Passage of the Day: Job 28 [Yes, the entire chapter. Please read it!]
My Journal for Today: I’m captivated by the word picture created by Job in Chapter 28, who, because of his dire circumstances became a desperate seeker after the mind of God (i.e., His wisdom). In this chapter he pictured the search for wisdom by man as being like that of the mining practices of his day. If you do a little study on this, as I have, you’ll find out that ancient miners, seeking the precious gems and/or ore of the time, would dig deep vertical shafts into the rock or earth; and then they would lower themselves down on harnesses into the earth to dig further or to pick for the precious gems or ore which they sought. The shafts were barely wide enough for one man to fit into them; and the deeper the hole became, the greater was the risk for cave-in and death for the seeker. But at the same time, as the risk became greater, so did the chances that the miner would pull up products of greater value.
Job saw our search for wisdom like those mining practices of his day. We pick away, mining in the risky life of this world, digging and digging into our relationship with God, … trying to find what we can from God’s mine (of his mind) of great value, many times searching to find the most precious of all commodities, … jewels from the very mind or heart of God. The frustration of such a search is reflected in Job 28: 21, where Job writes, “It [Godly wisdom] is hidden from the eyes of every living thing;…” and if we seek for God’s precious gems of wisdom in the minefield of this world, we will never find the treasures He has waiting for us.
However, … after exploring the metaphor of earthly mining for God’s precious wisdom, Job came (at the end of Chapter 28, in verse 28) to a gem of wisdom, when he quoted directly from God, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Now, that is a jewel for which we’d be well served to mine in this life and eternally. As John MacArthur puts it in today’s devotional entry from Strength for Today, “Wisdom is found in a Person, not in a place.” Knowing and fearing (i.e., revering) God is the only productive mine where we can dig for true – Godly - wisdom.
True wisdom – the very mindset of God – can only be found in an exhaustive – and sometimes even risky – pursuit of God Himself; and our understanding will be measured by the degree to which we obey His word and depart from the evil God desires for us to avoid (i.e., sin). And we have the richest mine field of all for digging for God’s wisdom available to us in the pages of His word.
Now, I ask myself, “Am I mining for the mind of God deeply enough?” It’s a question worthy of finding the precious answer … the jewels of Godly wisdom.
My Prayer Today: Help me to mine deeply enough to find gems of Your wisdom, dear Lord. Amen
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 5
November 5, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Ecclesiastes 12: 13 … 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
My Journal for Today: As Solomon exhorted in today’s passage, Christians can – and must – search for the mind of God (i.e., for Godly wisdom) by fearing God and keeping His commandments. Much of this wisdom book in the Old Testament is, I believe, Solomon’s later life reflections on all the human wisdom God allowed him to have. He discovered later in life, in penning the book of Ecclesiastes, that all his human wisdom led him to nothing but vanity. As Solomon reflected in Eccles. 1: 16 – 18, when it comes to dealing with life, all the human wisdom in the world will simply not “cut it.” He said that chasing human wisdom was like chasing after the wind; and I think that’s a very apt word picture. And toward the end of Ecclesiastes, Solomon warns the child of God [in today’s verse] to “… fear God and keep His commandments” as the “… whole duty of man.”
That is also what James, the brother of Jesus, whom we’ve been learning from in the last few days, was saying in James 3: 13 – 16 [see below], … warning believers, as did Solomon, that the pursuit of human wisdom is earthly, and can be demonic, yielding nothing but disorder and evil practice.
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James 3: 13 – 16 … Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
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So, here we have two wise believers, shaped by years of life’s experience, warning us to avoid the folly of pursuing human wisdom and doing all we can, with reverence and obedience to God, to find and apply the mind of God to our lives.
Therefore, I hope you join me in the remainder of this month’s devotional pursuit, learning from God’s word what we must do to find God’s way from His word, … and that is to fear (i.e., reverence) God and to live life in obedience to His will. I believe, as we do this, we will do what Solomon and James desired of fellow believers … to discover and apply the very mind of God to our lives.
My Prayer Today: O Lord, how I’m driven to know Your mind and to make Your way, my way! Amen
Passage of the Day: Ecclesiastes 12: 13 … 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
My Journal for Today: As Solomon exhorted in today’s passage, Christians can – and must – search for the mind of God (i.e., for Godly wisdom) by fearing God and keeping His commandments. Much of this wisdom book in the Old Testament is, I believe, Solomon’s later life reflections on all the human wisdom God allowed him to have. He discovered later in life, in penning the book of Ecclesiastes, that all his human wisdom led him to nothing but vanity. As Solomon reflected in Eccles. 1: 16 – 18, when it comes to dealing with life, all the human wisdom in the world will simply not “cut it.” He said that chasing human wisdom was like chasing after the wind; and I think that’s a very apt word picture. And toward the end of Ecclesiastes, Solomon warns the child of God [in today’s verse] to “… fear God and keep His commandments” as the “… whole duty of man.”
That is also what James, the brother of Jesus, whom we’ve been learning from in the last few days, was saying in James 3: 13 – 16 [see below], … warning believers, as did Solomon, that the pursuit of human wisdom is earthly, and can be demonic, yielding nothing but disorder and evil practice.
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James 3: 13 – 16 … Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
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So, here we have two wise believers, shaped by years of life’s experience, warning us to avoid the folly of pursuing human wisdom and doing all we can, with reverence and obedience to God, to find and apply the mind of God to our lives.
Therefore, I hope you join me in the remainder of this month’s devotional pursuit, learning from God’s word what we must do to find God’s way from His word, … and that is to fear (i.e., reverence) God and to live life in obedience to His will. I believe, as we do this, we will do what Solomon and James desired of fellow believers … to discover and apply the very mind of God to our lives.
My Prayer Today: O Lord, how I’m driven to know Your mind and to make Your way, my way! Amen
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 4
November 4, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 13 from the NIV … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 3: 13 from the NASB … 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
James 3: 13 from the NKJV … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
My Journal for Today: Okay, day four on James 3: 13; and I have retained all three versions of this passage above for your review and consideration today. And in his Strength for Today devotional for this date, John MacArthur once again focuses on the quality of MEEKNESS, as we did in yesterday’s study. The two-day highlight of this character quality shows to me just how important MacArthur feels this Christlike quality is to the Christian pursuit of Godly wisdom in the Christian walk.
In his entry for this date, MacArthur quotes from a commentary on the book of James by one Robert Johnstone, who wrote his treatise on James over 100 years ago; and even then, this writer recognized how contrary the attitude and witness of “meekness” was to the worldly conception of “manliness.” And today, even more obviously, we live in a world where a man’s man would be marked by independence, self assertion, and the desire for control. “Meekness” for the man of today, as well as for men in Johnstone’s day, would be labeled as weakness, a quality to be avoided.
But if we believers aspire to Christlikeness, we have to take a look at Jesus as our model of attitude. In fact, the Apostle Paul flat-out said it was our duty as Christians to develop the attitudes of Christ (see Phil. 2: 5); and if we study the life of Jesus, we see THE model of the man’s man … a model that the world would not paint for us. Jesus was not only the model of manhood for Christians, He WAS the GOD-MAN; and as we saw yesterday, the only two terms He used to describe Himself were as being “gentle (i.e., meek) and humble of heart” [that found in NIV Matt. 11: 29). And I also pointed out yesterday that Jesus directly blessed the attitude of meekness in His Sermon on the Mount (see Matt. 5: 5). In fact, His whole life on this earth, especially His time of ministry, was a walk of meekness and surrender to His Father. When Christ was led to the cross, He could have called down legions of angels to defend Himself; but – in meekness – He spoke not a word in His defense.
So, does this mean we can never assert our strength or stand up – even in anger – in our Christian walk? Hardly. Jesus certainly demonstrated Godly anger and assertiveness when he turned over the tables in God’s Temple (see John 2: 13 – 22). And righteous anger is a topic for discussion at another time; but Jesus would have never wanted His righteous anger in support of His father to trump the humility and meekness He modeled the greatest portion of His life.
Christ’s meekness was from His absolute surrender to His Heavenly Father. And our meekness should be our absolute surrender to Christ. And in Luke 9: 23, which I pray you now have etched in your hearts/minds, Jesus spoke to His followers about how we can exercise meekness (and humility) in our Christian walk as He said, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
I have to ask myself (as you should yourselves), “Is my Christian walk one of meekness?” And if not, what do I need to do in following my Lord to allow me to become a meek pursuer of Godly wisdom?
My Prayer Today: Again, Lord, I pray … help me to be like You. Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 13 from the NIV … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 3: 13 from the NASB … 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
James 3: 13 from the NKJV … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
My Journal for Today: Okay, day four on James 3: 13; and I have retained all three versions of this passage above for your review and consideration today. And in his Strength for Today devotional for this date, John MacArthur once again focuses on the quality of MEEKNESS, as we did in yesterday’s study. The two-day highlight of this character quality shows to me just how important MacArthur feels this Christlike quality is to the Christian pursuit of Godly wisdom in the Christian walk.
In his entry for this date, MacArthur quotes from a commentary on the book of James by one Robert Johnstone, who wrote his treatise on James over 100 years ago; and even then, this writer recognized how contrary the attitude and witness of “meekness” was to the worldly conception of “manliness.” And today, even more obviously, we live in a world where a man’s man would be marked by independence, self assertion, and the desire for control. “Meekness” for the man of today, as well as for men in Johnstone’s day, would be labeled as weakness, a quality to be avoided.
But if we believers aspire to Christlikeness, we have to take a look at Jesus as our model of attitude. In fact, the Apostle Paul flat-out said it was our duty as Christians to develop the attitudes of Christ (see Phil. 2: 5); and if we study the life of Jesus, we see THE model of the man’s man … a model that the world would not paint for us. Jesus was not only the model of manhood for Christians, He WAS the GOD-MAN; and as we saw yesterday, the only two terms He used to describe Himself were as being “gentle (i.e., meek) and humble of heart” [that found in NIV Matt. 11: 29). And I also pointed out yesterday that Jesus directly blessed the attitude of meekness in His Sermon on the Mount (see Matt. 5: 5). In fact, His whole life on this earth, especially His time of ministry, was a walk of meekness and surrender to His Father. When Christ was led to the cross, He could have called down legions of angels to defend Himself; but – in meekness – He spoke not a word in His defense.
So, does this mean we can never assert our strength or stand up – even in anger – in our Christian walk? Hardly. Jesus certainly demonstrated Godly anger and assertiveness when he turned over the tables in God’s Temple (see John 2: 13 – 22). And righteous anger is a topic for discussion at another time; but Jesus would have never wanted His righteous anger in support of His father to trump the humility and meekness He modeled the greatest portion of His life.
Christ’s meekness was from His absolute surrender to His Heavenly Father. And our meekness should be our absolute surrender to Christ. And in Luke 9: 23, which I pray you now have etched in your hearts/minds, Jesus spoke to His followers about how we can exercise meekness (and humility) in our Christian walk as He said, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
I have to ask myself (as you should yourselves), “Is my Christian walk one of meekness?” And if not, what do I need to do in following my Lord to allow me to become a meek pursuer of Godly wisdom?
My Prayer Today: Again, Lord, I pray … help me to be like You. Amen
Monday, November 03, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 3
November 3, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 13 from the NIV … Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 3: 13 from the NASB … Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
James 3: 13 from the NKJV … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
My Journal for Today: Okay, for those who’re following my devotional journal entries, we’re back for another day with the exhortation from James to find the wise among us. And we’ve seen that, according to the brother of Jesus, a wise Christian is one who behaves in a Godly manner, with actions consistent with God’s way of doing business in the world.
BUT (and this is not a small BUT), in the latter part of verse 13, we read that deeds done by the wise Christian should be those which exhibit “gentleness” or “meekness” of wisdom [see the NAS and NKJ versions above]. I’ve studied and I’m sharing three versions for this verse with you today because there are three English terms used to describe the type of wisdom one should look for when observing the behavior of the Christian. The NIV is a scholarly translation; but in this instance I think that the NASB or the NKJV are closer in accurately interpreting the Greek meaning for what the NIV calls the “humility of wisdom.”
The Greek term used in this key part of James 3: 13 is “prautes,” which is from the root word “praos,” which Jesus used to describe Himself in Matt. 11: 29, … calling Himself, “meek” or “gentle.” So, the use of “gentleness” in the NASB or “meekness” in the NKJV to describe the character of the wisdom exhibited by Christians is a better rendering [I believe] than the use of the term “humility” in the NIV.
As I just made reference, MEEKNESS is one of the only adjectives ever used by Jesus to describe Himself (again – Matt. 11: 29). And Jesus also laid His blessing on anyone who showed meekness (see His blessing in the beatitude of Matt. 5: 5). All of these scriptural references to meekness, though they may be differing Greek words, “prautes, praotes, praus, and/or praos,” all express the same root meaning; and that is to place strength under control when living out our lives. When it applies to a person, he/she could be one with great inner or outer strength, but that one would definitely be one who is willing to submit that strength to self-control in the pressure of the moment. We’d call that person “cool” today, wouldn’t we? And wasn’t Jesus just the “coolest” person ever? He had all power at His disposal, yet he willingly released that power during his walk as a Man for the glory of His Father (see Phil. 2: 5 – 11).
So, James is saying in today’s verse that wisdom is exhibited by the Christian who can reign in his emotions and or personal power, surrendering them to God’s Spirit, and exhibiting great restraint under the pressure of the world. What about it? Are we cool (i.e., gentle, meek, or restrained) under fire? Are we what James would call “wise” believers? Are we like Jesus under pressure?
Personally, I’ve got a [LONG!] way to go [or grow] on that one!
My Prayer Today: Help me to be meek, like You, Lord. Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 13 from the NIV … Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 3: 13 from the NASB … Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
James 3: 13 from the NKJV … 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
My Journal for Today: Okay, for those who’re following my devotional journal entries, we’re back for another day with the exhortation from James to find the wise among us. And we’ve seen that, according to the brother of Jesus, a wise Christian is one who behaves in a Godly manner, with actions consistent with God’s way of doing business in the world.
BUT (and this is not a small BUT), in the latter part of verse 13, we read that deeds done by the wise Christian should be those which exhibit “gentleness” or “meekness” of wisdom [see the NAS and NKJ versions above]. I’ve studied and I’m sharing three versions for this verse with you today because there are three English terms used to describe the type of wisdom one should look for when observing the behavior of the Christian. The NIV is a scholarly translation; but in this instance I think that the NASB or the NKJV are closer in accurately interpreting the Greek meaning for what the NIV calls the “humility of wisdom.”
The Greek term used in this key part of James 3: 13 is “prautes,” which is from the root word “praos,” which Jesus used to describe Himself in Matt. 11: 29, … calling Himself, “meek” or “gentle.” So, the use of “gentleness” in the NASB or “meekness” in the NKJV to describe the character of the wisdom exhibited by Christians is a better rendering [I believe] than the use of the term “humility” in the NIV.
As I just made reference, MEEKNESS is one of the only adjectives ever used by Jesus to describe Himself (again – Matt. 11: 29). And Jesus also laid His blessing on anyone who showed meekness (see His blessing in the beatitude of Matt. 5: 5). All of these scriptural references to meekness, though they may be differing Greek words, “prautes, praotes, praus, and/or praos,” all express the same root meaning; and that is to place strength under control when living out our lives. When it applies to a person, he/she could be one with great inner or outer strength, but that one would definitely be one who is willing to submit that strength to self-control in the pressure of the moment. We’d call that person “cool” today, wouldn’t we? And wasn’t Jesus just the “coolest” person ever? He had all power at His disposal, yet he willingly released that power during his walk as a Man for the glory of His Father (see Phil. 2: 5 – 11).
So, James is saying in today’s verse that wisdom is exhibited by the Christian who can reign in his emotions and or personal power, surrendering them to God’s Spirit, and exhibiting great restraint under the pressure of the world. What about it? Are we cool (i.e., gentle, meek, or restrained) under fire? Are we what James would call “wise” believers? Are we like Jesus under pressure?
Personally, I’ve got a [LONG!] way to go [or grow] on that one!
My Prayer Today: Help me to be meek, like You, Lord. Amen
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Pursuing Godly Wisdom - November - Day 2
November 2, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 13 … Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
My Journal for Today: Repeating the same highlighted verse from God’s word for today’s entry, Jesus’ half-brother, James, was a pragmatist. If a Christian likely said to James that he had faith in Christ, James would have wanted to see that faith reflected in the behavior of that believer (be sure to read and meditate on James 2: 14 – 26). And the same was true of the quality of wisdom which we’ll be reviewing/studying this month. In today’s repeated verse, James asks the up-front rhetorical question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” And to his leading question, the practical James basically says (and I paraphrase), “Show me!”
For James, real wisdom – Godly wisdom – should be visible in the life of a believer in Christ by good behavior and Godly deeds. This was also the premise and truth by the poetic Psalmist in Psalm 119: 33 – 40 [read it!] … that the wisdom of God’s word and truth will be reflected in the life of the one who knows and lives by that truth.
If I were to tell you that God has a formula for living a successful Christian life, would it not be a worthy goal to seek out that formula and then to live it? Well, of course it would! And that’s exactly what James is trying to impart in James 3; and what the Psalmist of Psalm 119 is sharing in his poetry. It was what Solomon tried to share with his son in Psalms 3 – 9; and it was the message of God Himself to Joshua in Joshua 1: 8. … When are we going to listen, learn, and then live by God’s prescription and formula for successful Christian living, which is the word of God?
When one knows and truly believes God’s word and is obedient to His will through His word, that one will be driven by a surrender to God’s Spirit and will become enabled by God’s grace to live in such a way that reflects and glorifies God. Don’t you think that would be visible to others? Of course, it would; and that is the transformed life of “living sacrifice” the Apostle Paul says is the life of reasonable worship and/or service which Christians will choose to live, reflecting the will of God (see Romans 12: 1 – 2). And it was the life Jesus wanted to see reflecting His Light into the world from the life of any true believer (see Matt. 5: 16) to glorify His Father.
And reviewing these truths causes me to reflect and ask, “Is this my life of worship? … Does my life show forth the truth of God’s word?” And I’m forced to answer – “Not enough!”
I’ll let you do your own inventory after meditating on this devotional entry?
My Prayer Today: Lord, Your word says in Ps. 119: 40, “How I long for Your precepts! Preserve my life in Your righteousness.“ Oh Father, may this be my life! Amen
Passage of the Day: James 3: 13 … Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
My Journal for Today: Repeating the same highlighted verse from God’s word for today’s entry, Jesus’ half-brother, James, was a pragmatist. If a Christian likely said to James that he had faith in Christ, James would have wanted to see that faith reflected in the behavior of that believer (be sure to read and meditate on James 2: 14 – 26). And the same was true of the quality of wisdom which we’ll be reviewing/studying this month. In today’s repeated verse, James asks the up-front rhetorical question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” And to his leading question, the practical James basically says (and I paraphrase), “Show me!”
For James, real wisdom – Godly wisdom – should be visible in the life of a believer in Christ by good behavior and Godly deeds. This was also the premise and truth by the poetic Psalmist in Psalm 119: 33 – 40 [read it!] … that the wisdom of God’s word and truth will be reflected in the life of the one who knows and lives by that truth.
If I were to tell you that God has a formula for living a successful Christian life, would it not be a worthy goal to seek out that formula and then to live it? Well, of course it would! And that’s exactly what James is trying to impart in James 3; and what the Psalmist of Psalm 119 is sharing in his poetry. It was what Solomon tried to share with his son in Psalms 3 – 9; and it was the message of God Himself to Joshua in Joshua 1: 8. … When are we going to listen, learn, and then live by God’s prescription and formula for successful Christian living, which is the word of God?
When one knows and truly believes God’s word and is obedient to His will through His word, that one will be driven by a surrender to God’s Spirit and will become enabled by God’s grace to live in such a way that reflects and glorifies God. Don’t you think that would be visible to others? Of course, it would; and that is the transformed life of “living sacrifice” the Apostle Paul says is the life of reasonable worship and/or service which Christians will choose to live, reflecting the will of God (see Romans 12: 1 – 2). And it was the life Jesus wanted to see reflecting His Light into the world from the life of any true believer (see Matt. 5: 16) to glorify His Father.
And reviewing these truths causes me to reflect and ask, “Is this my life of worship? … Does my life show forth the truth of God’s word?” And I’m forced to answer – “Not enough!”
I’ll let you do your own inventory after meditating on this devotional entry?
My Prayer Today: Lord, Your word says in Ps. 119: 40, “How I long for Your precepts! Preserve my life in Your righteousness.“ Oh Father, may this be my life! Amen
Friday, October 31, 2008
November 2008 Devotionals - Pursuing Godly Wisdom
Personal NOTE: I know it's not November 1 yet; but I've been having problems with my ISP early in the morning when I normally post my devotional journal entries; so, I decided to get a jump on things and get my first Nov. 2008 posted while my connection to the internet is solid today. If you're reading this, I invite you to come along with me this month on this pursuit of Godly wisdom - something I need. Perhaps you do too!
This month I'll be posting each devtional entry as a separate blog rather than as comments to one blog as I've done in past months. I'll see how this goes. ... <'BB><
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A Year of Daily Devotionals: A Journal by Bill Berry … November, 2008
November 1, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 13 … Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
My Journal for Today [actually for tomorrow ;)]: New month … new topic; and for my acknowledged benefit, in November, again following John MacArthur’s devotional book, Strength for Today, as we have been this year, we will undertake a study of an element in life which should be highly pursued by all Christians; … and that is WISDOM from God (see Prov. 4: 7). And MacArthur, in his focus on Christian wisdom, will be using many passages this month from the Book of James in the New Testament; and I like his statement from today’s devotional entry, “Wisdom is the art of living skillfully.” And today’s passage from James, the brother of Jesus, is God’s challenge for believers to seek God’s way of living, through wisdom and understanding.
Above, I just referred you to Proverbs 4: 7. Did you look it up? [BTW, I do put these referral scriptures in my entries not only for myself – but also for you who might be reading this!] Well, if you haven’t searched it out, here’s what it says: Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it may cost all you have, get understanding.
Now, I don’t know about you; but that passage hits me where it lives. God is saying, through His Holy Word, … through James in the NT and Solomon in the OT, ... that wisdom is a value and an element of life to be pursued above most, if not all, other human pursuits. We all have opinions about life, which lead to our choices and our actions. [see NKJV – Prov. 23: 7] Even the fool, as MacArthur points out on this date, will claim to be making wise choices. However, James wrote that only the “understanding” that comes from God can be identified as the wisdom that directs the truly wise person to make Godly choices. That true believer will be the one, as today’s verse exclaims, who exhibits good behavior [i.e., Godly actions] with the humility and meekness of Godly insight. He (she) will also be the gentle believer who becomes a specialist at finding and living the Godly life, … the one who can/will be TRULY WISE [i.e., “Godly wise”].
My personal aspiration is to become one who seeks diligently to find God’s way and His will through this minefield we call life; and then I ardently desire to walk with meekness/humility, prayerfully as unscathed as possible by walking in the footsteps of my Savior (see James 1: 5 – 6, Luke 9: 23, and Prov. 3: 5 – 6). What about you? Is this a serious pursuit for you as well? If so, come along with me this month; and we will pursue the very mind of God together.
My Prayer Today: Lord, show me Your way … I will live it. Amen
<'BB><
This month I'll be posting each devtional entry as a separate blog rather than as comments to one blog as I've done in past months. I'll see how this goes. ... <'BB><
------------------------
A Year of Daily Devotionals: A Journal by Bill Berry … November, 2008
November 1, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: James 3: 13 … Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
My Journal for Today [actually for tomorrow ;)]: New month … new topic; and for my acknowledged benefit, in November, again following John MacArthur’s devotional book, Strength for Today, as we have been this year, we will undertake a study of an element in life which should be highly pursued by all Christians; … and that is WISDOM from God (see Prov. 4: 7). And MacArthur, in his focus on Christian wisdom, will be using many passages this month from the Book of James in the New Testament; and I like his statement from today’s devotional entry, “Wisdom is the art of living skillfully.” And today’s passage from James, the brother of Jesus, is God’s challenge for believers to seek God’s way of living, through wisdom and understanding.
Above, I just referred you to Proverbs 4: 7. Did you look it up? [BTW, I do put these referral scriptures in my entries not only for myself – but also for you who might be reading this!] Well, if you haven’t searched it out, here’s what it says: Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it may cost all you have, get understanding.
Now, I don’t know about you; but that passage hits me where it lives. God is saying, through His Holy Word, … through James in the NT and Solomon in the OT, ... that wisdom is a value and an element of life to be pursued above most, if not all, other human pursuits. We all have opinions about life, which lead to our choices and our actions. [see NKJV – Prov. 23: 7] Even the fool, as MacArthur points out on this date, will claim to be making wise choices. However, James wrote that only the “understanding” that comes from God can be identified as the wisdom that directs the truly wise person to make Godly choices. That true believer will be the one, as today’s verse exclaims, who exhibits good behavior [i.e., Godly actions] with the humility and meekness of Godly insight. He (she) will also be the gentle believer who becomes a specialist at finding and living the Godly life, … the one who can/will be TRULY WISE [i.e., “Godly wise”].
My personal aspiration is to become one who seeks diligently to find God’s way and His will through this minefield we call life; and then I ardently desire to walk with meekness/humility, prayerfully as unscathed as possible by walking in the footsteps of my Savior (see James 1: 5 – 6, Luke 9: 23, and Prov. 3: 5 – 6). What about you? Is this a serious pursuit for you as well? If so, come along with me this month; and we will pursue the very mind of God together.
My Prayer Today: Lord, show me Your way … I will live it. Amen
<'BB><
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
October, 2008 Devotionals: Hating Sin and Avoiding Its Power
A Year of Daily Devotionals: A Journal by Bill Berry … October, 2008
INTRODUCTION: Moving into October, I will be continuing to use the devotionals of John MacArthur in his book Strength for Today; and his topic for the month of October is Sin and Combatting Its Power. ... So, if you come along with me as I blog my devotional journal entries, maybe we all can come to learn to hate our sin and avoid its influence more in our lives. That's my goal! ... BTW, again if you want to add your comments, I'll be putting my daily entries in the comments to this October 1 blog. Feel free to join in with your comments. ... <'BB><
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October 1, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Romans 3: 23 [see in bold] … 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
My Journal for Today: This month, again with John MacArthur’s help, I will be looking at the topic every Christian should understand, and that is “sin.” I say the latter because sin is likely the only thing in this life to be feared by a Christian. In his devotional for this date from Strength for Today, MacArthur quotes an early Church leader, Crysotom, who wrote, “I fear nothing but sin.” Obviously, believing today’s highlighted passage/verse, we know that sin is pervasive in mankind, a force with which ALL Christians must deal. Therefore, understanding the dimensions of sin is of utmost importance to ALL believers. If you are reading this, I would assume that you might be as interested in learning more about how to avoid and deal with sin as do I; so, let’s dive in and grow in Christ together.
First, we know that sin causes death, physical and spiritual death; and it leads to eternal separation from God. Therefore, follow the logic with me. If we, as Christians, pursue God; and sin separates us from God, … then would it not behoove all Christians to do all we can to avoid sin? However, as we will see, all our efforts are futile unless we surrender our ALL to the One Who atoned for our sin … Jesus Christ. I boldly maintain that the most prominent reason most Christians cannot or do not avoid sinful choices is their incomplete surrender to God’s Spirit, Who has saved them; and as we saw in my devotional study last month, it is God’s Spirit Who is fully willing – and most certainly able [see 2Cor. 12: 9] - to provide us with the grace we need to overcome sin, if – and it’s an enormous IF – we humbly receive God’s enabling grace to do so.
MacArthur, in today’s devotional, scripturally defines sin with something that struck me to my core. He wrote, “Sin is the only thing that God hates (see Jer. 44: 4).” And MacArthur goes on to declare that since God hates sin so infinitely much, so should we hate sin, … those of us who call ourselves by His Name. Oh, I hate sin and my sinfulness! Do you? I’m going to assume that any Christian who reads this hates sin and anything in our lives which contributes to sin.
Maybe you don’t hate sin as much as you think you should? Well, join the club! This month, as I wrote above, I’m going to be exploring more of the dimensions of sin to determine just how deeply I understand the nature of its hold on me or any Christian. … I want to learn to hate sin so much that my choices will avoid the consequences of sin and draw me ever closer to God.
Are you with me in this? If so, come along with me daily; and we’ll do all we can, with the help of God’s word and John MacArthur, to more fully protect ourselves against our own sin nature.
My Prayer Today: Lord, separate me from sin and draw me closer to You. Amen
INTRODUCTION: Moving into October, I will be continuing to use the devotionals of John MacArthur in his book Strength for Today; and his topic for the month of October is Sin and Combatting Its Power. ... So, if you come along with me as I blog my devotional journal entries, maybe we all can come to learn to hate our sin and avoid its influence more in our lives. That's my goal! ... BTW, again if you want to add your comments, I'll be putting my daily entries in the comments to this October 1 blog. Feel free to join in with your comments. ... <'BB><
=====================
October 1, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Romans 3: 23 [see in bold] … 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
My Journal for Today: This month, again with John MacArthur’s help, I will be looking at the topic every Christian should understand, and that is “sin.” I say the latter because sin is likely the only thing in this life to be feared by a Christian. In his devotional for this date from Strength for Today, MacArthur quotes an early Church leader, Crysotom, who wrote, “I fear nothing but sin.” Obviously, believing today’s highlighted passage/verse, we know that sin is pervasive in mankind, a force with which ALL Christians must deal. Therefore, understanding the dimensions of sin is of utmost importance to ALL believers. If you are reading this, I would assume that you might be as interested in learning more about how to avoid and deal with sin as do I; so, let’s dive in and grow in Christ together.
First, we know that sin causes death, physical and spiritual death; and it leads to eternal separation from God. Therefore, follow the logic with me. If we, as Christians, pursue God; and sin separates us from God, … then would it not behoove all Christians to do all we can to avoid sin? However, as we will see, all our efforts are futile unless we surrender our ALL to the One Who atoned for our sin … Jesus Christ. I boldly maintain that the most prominent reason most Christians cannot or do not avoid sinful choices is their incomplete surrender to God’s Spirit, Who has saved them; and as we saw in my devotional study last month, it is God’s Spirit Who is fully willing – and most certainly able [see 2Cor. 12: 9] - to provide us with the grace we need to overcome sin, if – and it’s an enormous IF – we humbly receive God’s enabling grace to do so.
MacArthur, in today’s devotional, scripturally defines sin with something that struck me to my core. He wrote, “Sin is the only thing that God hates (see Jer. 44: 4).” And MacArthur goes on to declare that since God hates sin so infinitely much, so should we hate sin, … those of us who call ourselves by His Name. Oh, I hate sin and my sinfulness! Do you? I’m going to assume that any Christian who reads this hates sin and anything in our lives which contributes to sin.
Maybe you don’t hate sin as much as you think you should? Well, join the club! This month, as I wrote above, I’m going to be exploring more of the dimensions of sin to determine just how deeply I understand the nature of its hold on me or any Christian. … I want to learn to hate sin so much that my choices will avoid the consequences of sin and draw me ever closer to God.
Are you with me in this? If so, come along with me daily; and we’ll do all we can, with the help of God’s word and John MacArthur, to more fully protect ourselves against our own sin nature.
My Prayer Today: Lord, separate me from sin and draw me closer to You. Amen
Monday, September 01, 2008
September 2008 Devotionals: Knowing God, the Holy Spirit
A Year of Daily Devotionals: A Journal by Bill Berry … September, 2007
INTRODUCTION: Moving into September, I will be continuing to use the devotionals of John MacArthur in his book Strength for Today; and his topic for the month of August is WHAT ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT. ... So, if you come along with me as I blog my devotional journal entries, maybe you too can get to know the Third Person of the Trinity more intimately. That's my goal! ... BTW, again if you want to add your comments, I'll be putting my daily entries in the comments to this Sept. 1 blog. Feel free to join in with your comments. ... <'BB><
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September 1, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: 1st John 3: 24 … 24 Those who obey His [i.e., Christ’s] commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us.
My Journal for Today: I’m going to make a sweeping assumption as I begin another month of devotional journal entries here for September; and that assumption is that any reader here is in a head-long pursuit to know God and grow closer to Him (i.e., that you have a faith relationship with Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life). If you are reading this; and you don’t know Christ as your Savior and Lord or you are in doubt about your redemption, before reading onward, you simply must get that settled.
[For any who doubt their salvation, please get with a Christian who solidly KNOWS that he or she is saved; and ask that person to show you how to resolve this. If you can’t find a live Christian whom you respect to be able to help you, I’d pray that you might trust me to help and you’d be willing to contact me. I’m always available through email @ billb13@bellsouth.net . Contact me and we’ll get this settled – FOREVER.
In the Bible the instructions are clear from Romans 10: 9 – 13 which states: …
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Romans 10: 9 – 13 9… if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [the latter is a quote from Joel 2: 32]
--------------------
I know that these instructions on salvation from God’s word do not require another human. You can declare “with your mouth” your confession and contrition and your faith that Christ has saved you directly to God. However, having someone there with you, especially a strong, experienced Christian, to declare your trust in Jesus will be helpful to get you started on your true walk with Christ … and such a person may be able to help in your discipleship as a newly born-again Christian.
Well, now that I’ve had that evangelical pause, and prayerfully you now have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity, I will continue to address my comments to you and any who are saved and firmly know they are in Christ. Where I’m going this month is to promote a closer relationship with the Third Person of the Trinity – our Precious Holy Spirit. Getting to know God will always take one deeper into a relationship with each Person of the Trinity; and that certainly includes the Holy Spirit.
Yes, I know that those who would call themselves “Charismatic” as Christians most certainly emphasize an experiential understanding of God’s Spirit – and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that – IF it does not dampen a believer’s personal understanding of God’s truth, primarily found in His word. It has been my observation that some – and I emphasize “SOME” - Charismatic Christians de-emphasize doctrine and biblical study in lieu of trying to FEEL God’s Spirit moving and working in them. On the other hand some strongly doctrinally-based Christians de-emphasize their experiential understanding of God’s Spirit in their lives. Neither of these extremes can or will bring a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. However, our emphasis this month will be on knowing and understanding the Person of the Holy Spirit.
And to begin this study, I go to a salient question asked by the Apostle Paul of the church. In Galatians 3: 3, he asked, “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” And that is one great question for all Christians to ponder. Unfortunately, too many of us are seeking to experience the reality of God’s Spirit by feeling His presence and/or power in our flesh, when the truth of the Spirit’s presence, power, and His plan can be readily found in His inspired word (see 2nd Tim. 3: 16 – 17).
This month, again with John MacArthur’s help in his devotional Strength for Today, I will, through my prayer to God’s Spirit for wisdom [see James 1: 5-6] and my reliance on His word, delve more deeply into the ONE Who works in me through Christ to encourage, guide, enlighten, enable, and empower me. He is The Holy Spirit.
My Prayer Today: O, precious Spirit, help me to know You more intimately. Amen
INTRODUCTION: Moving into September, I will be continuing to use the devotionals of John MacArthur in his book Strength for Today; and his topic for the month of August is WHAT ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT. ... So, if you come along with me as I blog my devotional journal entries, maybe you too can get to know the Third Person of the Trinity more intimately. That's my goal! ... BTW, again if you want to add your comments, I'll be putting my daily entries in the comments to this Sept. 1 blog. Feel free to join in with your comments. ... <'BB><
==================
September 1, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: 1st John 3: 24 … 24 Those who obey His [i.e., Christ’s] commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us.
My Journal for Today: I’m going to make a sweeping assumption as I begin another month of devotional journal entries here for September; and that assumption is that any reader here is in a head-long pursuit to know God and grow closer to Him (i.e., that you have a faith relationship with Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life). If you are reading this; and you don’t know Christ as your Savior and Lord or you are in doubt about your redemption, before reading onward, you simply must get that settled.
[For any who doubt their salvation, please get with a Christian who solidly KNOWS that he or she is saved; and ask that person to show you how to resolve this. If you can’t find a live Christian whom you respect to be able to help you, I’d pray that you might trust me to help and you’d be willing to contact me. I’m always available through email @ billb13@bellsouth.net . Contact me and we’ll get this settled – FOREVER.
In the Bible the instructions are clear from Romans 10: 9 – 13 which states: …
---------------------
Romans 10: 9 – 13 9… if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [the latter is a quote from Joel 2: 32]
--------------------
I know that these instructions on salvation from God’s word do not require another human. You can declare “with your mouth” your confession and contrition and your faith that Christ has saved you directly to God. However, having someone there with you, especially a strong, experienced Christian, to declare your trust in Jesus will be helpful to get you started on your true walk with Christ … and such a person may be able to help in your discipleship as a newly born-again Christian.
Well, now that I’ve had that evangelical pause, and prayerfully you now have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity, I will continue to address my comments to you and any who are saved and firmly know they are in Christ. Where I’m going this month is to promote a closer relationship with the Third Person of the Trinity – our Precious Holy Spirit. Getting to know God will always take one deeper into a relationship with each Person of the Trinity; and that certainly includes the Holy Spirit.
Yes, I know that those who would call themselves “Charismatic” as Christians most certainly emphasize an experiential understanding of God’s Spirit – and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that – IF it does not dampen a believer’s personal understanding of God’s truth, primarily found in His word. It has been my observation that some – and I emphasize “SOME” - Charismatic Christians de-emphasize doctrine and biblical study in lieu of trying to FEEL God’s Spirit moving and working in them. On the other hand some strongly doctrinally-based Christians de-emphasize their experiential understanding of God’s Spirit in their lives. Neither of these extremes can or will bring a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. However, our emphasis this month will be on knowing and understanding the Person of the Holy Spirit.
And to begin this study, I go to a salient question asked by the Apostle Paul of the church. In Galatians 3: 3, he asked, “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” And that is one great question for all Christians to ponder. Unfortunately, too many of us are seeking to experience the reality of God’s Spirit by feeling His presence and/or power in our flesh, when the truth of the Spirit’s presence, power, and His plan can be readily found in His inspired word (see 2nd Tim. 3: 16 – 17).
This month, again with John MacArthur’s help in his devotional Strength for Today, I will, through my prayer to God’s Spirit for wisdom [see James 1: 5-6] and my reliance on His word, delve more deeply into the ONE Who works in me through Christ to encourage, guide, enlighten, enable, and empower me. He is The Holy Spirit.
My Prayer Today: O, precious Spirit, help me to know You more intimately. Amen
Friday, August 01, 2008
August 2008 Devotionals: Where is our heart?
INTRODUCTION: Moving into August, I will continue to use the devotionals of John MacArthur in his book Strength for Today; and his topic for the month of August is AN INVENTORY OF THE HEART. ... In this regard, I think we all need to look at our hearts periodically to decide if we're living the truth of Matt. 6: 33 or not. As we make the choices of life, just where do our priorities really unfold? Get ready [!], that's where I'm going this month with my journal entries. And after my post for August 1st, each of my successive entries for this month will be added as comments to this blog. But if you're following along, feel free to add your own comments as well to this journey toward our hearts. ... <'BB><
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A Year of Daily Devotionals: A Journal by Bill Berry … August, 2008
August 1, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Matthew 6: 19 – 21 [focus on verse 21 – in bold] … 19 [Jesus] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
My Journal for Today: I’ve been using John MacArthur’s Strength for Today as my devotional guide for several years now; and I can recall the first three years going through and journaling my August entries, which focus on the “stuff” of life, … those things which can impede a deep and abiding relationship with Christ – “stuff” like money, materialism, and anything which we choose as idols in our life to replace God. So, if you’re reading my journal entries for these August devotionals, get ready to be stung by some tough teachings from Jesus and other New Testament authors, with John MacArthur in the background. This will be challenging; but I can assure you, having gone through this venture more than once, these devotionals will help us all prioritize those elements of life which are important to God. So, let me get started.
The biblical teachings on materialism and money handling can be very convicting for a Christian in a consumer-driven and wealth-based culture such as ours. And we begin today with THE Master’s teaching about Kingdom values from the Sermon on the Mount [and more specifically from the section in Matt. 6: 19 – 24], where Jesus refers, in context, to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees with regard to their dealings with money.
Jesus hits at the very core of the issue I’ll be dealing with this month in the highlighted (i.e., bold) verse above [Matt. 6: 21]; and that is the attitude of the heart when we’re dealing with earthly matters like money. Each time I read Jesus’ teaching in this verse, I’m reflexively drawn to Proverbs 23: 7 (in the NKJV), which reads, “As a man thinks, in his heart, so is he.” Both Jesus and Solomon are teaching what Paul taught in Rom. 12: 1 – 2, … that we must have a heart that is in a “living sacrifice” mode; and Paul, in Rom. 12: 2, clearly says what Solomon is saying in Prov. 23: 7 … that we must transform our hearts/minds to keep God as priority #1 [also see Matt. 6: 33].
Some have said that you can get the best picture of a man’s heart by looking at two things, … his calendar and his check book. Such an inventory would allow us to see how that man prioritizes time and money; and these priorities reflect the priorities of his heart. Does the man, in question, have God’s kingdom values, or does he prioritize worldly/fleshly values? Take a look at your time/money priorities for the last 30 days. In doing so, how does God stack up this last month? Did he get the first fruits of His providence [see Prov. 3: 9]?
We’ll be looking more at that and other life choices this month. So, together, let’s do inventory and see where God stands in our lives.
My Prayer Today: Lord, show me, more clearly than ever, how I should handle the stuff of life. Amen
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A Year of Daily Devotionals: A Journal by Bill Berry … August, 2008
August 1, 2008 …
Passage of the Day: Matthew 6: 19 – 21 [focus on verse 21 – in bold] … 19 [Jesus] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
My Journal for Today: I’ve been using John MacArthur’s Strength for Today as my devotional guide for several years now; and I can recall the first three years going through and journaling my August entries, which focus on the “stuff” of life, … those things which can impede a deep and abiding relationship with Christ – “stuff” like money, materialism, and anything which we choose as idols in our life to replace God. So, if you’re reading my journal entries for these August devotionals, get ready to be stung by some tough teachings from Jesus and other New Testament authors, with John MacArthur in the background. This will be challenging; but I can assure you, having gone through this venture more than once, these devotionals will help us all prioritize those elements of life which are important to God. So, let me get started.
The biblical teachings on materialism and money handling can be very convicting for a Christian in a consumer-driven and wealth-based culture such as ours. And we begin today with THE Master’s teaching about Kingdom values from the Sermon on the Mount [and more specifically from the section in Matt. 6: 19 – 24], where Jesus refers, in context, to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees with regard to their dealings with money.
Jesus hits at the very core of the issue I’ll be dealing with this month in the highlighted (i.e., bold) verse above [Matt. 6: 21]; and that is the attitude of the heart when we’re dealing with earthly matters like money. Each time I read Jesus’ teaching in this verse, I’m reflexively drawn to Proverbs 23: 7 (in the NKJV), which reads, “As a man thinks, in his heart, so is he.” Both Jesus and Solomon are teaching what Paul taught in Rom. 12: 1 – 2, … that we must have a heart that is in a “living sacrifice” mode; and Paul, in Rom. 12: 2, clearly says what Solomon is saying in Prov. 23: 7 … that we must transform our hearts/minds to keep God as priority #1 [also see Matt. 6: 33].
Some have said that you can get the best picture of a man’s heart by looking at two things, … his calendar and his check book. Such an inventory would allow us to see how that man prioritizes time and money; and these priorities reflect the priorities of his heart. Does the man, in question, have God’s kingdom values, or does he prioritize worldly/fleshly values? Take a look at your time/money priorities for the last 30 days. In doing so, how does God stack up this last month? Did he get the first fruits of His providence [see Prov. 3: 9]?
We’ll be looking more at that and other life choices this month. So, together, let’s do inventory and see where God stands in our lives.
My Prayer Today: Lord, show me, more clearly than ever, how I should handle the stuff of life. Amen
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