The Dimmer

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 4

Gold Nugget
Verse 18: “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.”

Commentary

I remember my mom giving the illustration years ago that walking with the Lord is like being in a room with a dimmer switch. When the room is dark you can ever so gently begin to turn the switch on until you can barely make the images out around the room. With that, you can see where things are. You can then navigate the room easier without stumbling. Just when you think you know the room like the back of your hand, someone adjust the switch. Allowing more light into the room, you then see stains in the carpet and rips in the furniture. After a time, you clean the carpet and mend the furniture, only to find the switch has been adjusted allowing more light into the room. It’s then that you see the cracks in the walls and cobwebs in the corners. On and on it goes. You think that everything that needs work is complete only to continue finding more work to be done. You could be saddened and feel like you will never accomplish your goal, but you remember where you started and where you are now. You know that the work that has been done is not in vain.

We are much the same. When we come into a relationship with Jesus, we are what the bible teaches, moving from walking in darkness to walking in the light. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” The Lord doesn’t reveal all of the areas that need attention at once. If we are sensitive to Him, we will find that He reveals things to us in the order that He considers priority based on His plan for our life. He will shine enough light into our lives to see a need for growth, repentance and change. He then expects us to react to what we see and seek Him for change. Just when we feel like we are perfect, He will adjust the switch allowing more light to reveal the stains in the carpet and rips in the furniture. We will with joy, rush to work in those areas, seeking a clean and honorable temple for Him to dwell in. He may reveal the cracks in the walls to me in my life, while revealing the stains in the carpet in your life. I must be careful to allow God to set the priorities for growth in your life even if they are different than mine. It doesn’t matter so much the order as it matters the commitment to growth and purity.

Thanks, Mom...

Prayer

Lord, continue to adjust the switch in my life and allow your revealing truth about me to shine in. I pray for humility in receiving the truth and desire for change and growth to honor you with how I react. Amen

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Having Charity

Reading For Today: Proverbs Chapter 3

Gold Nugget
Verse 27-28: “27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.”

Commentary

I've always liked this scripture. I appreciate it's straight to the point message. Don't be so quick to measure whether or not someone is worthy of your charity. I would hate to think the Lord only gives gifts that we deserve. I am convinced that He often gives us good gifts purely because of His love for His children and how He often dotes on us. There is a balance with this concept and another one of my favorite verses which happens to be in this very chapter, "3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man." This "favor" is hinged on our obedience and is by far the majority of what will bring favor from God (and man), but often times He just blesses us for no apparent reason. Often times when we haven't deserved it. Isn't He so loving? If this is the case, why do we measure someones worth in order to give charity to them? What if we measured whether or not we would help someone not by whether they deserved it or not, but by whether we have it or not. "27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so." If God has blessed us to the point where we have the ability to bless others; by all means we should. "28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you." Let us reason with the mind of the Lord. We should exercise wisdom, but that doesn't mean without compassion. Believe that your charity may win someone over. When that person with the torn and dirty clothes is holding the sign at the intersection, be sensitive to the Lord. He may move you to give. If you feel compassion and give, let whether or not they use it for food or something negative stay between them and God. Offer your charity to the Lord and whether or not they deserve it will not be of importance.

Prayer

Lord, I want to be a blessing to others. If I am able to bless others with finances, gifts or any possible way - I want to do it. Help me to remember how often you blessed me without my deserving it. Amen

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Speak that which is Acceptable

Reading For Today: Proverb Chapter 10

Gold Nugget
Verse 32: “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.”

Commentary

Kids say the dandiest things… well something like that anyway. Unfortunately, our children didn’t come stock from the factory with mouth filters. How many times would it have saved us embarrassment if they did? It’s cute for the most part when they are toddlers. Their ignorance is both bliss and a blessing. There comes a time, however, when ignorance is neither bliss nor a blessing. As they get older, grace for their ignorance is less. What may be cute for a 4 year old doesn’t hold true for someone older.

Don’t get me wrong. I say something foolish probably daily to some extent. You don’t have to look hard to someone more refined than this ol’ Texan. When in certain circles, I have to behave above my norm. The key is knowing what is acceptable. Like today’s “gold nugget” says, “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.” Knowing the right and wrong things to say and when not to say anything at all is a characteristic of one who has both knowledge and understanding.

Prayer
Lord, if we hang in there with your Word and absorb it truths, we will be able to speak and do so with confidence. Give us the knowledge that comes from you when we speak and we will speak appropriately. Convince us that even as children speak out of ignorance, if we lack the knowledge of your Word, we will speak perversely as the wicked. Amen

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Possesors of Wisdom

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 9

Gold Nugget
Verse 12a: “If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,”

Commentary

There’s an old saying, “Better felt than dealt”. Another says, “You’d had to be there.” And again another says, “Until you’ve walked in my shoes.” The point is, some things can’t be described. There are also things that you cannot be convinced of until you have experienced them yourself.  Wisdom is a personal possession. I would be careful of saying that except for how clear the scriptures are about this. We are told all throughout Proverbs that we should pursue wisdom like silver, gold or rubies. Find it as hidden treasure, obtain it and keep it. It is a gained by grace through personal sacrifice and commitment. Through diligence and perseverance it is obtained. Once it has been caught or captured, it belongs to the captor. It cannot be passed through genes or sold in the market place. It can’t be given away or stolen. It is a reward from God and only the diligent find it. As today’s “gold nugget” says, “If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,”

Maybe you that have tried with passion to pass your wisdom on to others only to see them drop it on the ground by their feet and walk on into foolishness. To those that have given wise advice to some that have taken it and spared themselves harm, don’t be deceived. You did not pass on to them wisdom. You passed onto them council. If they accepted and applied your council, it is because of their own wisdom that they possessed in order to receive your council. Make sure that they (and not you) are acknowledged for taking your council as a result of their own wisdom. Your wisdom is wisdom whether it is accepted or rejected. The wise can only pass wise council from one possessor of wisdom to another. 

Prayer
Lord, just as Elijah thought he was the last of the prophets that hadn’t bowed down to other Gods, we are just as foolish if we think that we are the only ones that posses wisdom. Help us to engage with one another in wisdom and profit from what you have given each of us.  Amen

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Reaping and Sowing

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 7

Gold Nugget
Verse 23: “Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life.”

Commentary

Proverbs chapter seven describes the foolish man that is deceived and trapped by the seductive harlot. The man, void of wisdom, is ruled by his flesh and doesn’t believe it will cost him anything for his actions. This picture is so prevalent in our society today that has become “immediate gratification” based. I often refer to it as our microwave society. We don’t have to earn a meal in the same manner we used to. When we want something that normally takes an hour, we get it in 2 minutes. That isn’t bad in itself. I’m not throwing away my microwave, but I do recognize how we cut out important lessons of reaping and sowing. Whether it’s reaping good things from good things we’ve sown or reaping bad things from bad things we have sowed, the lesson of cause and effect is a major element in a Christian’s journey towards maturity.

It’s still true that people will risk so much long term loss for pleasure today, or even for this moment. Whether it is the two teenagers, late at night in a back seat of a parked car that risk so much, satisfying the moment. Or, it may be the spouse that has a one night stand, risking the happiness of their family. It might be that extra drink before getting behind the wheel that ultimately may cost lives for the immediate pleasure it brings. It would be in your best interest to fill in the blank and allow this lesson to apply to you. We press on into foolish endeavors, investments and risk not weighing the costs. This describes the foolish man in today’s “gold nugget”, “Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life.”

Prayer

Lord, you know the areas of my life that this verse applies to. Help me to be of a mature mind that doesn’t allow my desires of today, or this moment, to risk the work you have done in my family and in my life. Help me to walk in maturity and wisdom and be a testimony of the work of your grace and mercy in my life. Amen

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Sweeter and Sweeter

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 4

Gold Nugget
Verse 18: “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.”

Commentary
In the 1930’s, Robert C. Loveless penned these famous lyrics.

Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.

Every day with Jesus, I love Him more and more;

Jesus saves and keeps me, and He's the One I'm waiting for.

Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.

On November 3^rd 1997, I told the Lord I would give this one more try. This time I knew that all my past attempts at serving Him had failed and that He would have to make it work this time. That was all He ever wanted. I could never - and can’t ever live a life worthy of righteousness. My righteousness is as filthy rags. My ways were not - and never will be sufficient. My only hope, and what has made the difference, is to just get me out of the way. “ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) So I can sing with passion that “Every day with Jesus (truly) is sweeter than the day before”. “Every day with Jesus, I (really do) love Him more and more”.

He is the one that saved me and has kept me, and on Him I could forever wait. Yes, every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. You can find a real, long lasting, fulfilling relationship with Him. Jesus is the one immovable, unchangeable, everlasting, constant in a world of shifting, ever-changing, expiring things. Psalms 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” If you have truly given Him a chance, you will have found that your future has only gotten brighter with each day. As today’s “gold nugget” says, “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” 

Prayer
Lord, I thank you for saving me and keeping me. I know that you are the same yesterday, today and forever. It is me that learns how sweet it is to walk with you more and more. Help us all to enjoy the walk we have with you today and even more tomorrow. Amen

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Recognizing Correction

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 3

Gold Nugget
Verse 11: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction.”

Commentary
When a child hits or takes a toy from another child, discipline must be quick to ensure they connect the correction with them taking the toy. Waiting too long will leave them wondering why you are scolding them. Instead of being corrected, they will feel victimized. That is the last thing you want. That’s why you make sure the discipline doesn’t get ahead of their ability to comprehend it. What if they never mature to the point of understanding discipline? Such is the case with our lives. Whether by choice or neglect, often we do not mature enough to understand when God corrects us. Sometimes we are not mature enough to connect His “correction” with the offense.

When we disobey His directions, He will often bring correction into our lives whether we are mature enough to comprehend it or not. This will sometimes leave us feeling “victimized”. Not that we feel like we are His victims, but we still wonder clueless why things are not working out for us. We may even despise the Lord for not making a way for us. We fail to connect the disobedience in our lives with the trial we may be enduring. When we do make the connection, we need to do as today’s “gold nugget” says, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction.”

Prayer
Lord, help me to be able to recognize your correction when it comes. I don’t want to miss the learning opportunity by assuming I am having a bad day, week, etc. When you are trying to teach me, help me to be a good learner . Amen

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Out of the Fight

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 20

Gold Nugget
Verse 3: “It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.”

Commentary

“I don’t care who started it, I’m about to finish it!” Many of us have heard this from our parents growing up - and many of us have continued the tradition of this saying with our children. Putting an end to a quarrel is often unachievable by those doing the actual fighting. Growing up, we needed an outside intervention to stop our fights. Those of us that never learned any different, often still require an outside intervention to stop a fight. Ask a police officer or judge and they will attest that many times they have had to “finish it for them”. My grandmother used to say, “It takes two to tango”. I had an issue with that claim until I got old enough to see the truth. Although one party may be absolutely wrong and the other absolutely right, it still takes two participants in the ring to have a fight.

It takes true discipline for someone to suffer their pride, give up their ground and turn from a fight. This discipline did not come stock in the Steve Vaughn edition. It is in my nature to hold my ground, make an argument and not be defeated. That being said, I have learned some and am still learning, that not all fights are worth the reward. If you attack my children, there’s more fight in me than you have to give, but not everything is worthy of such a retaliation. Sometimes a victory by one side is still a loss for both.

Prayer

Lord, today I take my dogs out of the fight. It is in my nature to stay in the fight, but even in victory; both sides would surely lose. I receive the strength from you that enables me to do what I am not capable of doing. I pull myself out of the ring. The battle is yours.  Amen

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Taking Sport

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 10

Gold Nugget
Verse: “To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom.”

Commentary

As a minister, I take great interest in human behaviors. I recently watched a television program about troubled youth in gangs. Of the violent and destructive behavior I witnessed in this documentary, the most disturbing and bone chilling was the reaction of the perpetrators to their own crimes. What I cannot understand of all the crimes against humanity is when these gangs are just strolling along and then jump on an innocent person with nothing other to gain, but the pleasure of watching them suffer. The abusers are bouncing around, laughing, smiling into the camera and encouraging each other to up the abuse. You just want to jump through the TV and rescue the person. These people are like today’s “gold nugget”, “To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom.”  They actually take sport in their evil behavior. I can’t understand taking pleasure in this evil thing... or can I? When we paint a picture like the true story above, we look with disgust at those with such disregard for moral fiber. Its one thing to sin, but hopefully sin will bring shame and you will rot with guilt until you cannot stand it any longer and repent. Just so you know; God sees everything we do just as easily as I witnessed those events from my easy chair. He watches us in our lives and is stricken with hurt and pain as He sees us continuing in sin and even taking sport in it. Surely He wonders how we can behave the way we do and smile into the camera. He sees the married man that is pursuing another woman and maybe even catches her and sins with pleasure and excitement. He sees the woman being caught by him and then pleasure in the catch. He also sees the wife at home with the kids, crying knowing that her marriage is a sham. I’m sure He wants to jump through the TV and rescue her and those kids. Sometimes He does and sometimes He allows the man space to repent. He sees the woman that has no regard for the sacrifices her husband makes and treats him like a subordinate with complaints and degrading behavior. He sees the parents that have trained their children to pursue anything in life more than pursuing the One that ensures them escape from eternal destruction. He sees the______ …you fill in the blank. Whatever it is in your life that you know is not pleasing to God; it’s time to stop taking pleasure in it. Stop smiling into the camera and start repenting of our sins.

Prayer
Lord, some of the things that I allow in my life would not be as offensive to me as it is to you an observer. I don’t want to think of my shameful deeds as all that horrible. Help me to abandon my moral threshold and adopt yours. My righteousness is as filthy rags. I want to be clothed in yours. Amen

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Richer vs Poorer

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 29

Gold Nugget

Verse 7: “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.”

Commentary

Some folks can't understand why some people make so many sacrifices for others who are in need. Despite what people may think, lower income families give more to charities than rich people. See the study done by ABC’s 20/20. The fact is, people are more likely to help when they can relate to the challenges that someone is going through. A person who has been through cancer is going to be most supportive to the person that has just been diagnosed. A person that lost a spouse is going to be very sympathetic with a grieving widow/widower.

All that being said, this scripture does not mention the person who considers the poor as being poor themselves. What it does say about the person, is they are righteous. "the wicked does not understand such knowledge", they don't understand and can't relate to the poor. Another interesting observation is the scripture doesn't say that the wicked person is rich or poor. The wicked do not see outside of their own interest. The important truth here, is whether you are rich or poor, if you are righteous you will consider the needs of those in need. Likewise, wicked people, whether they are rich or poor do not consider the needs of those less fortunate. God has given us His heart towards people who need money, shelter, counsel or just any form of love. We are the righteousness of Christ; we should walk in that calling.

Prayer

Lord, I want to be sensitive enough to those who are in need around me. Whether their need is financial, emotional or anything that I can possibly do to help, I want to be available to them as you have been. Amen

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Guilty Conscience

Reading for Today: Proverbs Chapter 28

Gold Nugget
Verse 1: “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” 

Commentary

I would rather sleep in a single bed with a clear conscience than to sleep in a king size bed with a guilty one. I have known people that are always on the defense because of their guilty conscience. So much so that they make issues even when there isn’t one. Like today’s “gold nugget” says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” When you have a clear conscience it makes you bold. I remember once when I had put off my vehicle inspection over and over. Way longer than I care to admit. I don’t remember the circumstances why I put it off, but I remember all the stress trying to avoid getting a ticket. Driving at night was a preferred option. The fear of passing a police officer, hoping he wouldn’t see was a daily occurrence. Even to the point where I would turn down a road if I saw a police car, only to find it wasn’t one. (The wicked flee when no one pursues)  As the second part of the scripture states, once I finally got the vehicle inspected, I wanted to pass a police officer. I was as “bold as a lion.” Having a guilty conscience will ruin every area of your life. Another issue that stems from people with a guilty conscience is the accusing position they take with others. When they see someone in a certain situation, they factor what they themselves would do in that situation and assume others would react the same way. It's said that one of the signs of infidelity is the guilty partner will begin suspecting the innocent partner of the act that they alone are guilty of. Those that have a clear conscience also assume that their partner is just as innocent as they are. That is the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13 (Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things). If you have ever had a guilty conscience and came clean, you can testify of the liberating effect it has in your life. If you have something weighing on you, it’s time to clear your conscience and rid your life of a cancerous disease. If you don’t, it will spread through your life killing everything in its path.

Prayer
Lord, we thank you for your forgiveness that is so readily available to us all. Help us to cling to your mercy and embrace the purifying effects of confessing our sins. We know that you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen

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The Scout

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 15

Gold Nugget
Verse 3: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” 

Commentary

Do you ever feel like your hard work goes unnoticed? What about your suffering? Does that go unnoticed also? Does your suffering go without justice being served? Being underappreciated is a difficult condition. Being abused and not having a champion is a hopeless place to be as well. Remember today’s “gold nugget”, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

There was once a young man that played football in a small school district in Texas. As linemen often do, he was under appreciated. His parents didn’t think much of his skills, he wasn’t popular and even his coach said he was too slow to make it in football. One Friday night he had to play as a starter for an injured player. He was making such huge blocks that the running back set the district rushing record for a single game. After the game a scout from a major university walked on the field to try and recruit the player he wanted for his team.  To everyone’s surprise, he didn’t have any interest in the running back that was being carried off the field on his teammate’s shoulders. He wanted the guy that made it all happen. He saw what nobody else had ever seen before in that offensive lineman. After receiving a full college scholarship, he went on to play in the National Football League. 

We must not give up. God is the great "Scout" and He is watching. If what we do - we do for Him, He will see everything through. He sees when you are under appreciated and He sees when you are downright rejected and abused. Trust Him. He is a just God. 

  

Prayer
Lord, I need you to remind me that you “got this”. I know that you can make something of my life and tend to my tormenters. I will put my confidence in you and refuse to resort to ungodly means of retaliation against those that have hurt me. Amen

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To Everything - Turn, Turn, Turn

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 10

Gold Nugget
Verse 5: “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” 


Commentary

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

These words were made famous to many by The Byrds in the mid 1960’s. Although recorded several times before and since, Pete Seeger first put the lyrics to music in 1959. Even then Pete Seeger wasn’t the originator. The originator was the very same person that wrote today’s “gold nugget”, “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” There is a time to work and a time to rest. In addition to Proverbs and others, Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. In this book he originated the words that Pete Seeger would put to lyrics 3,000 years later.

Observe these words taken straight out of the bible (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Sounds familiar doesn’t it? There is a time for everything. Picking fruit too early or too late not only taste bad, but ruins it. The same goes for things in our lives. Sometimes waiting too long or not long enough to do or be something can leave a bad taste and be ruined. Whether it is a relationship,  job or anything that has a great impact in your life, waiting too long or not long enough can cause sure destruction. We often want things right now that we need later and also wait to do things that should be done right now. Ironically, as I am writing this devotion, I received a text message with my sisters Facebook status that read “Those that are looking for Mr. Right should not settle for Mr. Right Now”. Funny how appropriate that fit in with the today’s devotion.   

  

Prayer
Lord, I know that I want things right now that are better for later just as sometimes I want to do things later that need to be done right now. Help me to seek the wisdom in your Word that shows me how to tell the difference. Amen

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Sleepy Time

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 6

Gold Nugget
Verse 10,11: “¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—  ¹¹ So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.”

Commentary

Many companies will entitle you to a vacation as a benefit to your employment. One of the hardest things to do is to go back to work after a good vacation. It’s just as difficult for many folks to try and get up after our daily vacation of sleep through the night. The “sleep vacation” is so much better than the daily grind and many of us start our day with the battle of choosing which we will do. This is a horrible way to start the day. It is much better when you have control over your will and avoid the fight altogether by choosing to get up and get on with the responsibilities we have. This takes discipline and is accomplished after consistently choosing the right thing over the convenient thing. Many people lose this battle so often that they end up unemployed, and then the lack of interest in getting out of that bed increases. The cycle of choosing sleep and loafing causes destruction in every area of our lives whether it is in your employment or  in our relationships. Not carrying our fair share of the load will cause sure destruction. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—  ¹¹ So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.” For those of you that are fully employed, be sure that you do not escape the value of this proverb. There are many aspects to being lazy that will cause destruction. Being too lazy to tend to issues with your spouse, children, extended families, etc will cause destruction in your relationships. Being too lazy to be involved in adequate food intake to food burning ratio can cause destruction of your body. Being too lazy to have an active prayer life, bible study time and healthy relationship with the church will cause spiritual destruction. It’s never too late to make these necessary changes in your life. Make a decision today to “Wake up” and get your business in order. Your spiritual, mental and physical health depends upon it.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for giving me a much needed wakeup call in these areas. I feel the difference it made in my spirit, mind and body. To you belongs all the glory.  Amen

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Getting Things Lined Up

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 2

Gold Nugget
Verse 10-11: “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,”

Commentary
When you get things lined up right, the right things fall into place. As today’s “gold nugget” says, “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,” Preservation and sustainability are promised as a result of wisdom entering your heart and your soul being receptive to knowledge. In order to ensure these two benefits, you must ensure the presence of the two pre-requisites. Pre-requisite number one assumes you have wisdom in your heart. The old saying “You are what you eat” applies here. If you are consuming wisdom it will begin to define who you are. In order to consume wisdom you must be setting at the table and digesting the truth in His Holy Word.

Pre-requisite number 2 assumes that the knowledge found in His Holy Word is received as pleasant to your soul. If your heart rejects its truth, it isn’t “pleasant to your soul”. In order to benefit from the wisdom and understanding in the bible, we must commit to reading it and have a heart to understand it without prejudice to our own interest or desires. When the Word of God is committed to and accepted without restraint, then wisdom “enters your heart”, knowledge  is transferred to the open heart and “Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,”. We have grown accustomed to picking and choosing the convenient parts of scripture that fit well with our perspectives and priorities. When we start taking it as it is written and allow it to transform us by the renewing of our minds, then we really begin to reflect what God want this world to see.

Prayer
Lord, I want to accept your Word and all of its precepts. I don’t want to just acknowledge the parts that are convenient for me. Challenge me to conform to your Word and I will know that the benefits will be preservation and sustainability. Amen

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