Wisdom Wednesday: Part 4-How The Walk becomes A Run

                                     The Walk of Wisdom Part 4                            

The Walk becomes a Run Heb 12:1-2

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We have focused on the recognition that living on God’s wisdom is following the way of the Lord, illuminated by the light of His Word. Wisdom provides a way – and daily we abide in Christ by walking with Him. Wisdom, the Way of the Lord, and our Daily Walk.

As we grow in Christ our walk requires endurance. Jesus spoke of the need to abide (remain) in Him as its the branch must remain on the vine to produce fruit (John 15).  Sustained abiding brings endurance.

Paul’s perspective of his walk was to serve others as a slave to “win” them to embrace the Gospel and believe in Jesus the Savior (See I Corinthians 9:19-23).  He then used the metaphor of the enduring walk as a run – as if running in a race. He asked the believers at Corinth:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

The walk of wisdom became a run for Paul – the race of his life because he was competing for a prize that endures forever. Also using the athletic metaphor of a boxer, he further emphasized the need for self-discipline to be genuine in his life.

Paul was worried about the new believers in Galatia; he wondered how they had returned to a form of false legalism that diminished the grace of God. He again used the running metaphor to ask:

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? (Galatians 5:7)

Endurance and perseverance in the Christian life is indeed an attribute of the walk of wisdom. An old man (Paul) speaking to a young man (Timothy) expressed it this way as he looked toward the completion of his race: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). This is where the walk and race in this life ends, an enduring faith when we are received by our Savior.

The writer to the Hebrews dedicates the 11^th chapter to the life of faithful believers in the Old Testament, reviewing the ancient believers including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abram, Isaac and Jacob, and more. The writer acknowledged their endurance: “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth (Heb. 11:13).  But not all of the ancient believers shared the same experience. Some “conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,  quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies” (11:33-34) while others were destitute, persecuted, tortured, imprisoned, killed by stoning, the saw or the sword (11:35-37) . Yet all of these endured. Hebrews chapter 12 reminds us that we, too, are believers in this great family of God – witnesses to the great drama of God’s redemption - and we must also walk and run the assignment the Lord has set for each of us:

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1

Our encouragement in wisdom this week is to grow and turn our walk into a run – even a run of endurance, letting no one cut in on us so we can persevere in the race the Lord has set before us.

 

Wisdom Wednesday:The Walk of Wisdom Part 3-

                       The Walk of Wisdom Part 3-the Way is in The Light

 By: My Dad

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)

Perhaps the most well-known chapter of John’s Gospel is chapter 3 – the passage where Jesus was called on at night by a Pharisee, Nicodemus, seeking to ask him about his teaching, and perhaps, his legitimacy as a man from God.

Astonishingly, Jesus did not explain Himself rather made a bold assertion: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (v.3, see also v.7). Certainly, Nicodemus understood the Hebrew Bible’s concept of the “Way” to walk with God. He must have realized that the “Way” to see the kingdom of God is the means to be accepted by God and to receive eternal life. But it’s Nicodemus was perplexed; how can this rebirth be? So, Jesus explained in the ensuing verses:

•     The Pharisees are Israel’s spiritual teachers, but,                                    (vv. 10-11)
•    They do not even understand Jesus’ signs (earthly, physical things), and so,  (v. 12)  
•         How can they understand heavenly (spiritual) things (Like spiritual rebirth)? 

Again, Jesus, makes another bold assertion:

•   God the Father loved the fallen world so much, that,
•   He gave his one and only Son, so whoever believes in him will have eternal life, (v. 16) 
•   Because the Son came to save the world, not to condemn it, but,   (v. 17)
•     Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does is condemned already (v. 18)

Jesus clearly asserted that belief in Him was the only way to rebirth and eternal life! But by this point, Nicodemus must have been wondering what is the condemnation Jesus is speaking about?

Jesus explained:

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light lest his deeds be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:19-21.  

Yes, Jesus taught Nicodemus a fundamental truth: Jesus is the light (the way, the truth and life) from God that came to a dark (sinful) world. Sinful people living in darkness (to hide their sin) do not like the light that exposes the sin. One can clearly see that Pharisees living in pride and hypocrisy did not like the light of Jesus’ clear teaching on the need for genuine faith, truth before God, and a pure heart. To Nicodemus, it must have stung!

Later in His ministry, Jesus declared explicitly (again to a group of Pharisees) “…I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.’” John 8:12.

There it is! Walking in the way of wisdom is following the light that is Jesus. This means we allow Jesus to be the and light or Lord that guides us through life. We believe, trust, and follow what we know of His teachings in Scripture. We learn of all that is said of Him throughout the entire Scripture. He is the focus of our life. As the Psalmist exclaimed: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Paul reminded the believers at Ephesus that they were new creations in Christ, and therefore should walk (live their lives) in a way that shows they are God’s children, living in the Light of His truth: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8

John also contrasted the difference in walking in darkness and light for the professing believer:

Walking in Darkness	Walking in The Light
“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” 1 John 1: -6.	“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

 

Our encouragement in wisdom this week is to walk as children of light, use the light of God’s Word to illuminate our steps and the path before us, and beware of the darkness of the world. In a dark world, the wise believer will shine like a star in the night sky! (See Philippians 2:15 and Daniel 12:3)

 

Music Monday: "Change My Heart, Oh God" hymn by Maranatha! Music

Music Monday: "Change My Heart, Oh God" hymn by Maranatha! Music

Personal Disclaimer: Sorry this is so late; but better late than never...

We sang this hymn in church yesterday, and I thought I would share it with you.

Originally penned in 1982, the writer Eddie Espinoza was driving home one day asking God for a change of heart. Such a simple prayer, but the words using open candy crush easier open candy crush, really do pack a punch don’t they?

"Change my heart, O God

Make it ever true,

Change my heart of God

May I be like you."

 

The first verse sounds like a plea, doesn't it? Penned in 1982, Espinoza writes the words trying to make sense of his faith; He seems to be at his stages wit's end and is asking God for help. Unfortunately, we don't get to know the details of his circumstances, but it is clear something needs to change.

This song describes the shift that must occur in our hearts as we turn from our sinful nature and attempt to embody the love of our heavenly Father. The songwriter realizes the limitations of human strength and depends on God's strength alone.

This attitude of repentance is a central theme throughout the Bible. In Psalms 51, we get an intimate look at David's struggle with sin. Keep in mind David is "the man after God's own heart," and he is still prone to give in to the lustful desires-but he always repents. In Psalms 51:1-3, David writes urging God to forgive him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquities and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me…."

Like David, Christians realize this is not at all a once-and-done remedy. So we continue to struggle with our sinful nature, praying daily for God to "renew our minds" (Romans 12:2)

Let this be our prayer today.

To listen to "Change My Heart, O God." hymn in its entirety, please go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlSmG-_eJTU

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKfMUNhbrk0

 

Wisdom Wednesday: The Walk of Wisdom Part 2- The Way is Narrow

                  The Walk of Wisdom Part 2- The Way is Narrow

By: Dad 

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” In this succinct opening statement of Leo Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina, Tolstoy captures the concept that happy families follow a common, narrow way of living to remain happy, but the ways to unhappiness are diverse. This principle that Tolstoy then illustrated throughout his classic is very similar to what Jesus taught about the way of living in God’s wisdom and finding eternal life.

Recorded by Matthew in chapters 5,6, and 7 of his Gospel, Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount to a Large multitude of people. In chapter 5, He explained the characteristics of genuine Godly people who are “blessed,” that these are the salt and light to the world, that Jesus fulfilled the Law so genuine believers could enter the Kingdom of heaven, and that the Godly will even love their enemies. In chapter 6, Jesus described how to please God and to pray to Him privately – and how to serve Him by laying up treasures in heaven while shunning earthly treasures. He focused on trusting God as a loving Father that provides for his followers. But in chapter 7, Jesus explained some contrasts in life:

•         We are not to judge others; instead, we should evaluate our own lives (7:1-6)
•         We are to seek, ask and ask of the loving Father (7:7-12)
•         We are to beware of false teachers and prophets (7:15-21)

In the midst of this chapter, Jesus describes the “way” that the wise will walk, illustrating a road that branches and leads through two gates:

 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (7:13-14)

In this passage, Jesus instructs His followers to wisely choose the road that leads to eternal life – and He acknowledges that it is “difficult,”” narrow,” and it is only followed by a “few.” These few are walking the way of wisdom. Jesus confirms this in the concluding words of His Sermon on the Mount:

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: ²⁵ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. (7:26-27)

To be wise and walk the narrow path of wisdom through life, we must hear, seek, ask and knock – then build our life on the rock – who is Jesus Christ. Songwriter Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) captured the praise of the wise builder in her lyrics to the Hymn “He Hideth My Soul”:

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,  Where rivers of pleasure I see.

David often referred to God as his rock, for example: “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” (Psalm 95:1). So may we, like David, trust God to hide our souls in the cleft of the rock. 

Music Monday: "Overnight" by Amy Grant featuring Sarah Spencer - Chapman

 Music Monday: "Overnight" by Amy Grant featuring Sarah Spencer - Chapman

by Debbie

We know that our Lord Jesus Christ is not some genie that goes around granting every single wish on our lips.

But let's pretend for just a minute He was.

That's what the song "Overnight" by Amy Grant (featuring Sarah Spencer-Chapman) attempts to do, questioning "what if?" The song opens up with a real-life scenario of someone handing in their resignation from work; the natural inclination is to ask, "what's next?" But what if we didn't have to use wonder

Amy answers this question in two different ways; first, she points out that if everything happened overnight, you wouldn't appreciate the positives in your life, and you might take it for granted. Second, she says that this helps us in our faith -" believing in what we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1 elaborates by saying, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, and assurance in what we do not see," The apostle Paul goes even further as to highlight the basics of what we believe (i.e., creation) as well as some of the key players down to in Christianity. They went above and beyond living out their faith. These included Noah, Able, and Enoch.

Sarah Chapman (Amy's daughter) follows up this idea in the song's next verse by explaining the importance of experience; she trusts her mom and values her advice. We must do the same-surrounding ourselves with people we trust and can go to for advice; it's a bonus if they've gone through what we are currently experiencing and can come alongside us. After all, isn't that what we are supposed to do as Christians? Galatians 6:2 agrees to point out that "[we should] Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." [NIV]

You can find Amy Grant's duet with her daughter here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjMrPsnPZ8o

 

 

Wisdom Wednesday: The Walk of Wisdom Pt. 1

                              The Walk of Wisdom Part 1-guest post by my dad

 Throughout the Old and New Testaments, a consistent theme is “the way” provided by the Lord – the wise pathway to follow on the journey of life.  The concept (or motif) of the way of the Lord is closely related to the concepts of a practical, daily walk-in life that guides on a correct path that is both straight and narrow. This stands in sharp contrast with a wider way of wickedness, followed by those who turn away from the Lord’s way. 

This way to walk in life is directly related to living a wise life, as illustrated in the Old Testament:

•  WISDOM: The beginning and foundation of wisdom is the fear of (reverence for) the Lord (Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.)
• WAY: This reverence will produce obedience to seek to live in the way of the Lord (Deut. 8:6 “Observe the commands of the LORD your God by walking in his ways and by fearing him.” See also Prov. 1:7)
•  WALK: And we will live daily walking in a relationship with the Lord (Exodus 18:20, the advice of Moses’ father-in-law to a weary Moses: “And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.)

Moses then focuses on the way that Israel must continue to follow: fear of the Lord, obedience (introducing the concept of daily walking in the way of the law and commandments), love and service:

"And now, Israel, what doth the Lord they God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk  in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul?" (Deuteronomy 10:12; see also 5:33 and 8:6).

Joshua reiterated these instructions to walk in all of God’s ways to the warriors of Israel when the wars to capture of the land were over. Joshua exhorted the men (and all of Israel):

But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." Joshua 22:5 (NKJV)

The Psalmist reassured us that this is the way to the blessed life: “Blessed is every one that fears the LORD; that walks in His ways” (Psalm 128:1)

The relationship between these concepts is clear and easy to remember. We need the wisdom of God to navigate our life in this complex and evil world. By our reverence and submission to God, He will guide us to follow His way, and we will daily walk in that way with Him through life.

In Part 2 we will examine how the New Testament reaffirms this fundamental foundation for living in God’s wisdom.

Music Monday: "Miracle Hymn (The Christmas Candle)" theme by Susan Boyle

 Music Monday: "Miracle Hymn (The Christmas Candle)" theme by Susan Boyle

Wow, it's hard to believe it's almost the holiday season again; pretty soon, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving and then Christmas quickly following behind. I don't know about you, but it doesn't seem that we last celebrated with family and friends long ago.

On the other hand, Covid has made the days and weeks stretch out for us like miles before us -forcing us to face our anxieties and, in some cases, the realities of life and death head-on. In the beginning, I handled it well, insisting that I get the vaccine as soon as it became available and wear a mask whenever I needed to and stay home whenever I could.

But the more cases that were reported, the more my anxiety flared. Finally, it all came to a head when my aunt Cindy was diagnosed with Covid herself. Granted, this wasn't our family's first experience with it as my dad's sister and brother-in-law also had it and thankfully recovered.

It wouldn't surprise you one bit to hear I am struggling, would it? I certainly hope not because I am. And it's not just my aunt's death I'm struggling with either; it's my whole future. Lately, I've struggled to feel God's presence around me; it's like a dark cloud has consumed my days and nights.

And yet, there's still hope… There's always hope. We need to look around a little harder. That's why this week I have chosen to highlight Susan Boyle's "Miracle Hymn"; for those of you that are unfamiliar, this was the theme from the motion picture, The Christmas Candle, based on the best-selling book by Max Lucado. I will give you a short synopsis, but I will try not to spoil the ending for those who wish to watch the movie or read the book themselves.

The premise is this: A worn-out preacher comes to the town of Gladbury upon the request of a town Madam after hearing him speak many years ago. But time and difficulties have hardened his heart and a sense of purpose since then. So imagine his surprise when Rev. Richmond comes face to face with the town's Christmas tradition- an angel who comes once every 200 years and touches a candle; it is then the candle makers' responsibility to figure out who is most in need of the miracle.

The preacher is unsure of what to do with this information; so he sets about doing his best to encourage his parishioners to help one another and “be the miracle” rather than waiting for one to be given to them. It is during this time that we learned that we learn more about the reverend and what exactly caused him to lose his way along with His Hope.

Sadly, it is so easy to lose hope and be disheartened by the world around us. That’s why Christmas is so important; it reminds us that there’s always going out for hope…

The hope we have in the reality of Jesus’ life and resurrection.

I would encourage you to look around you; I’m sure Jesus is trying his best to reveal himself to you in ways you’ve never imagined.

You can find Susan Boyle’s “Miracle Hymn,” here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKfMUNhbrk0