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

 

Faithful Friday: Remaining Faithful Radio Show Host Deliah

*Originally posted in 2018, this blog highlights one of my favorite radio show hosts Deliah. Best known for her ability to pick the right song for any occasion, she connects with her listeners in an unbelievable way. In my time of healing and grief, I find that music can touch my soul in a way nothing can right now; so forgive me for my silence as I try to get back slowly into “normal” life

Trust me, I’m beginning to believe normal is overrated anyway

But still, I thought you’d enjoy this post and why I believe Deliah has remained faithful in her calling*

Welcome Back Readers~

I'll be honest I haven't felt quite like myself the last few weeks. Although I've been rolling along trying my best to work on the blog and YouTube videos, my heart hasn't been really in it. Still, news of Delilah's new book and podcast gave me something to do and post about. As I've said in previous posts, I've been listening to her radio show for as long as I can remember on and off throughout the years. Except for her faith (which she shares candidly on the air to anyone she feels led to), I didn't know much about her. Sure, I knew she had a nonprofit foundation to help feed and provide for the needy in underdeveloped countries. But because I read her new book "One Heart at a time" I feel like I know her more like a friend. Let me preface this review by saying, I'm only halfway through the book but I just had to share what I've been touched by so far.

1. Delilah is a famous radio show host, yes, but she is also just a human with a broken heart- as with her radio show, Delilah is open and candid about her life and difficulty. In the very first chapter, she tackles the most recent tragedy that broke her heart- Zack's suicide. I admit this was a difficult chapter for me to read and listen to because I'm always used to hearing her positive attitude and spirit. But that's the truth, people are broken in this world and that's why they need to hear about the love of God.
2. Delilah always seems to know what to say to her listeners. Reading and listening to her show, I'm always amazed how she knows exactly what to say to her audience. She is not afraid to share the gospel and how she feels about any subject. As she puts it, she has "the gift of gab"
3. Delilah believes in Jesus and follows wherever he calls her. It's amazing to see how God works in other people's lives. Sometimes there as miraculous as receiving a email from a complete stranger that leads you to learn more about the difficulties in Liberia. That led to the greater purpose in her life- Point Hope
4. Delilah believes prayer is vital in this life- her stories of praying for miracles as a child touched my heart; in the prayer chapter she also points out that God has the ability and often does meet us where we are in life, we just need to pray. Are you doubting? That's okay. It's even normal. Ask him to show you his presence in a very unique way to you and I'm sure he will. But you must keep your heart open.
5. She is changing people's lives "one heart at a time". In her book, Delilah explains how she developed Point Hope with the express purpose of giving the homeless a hand up to restart their life. Over time, she realized they just had come to rely on that daily as their meal. It was then that she realized you have to get to know the person to really impact change.. Even with my blog and YouTube ministry, I sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough. I am not making a difference. But as my dad puts it, "God is watching you and is very proud of you!" If I'm being honest, a lot of the times I don't feel that way; I don't see the impact. Not only that, having a disability has a tendency to get me down these days. I don't know why. I can't explain it.

In short, Delilah has been through a lot in her life; but she has chosen to use her circumstances to share God's love through actions, foundations, and kind words on a daily basis.I can only hope to make the kind of difference she has. God bless!

The Search for Wisdom

We strive for the ability to understand life, and to make the right decisions to achieve the right goals in life.  The Bible calls this wisdom – the ability to choose the best goal and to know the right way to achieve that goal.

But where do you find that wisdom? The ancient patriarch of the Bible, Job, asked that very question when he asked: "But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” Job 28:12 (NKJV). To Job, it was not an abstract hypothetical question – he was suffering the loss of his family, his wealth, and his health.  Enduring pain while being criticized and accused by his friends, Job focused on seeking the wisdom that would enable him to mentally cope with his own situation and, perhaps, answer the questions, Why this? Why me?

In an extended discourse, Job inquires and then answers his own question.

Mining for Metals - Job likened the search to mining for precious metals: As there are mines for silver, gold, iron and copper (vv. 28:1-2), men risk death to enter the darkness of mines to search the recesses of the earth for metals (vv. 3-6) in places where animals do not go (vv. 7-10) and all of this risk is taken so “What is hidden he brings forth to light” (v. 11). But how do you bring God’s wisdom to light?

The Search for Wisdom – Job asks “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” (v. 12) Though man does know the value of wisdom (v. 13) he cannot find it on earth, and he cannot purchase it with gold, onyx, sapphire, coral, quartz, topaz or even jewelry! (vv. 19)

The Source of Wisdom – So, Job asked again ^“From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?” (v. 20) Unlike physical stones that are precious and valued, wisdom is concealed from our eyes; it is not physical item (v. 21). It is God alone that knows the way of wisdom; He alone saw wisdom as He established His creation (vv. 27).

This is wisdom - In conclusion, Job rightly described the source of God’s wisdom at creation: “Then He [God] saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out.  And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.' " Job 28:27-28 (NKJV).  Wisdom begins with God, and our ability to live within his wisdom requires the fear, reverence for Him, and a submission that separates us from evil. This, then is the wisdom that cannot even be valued in pure gold, the wisdom found in acknowledging and revering God, as we trust and obey in his Son, Jesus Christ. 

Music Monday: Speak to Me by Mark Harris

 Music Monday: Speak to Me by Mark Harris

Wow, it's been a hard couple of weeks for my family and I; first, there was the rush to complete my book proposal and send it out, and then there was the disappointing news of the agent's response. I haven't given up, though, just moving forward- hoping God will show us another way. On a much more personal note, I can now say I know someone who died from Covid. Unfortunately, because of all the spikes going on in Ohio, my mom didn't want us traveling down there to go to the memorial; Still, I'm thankful that my mom arrived in time to say goodbye to her dear sister.

God answered my prayers because we'd been struggling with the question of when my mom should go up there to see her; she'd been struggling with balancing being a mother and sister. I could tell it weighed on her!

In such instances, don't you wish God would speak to you? I do.

Which brings me to today's "Music Monday" song by Mark Harris entitled "Speak To Me." In this song, Mark begs the Lord to speak to him; we aren't sure what he is doing with the time, but it is evident by the song's tone that he is desperate and committed to praying until he hears something from God.

Have you ever felt like that?

I have.

With everything going on in the world lately, it's hard to see God moving or speaking anywhere these days.

But I can guarantee he is; we're just not listening closely enough. If you don't believe me, take a second to look around you – every day creation is declaring his Majesty; Psalms 19:1-3 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night, they reveal knowledge; They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them."

 But David doesn't stop there, insisting every part of creation has its impact. In verse three, he says, "Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

In truth, I had a whole other direction I was going with this blog, but this is what came out, so I will just let it be.

For those interested in hearing Mark Harris's song, "Speak To Me," here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlvhw2-I2vc