Wisdom

Guided by Wisdom

Guided by Wisdom

In the pages of 1 Kings 2:3, we encounter a timeless nugget of wisdom that resonates deeply with our journey of faith. King David, nearing the end of his earthly pilgrimage, imparts to his son Solomon a profound insight that echoes through the corridors of history.

He encourages Solomon to walk faithfully in the ways of the Lord, observing His decrees, commands, laws, and regulations. Solomon did this for a while; but later in life he chose a different path; a path that was full of grief and pain. We would do well to heed the advice of Solomon’s father; but let’s now fall away!

Walking in God’s Ways

At the heart of David’s counsel lies the call to follow in the footsteps of the Almighty. It’s not a mere suggestion but an invitation to shape our lives around the principles and teachings of God. Just as a skilled artist imitates a master’s strokes to learn and grow, we are invited to emulate our God.

Through a life steeped in God’s precepts, we find a framework for decision-making and conduct that aligns us with His eternal purposes.

A Heart of Obedience

The verse highlights the significance of obedience – not as a rigid adherence to rules, but as a heart-response to the goodness and sovereignty of God. Obedience, in this context, is a joyful surrender to God’s guidance.

It’s a recognition that His wisdom far surpasses our limited human understanding. Much like an apprentice who yields to the guidance of a seasoned mentor, we too yield to God’s wisdom, trusting that His ways are higher and His plans are perfect.

A Journey of Transformation

David’s words set the stage for a transformative journey. As we walk in God’s ways and heed His commands, our lives become a canvas for His grace and truth to be displayed. Just as a student progresses from the basics to mastery through diligent study and practice, our spiritual journey unfolds progressively.

We are shaped, refined, and molded into vessels that reflect God’s character. This journey isn’t static; it’s dynamic, inviting us to draw closer to God with every step we take.

Conclusion

As we reflect on this verse, let’s remember that we are not mere spectators but active participants in God’s unfolding story.

Walk in God’s ways, nurture a heart of joyful obedience, and embrace the transformative journey that leads us ever closer to His heart.

Posted by onthesolidrock
Wisdom and Revelation

Wisdom and Revelation

Ephesians 1:17 captures the apostle Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers, desiring that God would grant them spiritual wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

This verse highlights the importance of deepening our understanding of God and His ways through the work of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual but involves a personal, experiential encounter with Him.

God of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Ephesians 1:17 begins by acknowledging God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, highlighting the relationship between God the Father and His Son.

It affirms the deity of Jesus and emphasizes His unique role in our salvation. Recognizing Jesus as Lord and understanding His identity as the Son of God is foundational to our faith and knowledge of God.

We approach God the Father through Jesus, knowing that He (Jesus) is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The verse establishes the authority and importance of Jesus Christ in our pursuit of spiritual wisdom and revelation.

Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

The prayer in Ephesians 1:17 expresses the desire for believers to be filled with the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. This refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in illuminating our understanding, opening our eyes to spiritual truths, and deepening our knowledge of God.

Spiritual wisdom goes beyond human intellect and reasoning. It is the insight and discernment that comes only from the Holy Spirit, enabling us to comprehend the mysteries of God and His plan for our lives.

Revelation refers to God’s self-disclosure and the unveiling of His truth to our hearts. It is through the Spirit’s work that we can truly know God intimately and experience His presence and guidance in our lives.

Knowing Him Better

The ultimate purpose of asking God for the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation is for us to know God better. It is not just about acquiring knowledge about God but developing a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

Knowing God involves experiencing His love, grace, and transforming power in our lives. It is a lifelong journey of growing in faith, seeking His presence, and conforming to His image.

As we seek the Spirit’s Wisdom and Revelation, our knowledge of God expands, our love for Him deepens, and our desire to walk in His ways increases. We are drawn into a closer communion with Him and are transformed by His presence; and this is a very good thing indeed!

Seek the Spirit of God to grant you deeper insight and understanding of Him. Cultivate a personal relationship with God, knowing Him not just intellectually but experientially.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Wisdom Begins Here

Wisdom Begins Here

Proverbs 9:10 presents us with a profound truth about the source of wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

This verse challenges us to consider the foundation of true wisdom and knowledge. It teaches us that it starts with a reverential fear of God, recognizing His holiness, greatness, and authority.

In our pursuit of wisdom, we often turn to various sources such as books, mentors, or life experiences.

While these can offer valuable insights, Proverbs 9:10 redirects our attention to the ultimate source of wisdom—the fear of the Lord.

This fear is not about being scared of God, but rather a deep reverence and awe for who He is. It is acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking to align our lives with His will.

When we approach life with a humble and teachable spirit, acknowledging God’s wisdom as the foundation of our understanding, we position ourselves to receive true insight and guidance.

The knowledge of the Holy One, as Proverbs 9:10 suggests, leads to understanding. It opens our minds to comprehend the ways of God and helps us navigate life’s complexities with discernment and clarity.

As we cultivate a relationship with the Holy One, seeking His wisdom and understanding, we grow in our ability to make wise choices and live in alignment with His purposes.

Ultimately, Proverbs 9:10 invites us to reevaluate the source of our wisdom. It urges us to prioritize the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of the Holy One above all else.

By doing so, we embark on a transformative journey of learning and growth, where true wisdom takes root in our hearts and guides our lives.

Seek after God with all our hearts, allowing His wisdom to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline
Crossroads

Crossroads

In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, we often find ourselves searching for guidance and direction. Jeremiah 6:16 offers us a powerful invitation:

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls . . . ”

This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking wisdom from the past, of looking to the time-tested truths that have guided God’s people throughout history.

When Jeremiah speaks of standing at the crossroads, he is highlighting the critical moment of decision-making in our lives.

It is in those moments of uncertainty and choice that we are invited to pause and seek the ancient paths, the good way that God has set before us.

This requires humility and a willingness to learn from those who have gone before us, to draw from the wells of wisdom found in Scripture and the traditions of our faith.

As we walk in the good way, we discover not only direction but also rest for our souls. Following the path that God has laid out for us brings a sense of peace and fulfillment. It is a path that aligns with His perfect will and leads us closer to Him.

The ancient paths remind us of the enduring truths and values that have stood the test of time, offering us guidance and grounding in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain.

Take to heart the invitation of Jeremiah 6:16. In your search for meaning and direction, do not be swayed by the ever-changing trends and opinions of the world.

Instead, stand at the crossroads, seek the ancient paths, and walk in the good way that God has laid before you.

As you do so, you will find rest for your soul and discover the timeless truths that bring wisdom, joy, and a deepening relationship with our Creator.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Trust
Wisdom Works

Wisdom Works

Have you ever admired someone who seemed wise and understanding? James 3:13 says:

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

This verse reminds us that true wisdom is not just about what we know or say, but how we live our lives and treat others.

Wisdom is not just about intellectual knowledge or clever words; it’s about living with humility and treating others with kindness and respect.

True wisdom is reflected in our character and the way we interact with the world around us.

How can we pursue this kind of wisdom? It starts with a humble heart and a willingness to learn and grow. We can seek wisdom through prayer, studying God’s Word, and surrounding ourselves with wise and godly people.

As we grow in wisdom, we live out our faith in practical ways, showing love and compassion to others. Remember, wisdom is not just for your own benefit, but it’s meant to be lived out in service to others.

Let your life be a testimony of the wisdom that comes from a humble and faithful heart, and may your words and deeds reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to God.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Prayer, Trust
The Silhouette Man – A Soggy New England Story

The Silhouette Man – A Soggy New England Story

Annually our family would take a vacation from North Central Pennsylvania to Bangor Maine, where my mother had grown up. Our journey usually took place in the sweltering heat of August; just a few weeks before school started. Anticipation would build all summer long as we neared the day of departure.

 

The trip would take place in the old Chevy station wagon; loaded to the brim with camping supplies, snacks of all kinds, and luggage strapped precariously to the roof. Mom and dad, along with me and four sisters all packed in and ready to roll!

 

We would begin our yearly adventure by heading east, out across Pennsylvania; turning northward up through Schenectady, New York, and then veering eastward again, stopping in New Hampshire for the night.

 

Pulling into the campground, we would unpack the tent, dad making sure it was all up and secure. Once the tent was up, dad would get the fire going and mom would start getting the food ready; normally hot dogs and burgers, some beans and of course, marshmallows for dessert!

 

Up early, we would be off to Bangor, where we would spend a week with family; often taking a trip to Bar Harbor to see the ocean; it was a highlight of the trip. The sights and smells of the Atlantic Ocean would overload our senses.

 

I remember the deep throaty blast of the tugboat blowing, as it pushed big ships into the docks. The smell of the salty sea air and the crashing of waves against the craggy shoreline brought fanciful memories of stories I had read as a young child; Moby Dick, Robinson Caruso, and of course Pirate stories!

 

I was always fascinated by the ocean and found myself drawn to it. I recall gathering stones, seashells, even seaweed to take home, making the car smell awful; mom drew the line with my seaweed; it had to stay behind!

 

After a week visiting relatives, our journey home would begin. We would go home a different route, maximizing our ability to experience new sights and sounds; often visiting a lighthouse or two, as we traveled down the coast of Maine.

 

One particular trip home, we stayed at a small campground near the coast; Salty Acres Campgrounds, near a place called Goose Rocks Beach.

 

We arrived in the late afternoon, and by the time we got the tent set up, it was nearing 6:30 in the evening. I could hear the waves crashing nearby, and wanted desperately to go and see them before we went to bed. I was 14 years old at the time and felt sure I could get to the beach and back before dark.

 

Mom and dad reluctantly allowed me to walk around the campground to see if I could get a look at the beckoning ocean. They warned me not to be too late; I agreed, confident that I would find the beach, gather some shells and be right back; things did not go according to plan!

 

As I headed toward the sound of the crashing waves, I came to a forested area; undaunted, I began to look for a way through the forest; I was sure the ocean was very close. The sun was beginning to set, long shadows from the taller trees began to soften the lighting, and I knew I needed to hurry.

 

I saw a small trail heading into the woods; I was certain that this was the way in, so I began to hurry down the path. I took a small turn, about 50 feet into the woods and paused to look around.

 

As I looked to the right, something caught my eye; standing about 10 feet from me, was an old man. He reminded me of the dark silhouette man you might see standing by a tree as a decoration in someone’s yard, only this silhouette, was a real man.

 

He was a thin man of slight build with white hair flowing down from under the Scottish hat he wore on his head. He was smoking a curly pipe, the kind that the great detective Sherlock Holmes used to smoke. He was leaning against a tree. When I saw him, I nearly jumped out of my skin!

 

I stopped, my heart beating a mile a minute; he took the pipe out of his mouth and began to speak to me with a pronounced New England drawl, he said;

 

“Wouldn’t be going out there if I was you. Tide does be coming in soon, and fog with it; nope, I wouldn’t be going out there if I were you.”

 

He put the pipe back in his mouth and clicked the stem with his teeth.

 

I heard those words, but I was still tingling from the scare he gave me, and I said quickly; “Oh, I won’t be long” then I went quickly into the woods.

 

As I sped down the path, still shaking from the encounter with the old man, I quickly lost track of the twists and turns I had made. I did not notice the other trails crossing the one I was on either.

 

I stopped and listened for the sound of the waves and they seemed to be very close. However, the sun was now down low, and I knew it would be dark within a half hour, so I needed to get back, but I was lost!

 

I walked quickly in the direction I thought would take me out, but the woods got thicker and thicker. I went in another direction; more trees, and now, it was getting darker; I began to panic.

 

Finally, I saw what looked like field through the trees and I headed toward it. As I broke out of the trees, the field I saw was actually a salty marsh. It was about a quarter mile across; I could see a highway and a small store of some kind on the other side.

 

It was getting darker and becoming hard to see where I was going, but I decided my best bet, was to go across the marsh, so I started across. As I headed out into the marsh, I quickly realized that the whole swamp was full of channels of seawater. The channels were not very wide so I jumped over the first few.

 

After about 15 minutes, I was nearly halfway across. As I looked at the little channels, I realized the water was beginning to swirl and the channels started looking deeper and wider; then the words of the old man came rushing to my mind!

 

“Wouldn’t be going out there if I was you. Tide does be coming in soon, and fog with it; nope, I wouldn’t be going out there if I were you.”

 

The tide was coming in quickly, so I got a run for it and tried to leap across one of the channels, but it was too wide. I landed about 2 feet from the other side and went in over my head; the water was deeper than I thought and the bottom that I hit, felt like bottomless mud.

 

I panicked, I came up out of the channel like a wild-man, clawing and scraping to get out, then I just started running, jumping and splashing my way across the swampy marsh, until I reached the other side. I must have looked like a swamp creature coming out of there.

 

I recognized the little store and realized the campground was not far away and I started walking toward it. I saw a car coming down the road; it was my mom and dad, worried and looking for me.

 

They stopped and asked what happened, and I pointed to the marsh and told them of my harrowing ordeal. Dad just shook his head and told me to walk to the campground; I was too messy to get in the car.

 

When I got the campground, I took a long hot shower. I came over and sat by the fire; still shivering, not because I was cold, but because I was still somewhat traumatized by the whole ordeal.

 

Had I only listened to the wise old man at the edge of the woods, I would have avoided the whole thing!

 

I still love the ocean, and whenever I get a chance to spend time there, I cherish every moment. One thing I have never quite gotten over is a certain “feeling” I get whenever I see one of those silhouette men in somebody’s yard.

 

When I see one, especially in the waning hours of the day, I get a little flutter in my heart and I remember the old man at the edge of the woods.

 

As I remember this story of my youth, I can recall many times, words of wisdom came to me, and I refused them. The Bible give amazing direction regarding wisdom; one of my favorites from the Book of Proverbs ring loud and clear . . .

 

Proverbs 2:1-9

My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,

2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;

3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,

4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;

5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

8 He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.

9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.

 

Oh that I wish I would have heeded the words of the Silhouette Man on that summer evening on the coast of Maine. I would have avoided the traumatic experience altogether!

 

Heed the words of wisdom given to you; even those words of wisdom coming to you by surprising people you encounter on your journey of life. Ponder those words, consider their value and avoid discarding them.

 

If you choose to rebuff those words of wisdom given to you, do not be surprised if you find yourself looking like a swamp monster some evening, walking aimlessly though life, smelling like seaweed!

 

By all means, go see the ocean, explore the world, be daring and adventurous; but do so with all the wisdom you can gather; it will make the adventure so much more enjoyable and fruitful.

 

I hear the waves crashing, and a tugboat horn blasting; I think a new adventure is in store for me . . . Mr. Silhouette man, where are you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by onthesolidrock in Faith, Family, Humility, Thankfulness, Trust, 0 comments