#godlywisdom – herbcotton.org

Does These Two Words Describe the People You Cherish?

Text:

Proverbs 10:1-2 (ESV)

1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.

Observation:

The two words that speak to me from this Proverb are wise and righteous. This was the desire that Solomon and his wife had for their children. These two attributes are linked because the wise will practice righteousness, and the righteous will grow in wisdom.

Those who have these qualities are people you enjoy being in their company. Notice that children like this bring joy, and not grief, to their parents.

People like this seize the opportunities that they have in life. This especially speaks of those who know God, and walk in His ways.

Proverbs 10:5 (ESV)

5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

There is something else that people with wisdom and righteousness do that pleases God, and blesses others; they seek knowledge, and they share it with others.

Proverbs 10:14 (NLT)

14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.

Proverbs 10:21 (NLT)

21 The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

Finally, people who have wisdom and live righteously, have the discipline to listen; they know when to be quiet.

Proverbs 10:19 (ESV)

19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I thank You for the presence of the triune God that lives in the hearts of Your people.

Father, I pray that as we surrender our lives to You that we would receive the grace gifts that enables us to grow in wisdom, and to live righteously in this fallen world.

Let all who know these things, and seek to practice them in their daily lives join our hearts, and lips together, and say a hearty Amen.

—

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹ So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

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Wisdom is Speaking – Are You Listening?

Text:

Proverbs 8:10-11 (HCSB)

10 Accept my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.

11 For wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing desirable can compare with it.

Observation:

The voice of wisdom is speaking to everyone. She appeals to you to choose wisdom over the things that the world views valuable; like silver and gold.

Wisdom is a choice; you must say yes or no to her calling. If you say yes, you must accept her instruction.

There is great value to be derived from listening to the voice of wisdom. Conversely, there are consequences you suffer for failing to listen to, and accept her instruction.

Proverbs 8:11 (HCSB)

11 For wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing desirable can compare with it.

The voice of wisdom is speaking to you. Are you listening? She implores you to keep your ears open, and to listen to God’s wisdom.

Proverbs 8:6 (HCSB)

6 Listen, for I speak of noble things, and what my lips say is right.

Proverbs 8:32 (NLT)

32 “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.

Proverbs 8:34 (HCSB)

34 Anyone who listens to me is happy, watching at my doors every day, waiting by the posts of my doorway.

Prayer:

Father, I am so thankful that the voice of wisdom speaks into our hearts from the wisdom of the Proverbs; the Word of the LORD.

Father, I pray that each of us will keep our ears open, our hearts tender, and ready to receive wisdom, and accept her instruction. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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Who Is Your Guide for Living Your Life?

Text:

Proverbs 2:1-5 (NLT)

1 My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.

2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.

3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.

4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.

5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.

Observation:

Wisdom is a person to know, and that person is Jesus; this is the found in Proverbs 1. In Proverbs 2 we see that wisdom is a path to walk; a way of living our lives on a daily basis.

In our focal passage for today we see our responsibility. It is described in words like these: listen, treasure, tune, concentrate, cry, ask, and search. It describes this outcome.

Proverbs 2:5 (NLT)

5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.

However, there is another part in achieving wisdom. If we do our part, God will do His part, and He does the heavy lifting; He prepares the pathway that we are called to walk.

Proverbs 2:6-9 (NLT)

6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

8 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.

9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.

Are you walking with God? Are you doing your part? Are you listening to God as He speaks through His Word, and with the wisdom, and enabling power of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I ask that You would open the eyes of our hearts to see You, and the ears of our hearts to hear, and obey You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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Do You Need Wisdom In Your Life?

Text:

Proverbs 9:1 (HCSB)

1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.

Observation:

As I look back on my life I am so grateful for the house of Wisdom. Today marks the 50th anniversary of my discharge from the United States Army in Alaska, which I made my home for 45 years.

The thing I am most grateful for is the wisdom of God that I find in Jesus my Savior, and the Lord of my life. The bible says that Jesus is wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (HCSB)

30 But ?it is? from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became God-given wisdom for us—?our? righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,

31 in order that, as it is written: The one who boasts must boast in the Lord.

I have never known what I was going to do next. However, I knew that day 50 years ago, and I know today the one who is wisdom. If I need wisdom, I know where to find it.

James 1:5 (HCSB)

5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.

Whatever the child of God needs, God will supply. Help is always just a prayer away.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (HCSB)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time,

7 casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

Prayer:

Father, I thank You for the pattern that Jesus gave His disciples concerning how to pray. Father, I’m so grateful that I can ask You each day this request.

Luke 11:3 (HCSB)

Give us each day our daily bread. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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A Prayer and Sermon by Jesus

Text:

Matthew 11:25-30 (HCSB)

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants.

26 Yes, Father, because this was Your good pleasure.

27 All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal Him.

28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.

30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Observation:

These words of Jesus reveal some important truths that are of first importance. They determine where we will spend eternity. Notice what He said in verse twenty-five.

Matthew 11:25 (HCSB)

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants.

When Jesus speaks my ears get attentive. I want to hear what my Savior says. I believe Him when He speaks this important word.

Matthew 11:27 (HCSB)

27 All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal Him.

This is very similar to what John records Jesus as saying.

John 14:6 (HCSB)

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

People are searching for knowledge and rest.Today’s text is a powerful message on this topic. It behooves each of us to listen to what Jesus said, and take any concerns we have to the Father in prayer.

Matthew 11:25 (NLT)

25 At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.

Prayer:

Father, I thank You for the love and compassion You have for Your children. Lord of heaven and earth, I bow low at Your feet, and give You the honor, and the glory that You alone deserve.

Father, I thank You for these words of truth concerning knowledge and rest that Jesus teaches in His prayer to You, and His sermon to the people. Lord, give us ears to hear, and a heart to obey. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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The Wisdom of God is Just a Prayer Away

Text:

1 Kings 3:9 (HCSB)
So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

Observation:

This prayer of Solomon is the best possible request from God. Many pray for health and for wealth, and these are worthy requests. However, we will still be lacking if we don’t have the ability to discern between good and evil. Having wisdom is wise and necessary in whatever you do.

Proverbs 4:7 (HCSB)
Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.

Getting wisdom is not a stretch that is beyond your ability to obtain. There is nothing that is beyond the reach of the prayer of faith when the object of your faith is God.

O how we all need the wisdom of God during the days of trial and testing. Notice that Solomon also prayed for an obedient heart. If you have a divided heart the trials and troubles that you face in life will tear you apart. You need a heart that is fully devoted to God so that you will be able to experience the power of God working for your good during your day of trouble.

James 1:5 (NLT)
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, will You grant to Your people of faith the wisdom of God so that we might be able to discern between good and evil. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Do You Need Restoration in Your Life and Nation?

Text:

Psalm 126:1 (ESV)

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

Psalm 126:4-6 (ESV)

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!

5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Observation:

When I read this passage of scripture I see three things that we need in our lives today; we need them in our homes, and in our churches. If they begin there, we can spread them to our communities, our nation, and our world.

Those three things are:

Restoration
Repentance
Rejoicing

Sometimes in the life of individuals and the life of a nation we come to the point in a downward spiral that we have no where to look but up; to look to the Lord.

I’m so thankful that the Lord is God almighty; yes, He is God alone, and He is the only one who can save us from the messes we get in. He has done it before, and He is able and willing to do it again.

Job 42:10 (ESV)

10 And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Psalm 14:7 (ESV)

7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

Oh, my friends, what the Lord did for Job and for Israel He is able and willing to do for us. Just like he restored Job, He will restore you. Just like He restored Israel, He will restore your nation.

Notice that in our text, Psalm 126:4-6, God’s people prayed for restoration. If we looked to the Lord in faith and hope, we will find that He will help us.

Why not bow your knee, lift your hands, and cry out to the Lord for your family and for your nation. We need the Lord more than we ever needed Him before. He is waiting to here from you; child of God, let’s call upon the Lord.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy name; the name that is above every name in heaven and on earth; we bow in humility at Your feet, and ask You to look down in mercy and grace upon us.

Father, we need You now more than we ever needed You before. Father, we know that You are a faithful and on time God; so we will pray and wait patiently for You to do Your work in us and among us.

Father, in times past we have put our troubles and pain in the hands of man, and they have failed us because that lack the wisdom and the resources. Now Lord, we turn to You; the only one who is willing and able to deliver us. Lord, have mercy and restore us we pray. In the mighty name of Your darling son, Jesus, Amen.

Why We Need Wisdom

Text:

James 1:1-6 (NLT)
1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings!
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

Observation:

One of the things that I notice about this letter that gives me a lot of confidence is the man who is the author of the letter. He identified himself James.

Who is this James?

Mark 6:3 (NLT)
3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

He was the brother of Jesus, and he later became the leader of the Jerusalem church. While others knew Jesus as the carpenter, James knew him as a sibling, and after his death and resurrection, he knew him as Savior and Lord.

The text tells us who he wrote the letter to, and why he wrote it. Today, I want to focus on why he wrote it. The letter was addressed to believers who were facing trials and testings. And, like people of every age, they were faced with temptations.

Trials come from the outside, but temptations come from the inside. Trials test our faith, and temptations test our obedience. We need wisdom to handle the trials that we face in our life because when we have the right understanding of trials we will not forfeit the opportunity they present for our spiritual growth.

How can we learn how to handle trials and testings? We need wisdom, and here is how to get it.

James 1:5 (NLT)
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I am so thankful for the wisdom of God. Father, we are so thankful for the invitation to ask for help. Lord, give us the gift of faith to ask for wisdom to use our trials and testings to grow spiritually. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Daily Bread

Title: When Doing the Hard Things Are the Best Things

Text:

Psalm 34:11-14 (HCSB)
¹¹Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
¹²Who is the man who delights in life, loving a long life to enjoy what is good?
¹³Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.
¹⁴Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.

Observation:

In our focal passage for today David shares some of his wisdom on how to have a good life by putting good days together one at a time. The key is learning how to deal daily with things that come our way; this will mean doing the hard things that are often the best things.

1 Peter 3:8-12 (HCSB)
⁸Now finally, all of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble,
⁹not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you can inherit a blessing.
¹⁰For the one who wants to love life and to see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit,
¹¹and he must turn away from evil and do what is good. He must seek peace and pursue it,
¹²because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their request. But the face of the Lord is against those who do what is evil.

Take an inventory of your life and see how well you measure up to the standard set out by David in the Psalm, and Peter in his letter. Peter embraced the wisdom of David, and so should we.

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I pray that You would give me and all of Your people the wisdom and the will to see and do the hard things; the right things, when we are presented with many difficult circumstances that come our way on a daily basis. Father, we know that You bless those whose wisdom and strength is in Jesus. Father, we are praying, watching, and walking as the Holy Spirit leads and Jesus guides us. Amen.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/568#ixzz2lcgNp2jM