June 8, 2014 | Proverbs 3:4-7 |
Do you ever struggle with control issues? Do you hesitate to stop and ask for directions? Mike Laramee helps us see the failure of the life strategy called, “I’ve Got This”. We must learn to depend not on our own wisdom but the wisdom of God as given to us by his Word, his Holy Spirit, and other believers.
May 29, 2014
There’s no biblical prohibition against making plans. There’s wisdom in planning for the future. Yet, it is foolish to leave the Lord out of our planning for God is the one who holds the future. So, ask for God’s wisdom when making plans. Seek godly counsel. Pray for clarity and follow God’s instruction. And when things don’t go according to plan, don’t get frustrated. Adjust. Perhaps God has a better plan.
May 17, 2014
Our heart condition determines how we perceive life. Yet, how do we have a “happy heart?” David knew something about this. When life circumstances turned from bad to worse around him, the Bible says that he “encouraged himself in the Lord” (1 Sam. 30:6 KJV). His circumstances didn’t immediately change, but his heart did. And when our heart changes, we see possibilities rather than limitations. Is your life full of trouble or like a continual feast? Perhaps it’s more a matter of your heart than your circumstances.
April 26, 2014
The “mocker” is made nervous by too serious a tone and feels the need to interrupt with sarcasm and sly remarks. He satisfies himself with an awareness of knowledge without commitment to the same and questions others sincerity. He may rise to the king’s court, but never as more than the king’s fool. Everyone laughs at the mocker’s comedy, but no one follows his command. In contrast, the one with “understanding” is able to grasp knowledge and to accept and apply it to their own life situation as well. The one with understanding may know less than the mocker, yet applies what he knows. While the mocker knows without application. The one with understanding becomes wise. The mocker remains a fool.
April 8, 2014
Many aspire to leadership, yet few qualify. Many think this due to politics or birthright, but the few who work hard and find themselves elevated know better. Leadership comes to those who first serve well. Great leaders begin as great followers. Obey those in authority over you. Make their job easier. Make your boss look good. Work hard and those over you will take notice. Many want to steer the boat, but few volunteer to row. Yet, it is the callouses from rowing that prepare the leader to steer.
April 5, 2014
Some are quick with a sarcastic remark and even quicker to say, “I was only kidding.” Yet, their words are cutting and hurtful. Others offer words that are like medicine to the hearer. Their words edify and encourage. Take note of the impact of your speech. Your words reveal the state of your heart. Fill your mind and heart with God’s Word and know wisdom. Then, open your mouth to let healing words of blessing flow to others.
March 28, 2014
The wicked man is like a plant without roots. It will wither in drought and be blown away by storms. But the godly are like a plant that draws water from deep roots during dry spells and clings to the rocky soil during storms. Both plants look similar in good weather, but bad weather reveals them. What do dry spells and storms reveal about you? Repent and sink your roots down into the Living Water and around the Rock of God’s Word.
February 14, 2014
The fool is not open to correction, but the wise person is always teachable. This is a foundational problem. The fool has no respect for God’s Word and therefore no respect for the laws of humanity either. The fool responds with a perpetual sarcastic smirk to claims of truth and authority, while entertaining themselves with agnostic questions, believing in nothing. The wise believe in truth and love knowledge, not merely as an intellectual exercise, but as a way of life, affecting not only their thinking but their behavior. Reject the authority and existence of God and you get the fool, who loudly disdains all authority, while quietly claiming it for himself. Accept God’s authority and the first foundation stone for wisdom is laid.
February 1, 2014
The Lord’s emotions are both infinite and pure. There is no “shadow of turning” in Him. He loves and He hates. Both passionate extremes are red hot and wild in Him, yet always under His righteous control. Our emotions are mere muddy rivulets compared to the raging torrent of His zeal. Do not make the mistake of limiting God’s love to a narrow band of syrupy sentimentality. When we speak of God’s love, we must include the terrifying whole of His passion. His love covers the entire spectrum of feeling that produces both a heaven and a hell. Do not think to mute God’s full register of feeling by removing hate from its range. When we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, God’s love flows to and through us, so that we begin to love what He loves and hate what He hates. There is no inconsistency in this, for both extremes of feeling are present in Him.
January 10, 2014
Following your own understanding will lead to shortcuts that end up as dead ends or worse. Trusting the Lord’s wisdom and seeking His will always takes longer. Yet, following His narrow path leads to blessing and peace. Before you make your next decision about… anything, ask for God’s will and direction. And trust that it will turn out for the best.