A different kind of Treasure

"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.
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." - Proverbs 2:1-7

A quick read of Proverbs 2 reveals how highly valued wisdom was in the Old Testament. The writer speaks of wisdom as a hidden treasure, and how God grants this treasure to those who walk in his ways. I believe that wisdom is still highly valued and we should still seek it with all our hearts. 

Our world has no shortage of information, but in general we lack Godly wisdom. What do you feel?

Living in Grace

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Understanding and wisdom

"Bestow upon me, O Lord my God, 

understanding to know thee,

diligence to seek thee, 

wisdom to find thee,
and a faithfulness that may finally embrace thee." - Thomas Aquinas

"For the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding. “I, Wisdom, will make the hours of your day more profitable and the years of your life more fruitful.” Wisdom is its own reward, and if you scorn her, you hurt only yourself." - Proverbs 9

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There is always a FIRST step.

There is always going to be a first step!

When we were infants crawling on the floor, our families encouraged us to make the first step. And when we did, their delighted whoops inspired us to take another step. Slowly, but surely, we got more steady on our tiny legs, and eventually we couldn't stop moving.

It is the same with most things in life, and even so with our faith. We must always start with a first step and when we succeed in that action, so the other steps flow from this momentum. The writer of Proverbs suggests that if we want to live godly lives, we should listen to Wisdom and live out the principles of faith. However, there is a crucial first step. Read what he says:

1 These are the proverbs of King Solomon of Israel, David’s son:

2 He wrote them to teach his people how to live—how to act in every circumstance, 3 for he wanted them to be understanding, just, and fair in everything they did. 4 “I want to make the simpleminded wise!” he said. “I want to warn young men about some problems they will face. 5-6 I want those already wise to become wiser and become leaders by exploring the depths of meaning in these nuggets of truth.”

7-9 How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord! (Proverbs 1)

Thought: What is your first step going to be today?

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Wisdom for the ages

I ended up reading and reflecting on Proverbs 16 this week. There are some remarkable pearls of wisdom in this chapter. These are the few that really stood out for me.

We can make our own plans,
but the Lord gives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.

9 - We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps.

Have a blessed day and I pray that God would direct your paths.

Living in Grace

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When things don't work out as you hoped!

There are not many people who remember the name of the disciple who was chosen to replace Judas (see the scripture below to note his name). There are even fewer people who can recollect the name of the disciple who lost out on being chosen to replace Judas. 

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. (Acts 1)

We hear very little about these two men after this incident, but what I want to focus on is the attitude of Joseph (Justus). It seems that he didn't take the decision too personally and he carried on serving the early Church. He was someone who had walked with Jesus, as much as the others, and had witnessed many miraculous things. Although he wasn't an official member of the 12, he didn't become bitter and sulk off into the wilderness.

How do we respond to set-backs and disappointments? Isn't it hard not to become bitter and cynical? When things don't work out as you hoped, how do you cope?

Jacob Tanner wrote: "One of the most important things for us to remember as Christians in our effort to avoid cynicism is that our understanding of the world is not dictated by the news but by the Scriptures."

Proverbs 14:6 - Cynics look high and low for wisdom—and never find it; the open-minded find it right on their doorstep! (Eugene Peterson)

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Things that will destroy us

Luke 9:25 - "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?"

When asked about the things that can destroy our lives, Ghandi made these suggestions:

"Politics without principle,
pleasure without conscience,
wealth without work,
knowledge without character,
business without morality,
science without humanity,
worship without sacrifice." 

If we compare his thoughts with those of Jesus, we will see a strong connection. All of the things that are mentioned by Ghandi are the idols that many people cling to (politics, pleasure, wealth etc.) - but what benefit are these to us, if we forfeit our souls in the quest for these things?

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Wisdom has no expiry date - it remains a gift throughout the generations

Wisdom is something that is timeless. And when we read the Bible, we note that there are thousands of words of wisdom, instruction, good news and grace. The book of Hebrews ends off offering the early believer's wisdom about contentment and money. In my opinion these words are timeless. They have spoken the Truth to countless generations of Christians, and they will continue to speak long after we have gone. 

Hebrews 13:5 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5)

I have left the Old Testament references in this post, because the readers of Hebrews would have known Deuteronomy and Joshua off-by-heart. This challenge was not something new to them, it was just that they were struggling to live it out. The same can be said for us. Knowing something to be wise and true, is one thing - but living it out, is the hard part!

Thought: Are you wrestling with contentment at the moment? How do the quotes from Joshua and Deuteronomy help you?

"Wisdom has no expiry date!"

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Two contrasting views on wisdom

The author of Proverbs tells us that: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). 

These words are replicated in Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding."

I fully agree with this sentiment - by having a healthy reverence (fear) for the Lord, we are showing a level of wisdom that is humble and healthy. 

However, I came across a quote from Theodore Isaac Rubin, who writes: "Kindness is more important that wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom."

What do you make of these thoughts? Is it more important to be kind, than wise? Is this even something to compare? What do you think?

Living in Grace

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Generations come and go

"Generations come, generations go, but the earth remains forever.
The sun rises, the sun sets;
then it speeds to its place and rises there.
The wind blows south,
then it turns north;
the wind blows all around
and keeps returning to its rounds.
All the rivers flow to the sea,
yet the sea is not full;
to the place where the rivers flow,
there they keep on flowing." - Ecclesiastes 1:4-7 (Complete Jewish Bible)

As we take a few moments to ponder these words from Ecclesiastes we are reminded of some wonderful truths:

People come and go, but God remains forever.

God directs the winds, and we have no control of the weather.

The balance of the sea, land and rivers, is so precise that it shouts to us: "God is a genius!"

The older I get, the more I admit that I actually comprehend so very little. This is indeed humbling. It reminds me that I am not in control, but that I can surrender my life to the One who is in control.

Living in Grace

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A prayer for Lent

I really enjoy this season of Lent, as I feel that it heightens my awareness to the things of God. Of course, this is not something that we have to only experience in the Lenten season, but we can encounter this at any time during the year. However, there is something profound in knowing that millions of other Christians are also praying, seeking, reflecting and listening for the voice of God.

In reading Psalm 25, I was impressed by the honesty of David's prayer in these 2 verses:

"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,” - Psalm 25:4-5

These 3 words give us a clue into the heart of David's faith and willingness to surrender to the sovereignty of God. Even as a King himself, David was humble enough to ask God for wisdom and strength. 

• Show me
• Teach me
• Guide me

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person's seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.”- Elisabeth Elliot

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Love strengthens us

" Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church." - 1 Corinthians 8:1-2

As Paul was trying to find common ground in the Corinthians church, especially around the issue of food sacrificed to idols, he made a powerful statement: Love strengthens the Church.

I find it interesting that when we deal with potential issues of conflict, we still try to lean a lot on our 'knowledge' of the issue, instead of seeking Love. Of course, this is a very hard thing to put into practice, but Paul does make a valid point. 

The words of St. Francis came back to me, as I was writing today's reflection:

"O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand..."

What do you think?

Living in Grace

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A prayer for our children

As another school year begins, I wanted to write a prayer for my own children. I pray that this may help and encourage you too. God bless.

Dear Lord,

As our children begin another year of school, we pray that you would fill them with confidence, peace and the willingness to learn. 

We pray for their teachers, coaches, mentors and friends, and that each of them would be able to positively contribute to the growth of our kids. 

We acknowledge that not all learning is academic, and that our children need to understand the value of listening to others, coping with disappointment, helping those who struggle, encouraging a wary teammate and, that genuine kindness can break down many barriers.

Gracious God, we ask that you place your great arms of protection over our kids, and that you would give them strength to overcome the obstacles in their paths. 

We also ask, that where we cannot be, that you would keep watch over their lives. 

Give them courage to stand by their faith, principles and convictions. 

Lord, help us to nurture our kids as best we can, and to allow them just enough freedom to spread their wings, but enough guidance to make wise decisions. 

As they begin this new year of studies and adventures, we intentionally place them into your loving care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Living in Grace

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Time is all you have

"The key question to keep asking is, are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have." - Randy Pausch

Over the last week I have had the chance to do a little reading and I am grateful for the books I have managed to work my way through. One of them was "The Last Lecture" (Randy Pausch), which I decided to re-read as we begin 2024. If you don't know Randy's story, it is work taking a look at his biography. 

In a nutshell, Randy was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in 2006 and given 6 months to live. Suddenly, everything in his life became extremely focused - he wanted to make the most of his time left on earth and was left with some critical decisions to make. One of those was that he decided to give a series of lectures, that would be part of his legacy for his family and community. If you get to read his book, you will find it is surprisingly uplifting and very moving. 

The quote that I was drawn too (see above) fits in nicely with the verse from Psalm 90, which speaks of the same thing. 

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - v.12.

What does this say to you about your decisions for the new year?

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Why wait until tomorrow?

 

As November picks up pace and we suddenly start to realize that Christmas is next month, we can become a little flustered. Some of us are motivated to get done, as much as possible, while others of us may be tempted to procrastinate. 

This quote from Charles Spurgeon may give us all something to think about.

"Alas, tomorrow never comes! It is in no calendar except in the almanac of fools!" 

Jesus said, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." (Matthew 6:34 - The Message)

Proverbs 27:1 - Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

The challenge for all of us is to not leave these things for tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come!

What do you think?

Living in Grace

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Some thoughts from Saint Francis of Assissi

Saint Francis is remembered on the 4th of October, and there are so many words of wisdom that he has left for us to reflect on. The most well-known of his thoughts are immortalized in "Make me a channel of your peace", but he has many others too. 

Here are a few for today. May his words help us to look up to the presence of Jesus in our lives.

Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.

Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received - only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.

What is it that stands higher than words? Action. What is it that stands higher than action? Silence.

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To walk, act, think, speak and live

Gracious God, help us,

To walk in your light;
To act in your strength;
To think in your wisdom;
To speak in your truth;
To live in your love;
Amen.

It is no secret that I love reading and am inspired by Christians who have left behind amazing legacies for us to witness. This prayer (above) is another beautiful prayer from William Barclay, and it really speaks to me today. I think the simplicity of the words help us to digest the power in their meaning. 

I invite you pray this prayer again slowly. Take it one sentence at a time. May it add blessing and grace to your day.

Living in Grace

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If you were granted one wish

                                                                

If you were granted one wish, what would you ask for? Three more wishes? A million dollars? World peace?

In a dream, Solomon is visited by the Lord and told he could ask for anything from the Lord. This is part of his reply (1 Kings 3): 

7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream."

We just need to take a look at Solomon's legacy to see how God granted his request and how Solomon became known as the wisest man on earth. Solomon must have been tempted to use his title, honour, wealth or name, to his own advantage, but instead he asked for wisdom. 

"The only true wisdom is knowing that you know nothing." - Socrates

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Inspiration from Martin Luther King

When remarkable people die the world searches for ways to remember them. Perhaps it is not just about keeping their memory alive, but rather about recapturing the legacy they leave for all of us. The third Monday of January is marked as Martin Luther King Day, in memory of the civil rights leader, who fought for racial equality in America. 

When one reads some of his inspiring words, one can't help but feel compelled to make the world a little better. I have chosen a few of his quotes that must have been inspired by his strong faith and his belief in Jesus Christ.

“I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”

Thought: We may not get the chance to share our faith in speeches or sermons, but we all get the chance to honour Christ with our lives. 

Living in Grace

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To flee or take refuge?

Sound advice is often hard to come by. 

It seems that King David was given advice to 'flee like a bird to the mountains' (Psalm 11), but he wasn't too enamoured with that suggestion. It is possible that he was being attacked and pursued by his enemies, yet David didn't want to give into their demands and evil tactics. He wanted to make a stand. 

His statement of faith was this:

"In the Lord I take refuge!" (Psalm 11:1)

There are times when good people may give us very helpful advice, but we still need to place our trust in someone (something). David was willing to proclaim that God was his refuge. I am grateful that we can say the same thing.

Thought: What is the difference between having complete faith in God's protection or simply ignoring sound advice? Do you find that the line is a little blurred? 

Living in Grace

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A treasure of common sense

"For the Lord grants wisdom! 

From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him." - Proverbs 2:6-8

As I begin the New Year, I often look for inspiration to motivate me in my faith. I find it hard to beat the words of wisdom contained in the chapters of Proverbs. Today's reading speaks very plainly about the wisdom that is given to us by the Lord. 

I hope and pray that I have enough common sense to trust in the Lord this year and to keep my eyes firming fixed on him.

What words of wisdom will you be turning too in 2023?

It is a thousand times better to have common sense without education than to have education without common sense. -Robert Green Ingersoll

Living in Grace

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