Tag: Wisdom

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Rock-Solid

DECEMBER 9

MATTHEW 7:24_which built his house upon a rock.

Previously, we discussed the importance of a solid foundation. Any builder will agree the foundation makes or breaks the house. Being a stonemason, Jesus understands the strength of rock. Rock-solid, refers to something completely secure, built to last, totally dependable. Jesus says to hear, act, and become wise, gives life a rock-solid foundation. 

Perhaps we shouldn’t have favorites among the disciples, but mine have always been Peter and John. I’ve heard so many Bible teachers joke about Peter always blurting out and talking over all the other disciples. I see all his blurts as zealous passion for Jesus. I see devoted love—something he just couldn’t keep inside.

Peter’s name was Simon. Jesus changed it to Peter, which means rock. I believe Jesus saw the solidness in Peter’s love for Him long before anyone else saw it.

Matthew 16:18 (KJV) says, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  

Be like Peter and build your life on solid rock!

PRAYER

Rock of My Salvation, When I build my life on Your teachings I’m rock-solid. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.          

Christ’s principles are rock-solid—I want them!

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Everything You Need

DECEMBER 8

MATTHEW 7:24_I will liken him unto a wise man…

Jesus describes the person who hears and does—wise! 

Proverbs 4:7 (KJV): “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

Proverbs 2:4-7(KJV): “If thou seekest her [wisdom] as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures. 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.”

The entire chapter of Proverbs 8 (KJV) describes the power of wisdom: “33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34 Blessed is the man that heareth me [wisdom], watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.” 

Wow, it sounds like wisdom will give you everything you need for a life of freedom! How will you obtain it? Step three in Jesus’ building process is wisdom. He says wisdom comes after you’ve listened and acted.

Once you reach this step, you’re almost ready to move in.

PRAYER

Only Wise God, Please hear me call to You for wisdom. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.          

Christ’s principles are wisdom for life—I want them!

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But the Power of Jesus

NOVEMBER 29

MATTHEW 7:22_and in Thy name cast out devils…

Can these people actually cast out demons? Or do they think they can just convince Jesus they can? I don’t claim to know a lot about demonic possession, but I don’t believe there is any power to exhort them but the power of Jesus. 

Because life is spiritual as well as physical, we need to have knowledge of both. We primarily focus on the physical until we have had an encounter with Jesus and answer that knock. John 15:16 (KJV), “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

You didn’t become a Christian because it was your idea. You answered the call, the knock, the pursuing of Jesus. You responded, and now you are doing the asking, seeking, knocking, pursuing. You enter a strait gate and a narrow way to gain wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of truth. And why do you want truth? By now you’ve got this—to live free!

We must face the reality that the spiritual world consists of darkness as well as light. Jesus calls us to be light and light must be free.

Any encumbrances to light keep it from overcoming darkness.                   

PRAYER

God of Heaven, Please keep my light free to serve You. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen. 

Christ’s light is free from encumbrances—He frees mine!

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What Jesus Wants

NOVEMBER 22

MATTHEW 7:21_Not everyone…

Jesus gave Himself for everyone.

His teachings are for everyone.

He wants everyone to live free.

He wants everyone to have wisdom that comes from the Bible.

He wants everyone to seek and find understanding and knowledge.

He wants everyone to abide in His love.

And He wants everyone to share His love through their own heart—with each other.  

Jesus’ inclusiveness shows up again: everyone.  You want to be a part of His everyone. However, there are times when Jesus blind sides with reality. You would just as soon pass over some of these realities because, in reality, you only want life to be about love, joy, and peace.

1 Corinthians 2:13-14 (KJV), “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

 To avoid the hard spiritual realities of life—is a foolish mistake!

PRAYER

Only Mighty God,Please give me spiritual discernment to know the truth. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.                                                                                                                      

Christ’s spiritual discernments are realities—Teach me!

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The Storms of Life

NOVEMBER 13

MATTHEW 7:18_A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit…

Jesus builds a foundation first, then brings in the necessary tools needed to build upon it: His Creation Principles.

Jesus warned us to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. He taught to recognize deception by the fruit it produces. He taught fruit always reflects its source. Jesus’ principles are sturdy and durable. They’ll stand against the storms of life. They’ll stand throughout the ages. 1 Peter 2:6 (KJV) , “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him [Jesus] shall not be confounded.”

The apostle Paul used this same idea in 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 (KJV), “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye [Christians] are God’s building.10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I [Paul] have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Paul’s teachings are built upon a foundation. That foundation is Jesus.

We are God’s building, studying Jesus’ direct teaching.         

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, Thank you that I am Your building. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.                                                        

Christ builds on principles—I will live in that house!