We enjoyed a pleasant Georgia fall day. That included watching the University of Georgia football game and a trip to a “pumpkin patch.” The pumpkin patch was at a farm, with a mini festival with a maze, hayride, bouncy castle and various games and activities. There were a lot of settings for photo ops for parents and their children.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Proverbs 3:7,8 

In Proverbs 3, we see the value of heeding the way of wisdom. Solomon tells his son, if you pay attention to my words, “…you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.” (Proverbs 3:2 NLT)

The importance of heeding Godly wisdom and going against the grain of our “own understanding” is reflected in the impact that it has on our life. God’s desire is for us to enjoy His pleasure and to live life to the full. We see that reflected in Jesus words, “I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

There are several emphatic “if-then” concepts in Proverbs 3. Consider the following:

“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!…Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” (Proverbs 3:3,4 NLT)

How important to understand the impact of the right attitudes and actions on our life. It means being consistent with those character traits.

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:6 NLT)

If we seek God’s will, we will know God’s will. The Lord is not be viewed as illusive and disconnected with the concerns of our life. That is why Jesus said, “Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7)

“Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7,8 NLT)

It is interesting when “modern medicine” reveals the connection between our physical and emotional health and our lifestyle. Human wisdom leads to pride and arrogance. It can result in shunning the ways of the Lord doing what makes sense to you. Those are recipes for disaster, even those that are revealed in our physical bodies.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” (Proverbs 3:9,10 NLT) 

The Biblical concept is “God’s blessing flows to the generous heart.” We see this in both the Old and New Testament. This is difficult for many to grasp. However, when you hold tightly in fear, you make yourself the guardian of your life and future. When God’s way and plan is followed the Lord is able to supply all of our needs. As a matter of fact these verses communicate “abundance.”

The summary of the value of following God’s way of wisdom is seen in this verse, “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13 NLT) That battle is that it is easier to “lean to your own understanding” than “trusting the Lord in all of your heart.” (Proverbs 3:5) That’s where faith comes in and where trusting in God’s ways and promises come in. There is a “cause and effect” in trusting in ourselves and a “cause and effect” in trusting in the Lord and living according to Godly wisdom. The one we choose makes all the difference.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the promises You make and the assurances You give, when we live according to Your wisdom. Help us in the natural inclination to go our own way and help us through Your power and grace to choose Your way of wisdom and life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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 NLT

The patient pursuit of anything can be a challenge. This especially applies to our faith and knowledge of the Lord and our understanding of life. Some don’t even try. Some simply “give up.” Others in their frustration just take an adversarial position. They just dismiss what they can’t easily grasp.

Solomon’s counsel is to, “…concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.” (Proverbs 2:2-4 NLT) 

Wisdom and understand don’t come naturally. They require focused attention; concerted thought and contemplation. The thoughts and reason of man, does not give insight into understanding the ways of the Lord.

Solomon concludes his ramblings and reflections in Ecclesiastes with this summary,“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT)

In Proverbs, he says the end result of diligently seeking wisdom, insight and understanding is, “Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:5 NLT)

We must involve ourselves in the continual pursuit of understanding the Lord, His ways and life. Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (Mathew 11:29 NIV) Peter wrote, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV)

Solomon reminds us that true wisdom and understanding comes from God. It is not a byproduct of human intellect or what seems to “make sense” to our minds. It involves our mind and heart. The emphatic statements is, “the Lord grants wisdom.”

We see the other “rewards” of seeking wisdom and understanding that come from the Lord. He gives, “common sense” to the humble. In my years of political service the frustration of many was that fact that “common sense isn’t very common.” An attitude of humility; being open to what is contrary of our “way” and our “thoughts” is critical.

When we live in the fear of the Lord, He becomes a “shield” to those who live with integrity. You could say, the lack of integrity puts you, “on your own” – vulnerable to the attacks, accusations and barbs of others.

Finally, the Lord guards and protects. He keeps us on the “right” path and protects those who are faithful to Him. I believe at times that protection is from the harm we do to ourselves when we fail to rely on the Lord’s wisdom and “lean to our own understanding.”

At times understanding comes in the, “aha moments.” After sometime of confusion and frustration it begins to sink in. The reward of that, is seen in these words, “For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.” (Proverbs 2:10 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, give us the patience and the anticipation of continually seeking You and learning from You. We recognize our inadequacy, but we can rely on Your infinite knowledge and truth to guide and protect us in this world.

This morning, I got up early enough to ride along as Stephanie took the boys to school. Later in the afternoon, I traveled to the Atlanta Convention Center for a National Power-lifting Competition. I went to cheer on a friend from my Rotary Club. He set a national record in the bench press for his weight and age. Dave Robinson is 75.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!” Proverbs 1:10 NLT

As I consider this verse and those that follow, the enticement to do evil, reminds me of some of the pressures faced in our world today, especially by youth today.

There is the appeal to come join us! In other words, “we can do this together, you won’t be alone.” “We will be in this together. They may say, “Come and join us….Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! Think of the great things we’ll get!” (Proverbs 1:11-13 NLT)

The risks are minimized and the rewards are exaggerated. “We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. ^“Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” (Proverbs 1:13,14 NLT)

They become blind to the “trap” they are setting themselves up for. “They rush to commit evil deeds...these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed.“ (Proverbs 1:16,18 NLT)

The advice and wisdom of Solomon is, “turn your back on them.” That is more than “just say ‘no’.” It is a call to change your friends and environment. “My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths.” (Proverbs 1:15 NLT)

The wise are those who guard themselves by listening to the counsel and discipline of parents. “My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8,9 NLT)

The wise learn from others. “…Let those with understanding receive guidance. “ (Proverbs 1:5 NLT) Wisdom is personified in this appeal, “Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.“ (Proverbs 1:23 NLT)

Those who reject the call of wisdom, do so to their own peril and ruin. While the voice of  temptation, lures and entices, wisdom, “shouts!” “Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square...How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?“ (Proverbs 1:20,22 NLT)

As in so many arenas in life, choosing the wrong path vs. the right path; pain or victory depends on what “voice” you listen to. Do we listen to wisdom that “shouts” or the words of temptation that “entice”?

Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to be wise in our decisions and be on guard for the influence of others. We pray especially for youth in our sphere of influence and our communities to be protected and choose the way of wisdom.

Today, I am heading to Atlanta for another visit. Looking forward to seeing the grandchildren as well as my daughter and son-in-law!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.” Proverbs 1:1-3 NLT

What are the keys to a successful life? What gives you an “edge” or “leg up” when it comes confronting all the issues we face in this world? Solomon, is known as the wisest man who ever lived. However, he felt that there was some value in his life and experiences that could be passed on to others, especially his own children, to help them be wise and live wisely too.

Solomon begins by saying the purpose of writing all of these proverbs was to “teach people wisdom and discipline.” Everyone would like to be considered wise; not all are willing to submit to the discipline that reflects wisdom and leads to success. Discipline means, I accept correction. It also means that I am able to put some “reigns” on my own thoughts, conduct and actions.

Wisdom and discipline leads to success. That is the simple, take-a-way, from these verse that introduce the Book of Proverbs. Keep that in mind for yourself and communicate it to others.

When I approach these topics, I always reflect on the conversation I overheard in a YMCA locker-room between a father and a young son. He told his son, “my people are smart, but not all people are wise.” Your intellect will not take you as far as your wisdom.  But having insight and wisdom is of great value.

Then I observe that Solomon would point to “success” in life, not on terms of titles, achievement and wealth, but in the conduct of our life. We read, “to help them do what is right, just, and fair.”

Proverbs are designed to get our attention, cause us to pause and consider and then apply the concepts to our life. God’s word strengthens our faith and directs our life, but will enable us to be successful as well.

Prayer for today…. Lord, enable us to live wisely. To live by learning and applying Your Word. To learn from those who “lived well” and those who missed the mark.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve at night in the house of the Lord. Lift your hands toward the sanctuary, and praise the Lord.” Psalm 134:1,2 NLT

This final “Psalm of Ascent” is direct and to the point. The journey is over, the pilgrims have arrived at their destination. They are gathered in unity, having reflected on their history, sufferings and the Lord’s faithfulness. Now is the time to “get down to business.” What they have gathered to do was to not just enjoy each other’s fellowship, but to worship the One who made heaven and earth.

In the Old Testament the Priests and the Levites were commissioned to perform the acts and duties of sacrifices and worship to the Lord. This psalm is structured like a “conversation” or interaction between the pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem and the “servants of the Lord.” It is as if the pilgrims call out, “we are here, get with it!” All of you servants of the Lord, even those who stand watch during the night, praise the Lord!

There is a call for those who have been so ordained to operate, according to their function, as they have been “ordained” to do. I recall when microwave ovens first came out, we visited someone who was using their microwave as a breadbox. That’s a fairly expensive breadbox; but that was not in keeping with the function that the designers had in mind. Full utility is realized when something (or someone) operates according to their purpose.

We see the New Testament picture of this coming into focus in 1 Peter, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)

Through Christ, all believers, form a “holy priesthood.” One that has the charge and the duty to “declare the praises of him who call you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Our function as follower of Christ includes worship. It is a calling, it is a privilege, that must not be overlooked or taken for granted. When we fail to function according to our design, we experience less that God’s best. But when we operate based on our “creator’s design” we become a blessing to others and enjoy the satisfaction of fulfilling one of our highest purposes.

This psalm ends with what we can view as a benediction coming from the Priests to the pilgrims as they worship the Lord, “May the Lord, who made heaven and earth, bless you from Jerusalem.” (Psalm 134:3 NLT)

If we examine many of the psalms, we see that they declare worship to the Lord based on who He is and what He has done. We read, “praise Him for His excellent greatness.” “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.” “…rejoice in your Maker.” “Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!” “Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,  for he issued his command, and they came into being.” (Psalm 150:2; Psalm 135:2; Psalm 148:5; Psalm 150:2; Psalm 149:2 )

As we peer into the “heavenly Jerusalem” see this scene, “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13 NIV)

May the One, who is above all and is creator of all, bless you from His “heavenly Jerusalem.”

Prayer for today… Lord, so often in our life’s journey, we can fail to remember and focus on what the journey is all about. It is about being with You; being blessed by Your presence and fulfilling our call to be worshipers of the great God, who made heaven and earth and has given us life forevermore. 

Today, I accomplished a personal recovery goal. I was able to walk, in my struggling gait, the full length of the basket ball court. In the past half court was the most I was able to accomplish. This brings a ray of hope for my continuing recovery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1 NLT

How would you describe unity or harmony? As the spiritual pilgrims gather in Jerusalem, the long journey has come to an end. God’s people are together from their various territories and villages. They have all come for a single purpose; to worship. They have come in obedience to the Lord and with a focus to enjoy the presence of the Lord and the fellowship of each other.

In this atmosphere there is no, “business” to be transpired other than God’s “business.” No agenda. No plans or strategy sessions. All that would divide is laid aside for a singular focus and purpose.

When I “googled” “unity” I found it interesting that it included the number one. Unity is such a degree of integration, that a group functions as a single unit. Jesus prayed for His disciples and all who would believe on Him, “…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” (John 17:21 NIV) We see this fulfilled in the Book of Acts when we read, “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” (Acts 4:32 NIV)

In this psalm we see that harmony or unity is precious. “…harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head…” (Psalm 133:2 NLT) Anointing oil in the Old Testament was a special blend of oil and spices that was used for only special occasions. It was used to cleanse, it was used to designate a King or to set apart the one serving as High Priest. Unity is precious, it is unfortunately, rare. But when it is present, God is beginning to act. A new day is dawning and hope arises.

We see that unity is refreshing. “Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion.” (Psalm 133:3 NLT) When unity is present, it brings a refreshing from all that divides and creates tension. When the early church was wrestling with Gentiles coming to faith and how that impacted the following of the law, after much discussion they came to a consensus. As they wrote of their unified decision, they said, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us….” (Acts 15:28 NIV) Unity brings a sense of relief, it brings life and joy.

Finally, we see unity is a place of blessing. “…there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.” (Psalm 133:3 NLT) When the church functions in unity there is life, growth, excitement and joy. I recall visiting with a pastor friend about the rapid growth of his church. He shunned taking credit for it based on his leadership or abilities and instead pointed to the fact that the congregation was functioning with a unique level of unity, he had never experienced.

I notice in the metaphors of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and the dew that falls from Hermon; a picture of the blessing of unity flowing from “top to bottom” from “high point to low.” I believe that is a good reminder that when the leadership of a church or organization is functioning in unity, it permeates the entire “organization.”

I recall listening to a former coach of the successful CSU football teams discuss some of the “glory days” of their success. He referred to a unique sense of unity among the coaches that impacted the players and facilitated the success of all their effort.

Truly unity is wonderful and pleasant. That is true for a football team, a church, a family, a nation. But it doesn’t come through human efforts or strategies. It comes from a focus on the One who reflects perfect unity and brings life forevermore.

Prayer for today… Lord, we see the chaos and harm that comes from division and conflict. That is not Your desire for our life. You alone are able to bring the unity that we desire and seek into all arenas of life. As we reflect on these words of Psalm 133, we are reminded of the unity around Your throne in heaven that we will all enjoy. Grant us glimpses of that as we pray, “let you kingdom come…one earth as it is in heaven…”

Yesterday, we traveled to Lakewood to watch grandson Riley’s football game. In the evening, I attended a concert at my old high school, with a Country music group called, “New West.” The leader, Mike Flemming, is an Englewood High graduate. It was good to reconnect with my friend Stan Countryman and his wife Lynn who coordinated the event. Stan and I have been friends since elementary school.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the Lord, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.” Psalm 132:3-5 NLT

The territorial capital of Colorado was in Golden. There were several cities that were considered before the decision was made that the capitol building would be located in Denver. As David was establishing his “home” and the city where his rule over a unified Israel would take place, he set his heart on Jerusalem. It became known as the “City of David.”

But the greater desire was for God’s Temple to be built in Jerusalem as the permanent resting place of the “Ark of the Covenant” the symbol of God’s presence and power.

Psalm 132 is the longest of the “Psalms of Ascent.” It is a reflection on David’s history and his desire to build the Temple. It would make sense that as generation after generation made the journey to Jerusalem, for the annual feasts, for there to be a reminder and reflection on “why here?” and “how did this all come to be?”

David after his years as a fugitive, running from Saul, made had two priorities. A place to located the Ark to rest and plans to build the Temple of the Lord.

When the Ark returned to Jerusalem, the heart desire of God’s people is reflected in the words, “Let us go to the sanctuary of the Lord; let us worship at the footstool of his throne. Arise, O Lord, and enter your resting place,
along with the Ark, the symbol of your power. May your priests be clothed in godliness; may your loyal servants sing for joy.” (Psalm 132:7-9 NLT)

While David was not allowed to build the Temple, the Lord gave him the promise, “I will place one of your descendants  on your throne. If your descendants obey the terms of my covenant and the laws that I teach them,
then your royal line will continue forever and ever.” (Psalm 132:11,12 NLT)

This psalm makes it clear that David’s desire was the Lord’s desire: “For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem^[ he has desired it for his home. “This is my resting place forever,” he said. “I will live here, for this is the home I desired. I will bless this city and make it prosperous…Here I will increase the power of David; my anointed one will be a light for my people.“ (Psalm 132:13-15,17 NLT)

As we look into the Gospels we see a reversal take place. We see Jesus promising a “home” a “resting place” for His disciples, “…I go to prepare a place for you….that where I am you may be also…” (John 14:1,2) Just as David was “the Lord’s anointed” and a “light” for God’s people, we read of the New Jerusalem from heaven, “…the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.” (Revelation 21:23 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the promise of being with You, worshiping at Your footstool. May we focus on and anticipate the fulfillment of Your promise of a home You have promised for us.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” Psalm 131:1,2 NLT

There is much in life that can divert our attention away from the Lord. We can become easily distracted, lose our focus and become agitated and anxious. Pride can keep us from trust, we can rely on our intellect and ability to understand what can’t be understood and to “figure out” what is illusive.

So we see in this psalm of ascent is a picture of humble trust and confidence. The psalmist declares a shunning of pride and self-reliance. There is a recognition that some things are beyond our human understanding. But real peace comes from connection to the One who is knows all, is above all and is our God.

The picture is not turning inward, but resting in God’s care…being content. Content in understanding that we don’t always understand. Content in knowing we always don’t know.

The final call in this short psalm is, “…put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131:3 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, help us to find the contentment that comes from placing our hope in You alone.