What does wisdom mean to you?

 "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." {Job 28.28}

In this chapter, the man who lost so much speaks of "veins of silver, gold, iron, brass, flood waters, sapphires, onyx stones, crystals, topaz, baby lions, fierce lions, rivers cut out of rocks." Precious stones and wondrous creation are observed while he is in so much pain and suffering, yet no wisdom or understanding is gained by "knowing" about all these natural wonders.  Verse 20 in chapter 28 asks "Where is wisdom...and understanding?" Verse 23 explains that "God understands the way and knows it's place."

In verse 24, Job reminds us that "God see's it all." Then Job observes the natural weather in the world, "winds, waters, rain and thunder." The conclusion of the matter in the last verse is to exercise "fear of the Lord and depart from evil," which will lead to "understanding."  So, while science may expound on the wonders in the natural world and discover many things about the natural world, real "wisdom and understanding" are found when one seeks the Lord and His Word first.  Then, a profound "wisdom and understanding" like Joseph of old, will be found in every believer.

Who has the Final Word?

...the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse. (Esther 8.8)

The word sealed is defined in Websters 1828 dictionary as "Furnished with a seal; fastened with a seal; confirmed; closed."

Grownups often tell children who insist on arguing, "case closed!"

Other bible verses come to mind regarding the thought that whatever the King says is final. 

• Psa 119.89, For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

• Heb 4.12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

• 2 Tim 3.16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

• Mat 24.35 - Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

• Pro 4.20-22  - My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.  

• Pro 30.5, 6 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.  

• Jn 1.1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

• Psa 119.105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

• Isa 40.8 - The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

• Jn 12.48 - He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
  

Though God's name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, the meaning of the highlighted verse above is clear.  His Word is forever settled and is eternal.

However, many scholars and readers note that God's presence and influence are evident throughout the account of Esther, even though they are not explicitly named. This omission is sometimes attributed to the political context of the story, where writing about a foreign God might have been risky, or it may be a deliberate literary device to highlight divine providence working behind the scenes.

• No direct mention: The words "God," "Lord," or "Jehovah" do not appear in the text.
• Implied presence: The narrative is often interpreted as an example of Divine Providence, where God works through the actions of human characters like Esther and Mordecai, despite His name not being spoken.
• Possible reasons for the omission:
Literary theme: The absence of God's name may be a literary choice to emphasize that God's power and protection are present even when not directly stated, working through seemingly coincidental events. 
• Literary theme: The absence of God's name may be a literary choice to emphasize that God's power and protection are present even when not directly stated, working through seemingly coincidental events. 

Regardless of the reason our Lord's Name is never mentioned in Esther, there is no mistake in thepurpose of this verse.  His Word is "signed, sealed and delivered." All by the precious blood of

"the Lamb slain 'BEFORE' the foundation of the world." (Rev 13.8) 

Blessed reading.

abounding love

Has the strength and sincerity of your "love" every been challenged?

Has someone ever said to you, "you miss out on so much by not letting others love you more?"  

If you have trust issues, then maybe you have missed out.  We are able to love more because "greater is He that is in than He that is in the world." (I Jn 4.4)  In a word believers are "overcomers."

However, if trusting while trying to love others is a problem, there is a scripture passage that may help until you get to where others feel you should or could be.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be SINCERE and without offence til the day of Christ." (Philippians 1.9, 10)

The scripture noted above is in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul prays that the love of the Philippian believers will grow and be guided by knowledge and discernment, so they can approve what is excellent and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

The passage emphasizes the importance of a love that is both affectionate and wise, a love that helps individuals make good choices and live a righteous life.  This writer believes that one should be "sincere" about that love.  

"You can not be what you are not."

It is understood that we can "grow in grace" (2 Pet 3.18) and that "greater is He that is in us...," (I Jn 4.4) but "You cannot be something you are not" until the Holy Spirit as teacher, visits these affections in you. It may come as a sudden revelation or it may be that "still small voice" speaks to your heart, or it may be a bible verse suddenly makes sense of "loving more."

The problem enters with trust.  The problem enters when others think you should be as affectionate in your love as they are. The problem comes when this idea of "loving more" has pressure points every time one is around the other.  Again, it has been stated "you miss out on so much when you don't let others love you more."

How to respond? Take criticism for this personal flaw and wait it out.  Lord willing you will "get there."  

Until the moderator can "love as He loves," (Eph 3.19, 5.25-33) I will stay as true to Him, His ways and His will as possible.  Ps 57.7

God bless and keep you is my prayer.

"God turned the curse into a blessing."

Nehemiah 13.2

Next verse, "when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude."

Currently, this site scribe is in waiting mode for an answer. What seems a curse at present really isn't if one will wait on His timing.  The truth is clear from verse 3. "Separation" is also much of God's direction in OT law and NT scripture.

Separation from sin.  Not that He always bases blessings on whether we obey or not but at least one can know the effort has been made to follow Him.  Peace will reign when His ways are followed and maintained as much as possible.  

[References to name a few: Prov 13.20, 1 Tim 5.8, 1 Tim 6.3-5, 2 Thes 3.6, 2 Cor 6.14-18]

It is indeed up to the Lord to turn your "curse into" a blessing.  However, it's usually via perspective.  What others may see as a curse, such as moving a long way from family, or leaving a familiar job, can actually be a blessing for a number of reasons.  You get to meet new people.  You may even learn a new skill you didn't anticipate. You will grow closer to God because you have to lean on Him more than when the comfort of family was near.  The truth is the cup "is always full," not half full or half empty.

You see His "mercies...compassions and faithfulness" are "new EVERY morning."

It's been said, "trust Him when you can't track Him."

Camp Meeting 2025

 Camp Meeting 2025 is done but you may hear all the messages at our YouTube channel OR you may go to Grace Baptist Church website to learn more about where I attend church and what we believe.  God bless and keep you is my prayer as we "head toward home!" (Phil 3.14)

Camp Meeting 2025!

 

The Prodigal Son, Coming Home

Preserved or Pickled?

 "the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went " (2 Sam 8.6, 14)

Sour as Vinegar

Sweet as Sugar

The boy shepherd chosen (I Sam 16) to replace Israel's first King.  A King who lost the Kingdom because of his stubborn, willful ways.  Began Humble, ended defeated because of his attitude.

David's background:

    Early Life as a Shepherd:

David's initial role is that of a shepherd, tending his father's flock in Bethlehem. This involved not only physical labor but also facing dangers like lions and bears, which he recounts to King Saul.
    Lessons Learned:
David's time as a shepherd is portrayed as formative. He learns bravery, integrity, and reliance on God's protection, which he later applies in his battles and leadership.
    From Shepherd to King:
God uses David's experience as a shepherd to prepare him for his future role as king of Israel. This transition is highlighted in 2 Sam 7:8, where God speaks of taking David from the sheep pen to be prince over Israel.

The truth of all one reads of King David, regardless of some bad decisions from which he repented, is sweetness and humility with the strength and integrity expected of a King. In 2 Samuel 9, after many battles, it seems the King is weary.  He has buried his friends and taken care of his family.  He begins to reminisce in 2 Sam 9 of how things use to be.  His heart longs for the happy, quiet, peaceful days just beyond his boyhood.  The King loved him.  The King's son was his best friend.  Where did it all go?

Instead of getting bitter about all the loss, he discovers the whereabouts of Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth.  He invites him to the Kings house and feeds him.  These actions bring the King much joy.

Simply put (2 Sam 9.7) indicates a broken, kind heart.  King David did not allow himself to become jaded, bitter or "pickled."  He turned his time and attention to those things that brought the most joy, helping others.  So should you, dear reader.

God bless and keep you is my prayer,

Site Moderator, Ps 57.7

Separation or Departure?

 Current devotions are in I Samuel 20.  David is in fear of his life from King Saul.  King Saul is so jealous he wants to kill the man who has "stole his thunder."  "Jealousy is as cruel as the grave." (SOS 8.8) 

So, David comes to a stone named "Ezel."  If one believes that in God's economy nothing is done without "purpose or plan," (Jer 29.11, Rom 8.28) then the meaning of this stone is significant in the life of every believer.

"Ezel" means separation or departure and also, the stone that sheweth the way. 

Are you at a "crossroads or turning point in your life?"  If you are not now, you soon will be.  It is the way in the life of every believer - like the ocean - every changing and moving. 

click on photo for explanation

The Stone of Ezel

“Jonathan said to David... "And when thou has stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself...and shalt remain by the 'stone Ezel.'" (I Sam 20.19)

Ezel means either separation or departure. Hence the stone of separation or the stone of departure. Ezel also signifies “The stone that sheweth the way.”

What this tells us is that David is now at a place where the decision is no longer his. He is waiting for his fate to be decided by another, or better yet, decided by God.

The story within this story is the stone! It’s the stone of destiny, because from this stone David was shown the way he was to go.

And that stone is Jesus Christ (Isa 28:16, 1 Pet 2:4, 1 Cor 10:4, Matt 7:24). Jesus as that stone shows us the way. He is our stone of destiny.

Like David, we really don’t know whether we’re coming or going half the time, and so we need to wait upon the Lord, and as we wait, He renews our strength (Isa 40:31). And while the circumstances we find ourselves in are out of our control, we place ourselves, we hide ourselves, in Jesus, and He will guide us in the good and right way.

So, let’s take our stand at the Empty Tomb and the Stone Rolled Away.

Ps 57.7, Amen

In quiet faithfulness, nothing gets unnoticed

 In the account of Leah's fifth son, Issachar, meaning "reward," see the link below to be reminded your "quiet" faithfulnes is never unnoticed.

Old age dangers for the believer

The wisdom of Solomon tells us in  Pro 16.31, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness"  Hoary is defined as white or gray with age.  Thus, aged folks should have wisdom in the way of righteousness.  Especially believers of "old age." 

Do they?

Beware some of the dangers and pitfalls in the story of Isaac and his scheming wife Rebekah and son, Jacob.  The fallout being broken relationships with close family ties as well as with God.  Wonder if Jacob ever had fellowship restored? It doesn't seem that Rebekah did. Isaac would've died saddened he was so misled.  Read more to see what this blogger sees.

Genesis 27

• Fleshly comfort before faith - Isaac, in his old age thought only of physical comfort.  He told Esau, "make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die."

• Scheming before faith - Rebekah overheard the request and began to scheme and spake unto Jacob.  She said,  "I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:... And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death."  

What I don't understand is why Jacob was favored over Esau.  Other than further scripture that draws the attention to a higher doctrine; (Rom 9.13)

• Manipulating  accomplice - Why was Rebekah willing to take "the curse" away from Jacob?  Why did she prefer one son over the other?  A lesson here.  God is no respecter of persons.  (Acts 10.31 He is not sentimental, He is holy (I Pet 1.16, Mt 7.14)  Believers are directed to a straight, holy path. "Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice,"

• Wary discernment - How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? Heb 4.12 explains the Word of God as the way of discernment.  The Lord Jesus also gave us "another" in the Holy Ghost in Jn 16.13 

• Discernment unheeded -  See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed: Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren,... "Passing the buck" instead of taking responsibility for lack of discernment. Isaac should have followed up with more inquiry but his appetite got the better of him.  (I Cor 5.7) -  Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.

• Reaping lack of faith -  (Gal 6.7)  Sowing and reaping never change. Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him:

• Rebekah denying her part in the coverup - Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him:

• Depression because of scheming - I am weary of my life

To conclude these thoughts it is easy enough to see the dangers of yielding to fleshly feelings and desires over the Word of God and discerning guidance of the Holy Spirit.  In the words of a wise old Sunday School teacher, "when in doubt, DON'T!"

In His Name, Site Moderator, Ps 57.7