Pastor Mary Haley

I chose ‘to get spiritually married’ to Jesus at the age of five; asked God to bring me salvation by a rebirth into Christ. I did not really understand it then, but from that time Truth became my constant companion to help lead my life. Obviously, I was very immature but I began to recognize the difference between right and wrong as I learned to listen to the Voice of Truth—the Holy Spirit. Wisdom is not just knowing a set of virtuous qualities and following them in human strength; Wisdom is the person of Jesus the Christ who opens us to godly realities and asks us to reveal them by his power through our lives.

As we continue to Chapter 8 in the Book of Proverbs, Solomon wants his son to marry Wisdom—have a personal relationship with the Lord. Only Jesus can be Wisdom for us and bring us success in God’s plan for life, because he always tells our spirits the Truth! Again, Wisdom is personified as a woman, because the Hebrew word for Wisdom is a feminine noun. However, it is clear in our text, Solomon is sharing God’s Wisdom found in the Lord.

Wisdom calls to be heard, but Satan, the world, and our flesh give this holy Voice a lot of competition for our attention. The fear or respect of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom as we learn to hate evil (v. 13). The decision to listen is made at life’s crossroads.

I bring pastoral care to a lot of people each week and I repeatedly find myself asking this question, “Do you realize you have arrived at a crossroad [wise vs. foolish living] and Jesus is calling you to make a decision?” Wisdom calls to us and we decide if we are going to listen and follow the Lord into the realities of godly living. At this life crossroad, the Lord has decided we can no longer try to justify our sin. We must deal with it, because God wants first place in our relationship—‘marriage.’

As we get older, we know who we associate with matters greatly to the success of our lives. The Wisdom of my parents consistently exhorted me, “Mary, you become like the company you keep.” In other words, you will be greatly influenced by the very ones with whom you spend the most time. I learned [sometimes the hard way] there were friends who—like me—desired success through the love of Christ and found strength; there were also those friends who demanded their own way and stumbled. I had to fine-tune my hearing and learn to discern the difference. Some of those experiential learning times were painful for me, but I am grateful for them now.

Blessings follow our choice for Wisdom; obedience to the Voice of Truth—the only begotten Son of God. Therefore, according to the gospel of John, Wisdom was there in the beginning to bring life and knows the order [and how things work] into which we were created (1:1-4). Wisdom leads us to lovingly handle our relationship with God, with other people, and the world. To live without Wisdom for LIFE is to choose death; it is an eternal crossroad.

Proverbs 8 NLT Wisdom Calls for a Hearing
1 
Listen as Wisdom calls out!
    Hear as understanding raises her voice!
2 
On the hilltop along the road,
    she takes her stand at the crossroads.
3 
By the gates at the entrance to the town,
    on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
4 
“I call to you, to all of you!
    I raise my voice to all people.
5 
You simple people, use good judgment.
    You foolish people, show some understanding.
6 
Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
    Everything I say is right,
7 
for I speak the truth
    and detest every kind of deception.
8 
My advice is wholesome.
    There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
9 
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
    clear to those with knowledge.
10 
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
    and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11 
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
    Nothing you desire can compare with it.
12 
“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
    I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
13 
All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
    Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
    corruption and perverse speech.
14 
Common sense and success belong to me.
    Insight and strength are mine.
15 
Because of me, kings reign,
    and rulers make just decrees.
16 
Rulers lead with my help,
    and nobles make righteous judgments.
17 
“I love all who love me.
    Those who search will surely find me.
18 
I have riches and honor,
    as well as enduring wealth and justice.
19 
My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
    my wages better than sterling silver!
20 
I walk in righteousness,
    in paths of justice.
21 
Those who love me inherit wealth.
    I will fill their treasuries.
22 
“The Lord formed me from the beginning,
    before he created anything else.
23 
I was appointed in ages past,
    at the very first, before the earth began.
24 
I was born before the oceans were created,
    before the springs bubbled forth their waters.
25 
Before the mountains were formed,
    before the hills, I was born—
26 
before he had made the earth and fields
    and the first handfuls of soil.
27 
I was there when he established the heavens,
    when he drew the horizon on the oceans.
28 
I was there when he set the clouds above,
    when he established springs deep in the earth.
29 
I was there when he set the limits of the seas,
    so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.
And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,
30 
    I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight,
    rejoicing always in his presence.
31 
And how happy I was with the world he created;
    how I rejoiced with the human family!
32 
“And so, my children, listen to me,
    for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 
Listen to my instruction and be wise.
    Don’t ignore it.
34 
Joyful are those who listen to me,
    watching for me daily at my gates,
    waiting for me outside my home!
35 
For whoever finds me finds life
    and receives favor from the Lord.
36 
But those who miss me injure themselves.
    All who hate me love death.”

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for sending Wisdom to call to us and help us make godly decisions that lead to successful living. Your Kingdom is reality and our King Jesus deserves our faithfulness as his covenant partner. Therefore, Lord, please help us actually live in your Wisdom not just simply recognize it. Help us to press in to lay hold of eternal realities found only in your love and grace. The joy of our salvation is found as we listen and follow into eternal life. May we be the speaking spirits of Wisdom and the holy tabernacles for our abiding Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If our minds are not governed by God, either the world or our flesh will take dominion. God is the only pure Antidote for the problem of sin. Many times Scripture refers to any sin as adultery [a metaphor], because it leads to ruin and causes us to be unfaithful to God to whom we have promised [covenant] our lives and allegiance. Satan is a liar and a thief; let’s not forget sin is his weapon of mass destruction. We must take a stand and resist the enemy of evil (Eph 6:10-18).

In our passage today from Proverbs Chapter 7, Solomon continues to educate or inform his son (and all readers) about the schemes of Satan to rob, kill, and destroy moral integrity before God. I think we would be shocked if we knew the full measure of influence the media has on our minds. Television, movies, and websites may offer forms of education, an update of events, and entertainment, but we must be careful with what we choose to view or take in. Most of what is offered for general audiences has the potential to negatively influence the soul of humanity in some fashion. The rating system of movies and television programs is deceptive; if it is not the nudity that stirs lust in the heart, it is the language that desensitizes the mind, or the overarching very obvious theme that glamorizes low and foolish living.

Let’s talk for a minute about pornography, because I am startled by how many people do not understand this horrific trap of Satan. In fact, according to christianity.com nearly 40 million Americans are regular visitors to porn sites [55% married men and 25% married women admit they watch porn at least once a month]. Fifty-six percent of divorces involve one party having an obsessive interest in porn. Lastly, ninety-four percent of children will see porn by the age of 14. Pornography is a sin that infects the mind and causes lust; it is outside the normal sexual relations of marriage designed by God and therefore fits in the category of adultery. Satan is a pro at taking what God has created to be a beautiful blessing of intimacy and twist it into something perverted, evil, and destructive. It causes marital trust issues that are very difficult to overcome. Because Satan knows the moral weakness of humans, he comes as a spiritual predator to devour men, women, and children. Guard yourself!

Proverbs 7 NLT Another Warning about Immoral Women
1
Follow my advice, my son;
    always treasure my commands.
2 
Obey my commands and live!
    Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
3 
Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.
4 
Love wisdom like a sister;
    make insight a beloved member of your family.
5 
Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,
    from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
6 
While I was at the window of my house,
    looking through the curtain,
7 
I saw some naive young men,
    and one in particular who lacked common sense.
8 
He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,
    strolling down the path by her house.
9 
It was at twilight, in the evening,
    as deep darkness fell.
10 
The woman approached him,
    seductively dressed and sly of heart.
11 
She was the brash, rebellious type,
    never content to stay at home.
12 
She is often in the streets and markets,
    soliciting at every corner.
13 
She threw her arms around him and kissed him,
    and with a brazen look she said,
14 
“I’ve just made my peace offerings
    and fulfilled my vows.
15 
You’re the one I was looking for!
    I came out to find you, and here you are!
16 
My bed is spread with beautiful blankets,
    with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
17 
I’ve perfumed my bed
    with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 
Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.
    Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,
19 
for my husband is not home.
    He’s away on a long trip.
20 
He has taken a wallet full of money with him
    and won’t return until later this month.”
21 
So she seduced him with her pretty speech
    and enticed him with her flattery.
22 
He followed her at once,
    like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,
23 
    awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.
He was like a bird flying into a snare,
    little knowing it would cost him his life.
24 
So listen to me, my sons,
    and pay attention to my words.
25 
Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her.
    Don’t wander down her wayward path.
26 
For she has been the ruin of many;
    many men have been her victims.
27 
Her house is the road to the grave.
    Her bedroom is the den of death.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for our reading which helps us identify the sin that seeks to destroy us. David and Solomon fell prey to sexual sin and they faced the consequences. Thank you for the Wisdom of Solomon to teach his son and us about the subtle yet ruthless work of evil to destroy our lives and relationships through sin. Holy Spirit, please help us guard our souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In yesterday’s devotion, Jen shared Solomon’s challenge to his son about the devastating effects of sexual temptations and adultery to a marriage covenant. Solomon has “the talk” with his son from the viewpoint of his own failures. He wants his son to know destructive effects are manifest with ungodly and foolish decisions. A choice wields power, so we must guard our hearts. Depending on the situation, the consequences that follow a foolish decision can ruin lives: Destroy relationships, dishonor God and his design for love, and harm the well-being of self. Some valuable moral admonitions from Solomon continue in our passage from Chapter 6, today, but we will focus on even broader areas of life needing godly Wisdom.

Solomon wants his son to understand the value of being a good steward of his money and investments; existing wealth. We can be tempted to get entangled by debt and not protect what we have earned. As well, people can operate in life with a poor work ethic and find himself or herself in poverty due to laziness. Operating in godly Wisdom moves us to work hard so when something unexpected happens, a person has resources to manage during hard times.

This father does not want his son to fall for the tempting traps the enemy plans to set for humanity; so Solomon exhorts his son to listen to God. God protects and provides a way of escape for those who listen to his instructions, because God knows the pain and suffering the sin will bring upon a life. Therefore, the wise resist the temptation to aggravate trouble; refuse to stir up strife, because he or she knows the greatest reward is peace with God. Solomon lists a few things God hates, because to engage in them hurts his human creation.  Notice these sins involve the eyes, the tongue, the hands, the heart, the feet, the mouth. We must hate the things God hates; especially when those things seek to tempt us away from receiving God’s goodness.

Proverbs 6 NLT Lessons for Daily Life
1 
My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt
    or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger—
2 
if you have trapped yourself by your agreement
    and are caught by what you said—
3 
follow my advice and save yourself,
    for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy.
Now swallow your pride;
    go and beg to have your name erased.
4 
Don’t put it off; do it now!
    Don’t rest until you do.
5 
Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter,
    like a bird fleeing from a net.
6 
Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
    Learn from their ways and become wise!
7 
Though they have no prince
    or governor or ruler to make them work,
8 
they labor hard all summer,
    gathering food for the winter.
9 
But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?
    When will you wake up?
10 
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest—
11 
then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
    scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
12 
What are worthless and wicked people like?
    They are constant liars,
13 
signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye,
    a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.
14 
Their perverted hearts plot evil,
    and they constantly stir up trouble.
15 
But they will be destroyed suddenly,
    broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.
16 
There are six things the Lord hates—
    no, seven things he detests:
17 
haughty eyes,
    a lying tongue,
    hands that kill the innocent,
18 
a heart that plots evil,
    feet that race to do wrong,
19 
a false witness who pours out lies,
    a person who sows discord in a family.
20 
My son, obey your father’s commands,
    and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
21 
Keep their words always in your heart.
    Tie them around your neck.
22 
When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
    When you sleep, they will protect you.
    When you wake up, they will advise you.
23 
For their command is a lamp
    and their instruction a light;
their corrective discipline
    is the way to life.
24 
It will keep you from the immoral woman,
    from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman.
25 
Don’t lust for her beauty.
    Don’t let her coy glances seduce you.
26 
For a prostitute will bring you to poverty,
    but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life.
27 
Can a man scoop a flame into his lap
    and not have his clothes catch on fire?
28 
Can he walk on hot coals
    and not blister his feet?
29 
So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife.
    He who embraces her will not go unpunished.
30 
Excuses might be found for a thief
    who steals because he is starving.
31 
But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole,
    even if he has to sell everything in his house.
32 
But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool,
    for he destroys himself.
33 
He will be wounded and disgraced.
    His shame will never be erased.
34 
For the woman’s jealous husband will be furious,
    and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
35 
He will accept no compensation,
    nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching us about being good stewards of the money we earn, our time, our family and friends, and your gift of love which binds all things together. Please help us to hold fast to your commands, so we can rest in your goodness and protective care. In Jesus’ name Amen.

TV evangelists are plentiful and many of them preach and teach what is termed, the Prosperity Gospel. I’m not sure how you would define this theological approach, but let’s set it out in an easy to understand way. The Prosperity Gospel flows from protestant Christianity and teaches faith, positive-thinking with affirmations, as well as financial contributions to a religious institution will provide the believer with divine health, financial wealth/material gain, and endless joy as signs of God’s favor and will. Yet, according to Scripture, prosperity is a spiritual process of well-being that requires endurance—comes from producing the Fruit of the Spirit—based on a personal choice to honor the covenant, receiving God’s blessing in order to be a blessing to others, and to be a source of generosity.

Prosperity is for the work of the Kingdom, trusting God to provide for our needs, and really has nothing to do with lining our own pockets with bigger and better material wealth. To think God will spare us of everything difficult in a fallen world while making us rich seems like foolishness. Quite frankly, I do not see in Scripture a promise if I do those things as listed above, I will never face difficult or hard things. Nor, do I see favor (grace) being given to make my life easy or me wealthy apart from a divine purpose. Grace and faith are given to motivate me and help me follow the Lord and fulfill his call on my life by spending time in his Word and obeying what the Spirit initiates in my heart. The same is true for you!

In our passage today from Proverbs Chapter 3, we see Solomon understands the power of motivation. Solomon seeks to motivate his son to live by the covenant Israel made with God. The odd numbered verses reveal the obligations needed for humans to make in the covenant and the even numbered verses reveal the obligations of God. This is the harmony we can know with God called “regeneration.” When the teachings of God become internalized and ‘written’ on our hearts; we can obey the Word of God. For this to take place, we must trust God more than we trust ourselves. If we demand autonomy, we will self-destruct, because we do not have Wisdom without following Christ. He is our Treasure. Only Christ can reverse the curse of sin. Suffering is a part of the regeneration process (2 Tim 3:12).

This leads us to consider the work of God’s discipline that does two things: rids believers of sin, as well as works to produce maturity (Wisdom) in the lives of his children. Truly, even discipline [suffering] can prepare us for great things in the future and make us the kind of people who please the Father. Faith is the key to obedience and trust will serve us by helping us to become more like our Lord.

Proverbs 3:1-25 NLT Trusting in the Lord
1
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
    Store my commands in your heart.
2 
If you do this, you will live many years,
    and your life will be satisfying.
3 
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.
4 
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
    and you will earn a good reputation.
5 
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
6 
Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.
7 
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 
Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.
9 
Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
    and your vats will overflow with good wine.
11 
My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
    just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
13 
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
    the one who gains understanding.
14 
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
    and her wages are better than gold.
15 
Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 
She offers you long life in her right hand,
    and riches and honor in her left.
17 
She will guide you down delightful paths;
    all her ways are satisfying.
18 
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.
19 
By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
    by understanding he created the heavens.
20 
By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
    and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
21 
My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
    Hang on to them,
22 
for they will refresh your soul.
    They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 
They keep you safe on your way,
    and your feet will not stumble.
24 
You can go to bed without fear;
    you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 
You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
    or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 
for the Lord is your security.
    He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27 
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
    when it’s in your power to help them.
28 
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
    “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
29 
Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
    for those who live nearby trust you.
30 
Don’t pick a fight without reason,
    when no one has done you harm.
31 
Don’t envy violent people
    or copy their ways.
32 
Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
    but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 
The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the home of the upright.
34 
The Lord mocks the mockers
    but is gracious to the humble.
35 
The wise inherit honor,
    but fools are put to shame!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Wisdom that leads us into eternal life. May we gain a new perspective of how you would have us live in this fallen world. We need the peace of mind only Wisdom can bring to our lives. Continue to take us forward in the regeneration process and discipline us in your love as you see fit. We need your Word written on our hearts and the power of the Spirit to help us live in obedient harmony with you and may Wisdom teach us how to treat others with your love. We are blessed to be a blessing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What does it mean to be a worshiper? The Book of Proverbs will be teaching us for the next month. We need to be able to answer that question, because from the beginning of time it has been God’s mission to make human beings in the image of Christ—a speaking spirit and a true worshiper of God. So, to be a worshiper is to be Christ-centered in our nature and character. Essentially, we live like Christ.

Since the Word of God is brought to life by the Spirit, we need to make sure we are focused on and looking for the revelation of Christ in our readings, because in them we will see the heart of our worship Leader—the Christ. Therefore, a relationship with Christ is the Way to Wisdom and as we trust him we will learn how to navigate our lives.

Since we are looking for Christ and not just practical tips for living, the Bible is the focus of our study. We are looking to grow in our relationship with God; so we need to prepare ourselves by being willing to dig deeper beyond what we think we already know about God. Worshipers are interested in restoring harmony with God and that means we gain a hunger for the transformation he alone can perform.

In our passage from yesterday, we stopped with verse 7, but I hope you kept reading the whole chapter. If not, please do so today, before moving on. The pulse of vv. 8-33 is to draw attention to the two paths in life: 1) a wise (righteous) path, and 2) a foolish (evil) path.

Solomon teaches his son to follow the righteous path, because the evil way is a path of violence and robbery which destroys life and separates a person from God’s presence. Stealing is a sin. A greedy spirit is sinful. Evil people will suffer the consequences of their sin; reap what has been sown. So, repentance is key! Wise people want to please God and know he will protect and guide them to good things.

In our passage today, we will look at Chapter 2. Jesus is the only one who can rescue and save us from living foolishly. Sometimes it looks like foolish people are getting ahead, but God’s Word teaches us the Lord will turn the tables. Wisdom is a Person—Jesus—so we need to accept him as the Wisdom of God.

Jesus has promised to be our Shepherd and Guide, so listening is wisdom when it comes to forming a relationship with Christ. The Lord is not trying to withhold good things from us; instead, he is seeking to protect us from the things he knows will destroy us or lead us away from God. The Spirit is the Voice of Truth, so we need to listen and allow ourselves to receive instruction and even correction. It all happens by faith and choice—a gift to receive and fear or respect for God’s ways.

Human flesh has a voice and tries to direct individual lives, as well. So, Solomon exhorts his son to commit his way to Wisdom—Christ. Solomon knows moral failure and the power of temptation, so he wants more for his son. Satan is a thief and he is behind every act of evil.

Proverbs 2:1-22 NLT Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 
My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
2 
turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
3 
indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
4 
and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
6 
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 
He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 
for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 
Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
10 
For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 
Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.
12 
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
    from men whose words are perverse,
13 
who have left the straight paths
    to walk in dark ways,
14 
who delight in doing wrong
    and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 
whose paths are crooked
    and who are devious in their ways.
16 
Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
17 
who has left the partner of her youth
    and ignored the covenant she made before God.
18 
Surely her house leads down to death
    and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 
None who go to her return
    or attain the paths of life.
20 
Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 
For the upright will live in the land,
    and the blameless will remain in it;
22 
but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
    and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

Prayer: Lord, we have all been foolish; so, thank you for Jesus who makes it possible for us to be forgiven, as well as to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. We know turning toward Wisdom is trusting the Spirit to transform us and help us follow your covenant commands of love. Our moral behavior and choices matter to our relationship with you. We need to live like Jesus who as a Son listened to his Father. If we find ourselves trying to justify our sin, Lord, we know we have not been listening to Wisdom. It is clear if we reject Wisdom, we reject the Lord Yahweh. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sometimes I find myself reading sentences in the biblical text that are so packed full of truth, it is difficult to parse them in order to gain all the Wisdom made available. However, that is not the case when reading Solomon’s Book of Proverbs—these are statements or truths that also provide applicable practical instructions for living in God’s Wisdom. Remember, according to Scripture, Christ has been made Wisdom for believers, so Solomon is essentially referring to obeying the Lord—the Living Word (1 Cor 1:30).

The Wisdom literature was written and encouraged to be passed on from one generation to another—by being practical living examples—so people would not lose their fear of the Lord [respect and awe for God]. Solomon wanted the youth to know that living righteously was possible, but a person needs the Wisdom of the Lord as a Helper. Wisdom is revealed by how we live.

In our passage today, Solomon begins his Wisdom writings by telling the reader the purpose of them—to embrace humility and understand the knowledge of God. As well, Solomon reveals to whom they are addressed—both the simple and wise need to surrender in complete dependence upon God. We cannot know about life and ourselves, without knowing the Giver of life and the Creator who made us in his image. Proverbs teaches how to successfully navigate life with God. We are never too simple or too wise to learn from the Lord.

We can grow in Wisdom every single day. We do not need to walk in darkness, because a great Light [Revelation] has come to lead the Way. Solomon did receive great wisdom and understanding, but Jesus himself said Someone greater than Solomon was among humanity—Christ himself.

Let’s define Wisdom as basically choosing to apply the Truth of God’s Word to our lives. With this being said, we are invited to read the Book of Proverbs once a month; there are approximately thirty-one chapters, so a chapter a day is doable. Wisdom is personified as a woman, but that does not change the relevance of the passages for all human life. Proverbs will grow us in the righteous character and integrity of God which should be our goal for 2025. So, keep on reading…I’ll be reading with you!

Proverbs 1:1-7 NLT The Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
    to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
    to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 
These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
    knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
    Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 
by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
    the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Wisdom we can gain as we read the Book of Proverbs. We take this time to thank you for Christ who is Wisdom incarnate and who now lives in our hearts. In Christ, lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, so we can live meaningful and successful lives in obedience to him. Help us to make a commitment to read, study, and look for the growth of wisdom in our souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I received a variety of thoughtful gifts for Christmas and I want to say, “Thank you for blessing me!” Some of the gifts are edible and I am probably enjoying them a little too much! Some gifts are more practical in nature and I have found and continue to find more ways to enjoy and utilize each beautiful item. Some gifts are just fun—make me smile—and remind me of who I am as God’s daughter and provide ways to enjoy my days in our temporary home. Finally, some of these wonderful gifts bring with them a sense of expectation and challenge for the future; I always enjoy looking ahead. For example, a dear sister-in-Christ gave me a 2025 flip calendar—Church Signs to Help You on Your Way—which I enjoy, because I find these little sayings so fresh and encouraging. In fact, I have enjoyed reading farther into the year, because these little short sayings provide a unique perspective! Therefore, I will begin by sharing today’s “sign” (New Year’s Day) to encourage us all: “Before us lay 365 days = 365 new chances!” In Scripture, the word chance is associated with the word opportunity and a way to see how one event flows into another in the goodness of God and being at the right place in our souls at the right time. So, pray for opportunity and pray for oneness with God this year.

As we enter the new year of 2025, let’s remember God has planned out our lives and has positioned us to see his goodness. Now, of course, we are not able to see his goodness in everything we face when challenges stare us in the face, but if we will spiritually press on and endure, we will gain a much bigger perspective of God’s love for us. Each day is a chance or opportunity to see God do some of his best work. Although it may be tempting to get caught up in the “task or work” of the day, let’s not allow that to navigate our lives in such a way that we forget to enjoy our moments. My goal for 2025 is to recognize and enjoy something really good each day (an indescribable awareness of God) as I live in Christ. Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10).

No one understood what was meaningless like King Solomon. In our passage today, this king who was given divine Wisdom has made his way to a great Truth: the Lord is the only One who can bring meaning and satisfaction to life. We cannot find eternal meaning or satisfaction in life if we are not looking for the goodness of God that has been extended to believers in Christ’s work of salvation. We all want to serve our Lord, but we can do that in many ways. Jesus came to bring us genuine life; and he wants us to enjoy it! If we will feed on God’s Word, we will learn how to eat, drink, grow in, and enjoy the Truth he provides. We will see each day as a gift from God and with each twenty-four hour period, we have choices to be made in order to experience a rich and satisfying life.

So, this year, look at each day and say, “Show me your goodness, today, Lord, so I may proclaim your love and live in a way that brings you glory, as well as increases your kingdom on earth!” To enjoy life is to live it in continual fellowship with our Shepherd! It is time to stop wandering and follow the Shepherd!

January 1, 2025

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 A Time for Everything
1 
For everything there is a season,
    a time for every activity under heaven.
2 
A time to be born and a time to die.
    A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 
A time to kill and a time to heal.
    A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
    A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
    A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
    A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 
A time to tear and a time to mend.
    A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 
A time to love and a time to hate.
    A time for war and a time for peace.

9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. 12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Prayer: Lord, we ask for you to lead and guide us in this new year onto the paths of righteous living. May we become beacons of love and grace that attract others to you. Holy Spirit, you are the only One who can make this happen within and through us, so help us glorify our beautiful Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In this world, we will always reveal a mark on our lives: 1) The mark of the Spirit or 2) The mark of the world. We determine that mark by how well we take charge of our hearts—the central core of our being—mind, will, and emotions. If we surrender to the work of Christ on the cross and follow his Word, we will treasure the eternal life and wisdom we have been given in the Spirit and align to produce the fruit of God’s pure love. If we resist the work of Christ and live for the desires of our flesh—the world’s temporary and selfish dainties—anything we accomplish that is not of the Spirit will perish right along with us.

The mark of a mature Christian is made certain by how we discern what is right and what is wrong according to God’s Word. Our decisions matter to eternity, so we are wise to understand godly decisions from ungodly ones. An immature Christian looks for ways to satisfy the flesh or fulfill only the Word of God that is self-serving or easy to honor. A mature Christian is satisfied by Christ and so whatever he or she has or does not have is enough. The life goal is always to please the Father, through the Son, by following the Spirit. If God says something must go—does not please or honor him—the mature believer says, “Yes, Lord,” while the immature believer says, “Yes, but…”

In our passage today, King Solomon has an encounter with God through a dream. For a while, he has watched and learned from the life of his father, David, and he has caught some Truth from that vantage point. Solomon is young and he knows God must equip him if he is going to lead the chosen people. So, he asks for Wisdom which pleases God. This is a very mature request for such a young man. Sadly, when Solomon begins to rule in Wisdom, as well as gain favor and riches, his head is turned toward fulfilling his flesh and worshiping other gods. Due to this failure, Solomon wrote in the Wisdom literature so we could learn, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Pro 4:23).

May God grant you a Happy New Year filled with abundant grace that produces the gift of wisdom and the fruit of divine love. Blessings!

1 Kings 3:5-14 NLT
5 That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”

6 Solomon replied, “You showed great and faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued to show this great and faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne.

7 “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! 14 And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for leaving us with the gift of wisdom so we can discern the difference between right and wrong—good and evil. It is our desire to please you and to live in a way that prospers our spirits, souls, and eternal life. Holy Spirit, help us to gain spiritual maturity in the year to come. Help us to live for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Bible—the Word of God—reveals so many miracles within its pages, because nothing is impossible with God if people will believe [Mk 9:23]. Miracles display the love and power of God over even the natural order of things, because God compassionately responds to human need. God created the human race, so he is most certainly going to care for us.  

Today, please consider three of God’s greatest miracles he performed for the purpose of meeting human need if we will believe: 1) The Word of God miraculously came down from heaven and became human—in the form of a humble baby—to show humanity the Way we were originally created to live in the world; 2) The Word of God humbly laid down his physical life of holy Truth in exchange for our human life filled with sin [rebellion against God] in order to be the powerful and redeeming Door of Hope for the believer’s eternal life and future miraculous resurrection from the dead; and 3) The Word of God is the new miraculous Life imparted to believers and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can now live the Truth in the midst of a world filled with sin [Jo 10:7, 14:6].

This is the miracle of Christmas:  The Lord of Love has been born as a Gift to humanity. The Lord of Love came with the purpose of being the Savior for humanity. The Lord of Love now offers humanity new life—eternal life—that is filled with His perfect presence.  Believers now live with the anticipation that at any moment the divine life and activity of God may be revealed through and around us. Let the Word open your spiritual eyes and ears and shine the love of Christ! Merry Christmas!

John 1:1-4 NLT Christ, the Eternal Word
1 
In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
2 
He existed in the beginning with God.
3 
God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
4 
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the love Gift of your Son, the Savior, for your human creation. Now we can live with your indwelling Presence leading and guiding us toward your righteous character and holy nature. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NOTE: I will be taking a break from writing the devotionals, but will start back up New Year’s Day. Love to all! Merry Christmas!

During this Advent season, we have explored in greater detail some beautiful Gifts that have been deposited within us because of the incarnation, death, and resurrection of the Christ. We have Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love when we connect to Christ. According to Scripture, the greatest Gift given to humanity is God’s LOVE.

Salvation is a Gift that comes by the grace of God, but we must believe in Christ’s abundant and perfect Love to rescue us (Eph 2:8). God is Love and his Love is central to the work of salvation—the Good News or Gospel. Believers are those who have received Love’s rescue of eternal life. Christ delivered us from sin and death and now we live by faith in that pure Love to help us become like Jesus.

Becoming can be tough. The challenges before us are always an attack on faith and our choice to Love God through “the difficulties,” as well as Love those who are “the difficult.” But, fear not, because God makes his Love possible. Our part is to make the choice. It is God’s Love that energizes our faith and gives us direction and patient endurance for living in the likeness of Jesus.

In the New Testament, God’s Love in Greek is agapao: unconditional and preferential Love that is activated by a choice of the will. It is not based on natural emotion or given to the deserving. We are to be filled with agape for everyone; it is the mark of the Spirit on the physical temple of genuine believers. Agape is Love that seeks the good and well-being of others; a Love we have chosen to receive and share. Jesus is our example of agape and everyone born of God allows his Love to fill and flow by FAITH.

We are rapidly heading toward the celebration of Christmas and Hanukah. Christ is the Light of God’s Love who shines the Truth of God in the darkness of the world and reveals the way to his heart and presence. Let God’s agape for you fill and overwhelm you with his goodness and grace. Receive the Spirit of Christ as you think about Christmas and choose to walk in God’s Love each day. You will be making a journey of Hope, Peace, and Joy in the Love of God for YOU!

1 John 3:16-18 NLT 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the Gift of Love to fill our hearts. We confess our barrenness and brokenness to reveal agape apart from you. Our hearts are open to the ways you desire to rescue us and we rejoice in the fulness of your Loving Presence. May you be glorified in our understanding and in our obedience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.