Wisdom is not shy, but it proclaims itself and speaks out in public places. The Lord, speaking to Moses on Mt. Sinai, spoke wisdom loudly with authority, clarity, and finality. John the Baptist boldly cried out repentance and faith in Christ to the crowds. Wisdom is not a secret secluded in solitary confinement waiting to be let out. It calls out publicly and openly.

Because wisdom is so easily accessible, it is imperative we listen and learn from its instruction. Sunday morning teachings at your church should be a reservoir of wisdom. If not, consider transferring to a fellowship where access to truth is easy to find. Wisdom drowns out the whispers of gossiping fools, because wisdom has the last word. Listen for wisdom and you will learn how to follow the Lord.

“He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” Acts 28:31

The way of wisdom works because it invites in God’s blessing. For example, financial wisdom is to avoid debt, save, and pay cash. Relational wisdom is listening with understanding to another’s needs, repeating back what you heard, confirming your comprehension, and if appropriate, offering ideas that may bring benefit. Parenting wisdom is finding couples whose children are upright, and learning from them. Business wisdom is building your enterprise on honesty and integrity, not compromising your convictions for cash.

Wisdom has worthy things to say, so listen for it each day and learn. Train your ears to listen for wisdom in sermons and everyday conversations. Expose your eyes to wisdom found in books and in the Bible. Lastly, look for wise behavior to emulate from those who enjoy the fruit of faithful living. Wisdom speaks out, so you can live it out. 

“Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square.” Proverbs 1:20

Prayer: Where is wisdom trying to get my attention, and how can I apply its truth?

Related Readings: Exodus 19; Isaiah 58:1; Matthew 3:3; John 7:37; Hebrews 12:25

Post/Tweet this today: The way of wisdom works, so seek it out. #wisdom #seek

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The Lord is all-powerful and all loving. He is tough and tender. Jesus Christ is angry at religious hypocrisy and forgiving toward genuine repentance. He is a strong support in the middle of suffering and provides loving reminders to those who stray from His ways. He is friends with sinners and prays for His enemies. Indeed, Almighty God rules with justice and compassion. His holy heart lovingly leads with wisdom and mercy.

Furthermore, we are privileged to trust in Christ and His character. Our image of God illustrates and influences how we treat others. For example, our children need us to be tough and tender. Wise rules and guidelines enforced with a gracious attitude bring out the best results. So, we love them with discipline that teaches the “why” behind the “what”. We explain how the habit of honesty earns the respect and trust of friends.

“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.” Ephesians 3:7

Like the positive and negative posts of a battery’s power supply, so the Holy Spirit empowers your faith with the eternal energy of God’s grace and power. So, by faith you stare down suffering with internal righteous resolve. Because you trust Jesus, your faith toughens your commitment to overcome adversity in Christ’s strength. A child born with a debilitating disease is an invitation to learn and model Jesus’ love at the deepest level.

Are you troubled by the tension that God is both tough and tender? If so, use this discomfort to place yourself in an aggressive posture of prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in the appropriate way to apply firmness and friendliness in your work relationships. Things and people are normally not as bad or good as they might seem. Your family and friends need to see you tough and tender. By God’s grace be humbly bold!

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how do you want me to be both tough and tender with my family?

Related Readings: Exodus 15:13; Psalm 36:7; Acts 4:33; 6:8; Ephesians 3:18

Post/Tweet this today: By faith you stare down suffering with internal righteous resolve. #faith #suffering

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Jesus was poor. He owned nothing, but had everything He needed. He borrowed boats, donkeys, food and lodging. He lived on borrowed time—then died and was buried in a borrowed tomb. The son of God was born from a virgin womb and buried in a virgin tomb. Christ Jesus voluntarily gave up His riches in glory in exchange for the poverty of mankind on earth. Grace comes at the great expense of Jesus giving up all for all people.

It is the riches of God’s grace and forgiveness that are the true riches. Any other riches that compete with Christ’s riches are idols of insecurity. Indeed, it is better for us to be poor in the eyes of the world and remain rich in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. It is futile and frustrating to chase the undependable wealth of the world, when we can rest and revel in the riches of seeking first the Kingdom of God. Grace exhibits generosity.

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” James 2:5

Has pride in your socioeconomic status caused you to feel superior to those with less of this world’s stuff? If so, your possessions have become a stumbling block to seeking God’s kingdom first. Are you more fearful of losing your things than you are in losing  the Lord’s favor on your life? These are the false beliefs and behaviors that cause cultural Christians to lose their luster for Christ. True riches trust in Jesus alone.

It is better to be poor but rich in grace, than to be rich and poor in grace. Moreover, a man or woman in poverty, who is motivated by greed, is much worse off than the rich who are generous in their charitable deeds and gifts. So, our priority is to follow the example of Jesus not allowing material goods to master our coming and going. When we are free from financial trappings, we are free to trust the one worthy of our trust, Jesus Christ, whose simple life compels us to live uncomplicated lives for His Kingdom’s sake.

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go. Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:57-58

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to seek You first, above any financial allurements.

Related Readings: Proverbs 28:6, 11; 22:2; Luke 18:22; Revelation 3:17

Post/Tweet this today: True riches trust in Jesus alone. #riches #trust

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There is a time to stand steadfast and there is a time to flee. Make sure your motive for either is based on trust. Do not allow others to persuade you to run and hide when you need to stand and fight. Having faith in God may mean engaging in some uncomfortable activities. Don’t run off just because you are afraid of being roughed up. Anybody can leave, but trust in God implores you to stay. Be aggressive with your agitators. Let them know that you will not be intimidated by false promises or bad advice. Beware of people whose counsel sounds right, but is wrapped in selfish motivations. They may want you to move on so they can move in. Others vie for your power because they lust for its influence. So stand steadfast in your Savior. Trust Jesus with this temptation to flee.

One of Satan’s schemes is distrust. If he can get us to lose faith in our heavenly Father, he can influence our decision making with foolish thoughts. Satan is patient. He knows a little incremental doubt can lead to a large amount of distrust. Bad advice can be deceptive while looking good on the surface. It may even sound like your counselors have your best interest in mind. After all, with a tinge of sincerity, they communicate “worry” over your safety or your reputation. But in reality, they are really mocking you and God. Why would someone want you to run away from trusting God unless they had something in mind for themselves? This moment of decision is an opportunity for your faith to intersect with God’s faithfulness. If you run you will miss refuge in Jesus. Therefore stand steadfast.

Stability comes from standing steadfast with your Savior. Anybody can run and hide in the face of difficult people or challenging circumstances. Like the religious leaders who made fun of Jesus, some may say, “He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him…” (Matthew 27:43). Some may blame God for the undeserved outcome they are experiencing. But this unfair criticism only emboldens a strong faith that stands steadfast. Of your critics, consider the source. Do their lives reflect total trust, or is their faith one of convenience?

Use this time of turmoil to trust the Lord even more. His calling has not changed. Stand steadfast. Stand steadfast in Him and you will stand steadfast in your marriage. Stand steadfast in Him, and you will stand steadfast in your vocation. Stead steadfast in Him, and you will stand steadfast in your purity. Stand steadfast in Him, and you will stand steadfast in your friendships. Stand steadfast in Him, and you will stand steadfast in your church. It is easy to leave when everyone else is fleeing from the carnage. Nevertheless, we are convicted to stand steadfast and trust Him, even if we are the last one standing. Even those we respect may run, but we remain ever vigilant. Stand alone with the Almighty. Others will return, and you will be there to graciously greet them. People need a rock of reason. Therefore, stand on the rock of Jesus for their sake.

Taken from Reading #7 in the 90-day devotional book, “Seeking God in the Psalms”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

Post/Tweet this today: Stability comes from standing steadfast with your Savior. #stability #steadfast

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Citizenship in a free country is a gift from God, and is not to be taken for granted. It is a stewardship with privileges and responsibilities. Millions of men and women gave their lives so that generations to come could live as citizens of a republic, united around principles founded in the Word of God. Citizenship gives you freedom for good or evil, so remind the culture of wise thinking and value-based living. This is the purpose of the regular election of government officials, for your vote is their performance review.

Voting is a citizen’s responsibility to provide feedback to the God-ordained institution of government. This authority is used by God to carry out His purposes. The Bible says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist.

Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).

Therefore, elect men and woman of principal who, as statesmen, will risk losing their House or Senate seat because they govern by unwavering values founded in the Scriptures. They value life, especially for those who are unable to defend themselves.

The unborn and the elderly are on the top of their list of whom to protect. They value marriage, one man and one woman, engaged in holy matrimony. They reject a redefinition of marriage from those driven by money and immorality. They value national security because freedom is not free. Sophisticated vigilance from terrorism and nuclear threat are required. Most importantly, they value God and His Word. There is a humble submission and respect to the authority of Almighty God. So your vote matters because your citizenship matters.

Newly initiated citizens are fresh to freedom, so their determination, participation, and appreciation make them grateful citizens. See yourself as one of the world’s privileged few. Stay abreast of the issues and the position of the politician who represents you. Do they reflect your values? Are they consistent? Do they follow through with their commitments? If not, be a good steward and remove them from office. Replace them with someone hungry to do what’s right, in the right way.

Public service is a public trust. Pray for trustworthy men and women motivated by principle. Daniel was a government official of integrity. “At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” (Daniel 6:4).

Hold accountable those cowards who hide behind compromise or enrich themselves with personal profit. God is in control, but He expects participation from the people of the state. Look for leaders who will return prayer and the fear of God back into the public arena. Expect the language of the Lord to pepper their speeches. We are citizens of a greater kingdom who have a temporary assignment to engage in our earthly kingdom. Therefore, steward well your citizenship while you can. God expects engaged citizens.

Taken from May 28th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

Post/Tweet this today: Public service is a public trust, so pray for trustworthy men and women motivated by principle. #elect #citizen

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Pay attention. There are some people who want to help you, but some want to hurt you. Pay special attention to those who seem to say the right things, but have a hidden agenda in their heart. Not everyone can be trusted; not everyone is trustworthy. The sooner you discern a man or woman’s motive, the quicker you will know how to manage your time.

If conversation is all about them, watch out for poor behavior. Pay attention to the path people want you to take, so that you can protect your reputation. Moreover, you have limited emotional capacity and mind share, so make sure the Lord is leading you to get involved. Even good people and compelling causes can lead you astray. Pay attention, learn to say ‘no’, so you can say ‘yes’ to God’s best.

“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37, NKJV

I struggle with saying ‘no’ because I want to please people. However, pleasing people is not the best motivation. Faith in my Heavenly Father is a much nobler goal. Learning to say ‘no’ is how we gain peace and contentment over the long haul. When you say ‘no’ to someone or something, you can trust your Savior Jesus to take care of the need, and to take care of you. Your ‘no’ opens the door for someone else to be blessed by their ‘yes’.

In some cases saying ‘no’ requires more faith than saying ‘yes’. Therefore, pay attention and be prayerful before you commit your time and resources. Certainly, as you encounter temptation, do not entertain the slightest hint of ‘yes’. It is better to say ‘no’ to his or her advances and lose a friendship, than to say ‘yes’, losing your good name and gaining regret. Pay attention and say ‘no’ to earthly impulses, so you can say ‘yes’ to heaven’s best.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2

Prayer: What area of my life do I need to pay more attention to, saying ‘no’  more often?

Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 20:15; Psalm 34:11; Mark 7:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14-15

Post/Tweet this today: Say ‘no’ to earthly impulses, so you can say ‘yes’ to heaven’s best. #temptation #faith

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How do you deal with temptations when you travel? Conversely, what is your behavior when you are the spouse left back at home? Is your house a palace of peace, or a prison of confinement? Not only must the weary traveler be wary of wrong behavior, but so must the one left ‘holding down the fort’. Perhaps as a couple you craft together guidelines defining what you will and will not do while separated by travel.

Distance can grow the heart fonder and more faithful, or fire the flames of lust and infidelity. If you travel for your work you most likely are motivated to meet the needs of your family. However, every assignment is for a season; maybe it’s time to get off the road and reconnect with your child who is approaching the teen years, or be there more often for your spouse who is starved for extra emotional support. Just be willing to adjust.

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Moreover, do not drift into travel temptations that become divisive and deteriorate your marriage. One boundary may be to avoid bars, getting back to your room soon after work and dinner. A righteous routine on the road gets the right results. Make it a priority when at all possible to travel with another person of similar values. Be bold by becoming an influencer of integrity: good, clean fun without flirting with sin. On the other hand, your role in the marriage may be to support the children and manage the home daily. Take pride, not pity, during this season of unselfish service.

By God’s grace you are molding their minds to the things of Christ, influencing the culture with His Kingdom priorities. You are as valuable as the one out working to provide for the family; you are working to preserve the family. Stay occupied in prayer, bible study, their school, and being available for those who need you. Marriage is a team effort that sees outstanding results when you are both on the same page of love and obedience to Christ. Travel temptations are terminated on both ends through trust in the Lord, and trust in each other.

“He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” Psalm 22:8

Prayer: What behavior boundaries do I need to co-create with my spouse related to our time apart?

Related Readings: Numbers 5:11-15; Isaiah 46:6; Luke 12:39-46; 1 John 3:9

Post/Tweet this today: Wise boundaries bring effective accountability. #boundaries #accountability

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Hurt cannot be avoided this side of heaven. This is an unfortunate outcome from outside forces; self-absorbed family members, insensitive friends, and self-inflicted wounds. The deepest harm comes from those who should love well, but because of their own unresolved hurt, are emotionally injurious. For example, instead of spouses meeting a very real need to love and respect their wife or husband, they tear down with cutting words. They may withhold affection, while tempting their marriage partner to find affection elsewhere. Sarcasm scars, rejection injures, anger crushes confidence, and dishonesty destroys trust.

How do we handle deep hurts that have compounded in crazy cycles over many years? Where do we go when the hurt is so unbearable that we stay scared, implode in anger, and grow a root of bitterness? Fortunately, there is a very real hope for healing found in our loving Heavenly Father and His caring children. Healing doesn’t happen by accident, but begins with an intentional acknowledgment of the need for wholeness by God’s grace.

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24

By faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are a precious child of God. He died for you. You are loved by the Lord and by His loving disciples. Confess to Christ your desperate need for His love and forgiveness. Linger long in the accepting arms of Jesus and let Him love you. You are not alone. He was rejected, so you could be accepted. He served, so you could serve and be served. He died, so you could live. His grace heals.

Furthermore, listen to the gracious words of others who love the Lord. What they say is sincere and true. Reject the lies of the devil and his followers, but embrace the healing truth of trusted friends and counselors. Emotions can betray, but truth keeps you from straying. Confess your sins to Christ and a few confidantes and forgive those who have brought you shameful hurt. Like a deep wound to the flesh, healing takes time, the pain does not go away immediately, the scab is messy, but the scar is a badge of God’s grace.

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:8

Prayer: Heavenly Father bring healing to my wounded heart, and teach me to forgive.

Related Readings: Proverbs 12:18; 13:17; Jeremiah 33:6; Acts 10:38; 1 Corinthians 12:28

Post/Tweet this today: Jesus was rejected, so you could be accepted #rejected #accepted

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The Lord pursues His own with His irresistible love and grace. He is not passive in His pursuit because He knows how aggressively evil engages individuals. Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden—God searches to see how His children are doing. He looks out for those He loves, longing to lead them into a growing relationship with His son Jesus. Indeed, the Lord’s pursuits are not trivial, but practical concerning love for His own.

Thus, we are motivated to pursue the One who pursues us with eternal energy. How can we ignore romancing Righteousness? How can we chase dreams that leave out the Dream-giver? Wise are we to call on Christ out of a pure heart in pursuit of what He cares about: righteousness, faith, love and peace. This foursome of wisdom plays close to Jesus’ heart. He knows the fruit of wise pursuit propels us toward understanding His will. We pursue the Lord, and in the process His Spirit transforms us into godly followers.

“The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.” Proverbs 15:9

Moreover, we pursue righteousness because evil is hot on our heels. Better to turn our back on sin and flee toward faith in our Savior Jesus. When we look for love, we learn how to love. Indeed, we become what we focus on. A life that looks at how Jesus loves begins to love like Jesus loves. If our desire is peace, then we sit at the feet of the Prince of Peace and receive His tranquil trust. We acquire peace by being at peace with God.

Lastly, you hunt down heaven’s agenda, because you know what’s best for you and your family. Engaging the eternal is as simple as a moment of meditation on one Scripture verse, an hour of worship, Bible study at church, or a quiet weekend secluded with your Lord Jesus. Be intentional with integrity in little things and you will become a person of integrity in big things. Initiate love and you become loving. By faith integrate righteousness, love, and peace from a pure heart and enjoy Christ’s affirmation.

“Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.” Proverbs 13:21

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for pursing me in love. Keep my pursuits pure.

Related Readings: Proverbs 11:19; 21:21; Romans 9:31-32; 1 Timothy 6:11

Post/Tweet this today: We pursue righteousness, because evil is hot on our heels. #pursue #righteousness

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There is an inner attire Almighty God expects His people to wear. They are adorned with an attitude of compassion, kind words, a humble heart, a gentle demeanor, and patience with people and problems. Each day disciples of Jesus choose to clothe themselves with the character of Christ or remain naked to the world’s influences. Chosen people of God gladly put on spiritual apparel for they want first impressions to point people to Jesus.

Jesus loves us lavishly, so we will love, even the unlovely, lavishly. Jesus blankets us with His compassion, so that we will extend the same depth of mercy to those caught up in their cares. Jesus’ kind words, “friend I forgive you” or “I am with you” are examples of how we extend kindness to hurting hearts. His humble heart of service leads us to serve. His gentleness with children changes how we correct and train our children. And Jesus’ patient endurance in adversity gives us hope and faith to persevere.

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3

Are you as conscientious about clothing your inner self with God’s expectations, as you are in dressing to impress the world with its latest fashion statement? Indeed, your outward adornment is an indicator of your inward beauty. So, make sure it is the security of your humble heart that draws attention to your compassionate countenance. Be intentional to cultivate a kind soul, so it spills over into gentle words and patient actions.

The Holy Spirit is your faith fashion police reminding you of what’s really important. Spiritual fads come and go, but character built on Christ is steady and sustainable. Some sincere believers get caught up with the Second Coming of Christ but forget to prepare their hearts and lives in the meantime. Thus, dress for spiritual success and the Lord will smile down on your attractive life. Adorn your inner beauty with Christ’s appealing clothing.

“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:4

Prayer: Heavenly Father, dress me each day with the beauty of Your holiness and love.

Related Readings: Job 40:10; Isaiah 52:1; Matthew 11:29, Luke 6:36; 1 Corinthians 13:4

Post/Tweet this today: Be intentional to cultivate a kind soul, so it spills over into gentle words and patient actions. #gentle #kind

Wisdomhunters.com is dedicated to Applying Unchanging Truth to a Changing World.