How to Live in Wisdom and Truth

We’re convinced these days that exercise is a good thing. *Dr. Kenneth Cooper of Dallas, Texas, wrote a book in 1968 called Aerobics. It’s been expanded and printed in many languages since then.  

His core belief is that exercise develops the body’s ability to use large amounts of oxygen, good for the brain and overall health. He is now age 93, in good health, and very sharp cognitively.

I gained wisdom through what I heard, but it won’t do me any good if I don’t put it into action. That’s the way with all learning. Psalm 119:97-104 (BSB) talks about what happens when we take God’s word to heart.

The psalmist makes three claims:  1) It makes me wiser than my enemies, 2) gives me more insight than my teachers, and 3) helps me discern even more than my elders (V. 98-100). The Amplified Bible explains this is possible if the people he has mentioned have not observed God's precepts. 

He further explains, "By understanding your precepts, I avoid evil paths (and false ways)" (V. 104). Question: Who do you allow to speak into your life? The Bible says hypocrites turn away from the truth; therefore, we must choose teachers and elders who are careful to walk in the truth of God’s word (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:13-14).

The psalmist loved God’s word. He meditated on it and tried not to depart from it (V 103). He considered it as sweet as honey, which is an old way of saying something is greatly desired and much appreciated (V. 103).

Are no teachers or elders available? Don’t worry. God’s Word will still cleanse our way and help us walk rightly before Him. We can also ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth (Psalm 51:10-12; Psalm 119:9-16; John 14:26).   

Moses said God’s words were not idle or non-active but life-giving if actively obeyed (Deuteronomy 32:45-47). God’s word is eternal, settled in heaven, and faithful to all generations (Psalm 119:89-90).  

So, let’s get with God’s program: Read, consider, and obey His words . . . enjoy the good life . . . living in wisdom and truth.  

*Although I heard Dr. Cooper interviewed by Matt and Laurie Crouch on a TBN PRAISE program, it was mentioned you can hear an interview with him on the CNN website, “Cooper Exercise Interview.”

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How to Avoid Deception

I don’t know anyone who enjoys being deceived by someone. Do you? It’s always hurtful and sometimes dangerous.

Psalm 119:25-32 opens with four prayer requests. The last one is that God would keep the psalmist from lying to himself (Psalms 119:26, 27, 29, NLT). I wonder how many people have ever prayed that prayer?

Self-deception can be subtle. For example, there are people proud of the fact that they know the Bible, but it never makes a difference by moving from their head to their heart. Others like to self-interpret scripture to their advantage or viewpoint, despite two things: God’s word was written under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit was sent into this world to lead us into God’s truth (2 Peter 1:20-21; John 16:13)

God cares about self-deception. Jeremiah said the heart is deceitful and wicked (Jeremiah 17:9-10), but there is hope. Our old nature is corrupted by deception, but accepting Jesus as Savior gives us a new nature, desiring to be righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:20-24).

Obedience is a matter of our will. In response to answered prayers for help in understanding God’s word, the psalmist determines to obey:  1) I will meditate on your deeds, 2) I have chosen to be faithful, 3) I have determined to live by your regulations, 4) I cling to your laws, and 5) I will pursue your commands (V. 27, 30, 31, 32).

The problem of self-deception can be avoided. If we want wisdom and understanding, all we have to do is ask, obey, and be blessed (James 1:5, 22-25).

Pixabay: Choice, select, selection; geralt.

 

  

3 Powerful Points

Did you know the shortest chapter in the Bible only has two verses? When I was growing up, I used to enjoy *“Sword Drills” in Sunday School. It was one way to motivate us to learn the books of the Bible. Psalms was easy to remember because it was a big book right in the middle.

Though it’s extremely short, Psalm 117 carries a powerful message. We are reminded of God’s love and faithfulness, along with two qualifiers.

God’s love is not only unfailing, but it is powerful. And the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. It shows up every morning as new mercies. No re-runs, no leftovers, and no scraping the bottom of the barrel. Just a consistent supply of mercy for each day, like the daily manna sent to the children of Israel on their Exodus from Egypt (Lamentations 3:22-23; Exodus 16:4-5).  

The third point is this: God’s love and faithfulness are to all nations and all the people of the earth (v. 1).

The Apostle Paul emphasized this in Romans by quoting from Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah to prove His point of Christ coming for both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 15:7-12). But the angelic message to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth, and the gospel message in John also made it very clear that a Savior had been born to all people (Luke 2:8-11); John 3:16; Psalm 117:1).

So, the next time you can’t think of anything for which to give God praise, consider these three praise-worthy things: 1) God is for ALL people, 2) His love is unfailing and powerful, and 3) His faithfulness endures forever.

Psalm 119:89-90 brings it home this way: Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth and it endures.

If that’s not enough, consider the words of Asaph, one of King David’s temple musicians: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

Let us also rejoice in our forever God!

*In Sword Drills, the teacher called the name of a book in the Bible, and the first person to find Chapter One got a point. The name was based on Ephesians 6:10-17 which lists the spiritual armor of God, including “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

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A Matter of Importance: Part 2

Let’s have another look at the importance of integrity. It matters to people and it matters to God. Of course, His is the deeper all-inclusive view.

When Samuel the Prophet was called upon to anoint a king, he was impressed by a tall handsome fellow. But God said, “Don’t consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7, BSB).

This is a good concept for all relationships. Look beyond beauty, wealth, or thinking what’s in it for me? Watch for important signs of inner beauty and integrity.

Does God still look into our hearts? I Samuel 15:29 says God does not lie or change His mind. If you care about living a good life and pleasing God, you will read His word, and hide it in your heart for guidance. (Psalm 119:11).

David said, “I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness” (I Chronicles 29:17). Isaiah had good reason to share God’s strong warning of “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil . . .” (Isaiah 5:20).

We are advised to turn from evil and do good (Psalm 37:27-28). God is long-suffering to people of both good and evil, however, there will be a day of accountability. Each of us will be rewarded according to our works (Revelation 22:11-15).

What is your most important work? To believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation from your sins, and to have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (John 3:16, and Revelation 20:11-15).

If we ask God to forgive our sins, He will. But then we are to walk in integrity before Him, trying to please Him in every way (Colossians 1:10-12).

Remember, God judges from the inside out. Integrity does have eternal consequences.

Pixabay: Question mark, question; Peggy_Marco.

A Matter of Importance: Part 1

Have you ever considered what kind of relationships give you peace? I had a fifty-two-year relationship that worked well for me. I credit that to a husband who lived his life with personal integrity. But we also bring peace to ourselves. 

It’s been a long time since I read *Psalm 101, NLT. It's a no-nonsense declaration of David’s desire to live a life of integrity. Bible scholars say he wrote this early in his reign as king. Approximately eleven times he says “I will” do this or that.  

Integrity means living by personal moral and ethical principles. It means doing the right thing even when no one is looking. It means being honest and consistent, in contrast to being dishonest and shifty.

Some examples of integrity are respect, honesty, and responsibility . . . patience, hard work, and accountability. When I think of integrity I also think of self-control because integrity doesn’t just happen. We live with integrity on purpose and by choice.

Integrity has been important to all generations. It should start in the home. (v.2-3). Do we think only we moderns are tempted to watch vile and vulgar things? 

I know this was written long before a culture bombarded by temptations like pornography, or heavy sexual content in movies, DVDs, or television, but even ancient Job made a similar covenant with his eyes (Job 31:1). Men and women both need to wisely withstand visual temptations.

David’s further choices for integrity included: 1) rejecting perverse and evil ideas, 2) avoiding crooked people, including those who slander others, 3) rejecting the proud, 4) choosing companions who live above reproach, and 5) not allowing liars or deceivers to serve him in any way (V. 3-7).

The kinds of cities we live in reflect the kinds of people we are. A majority of people living by integrity can greatly influence a community for good.

**Proverbs 14:34, NIV says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

Do you live with integrity even when no one is looking? In your home? Your business? Your school? Your church? Don’t kid yourself. Integrity matters.

*Scripture notations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

**Scripture notations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain Reference Bible New International Version, copyright 1983 by the B.B. Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc., and the Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.  

 Pixabay: Question, Decision; TheDigitalArtist.

Reasons to Rejoice

It’s easy to rejoice in things that bring us joy. For example, I’m rejoicing today that one of my Goddaughters is coming to visit and bringing my favorite brownies as only she makes them. On the other hand, I rejoice on a deeper level when I consider some of the things that only God can do.

We’re looking at Psalm 97 (*NLT) today. It mentions that righteousness and justice are the foundations of God’s throne. That’s something we rarely read about earthly kings and leaders, but I’m sure people living under such rulers rejoice (v. 1,2).

Do you ever rejoice when you look up at the heavens? This psalm says every nation sees His glory up there (V. 6). A similar thought is beautifully written in Psalm 19:1-6. What we see above us is like an unwritten language sending a message of God’s glorious creative work to all the peoples of the earth.  

It’s not hard to understand that a righteous God would love acts of righteousness and hate evil (V. 10, Psalm 145:17). In fact, chapter two of Habakkuk shares some warnings to those who do evil.    

The word "woe" is a heavy-duty warning of something that will bring grief, sorrow, and/or misery. Consider this, for example: Stealing to make yourself wealthy. Or how about building your rule by unjust gain, or getting someone drunk to take advantage of them? You can read woe warnings for yourself in Habakkuk 2:6, 9, 12, 15, 19, **NIV.

God loves to shine His light on the godly (V. 11). One way He does this is through scripture, described as a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Gladness and joy are experienced by those whose hearts are right before God (V. 11-12).

When the Spirit of God convicts them of unrighteousness, they respond quickly, saying, “Cleanse my heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Let’s continue to look up and rejoice in the Lord. Freely praise Him for His good works in both our lives and in our world (Genesis 1, Psalm 96:2-3).

*Scripture notations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

**Scripture notations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain Reference Bible New International Version, copyright 1983 by The B.B. Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc. and The Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Pixabay: Emotions, Smile, Happy. 95C

 

Angels Available

There are various beliefs and teachings about angels. I attended a memorial today where a cousin of the man who died shared an angel testimony. It seems his cousin was being taken to the hospital in an ambulance when the EMT said, “Hurry, we’re losing him.” The man lived, and later he said, “I heard the EMT, opened my eyes, and saw two angels sitting beside me.”

Angels are mentioned in the psalm I studied today, too. Only sixteen verses long, this psalm first impacted me when an older member of the church where we pastored stood up and said, “I’d like to share my insurance policy.” He then quoted Psalm 91. I was highly impressed.

Faith in God is good, but it must be activated to be effective. We do that when we pray, asking God to deliver us from evil and the evil one. This can include traps of various kinds, diseases, and disasters (*Psalm 91:3-4, NLT).

Psalm 91 can be divided into five sections:

1.       Have faith in God (V. 1-2)

2.       He will help you (V. 3-4)

3.       Do not fear (V. 5-8)

4.       Angels are available (v. 9-13)

5.       The Lord helps those who trust in Him (V. 14-16)

We can make the Lord our refuge when we know His promises. We can call upon Him to help us as we stand upon (believe in) His word (Psalm 91:14-15; 4). The question then is, “How well do you know God’s word?” If you take time to read it for yourself each day, you will learn His faithful promises. This psalm says they can function as your armor and protection (V. 4).

There is no reason to live in fear or dread, day or night (V. 5-6). Instead, we are urged to pray because the Lord will rescue those who call upon Him (V. 14-15). He has angels to dispense as our supporters and protectors (V. 11-12).

How wonderful to serve a God who cares about us. Let's remember this powerful God can help us and provide needed protection whenever we activate our faith to call upon Him for help.

*Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2207 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

*Pixabay: Bible, Open, Book Images; Pexel.