Category Archives: Miscellaneous

When my computer gets sluggish or something isn’t quite right with it, I tend go to the start menu and push ‘Restart’ as a reboot will usually clear out what might be stuck or out of sorts. Even when I’m not sure what the problem might be, I’ve learned not to waste a lot of time trying to figure it out but rather quickly turn to the restart button.

Do You Wish You Could Start Anew?

Sometimes we might wish we had a restart button in our lives and ministries. While it may not be as simplistic as pushing a button, the quicker we turn to God, the less time and frustration we’ll waste as God will give us …

• the wisdom we need to get on the right path (James 1:5; Prov. 3:5-6),

• the strength and power we need to make necessary changes (Phil. 4:13),

• and the grace we need to rise above even in adverse circumstances or with difficult people (2 Cor. 12:9).

Areas in Which We Might Need a Restart

Perhaps ministry isn’t going as we’d hoped. We may need a restart in ministry. Or, we may find ourselves in some relationships with broken fellowship. We may need a relational restart. Maybe we’re stuck in the rut of reoccurring sins, bad habits, unhealthy attitudes. We may need a spiritual restart. In whatever way we need to start anew, let’s remember that we have a God of new beginnings. He will give us the needed wisdom, power, and grace.

We know we need wisdom to navigate today’s world, to make the most of every opportunity. But, there’s a big difference at their very core between spiritual wisdom versus earthly wisdom. A faulty or weak foundation leads to unsatisfactory, even devastating, results. The bad outcome may not evidence itself immediately, perhaps not until far into the future, but ultimately a poor foundation fails to hold up.

The Immediate Outcome of Spiritual Wisdom Contrasted with Earthly Wisdom

When we try to live the Christian life using earthly wisdom, or when we try to operate the church on the basis on earthly wisdom, we usually end up with duty … regulations that “have the appearance of wisdom” but lack power and prudence to protect us from sin (Col. 2:20-23). We put undue burdens on ourselves that pull us down rather than lift us up.

But, when we look to the Lord for wisdom and walk in His ways personally and as a church, we end up with delight … for His wisdom is “like honey for you”, sweet to your soul, and “there is a future hope for you” (Prov. 10:23; 24:14) which results in an ability to thrive even in difficult circumstances.

Applying God’s wisdom in life may not always produce pleasant results right now because we live in a fallen world that opposes God and His ways. But, regardless of the immediate consequences that come from decisions based on spiritual wisdom, we have the peace, comfort, and hope needed to make it. We can face a lot of negativity and adversity when it is well with our souls.

Think about it: Which is better — internal or external results?

The Long Term Outcomes of Spiritual Wisdom Contrasted with Earthly Wisdom

We might struggle to apply spiritual wisdom rather than earthly wisdom because of the immediate outcome. Sometimes decisions born out of spiritual wisdom don’t always produce the immediate results we want whereas earthly wisdom might. We can regain perspective if we look at the long term outcomes.

The long-term outcome of spiritual wisdom? — deliverance (Prov. 2:12; 4:6; 28:26)

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Pet. 5:10)

The long-term outcome of earthly wisdom? — destruction (Prov. 10:14; 14:11-12)

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. (Prov. 14:12)

Think about it: Which is better — temporal or eternal results?

It just doesn’t make sense to trust in ourselves or to walk in the ways of the world (earthly wisdom) when God’s ways (spiritual wisdom) ultimately lead to the right outcome. Let’s not be deceived into missing out on God’s best because of shortsightedness. Remember God’s word in Isaiah 55:9 — “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Resources on Wisdom:

• Walk the Walk in Wisdom Devotional
• Wisdom for Everyday Living Adult Curriculum

In the previous post we considered how we need wisdom to make it in today’s world. The Source of that wisdom matters. We all can look around us and see where earthly wisdom gets us.

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. (Prov. 14:12)

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. (Prov. 28:26)

While foolishness may guise itself as wisdom, the contrast between earthly and spiritual wisdom becomes evident in its outcome — the topic of the next post. Here we want to contrast the foundations on which earthly versus spiritual wisdom are based due to their effect on the outcome.

Foundation of Spiritual Wisdom Contrasted with Earthly Wisdom

For each point listed below you will see the contrast of spiritual versus earthly wisdom. It shouldn’t take long to grasp how the source of wisdom truly does matter.

1) The source of wisdom determines its trustworthiness and reliability.

• The source of spiritual wisdom: Divine (God)
  Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7; 1 Cor. 2:10-16
• The source of earthly wisdom: Devil (Satan)
  James 3:13-15

— In whom does it make the most sense to put your trust?

2) The source of wisdom determines the foundation upon which all else is built.

• The basis of spiritual wisdom: discernment (because God Himself is wise)
  Ps. 90:12; Prov. 8:12; 10:13; 14:6, 8; 1 Cor. 2:14-15
• The basis of earthly wisdom: deception (because Satan is a deceiver)
  Prov. 14:8; 1 Cor. 3:18-19

— On what does it make the most sense to base your decisions?

The parable of the wise man building his house on the rock and the foolish man on the sand brings home this reality. (Take some time to read Matt. 7:24-27.) — The foundation matters. The wisdom we need for everyday living must originate from the right source if we want to see the right outcomes.

Who can dispute our need for wisdom in today’s world? We need wisdom for how to . . .

• manage money (or lack of it)
• raise today’s children and teens
• keep marriages from falling apart
• gracefully cope with aging
• deal with moral decline
• wisdom for how to . . . fill in the blank . . .

Wisdom Always Needed

Though our world is far different than it used to be, our need for wisdom to cope with life hasn’t changed. King Solomon, who wrote the book of Proverbs, addressed issues similar to those listed above. The book begins,

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; or giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young – let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance … (Prov. 1:1-5)

The book continues with nuggets of wisdom pertaining to everyday living still relevant today.

Wisdom Needed Today from the Same Source as Then

Though we experience a far different world than it used to be, our source of wisdom hasn’t changed. King Solomon continued,

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge … (Prov. 1:7)

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Prov. 2:6)

We can’t begin to fully understand and tap into the wisdom of God (Rom. 11:33).

By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. (Prov. 3:19-20)

Yet, we have His assurance that “if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). So, it only makes sense to “trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Check out this Devotional Guide Based on Proverbs: Walk the Walk in Wisdom

Previously we compared the Christian life to a walk — a process involving steady movement forward.

But, for some, the Christian walk seems to be more like one step forward and two steps back — a real struggle. Others seem to keep losing their balance and often fall — a life filled with ups and downs.

Why is walking the walk a struggle?

Continuing to liken the Christian walk to physical walking, we can find a few reasons walking the walk might be a struggle.

Maturity: You are either a new Christian or haven’t sufficiently matured.

Newborns haven’t developed the muscle strength to hold themselves up. Even with assistance, they just don’t have the ability to walk. As children grow and get stronger, they need to learn to walk. At first they must really focus or concentrate on each step, overcoming fears and insecurities. They fall but get up and try again until eventually they don’t have to concentrate near so much and they become steadier and steadier as they walk.

The Need for Walking Spiritually: Grow and keep growing through the study of God’s Word so you develop spiritual muscles (Heb. 5:14; Phil. 3:12-14).

Blockage or Disease Affecting the Brain: Sin is blocking fellowship or communication with the Head, affecting your ability to walk. (Isa. 59:1-2)

Since the brain controls our movement, anything preventing proper communication between the brain and our legs will affect our ability to walk.

The Need for Christian Walk: Apply God’s RX: Repent, confess your sin (1 Jn. 1:5-7) and then grab hold of God’s grace and power to rid yourself of sin (Rom. 6:11-18; Titus 2:11-12).

Heart Problems: An divided heart can cause problems. (Ps. 86:11; 1 Kings 8:58)

Physically, a bad heart can cause us to get out of breath as we walk. Such difficulties can make walking difficult. Yet, walking can actually strengthen the heart and as it does, it becomes less of a struggle, if we persevere.

The Need for Walking the Walk as Christians: Pay attention to the condition of your heart above external conformity. Ask God to teach you and turn your heart wholeheartedly toward Him (1 Kings 8:58; Ps. 86:11). Above all, guard your heart (Prov. 4:23).

Scripture describes the relationship people have with God as a walk:

• From the beginning, Genesis mentions specific people as having walked with God. (Gen. 5:22; 6:9; 48:15)
• Jesus invites us to follow Him, to walk in His footsteps. (1 Pet. 2:21)
• We are commanded to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16)
• We are implored to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called” (Eph. 4:1, NASB).

What makes the Christian Life a Walk?

When we stop to think about what’s required in order to physically walk, we can draw some parallels to the Christian life.

1) It’s a process.

Walking requires that we put one foot in front of the other.  Likewise, spiritual growth is a process, not an instantaneous event.

2) It’s a process requiring balance.

When babies begin learning to walk, they struggle with the balance needed to stay upright. They often fall and need to get up and try again.  Similarly, spiritual infants find balance as they take those steps toward Christ who will keep picking them up as they learn to walk in Him.

3) It’s a process that requires movement in addition to maintaining balance.

While we can walk in place, most walking involves moving forward, making steady progress, as we go from one destination to another. Spiritual maturity only happens as we keep growing. To stand still is to become lethargic and sluggish in the Christian life.

4) It’s a process requiring faith to maintain balance while we move.

When we walk we lift one foot off the ground, keeping our balance on the other foot, trusting that the other foot will hold us upright. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God but also to truly walk the walk (Heb. 11).

5) It’s a process requiring communication from the head, our brain.

Our brains control how our bodies function, relaying messages to our legs through our central nervous system. A blockage of some sort can affect the way we walk. Unless we, as believers, yield to the Head, Jesus Christ, our Christian walk will never be what it should, or could, be.

For some, the process of walking in a manner worthy of our Lord, is a struggle. We’ll look at that in the next post.

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