Daily Wisdom...Praise

“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”  Psa 30:12

Let all that is capable of praise within us, all our powers, be employed in enduring celebration to the goodness of God. Isaiah states himself in (Isa 38:20) we will sing the song of praise all the days of our lives. This Psalm states the purpose of such praise, noting God is worthy through the dealings with him (and us) in the varied parts of our lives and the prosperity in which He has bestowed upon us (vss 2-3 and vss 6-7), the reverses of trials and afflictions that oppressed us. In due time, like the Psalmist, God will deliver us from all our troubles; “weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning” (vs 5).  Wise for us to start singing His praises now!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Love

“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 1 Cor 13:7

God’s strength is enough for our battles, His riches enough for our needs, His wisdom enough for our direction. But, the greatest of all is His immense love for us. His love for His creation is so great He never gives up, never loses faith, always hopeful and endures through every circumstance. You have 86,400 seconds today; take one of them to thank God for loving you!

If one finds God’s love for their life, they will have found all they’ll ever need.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Faith

“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.”  1 Tim 1:19

Worrying, verses faith, is arrogance because God knows what He’s doing.  Faith requires one to hold nothing back, putting every hope in the fidelity of God’s promises.  Faith does not eliminate questions or fears, but shows where to take them.  It’s not based on feelings, when one cannot enjoy the assurance of their faith, then live in the adherence of it.  True faith leads one into obedience, just as ones obedience is grounded in faith; the two are opposite sides of the same coin.

Faith is walking into an unknown future, with a knowing God.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...God's Love

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, not principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Rom 8:39-39

The hope of a soul is promised in this verse.  The devastation of separation occurs the following moments of self-loathing and defeat, which only lays a firmer foundation to build upon that which isolates one from God. God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8). Thus Paul exclaims it’s impossible to be separated from God’s love.   But, the love of God is centered and established through Christ Jesus; the greater our desire and closeness to Christ our separation from God is narrowed. Christ tells us, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (Jn 14:6). In the Gospel, we have an eternal hope which nothing else can produce, and which nothing can destroy. Safe in the hands of God through Christ our Redeemer we cannot be separated from such great a love. James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…”

“Don’t be discouraged thinking you haven’t heard from God lately? Remember, the teacher never talks during a test.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...The Gift

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Lk 2:11-12

We love gifts during Christmas. We immediately rip it open and whatever was contained inside is put to quick use, discovering many features we never knew it had, thus making it better than we had anticipated.  The same is definitely true with Christ, He is infinitely better than we can anticipate. But, for some reason Christians are apt to keep Christ placed in a “God Box” year round and think of Him in terms of the nifty features he comes with, never understanding the magnitude of His presence in their life. As Christ appeared confined to a feed trough and wrapped in swaddling clothes, it’s only when one is willing to unwrap Him in their life that they find His abundant grace, mercy and compassion. As you read your Bible, don’t let your preconceived notions of Christ interfere with what you read.  Rather, let the Holy Spirit guide you in the characteristics of Christ and unwrap the gift revealing the fullness of His goodness and the greatness He offers.  Remember, his thoughts and ways are not ours (Isa 55:8).

Assumption is like stumbling over truth, we are often quick to pick ourselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Grace

“And of his fullness have all we receive, and grace for grace.”  Jn 1:16

What a powerful verse, John could’ve simply written; we received grace from God.  But instead its record “Grace upon Grace” as to illustrate the overwhelming love God has for us through Christ Jesus. Our receiving’s by Christ are all summed up in this one word, grace; a gift so great, so rich, and so invaluable; the good will of God towards us, and the good work of God in us. The law of God is holy, just, and good; and we should make the proper use of it.  But we cannot derive from it pardon, righteousness, or salvation.  It teaches us to adorn the doctrine of Christ our saviour and His great love that is bestowed upon us through His GRACE!  With the Christmas Season upon us we must realize the greatest gift (Rom 6:23) that has ever been given is the grace of God through our Savior Jesus Christ; this is the greatest love (Jn 15:13).

Through free will, God will judge the world; through grace, God will save the world.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Eternal Vision

“IF YE then be risen with Christ…Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Col 3:1-2

Having or being around a child you quickly realize how much they live in the present, struggling greatly to acknowledge or realize the future.  So much so they will jeopardize future privileges of tomorrow to satisfy their desires for today.  For many Christians, like children, they live in the tangible present to which Paul warns us in (vs 5) to mortify that which hinder us from appearing in His glory.  But instead let all you do in both word and deed be done in the Christ name and in thanks to the Father (vs 17). The affection of a man’s heart will greatly determine his vision, for many it’s like the atheist, he can’t find God for the same reason a thief can’t find a police officer.

Hastily man will depart on a long journey, while for eternal life, will hardly take a step.

HSAY…Todd  

Daily Wisdom...A Good Walk

“For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.”  Mic 4:5

The very characteristic sin of Israel, “consistently inconstant,” ever “turning back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers…”Psa 78:57. The world path persevered in their worship, not edifying the spirit, but feeding their lust. Israel struggled greatly staying on the right path of God, often finding they wandered aimlessly.  Faithful truth, they who now suffer with Him, shall walk with Him forever, and with Him be glorified, and with Him reign. (2Ti 2:11-12; Rom 8:17; Rev 3:4.) A man’s walk is vital to his destination; Enoch walked with God (Gen 5:22), Abraham before God (Gen 17:1) or one can chose to walk contrary to God, (Lev 26:21). Be it that you are on the right path or the wrong, the greatest step you’ll take will always be the next one.

“Be aware of the path you’ve chosen, you may end up where you are heading.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Motive

“The heads thereof judge for reward, priests teach for hire, prophets thereof divine for money…” Mic 3:11

As Christians, instead of exploiting our relationship with God for blessings of gain, we are to serve Him out of gratitude.  In the fulfillment of your servitude, let your intentions be so pure that you reject from your actions any other motive than the Glory of God (1 Chro 29:9-14) and the Gospel of Christ (1 Cor 15:1-5). Too often the desired results of benevolence are flawed being tainted with vanity and motive; rather the Glory of God should be the consequences of our acts not from a manufactured motive.

Often the case, take away the motive and sin leaves with it!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Truth

“A man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie…he shall even be the prophet of this people.” Mic 2:11

Man does not want to be responsible, nor to owe duty; still less to be liable to judgment for disobeying. The Christian, not the natural man, longs that his whole being should tend to God. The natural man wishes to be well-rid of what sets him ill in his spirit, not longing to humility in God. And the horrible subtlety of false teaching is to meet its own favorite requirements, without calling for self-sacrifice or self-oblation, but only self-indulgence and a truth that is content for their will. Society has sub come to being deceived…”…not enduring sound doctrine, but after their own lust…turns away their ears from the truth.” (2 Tim 4:3-4), which they dislike; and so are turned unto fables which they like; they who “receive not the love of the truth, - believe a lie” 2Th 2:11-12.  If men “will not retain God in their knowledge, God gives them over to a reprobate (misunderstanding) mind” Rom 1:28.

“One can believe as one likes; but the truth remains the truth, no matter how sweet the lie may taste.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Transformation

“Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  Rom 12:2

If knowledge is power, then implementing knowledge would be powerful. Is what you’re doing today helping you become what you want to be tomorrow? A discerning mind is a sacred gift, but an indiscriminate mind is often self-serving. We’ve created a society that honors self and has forgotten the gift.  A purposeful life is not to merely endure change, neither profit by it, but instead cause it. Yet, the greatest purpose and cause one can endure is their own transformation into the image of Christ.

Living in the light of knowledge, gives one vision in the dark.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Changed Heart

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh…” Pro 14:30

Consider…If an egg is broken by outside force, life ends. If it’s broken by inside force, life begins; thus the greatest gift (Rom 6:23) for life begins in the heart.  The goal is not trying to live forever, but to birth a truth in others hearts that will. A heart full of change offers great wealth.

The Bible is meant to be bread for daily consumption, not cake for special occasions.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Comfort

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Cor 1:3-4

It’s easy to make a dollar, but a lot harder to make a difference.  Interesting people are eager to change the world and not as much themselves. The act of being good, while it’s an ambiguous statement, is commendable, but only when it’s combined with doing good is it beneficial.  One of the greatest mistakes one makes is doing nothing because they can only do a little, but little is much when God is in it. No man is ever taller than when he bends to help another; illustrating Christ love for them.

The only difference between a helping hand and an open palm is a simple twist of the wrist.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Influence

“…because the Lord hath loved his people, he hath made thee King over them.”  2 Chro 2:11

Interesting response by the king of Tyre to Solomon, who had requested his country’s services in building the Temple, Huram did not say Because he loved thee (though that was true 2 Sam 12:24) he made thee king, But because God loved his people.  Likewise, as we see with Solomon, in any position of leadership or influence you’ve been given over others you must understand God has chosen to use you to bless His people not for His people to bless you. Thus our actions should influence others through the love and servitude of Christ and in no way embody personal gain or attention as our motive.

The greatest resource for influencing others for Christ is to live as an example of Christ to others!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Spiritual Healing

“…I will save thee from a far…I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord, (Jere 30:10 & 17)

Incurable grief’s are owing to incurable lusts that are grievous to the soul rendering it incurable and no medicines can heal (vs 13). Yet though one can find oneself captive, and suffering justly, unable to plead their cause; the Lord offers hope.  While one may endure an unwanted harvest from their choices along with the Lord’s correction, the Lord will not put an end to you nor will He ever leave thee (vs 11).  But every effort to heal ourselves must be seen as fruitless, so long as we neglect the only One who can heal our wounds.  The medical language here conveys the idea that sin is terminal. Sinful people cannot be cured by being good or being religious.  God alone can cure the disease of sin and its captivity, but you must be willing to let him. In doing so the Lord will bring those that devour you into captivity and give them as a spoil and a prey (vs 16).

The Lord desires to break the hardened heart and heal the broken one.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Calamity of Carelessness"

“Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God.”  Joshua 23:11

The calamity of carelessness…this is what Joshua warned the children of Israel to be cautious of. Over the course of twenty chapters in Joshua, God delivered the Promised Land into the hands of Israel as He promised; by way of their dependence and obedience to the Lord. Now Joshua is stricken in years and calls the leaders together (vs 3) to warn them not to turn from what had brought them this far. Joshua warns them in (vs 12) “Else if ye do in any wise go back (to the fallen world)…(vs 13) “Know for CERTANITY that the Lord your God will NO MORE drive out any of these nations from before you…”  Has God been thus true to you? Be not you false to him. He is faithful that has promised, Heb 10:23.  Many good souls have been ruined through carelessness, returning to snares, traps that are scourges in their side and thorns in their eyes (vs 13b) all of which they had been delivered from.   Nothing will make one see how wretched they are, so much, as to see how happy they might have been if they remained faithful to the One who delivered them.

A wandering soul may pass through moments of happiness, but will never find a point of peace.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Wise Counsel"

“And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.”  Jos 9:14

What appears as wisdom today is often revealed simply as luck tomorrow.  Joshua and Israel excluded God in their decision to accept the Gibeonites offer of surrender through means of deception. Even though the Gibeonites became proselytes and surrendered their possessions to Israel, it did not excuse Israel’s neglect in seeking God’s will. Seeking God’s direction would have either exposed the deception or they would have been in mind with God concerning peace.  However what resulted was simply luck on Israel’s part in avoiding damaging consequences in their decision. Don’t be deceived in your own wisdom by the brightness and clearness of a decision, remember the same sun that softens wax and hardens clay, and thus result in luck on our part. Find peace in your decision by getting God in it!

Luck clothes itself in the appearance of wisdom, deceiving one to think it was something they earned.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."True Encouragement"

“And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear Not, neither be thou dismayed…”  Joshua 8:1

Among them that are born of women there was not one greater than John the Baptist (Mt 11:11), yet even he had doubts and fears (Mt 11:2-3). Where there is true faith, yet there may be a mixture of unbelief. The remaining unbelief of good men may sometimes, in an hour of temptation; call in question the most important truths.  In John the Baptist case whether his inquiry was of some degree unbelief or just for strength and confirmation while imprisoned by Herod, Jesus answered his request with facts (vss 4-6) instead of simple words of encouragement. The hope one often longs to grasp in times of great need is only of true value if twined together by facts.  Encouragement by itself, without facts, offers little assurance of hope. Jesus’ encouragement to John the Baptist was a challenge to his faith, to reflect on the fact that what had been promised has been delivered. 

“Fear Not” and let your encouragement be in the Lord, it’s the only promise of hope one has.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Anguish of Achor"

“And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.”  Jos 7:19

The Anguish of Achor…He that hides his sin is already dying within! Achan not only sinned by coveting the spoils of war, he furthered his sin by acting on it, trying to hid it and refusing to acknowledge it on his own before God and seek His mercy.  Achan underestimated God and didn't take his commands seriously (Jos 6:18). Taking a robe, along with some silver and gold, may have seemed a small thing to Achan, but the effects of his sin were felt by the entire nation (Jos 7:11-12), especially his family. Like Achan, our actions affect more people than just ourselves. Beware of the temptation to rationalize your sins by saying they are too small or too personal to hurt anyone but you.  Achan's sin began in the eye. He saw these fine things, as Eve saw the forbidden fruit. See what comes of suffering the heart to walk after the eyes. Sin has drastic consequences, so we should take drastic measures to avoid it.

The power of sin blinds men so they do not recognize its true character!

HSAY…Todd 

Daily Wisdom..."Moments that Measure Movement"

Joshua said “…take you up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers saying, what mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them…”

Moments that Measure Movement… The works of the Lord are so worthy of remembrance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that we are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our growth, and that our children may be encouraged.  For the men, who had already passed over into Gilgal, God immediately returned them to the river to retrieve stones for remembrance, which allowed them to reflect on the miracle and workings of God.  Be quick and often to reflect on God’s mercy and prone to share it with others.  Treasure those moments, when God moves you in His will, and measure them for growth in your walk with Him.

The mark of a good man is seen by his growth and movement towards God

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Promised Light"

“ARISE, SHINE; for thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”  Isa 60:1

As we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favor of God towards us, our light is come. And if God's glory is seen upon us to our honour (vs 2), we ought, not only with our lips, but in our lives, to return its praise. For the Jews we don’t see a deemed fulfillment of the prophecy in this chapter; we must conclude it relates mainly to future events. It fore tells the purity and enlargement of the church and the conversion of souls both Jews and Gentiles. As one of God’s children, don’t miss the light (truth/salvation) you’ve been given for your promised hope in Christ.  Lift up your eyes around about and see the goodness of God before you…”the sun shall be no more thy light by day nor the moon by night; but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light and thy God the glory.” (vs 19)

The permanence of God's character guarantees the fulfillment of his promises, thus your life should be a bright as His promises.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Profitable Labor"

“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” Pro 14:4

When a farmer has no ox, the stable will be clean but he will not be profitable. Labor has its rough, unpleasant side, yet it ends in profit. The affairs or business of the world brings us before others and with it cares and disturbances, but also much increase. The only way to keep your life free of people and problems is to keep it free of people. But if your life is empty of people, it is useless; and if you live only for yourself, your life loses its meaning. Instead of avoiding people and its problems, we should labor to serve others, share our faith, and work for justice. There will be a sure reward of that activity in good works for him who goes, as with “the strength of the ox,” to the task of laboring and investing in others to which God calls us all. Though it may be messy the profit is eternal.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Discretion

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.”  Pro 2:10-11

While some may possess more knowledge than common sense or just the opposite, we all need to learn discretion/discernment for our lives.  Knowledge does not always equal great judgment, only when it has dominion over us, then it not only fills the head, but enters into the heart, and will preserve, both against corruptions within and temptations without. True wisdom that offers proper discretion is a lot easier on the soul than debt, depression, disease or despair; which often falls upon those who lack it. Use Godly wisdom in all you do words or actions; five simple words cost Zacharias “40” weeks of silence (Lk 1:18).

Your choices can eternally influence a life(s).

HSAY…Todd   

Daily Wisdom..."Merry Heart"

“…he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”  Pro 15:15

Our attitudes color our personality. While we cannot determine what happens to us, we can determine our attitudes towards each situation. Such merriness of heart is determined by that which grabs our thoughts and causes one to think upon what is pure, lovely, true (Phl 4:8). This is what allowed Paul to rejoice even while imprisoned. One that has the love of God shed abroad in him by His Spirit, where Christ dwells by faith; and that lives by faith in Him, and in the provisions of His grace: all of such is a constant continual feast for a soul and joyful thereby.

Focus not on what you see about you, but instead focus on that which dwells within you.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Constraining Love"

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; (vs 20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” 2 Cor 5:14; 20

Ambassadors may live in a foreign country, but they do not belong to it. They are there to represent their own country without allowing any opportunity to pass to do so.  As Christians our job is to represent Christ through His binding love that “constrains us.”  Meaning to hold together, urging us to serve Him because of His love for us, not our love for Him.  As the sunlight reflects off the moon to earth, so too is Christ love for us to be a reflection to all men.  Yet, such love does not constrain all men, because they do not understand the profound significance of the cross until they are able to perceive the love of Christ that redeems their soul and delivers them from eternal damnation. The pivot of life must be the risen Christ: “no longer living unto ourselves, but unto Him who rose again.” Often people are described as eccentric – out of center. A man becomes ex-centric when he is concentric with Christ. It is thus when we become a new creation, when by faith we are united and constrained by His love that the transition is made and He reconciles us unto Himself and we become His ambassadors and charged with sharing the love of Christ with others.

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving!

HSAY…Todd   

Daily Wisdom..."Joy of the Lord"

"This day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Neh 8:10.

Joy and gladness is a very necessary element in human well-being. One cannot live their best life if sorrow and depression holds undisputed sway. There are three sources of joy mentioned in this chapter.

First, they were attentive, eager and understood the Divine Word of God and profited by it (Neh 8:3 & 5).  We too must find delight in God through His Word and let us not read it as a task, but dwell upon it, until its beauties become woven into our thoughts and lives.

Second, they communicated good things to those for whom nothing was prepared (Neh 8:10-12). There is no greater comfort for ourselves as when we minister to others. Nehemiah could not have given better advice than when he bid his people share their joys and sweets with those whose lives were bare of comfort and luxuries.

Third, Our Saviour gives us His joy (Neh 8:10 “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength”), because He reveals the Father to us, makes us to rest in Him, and gives a worthiness for our lives; He makes work light because He has appointed it, sorrow supportable because He shares it, and death desirable because He has opened the door of eternal life in the Father's Home. In His joy we may participate (Jn 15:11; Jn 16:22).

Obedience, as soon as they understood the words they heard, they began to put them into practice. No wonder there was joy, for in the keeping of God's commandments there is great reward. It was during the Feast of Tabernacles that our Lord spoke of the Holy Spirit entering the heart to remove its thirst, and to pour forth as rivers to a dying world (Jn 7:37-39). We cannot do much apart from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Only through Him can we be right with God; only through Him can we be glad; only through Him can we pass on joy and comfort to others.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Godly Conscience"

“For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. (17) That he may withdraw man from his purpose and hide pride from man.”  Job 33:14 & 17

In the discourse of Elihu he accuses Job of not listen to God, which in Job’s case was not true, yet otherwise is common for many of man. Elihu's point was that God had spoken again and again. He spoke in dreams and visions (Job 33:15-18), through suffering (Job 33:19-22), and by mediating angels (Job 33:23-24). As God speaks to us by conscience, by providences, and by ministers; the purpose and design of these admonitions are to keep men from sin, particularly the sin of pride. While men are pursuing selfish desires and purposes that are indifferent towards God and that indulge their pride, their souls are hastening to destruction. That, which turns men from sin, saves them from chastening or even hell. What a mercy it is to be under the restraints of an awakened conscience that allows us to respond to God’s rebuke that protects the soul!

If truth is truly desired, there is one thing one must have, an unremitting ability to admit they might be wrong.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Wisdom"

“And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing and last not asked for thyself long life, neither hast thou asked riches for thy self…”  1 Kg 3:11

Solomon asked for wisdom, not wealth, but God gave him riches and long life as well. While God does not promise riches and long life to those who follow him, He does give us what we need if we put His kingdom, interests, and his principles first (Mt 6:31-33). Setting ones sight on riches and possessions will only leave you dissatisfied because even if you get the riches that are craved you will be left desiring more. J.D. Rockefeller stated: “I know of nothing more despicable and pathetic than a man who devotes all the hours of the waking day to the making of money for money’s sake.”  Having a humble sense of his own wants and weakness, Solomon pleads, Lord; I am but a little child. The more wise and considerate men are, the better acquainted they are with their own weakness.  Solomon begs of God to give him wisdom. We must pray for it, (Jam 1:5) that it may help us in our particular calling, and the various occasions we have. Such is pleasing to God, who seeks spiritual blessings to earthly good.

Don’t fear given up the goodness of life for the greatness of God!

“It is foolish to assume men of wealth are always happy. After it’s all over, the faith of a man is his most important possession.” J.D. Rockefeller

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Knowledge"

“How long ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?  Pro 1:22

The simple or naïve individual lacks discernment, easily enchanted by the music of the pied-pipers following wherever they may lead. The scoffer is the skeptic, mocker who contemptuously disagrees with anything that opposes their own will. The fool is not lacking intelligence, but one who misses use it, not one who does not reason, but reason wrongly. Those who refuse the reproof of God, whether willfully or indifferently, the reason for it is often the same, self-protection.  Admitting to our fault requires humility which in turn, we allow to threaten our ego, because we measure our self-worth more so by our performance in life. But what if we changed our goal? Instead of protecting ourselves, we committed ourselves to becoming like Christ? Then instead of refuting wisdom we would be drawn to it and respond correctly. Col 3:9-10 “…seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds; (10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created them.”

“Don’t mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Contentment"

"Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord?"  Pro 30:8-9

What the heart desires the mind will orchestrate. in Gen 2:9, the tree in Eden was described as "pleasant in sight" to Eve and yet in Gen 3:9 Eve's sight turned into a desire for what would be destructive for her.  Eve saw the attraction of wisdom, in case of the tree, as something she desired beyond what God had given her and allowed her discontentment to derail her.  Not all that is pleasing to the eye is pleasing for the soul.  C.S. Lewis states, "God cannot give us peace and happiness apart from Himself, because it is not there, there is no such thing."  Solomon states in Ecc 5:10 "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity." Paul tells us in Phl 4, learn to be content in whatsoever state you are in.

He who finds himself discontent with what he has will find himself discontent with what he doesn't have.

Psa 73:25 "Whom I have in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth i desire beside thee."

HSAY...Todd 

Daily Wisdom..."Desires"

“And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you (golden earrings)… (Vs 27) And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, and all Israel went thither a-whoring after it…” Judges 24 & 27

An ephod was a sacred garment made with fine linen and worn originally by the high priest and then eventually the ordinary priest as being characteristic for the office. It was worn by Samuel and also by David (2 Sam 6:14).  And though decorated with stones, jewels and gold it was limited by its size in the amount of gold that it could support.  Thus, such quantities of gold cold not have been expanded upon a single ephod to be worn by a man. Jewish historians claim this ephod was made as a religious item used a memorial of the salvation God had delivered unto Israel, only to be whored after, perverted and used for superstitious practices. Consider, Gideon already built an alter (Jdgs 6:25-27) to acknowledge God and the victory He would deliver them. Like Solomon, Gideon allowed his personal desires to cloud his judgment. One must be cautious in desiring more than what God has delivered. Could it be God knows the limits of our needs and the dangers of our spoils?

Be cautious in desiring more; be content in what you’ve been given and allow God to give the more.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."The Ear Trieth"

“For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.”  Job 34:3

Not only the musical sound of them, and the grammatical construction of them, but the sense of them, and whether the matter of them is good or not; that they are sound speech and the word of God.  A sanctified ear tries these; but then men must have such ears to hear, and be attentive to what they hear, distinguish between good and bad, approve truth and receive it, and retain and hold it fast. Words and doctrines are like meat, some good and some bad; and such that have a good taste try them with spiritual discernment (Acts 17:11). But, he that has no spiritual taste cannot discern between what is true and what imitation is, thus unable to make good judgment. As with the eye of man, not all that is seen is true, likewise man must be able to discern what is heard.  The word of God does not fear inquiry; always compare what you hear to the written word of God. Ensuring it’s not rotten for the soul.

HSAY...Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Spiritually Investing"

“And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint… (6) And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?”  Jdg 8:5-6

Gideon, by way of God’s miraculous power, had just defeated the Midianites even though they were greatly outnumbered.  They now find themselves in need of food and water as they pursued the fleeing soldiers; they asked the leaders of Succoth (from the tribe of Gad who were believers) who responded selfishly in fear instead of support of God’s work through Gideon.  They should have realized that victory was certain because God was with Gideon. But they were so worried about saving themselves from retribution that they never thought about God's power to save. Don’t let fear blind you from God’s work, especially from those He is utilizing. God will prevail with or without you, be quick to join others who are engaged in His work and don’t hesitate to support with your time, talents, money and prayer. Know the consequences of lacking faith will be greater than the fear of retribution.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Envy"

“…thou called us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.”  Judges 8:1

The leaders from the tribe Ephraim (Joseph’s decedents) felt left out because Gideon had not called them to join the battle but had left them in place to "clean up" the escaping Midianites and so they angrily confronted him. Gideon assured the leaders of Ephraim that their accomplishment was even greater than his own. He pointed out that they had managed to capture the enemy's generals. Not every necessary job is a highly visible leadership role. Much of the necessary labor of any effective enterprise is considered by many to be dirty work. But such work is vital to getting any big task done. Engineers and high profile bankers may design and finance an elegant building, but it is the bricklayers who get the work done. Be cautious, envy/pride creates a desire for recognition. Often those who are most apt to desire leadership services will be the angriest not to have the credit of them. Are you content to be a bricklayer for God, or do you take exception to the work God has given you, because it’s not about you?

Envy is best removed by humility.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Mercy"

“But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy…”  Psa 5:7

With this verse the first part of the Psalm ends. David has bent his knee in prayer; he has petitioned God, a claim for his deliverance, “But as for me, I will come into thy house.” Declaring not to stand at a distance, but enter into thy sanctuary, just as a child comes into the security of his father’s home.  But David will not enter by claims of his own merits or works; I will come in the multitude of God’s mercy.  David is able to approach God by way of His immeasurable grace and mercy.  God’s judgments are numbered by our transgressions, but His mercies are innumerable; he gives His wrath by weight, but without weight, His mercy.  We too can only enter into God’s presence by trusting and acknowledging His great mercy and respond with a heart of Gratitude and Humility. When ones heart is adorned with thanksgiving and praise, we are able to establish a claim for God’s mercy in which He is faithful to render unto us without measure.

All must come to embrace two truths in one act – one’s own sin and God’s infinite mercy in Christ.

HSAY... Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Thankfulness"

“…Agabus signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth (drought) throughout the world; every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea.” Acts 11:29-29

Knowing that God is not a respecter of person (Acts 10:24), we also must know that hardship or famine, in this case, is not a respecter as well.  For the churches in Judaea, they where the launching point, mother church for the gospel and through the original disciples had sprung forth the greatest gift one could receive the gift of eternal life in Christ. But, now the church in Judaea finds itself in hardship from the effects of the foretold drought in the land.  Seeing this, the church of Antioch steps up, every man according to his ability, and sends relief to those they had received a greater gift from. The obligation to relieve the temporal needs of those from whom they had received more important and priceless spiritual blessings and gifts is repeatedly enforced in the N.T. (Rom 15:25-27; 1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:1-2; Gal 2:10). How thankful are you for those who have invested in you the greater of gifts through Christ. Maybe your spiritual parents aren’t in need then pass on the gifts that you received to those who haven’t received such blessings. Acts of gratitude and giving come by way of thankfulness one has in Christ and those who shared Him. Let those who think of you know you are thankful for them.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Stand Forth"

Mark 3:3 “…Stand forth.”

As Christ speaks to a man with a withered hand, He challenges him to “stand forth”, meaning to awaken from a state of unawareness (mental/spiritual sleep) and enter into (physically/emotionally) the midst and presence of Christ, or, as in Luke, "rise up and stand forth in the midst" (Lk 6:8).  For the Jews in the time of Jesus, the Sabbath was more than just a matter of obedience to rules.  Sabbath observance was regarded as a way to honor the holiness of Yahweh (Ex 20:8-11; Deut 5:12-15).  Its observance made Israel distinct as a nation, bolstered Jewish identity over others, and served as a defense against assimilation to pagan culture.  Yet, the real and often hidden danger of rigid legalism is that it can delude one into thinking that God is satisfied when one is a stickler for religious details, even if one is merciless to others…Devotion to principle can grossly outweigh spiritual and physical concern for others, as the ensuing plot against Jesus revealed. We’ve heard the term “stand up and be counted”, be wise concerning what you choose to “stand forth” in and make sure it’s not just for a traditional headcount of your presence. Sadly one can be in attendance or in the presence of  religious gatherings and yet not in the midst of Christ.

"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction."

HSAY...Todd

Daily Wisdom...Paralytic Pleasure

“…thou that are given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me…” Isaiah 47:8

In Isaiah 47, Babylon is described under the image of a lady, carefully nourished and decorated; and all the images of her destruction are drawn from those circumstances which would tend to humble someone that had been accustomed to luxury, and unused to scenes of humility, poverty, and bereavement. For Babylon they were comfortable and prideful in their own well-being leading them into a paralytic pleasure without need of anything. As Christians we must be cautious of an attitude of achievement, success and pride that leads us as well to such pleasures that entrap us and creates a paralytic spiritual life.  We must be cautious towards clothing ourselves in a false righteousness, pride or the security and desire of worldly pleasures, such an attitude is prone to bring about God’s vengeance and reveal our nakedness and shame that prevails underneath (vs 3).  For some the most dangerous prayers are those seeking God to remove the thorns from their flesh, like Paul they would be better served learning to live in God’s sufficient grace (2 Cor 12:9).  Like Adam and Eve, they tried to use clothing to cover their sin; better to be naked before the Lord and allow Him to cloth you in His righteousness. I promise you it will be more spiritually fashionable for you!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Great and Mighty

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

In spite of man’s best efforts and search for knowledge, God revels there’re great and mighty truths man will never uncover or experience outside of God’s revelation. Yet such truths must not remain a mystery for those who call upon the Father. This passage expresses God’s manifested favour and loving kindness; that He is willing to comply with his servants desires. One can see the comparison in Jer 29:12 “…ye shall call upon me, pray unto me and I will hearken unto you.” God’s promise was that of restoration, offering direction and blessings to those who are despaired in their hope and direction. And yet man will labor in their efforts to find God’s hope and deliverance, searching in and through all that the world has to offer with their works that will never obtain or discover what only God can provide. The two greatest gifts man can obtain, his eternal deliverance and God’s restoration and neither one can be obtain by his own effort (Mt 6:33). But, those who call unto the Lord will find deliverance and restoration.

If you feel as though you’ve lost God, I promise you He’s exactly where you left him.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Vain Philosophy"

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of this world and not after Christ.”  Col 2:8

The single most destructive force against man is man! Interesting that Paul warns us not to be spoiled by man’s offerings and vain enticements to fulfill our needs. Such approaches are the deceitful and rudimental philosophies of man. The Greek word used here means to spoil in the sense of plunder, rob, as when plunder is taken in war. The meaning is, “Take heed lest anyone plunder or rob you of your faith and hope in Christ by worldly philosophy.” Such false teachers will strip you of your faith and hope, like an invader in your life robbing you of all that is valuable. There’s an endless array of man-made approaches to life’s problems that totally disregard God. Don’t be deceived in placing your faith and hope in any other than Christ. To resist such hierarchy one must ensure all bases of wisdom is centered in Christ and God’s word.

“The difference between Christian thinking and worldly philosophy; worldly philosophy says man is normal now, Christian thinking says man is abnormal now.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Affection"

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  Col 3:2

To have affection towards something calls you to exercise your mind or interest oneself in a particular direction.  For the Christian life we are called to dispose ourselves in the things above; heaven which is our real home. Simple point, if you were building your dream home, one in which you have longed for relentlessly, where would your heart be? While you would be tentative to your current dwelling and living arrangements, your overall focus and attention would be in the details of your future home, working hand in hand with the architecture assuring it will be all it can be. John 14:2-3 tells us of our future home in heaven and a mansion designed by the Architect of it all, Christ Jesus! This truth provides a different perspective on our lives here on earth. To "think about the things of heaven" means to look at life from God's perspective and to seek what he desires, which provides the antidote to materialism and distractions of this world. Solomon came to this conclusion, unfortunately not till the end of his life, himself stating “…this is the whole duty of man.” Ecc 12:13

We all offer affection, is it in the temporal or eternal?

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Subjective Christianity"

“Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances”  Col 2:20

Ones acts of religiosity can become subjective Christianity which create a false sense of entitlement and spiritual accomplishment, one cannot reach up to God by following rules of pious self-denial, by observing rituals, or by practicing religion.  Man-made religions focus on human effort; Christianity focuses on Christ's work. Believers must put aside sinful rudimental desires of the world, but doing so is the by-product of our new life in Christ, not the reason for our new life. Our salvation does not depend on our own discipline and rule keeping but on the power of Christ's death and resurrection.

"We are prone to find comfort among those who agree with us and bias growth among those who don't."

HSAY...Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Wealth"

“A little that a righteous man hath is better that the riches of many wicked.”  Psa 37:16

There are two truths implied here:

(a) It happens not infrequently that the righteous have little of the wealth of this world; and

(b) Little is to them of more real value, accompanied, as it is, with higher blessings, than the more abundant wealth which the wicked often possess.

It is better to have but little of this world’s goods with righteousness, than to have the riches of many wicked men - with their ungodliness. It is not always true, indeed, that the righteous are poor; but if they are poor, their lot is more to be desired than that of the wicked man, though he is rich. (Lk 16:19-31)  The small property of one truly good man, with his character and hopes, is of more value than would be the aggregate wealth of many rich wicked men with their character and prospects.

The greatest wealth is not locked in a bank, but freely obtained in the bible.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Good Treasures"

“The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure…”  Deut 28:12

Rare is the man who has access to the greatest of treasures; greater the value, greater the security. Even on a personal level our own treasures are reserved and secured, only revealed and offered to those we desire to bless. For the Lord, beyond His blessings are stored up treasures to which only He holds the keys. The Jews have a saying: “The keys are in the hand of the Holy One…”  We know the Lord holds the keys to eternal life (Mt 16:19), the keys to knowledge (Lk 11:52), but here in Duet 28 we see the Lord holds the key for even a temporal life and one of abundance in the Lord.  This key unlocks the “good treasure”, the heavenly rains that not only produces life, but sustains it through the seasons allowing man to be prospered in his daily labors; so much so, his abundance allows him to bless others. The “Key” to such rewards is not derived by prayer or man’s efforts, but only in his willingness to “hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments…” (Deut 28:1).  Where there is a key, there is hope.

The key is not the desire to be blessed…we all posse that. It is the will to prepare our life to be blessed that is the key.

HSAY…Todd 

Daily Wisdom..."An Empty Vessel"

“And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, there is not a vessel more and the oil stayed.”  II Kings 4:6

Elisha's miracles were acts of real charity (love): Christ's were so; not only great wonders, but great favours to those for whom they were produced; God magnifies his goodness with His power. We are never in straits with God, or in the riches of his grace; all our difficulties are in ourselves; it is our faith that fails, not His promise. He gives more than we ask: where there are more vessels, there is enough in God to fill them; enough for all, enough for each; and the Redeemer's all-sufficiency will only be stayed from those whose vessels are already full of worldly debt. The oil, sent by miracle, continued flowing as long as she had empty vessels to receive it.  Maybe what hinders God’s ability to fill you with the power of His goodness and charity is the lack of an empty vessel to receive Him!

The heart of the matter with God is always the heart itself.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Humble Gratitude"

“Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.”  Isa 39:8

Hezekiah showed the son of the king of Babylon, all his treasures in an ostentatious and improper manner Isa 39:2. Isaiah is sent with a message to Hezekiah to inquire what he had done (vss 3-5).  Isaiah is directed to deliver the solemn message of God that Jerusalem should be taken, and that all its inhabitants and all its treasures should be carried to Babylon (vss 5-7). Hezekiah expresses submission to the just sentence and purpose of God, and acquiescence with GRATITUDE!

The Lesson…

Hezekiah had abundant cause of gratitude in that God was dealing with him in so much kindness. All that the passage fairly implies is, that Hezekiah saw that it was right; and that it was proof of great mercy in God that the punishment was deferred, and was not, as in the case of David (2 Sam. 13-14), to be inflicted in his own time.  By acknowledging God’s reproof with humility and ownership we will find God’s mercy will often be greater than the wrath we deserve.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."God's Hand"

“Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?”  Job 12:9

Job appeals to the simplest of facts and defends it so plan that the lowest animals of the land and sea can acknowledge it; who does not discern, or cannot learn, even from irrational creatures, the above things? Even Zophar (Ch. 11) spoke concerning God and His perfections, His power, wisdom and providence? For, by the things that are made, the invisible things of God are clearly seen and understood, even His eternal power and Godhead, (Rom 1:20)…the Lord orders all things.  Job points out, as with his finger, “the Lord hath wrought this” the visible world and all things in it were created by Him; Jehovah (self-existent / Eternal God). This is the only place in Job’s discourse with his friends were Jehovah is recorded. Job’s very use of the name Jehovah in such a context is the clearest evidence of the superior knowledge that he claims. Such passage evokes two truths: one, it demands our Humility in and amongst our surroundings and second, it offers great comfort that Jehovah is sovereign.  This allowed Job to prosper through his perils.

“Those who leave everything in God’s hand will eventually see God’s hand in everything.”

HSAY…Todd 

Daily Wisdom..."Peace from the Battle"

“He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. God shall hear and afflict them…because they have no changes therefore they fear not God.” Psalm 55:18-19

David, through his battle, feeling all were against him, comes to realize there are many with him, more than he supposed.  Often is a man blessed who seeks his counsel and strength from God; finding it is HE who rises up friends making them faithful and trustworthy in a storm. His enemies will be reckoned with, and brought down; they could not ease themselves of their fears, as David could, by faith in God. Mortal men, though ever so high and strong, will easily be crushed by an eternal God. Those who refuse the rod of affliction will certainly be brought down to the pit of destruction. We must commit our ways and works to the Lord; let Him do as seems good, and let us be satisfied. Cast our burden upon God, rest upon his providence and promise. He, who bore the burden of our sorrows, desires us to leave to Him the burden of our cares, that, as He knows what is best for us, He may provide it accordingly.

Why does one trust a doctor to practice on the creation more than they trust the Creator to govern that which He redeemed?

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...""What is Good"

“He hath shown thee, O man, what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8

Concerning God being pleased with us, our acts must be for an interest in the atonement of Christ, and that the sin by which we displease Him may be taken away. What will be a satisfaction to God's justice? In what righteousness shall we appear before him? Our proposals often betray ignorance, though they may show zeal. We are becoming flippant, offering that which is rich and costly, as if it will appease the God that owns it all (vss 6-7). Yet, the Lord wants a living sacrifice not a material or monetary substitution. One cannot bribe God spiritually with rituals and religious acts, “the Lord requires of thee” changed lives a living sacrifice (Rom 12: 1-2). Our walk is not about finding ways to please God, but simply to serve Him.  God has made His wishes clear: He requires thee “to do justly, love mercy and to walk humbly” with Him; as an offering to others, not simply for your own consumption.

For the man who gets all he can and saves all he can, does not give all he can, he better devise another plan!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Thankful Faith"

“For what thanks can we render to God again for you…that we might see your face and might perfect (mature) that which is lacking in your faith.” 1 Thess 3:9-10

Simply stated if one will remain thankful unto God, one increases their ability to remain faithful unto God. Such is Paul’s plea through Timothy to the church, illustrating that that which was the instrument to obtain faith, is also the means of increasing and confirming it, as faith cometh by hearing, so it is confirmed by hearing also.  It should bring great joy to a Christian to see another person come to the saving knowledge of Christ and mature in that faith. Paul experienced this joy countless times.  Thank God for such joy and support them as they continue to grow in the faith. Likewise, have you benefited from the ministry of others? Has someone's guidance and faithfulness stimulated and matured your growth in Christ? Such joy should be two-fold, for those whom you are ministering too and for those who are ministering to you.

Ones discontent towards what they lack, springs forth from the void of thankfulness for what they have.

HSAY…Todd