Daily Wisdom..."Complete Wisdom"

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

Paul writes to the church of Colosse while imprisoned in Rome, concerning the teachings of philosophy, man’s wisdom.  Gnosticism was spreading, believing that matter, the physical, was evil and the spirit was good and therefore Jesus could not be confined to a body and thus crucified.  Paul countered by affirming that God in all His fullness dwelt in the body of Christ (vs 9 & 19). As a gifted philosopher himself, Paul warns about any philosophy of life based on human ideas and experiences. Any teachings that credit humanity, not Christ, with being the answers to life is false teaching. Notice Paul references “least any man spoil you…” often man’s greatest weakness is his desire for self and his efforts to seek and find what is self-serving and edifying for his fullness.  However, Colo 2:10 says…”ye are complete in him (Christ)…” not man. By this one word “complete” defines all that is required, all that is needed is found in and through Christ.  You want thoughts, look on the bookshelf or sit in the majority of Universities and you will be inundated with man’s thoughts or you can turn to Christ and God’s word and get the answer.

Be wisely worldly, not worldly wise…

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Mercy"

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  1 Pt 3:1

Mercy…so foolish is man, so weak and blind, that did not God withhold in mercy what we ask, that we should be ruined by our own request.  By way of God’s mercy he tolerates our thoughts; He pardons our actions and shows long-suffering in our ignorance – as, indeed, without His mercy there would be no answer to prayer.  Without God’s mercy man is left with self-centered improvement with no eternal significance. The mercy and love of God is the humbling stone that breaks man’s heart and allows it to see God not as an object of our scrutiny, but of ourselves as utterly dependant on His Mercy and Grace to save us.  It is in this paradox, we are to see Him and find our real identity in Christ; knowing through Him is the true source of our being and His merciful love is the very heart of our eternal life and existence. He that cannot acknowledge and seek God’s mercy, will not be able to submit to Him in denial…”Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Lk 6:36)

Blessed is the man whose heart has been crushed and reshaped and filled with God’s mercy.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Spiritual Warfare"

“Finally brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you.”  2 Thess 3:1

Here we see Paul beseeching prayers for himself, Silas and Timothy as they engaged in their labours in Corinth; as not to have any obstruction of the gospel working through them.  Beneath the surface of daily life lie the fierce struggles of spiritual warfare being waged.  Our main defense is prayer against attacks upon the heart, mind and flesh that would hinder God’s work through us (Eph 6:10-19).  It is said a man will never learn what he needs to know until he is in a fight.  Know that God does not require you to be sinless when we come before Him, but He does ask you to be unceasing in your perseverance. He does not require that you have never fallen, but He does ask for your unwearied efforts to get up.  He does not require you to win, because the victory as already been won, but He does ask for you to fight the good fight. One reason many Christians are dull and lifeless in their faith is because they are weary and illusive when it comes to fighting for their faith and utilizing the weapons of God to encroach on the enemy.

There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan. C.S.Lewis

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Deliverance"

“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thess 1:10

The humblest of sinners will sometimes be interpreted as one of the filthiest in the eyes of man, yet immersed in the eyes of God.  We must understand from this picture that God’s purpose through the cross of Christ was two-fold; one…that we are forgiving and saved from sin’s penalty on the soul and giving eternal life, second…we are delivered from sin’s power over us, because the old nature died with Christ on the cross.  See the latter is sustenance that sustains us and allows us to endure, while the other is deliverance that promises eternal life.  The promise of such a salvation should bring forth a thankful heart; out of endurance, strength and out of deliverance, faith. Knowing that what God has set forth from the beginning of time (Gen 3:15) will come to an expected end.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Eternal Affection"

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

Would it not be acceptable to call it disillusion for one moment to take your eyes off the glorious sight of heaven; and gravel in the dust of this life for treasures that in comparison are just pebbles, all for the pleasures of throwing them afterwards away? C.S. Lewis states: “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in, aim at earth and you get neither.” Paul encourages us in a faith that is grounded and settled so not to be moved away from our hope in the gospel of Christ. (Col 1:23)  Our affections should long for grace before goods and wisdom before wealth.  Set your sight on the glory and promise of heaven and let it fill your thoughts and allowing your focus to be on Christ rule in your heart instead of what you have in your hand.

God is not nearly as concerned with our getting what we want as He is with our getting Him.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Strengthening Faith"

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.  Let all your things be done with love.”  I Cor 16:13

The strength of one’s faith is measured in the difficulties and challenges they encounter.  When such hindrances confront you in the path of duty, they should be recognized as vessels of faith to be filled with the fullness, all-sufficiency and sovereignty of Christ.  If you desire for your faith to be strengthened, don’t shrink from opportunities where your faith may be tried, thus through trial can be strengthened.  Know that strength outside of Christ is the virtue of man; faithful obedience is the virtue of Christianity. The whole being of any Christian is faith and love; faith brings man to God and love brings God to man.

“It’s not the strength of your faith that delivers you, but the strength of Him upon whom you faith rest.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.  Let all your things be done with love.”  I Cor 16:13

The strength of one’s faith is measured in the difficulties and challenges they encounter.  When such hindrances confront you in the path of duty, they should be recognized as vessels of faith to be filled with the fullness, all-sufficiency and sovereignty of Christ.  If you desire for your faith to be strengthened, don’t shrink from opportunities where your faith may be tried, thus through trial can be strengthened.  Know that strength outside of Christ is the virtue of man; faithful obedience is the virtue of Christianity. The whole being of any Christian is faith and love; faith brings man to God and love brings God to man.

“It’s not the strength of your faith that delivers you, but the strength of Him upon whom you faith rest.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Heavenly Conversation"

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour Jesus Christ” Phl 3:20

Consider something as simple as a job promotion or transfer, with excitement we go to great lengths to pack up, relocate and transfer our surroundings and life to promote and accommodate the change that has taken place. We make effort to quickly mirror our new environment and maximize the opportunity we’ve been giving and further the cause.  Ever new employer expects your loyalty and public promotion of the position you’ve been giving, and in response you take ownership of that responsibility, just like you would our family name and act and contribute in a way that endorses and adds to the value and worth of its name.  In the same way, Christians ought to promote heaven’s interests and live a life worthy of their Heavenly citizenship.  Too many Christians have accepted the promotion of eternal life in Christ, but have failed to transfer their heart, loyalty and promotion to heaven.  They still seek earthly pleasures and treasures of the past instead of heavenly ones. Paul told the Colossians to remember that they are citizens of heaven, where Christ lives. If you were promoted to an industry competitor, would your new firm be pleased with you promoting your old environment?  

Have you transferred your heart and loyalty to your heavenly citizenship or are there still things you have to pack-up?

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."A Spiritual Work-Out"

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”  Phl 2:12

The term Spiritual Formation is a broad title referring to all attempts, means, instructions and disciplines towards deepening of faith and furtherance of spiritual growth. Here in Philippians, Paul’s instructing the church (already saved Christians) in their duty to grow spiritually, not their efforts in earning their salvation. As a believer your focus is to be on Christ. It is a lifelong process to become a disciple; more Christ like. This is possible by the divine grace of the gospel and the empowering of the Holy Spirit through God; “For it is God, which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Phl 2:13) Thus man’s instruction to “work-out” calls for the forming of the inner soul of man in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself allowing you to do of His good will.  We can simplify this calling of Paul to “work-out” in a four step sentence structure…1) A process (2) of being conformed (3) to the image of Christ (4) for the sake of others.

Your good works are to show forth the beauty of your salvation; allowing others to see the beauty of Christ!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Image of Glory"

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord.”  2 Cor 3:18

In the face of a radical loss of truth and meaning, Christians and non have become influenced by a materialistic, self-indulgent, consumer driven society of human hearts that are hungering for truth and understanding for what is right. When one views their spirituality as a static dormant possession, their response becomes an effort of acquisition of information, techniques, methods, programs to gain a desired state of spiritual growth, thus their view becomes directed by a hidden premise that “they” are in control.  However, when one sees their life as a journey/walk with the One who shapes their path, whose grace redeems their detours, whose power liberates them from bondage and whose transforming presence meets them where we are at, realizes that it’s their responsiveness to “God’s control” of their life determines spiritual growth.  Man has not engineered, manufactured or implemented any program or directive that has increased God’s love and grace for them. 

It’s not our path to create, but simply our willingness to follow the path He has laid that restores fragmented and troubled souls and allows them to find purpose, value and identity in Christ! It's not our responsibility to verify the truth of God, only to verify our obedience to it.

HSAY…Todd   

Daily Wisdom..."Guidance"

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shall go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”  Psalm 32:8

Trying to increase one’s knowledge for guidance by self-endeavors, without waiting upon God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is as beneficial as a ship at sea without a sail and causing one to labor in their efforts and depleting the spiritual life.  The fall of man was occasioned by seeking knowledge outside the guidance of God. God uses the foolishness of the cross to destroy the wisdom of the wise (1Cor 3:19).  We learn about guidance by learning about the Guide.  It’s the knowledge of God and His Spirit within man which ultimately gives us wind for our sails in doing His will.  God’s guidance will require patience of the soul; His leading does not always appear as a direct assurance or revelation. But, know that His sovereign will over the circumstances of your life will inevitably unfold the wisdom and guidance you seek and guide you to an expected end (Jere 29:11) that offers the soul peace and joy.

Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit wisdom is not only undependable, but dangerous, because it often blurs the line between right and wrong and leaves the soul adrift.  

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."God of Hope"

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”  Rom 15:13

Hope is the light of the Holy Spirit that shines upon a darkened moment and allows you to see God’s outreached hands; giving you comfort in knowing that if God can take a broken body and bring forth blessings and with an ominous cross offer eternal glory, then He can take your hurt and pain and fill it with all joy and peace.  There is no amount of carnage or destruction in one’s life that God cannot sift through the heap and wreckage and build something worthy in His time.  One’s needs become hope we they discover the reason for such an expectation, and there is no greater expectation one can have than the promise of the “God of hope” for an expected end (Jere 29:11).  The hope of God that sustains us allows the joy of one’s soul to shout with tear filled eyes and…”hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Heb 3:6b

Hope promises us that while light descends into darkness around us, the prayers and stillness of the night bring forth light of a new day and hope of tomorrow to whose eyes are set on God.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Thermometer or a Thermostat"

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the truth, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.”  1 Tim 4:1

Are you a Thermometer or a Thermostat?  Paul addresses this issue with Timothy in the church of Ephesus.  The difference; Thermometer’s reflect the temperature of their surroundings, the Thermostat changes the temperature of their surroundings! Unfortunately, most Christians act like Thermometers, reflecting the ambient spiritual temperature around them at the time.  If cold, they are cold; conducive to growth, then will they grow; if tepid, they are apathetic and indifferent.  But, God has not called Christians to be Thermometers. Rather, He directs us to act like Thermostat’s and set our temperature, both in the church and society, which balances truth in our lives with consistency that will allow us to influence the spiritual environment around us.  Most Christians live their daily lives flipping the thermostat up and down constantly as they have spiritual hot flashes. As in our home, it becomes costly when we are not in balance with God’s truth.  As Christians we should influence the spiritual environment (2 Cor 4:3-4), not succumb to it.  Don’t allow your Thermostat to be controlled by the moral and spiritual relativism that is plaguing society today, set it on truth and influence those around you for good and for God.

Do allow the plumber determine the temperature of your bath; don’t allow the world to determine your truth.

HSAY…Todd  

Daily Wisdom..."Judging"

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”  Rom 2:1

Most people appear to be less than what others prefer them to be, but most people are unaware that others are so much more than they seem to be.  Such criticism of others offers an oblique form of self-commendation/approval; we appear to make the picture on our own wall to hang straight by pointing out that our neighbor’s pictures are crooked.  We must remember that a closed hand used for pointing cannot be extended to help. Unfortunately some of the greatest books have never been read because of its cover, thus robbing oneself of the value they offer.  Consider life as an ocean, what we see on the surface offers different views to each of us, but until you see what goes on underneath the waves you don’t realize the depth and true beauty you are missing.  Judging others by the waves we see on the surface is like going to the circus and starring at the outside of the tent.

“This year, this month, or, more likely, this very day, we have failed to practice ourselves the kind of behavior we expect from other people.”  C.S. Lewis, The case for Christianity

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Foolish Wisdom"

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful: but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened. Profession themselves to be wise, they became fools.”  Rom 1:21-22

We are familiar with the statement: Better to remain silent and thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt. The Lord may be prone to give worldly wisdom and wealth to the foolish people who boast in themselves, to whom He gives nothing else.  Two short comings of man are pointed out; honour and thankfulness towards God.  One deals with the lack of acknowledgement in which He is, while the other lacks appreciation of what He has done. Both acts are vain, making one frivolous in their thoughts and reasoning’s. This was a common boast amongst philosophers of antiquity; the very word philosopher, in whom they chose to be called, means “lovers of wisdom” which Paul dealt with in (Rom 1:14), which became self-intoxicating and prideful; lending themselves to foolish imaginations and a darkened heart. Fool of a man who walks in self promotion and selfishness, it’s the deadly combination of arrogance and ignorance towards God

No man is a fool that gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Giving"

“For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established.”  Rom 1:11

What is your “want”…do you want so you can have or do you want so you can give?    It’s easier to take than to give; it’s nobler to give than to take…realize the fulfillment of receiving is fleeting, yet the rewards of giving can be eternal.  It’s one thing to do without something you desire, but is there ever a greater desire for wanting to give someone something you want them to have?  This was Paul’s desire, for others to be in gifted with the knowledge of Christ.  Knowing that the desired gift is not ours, but God’s who imparted it to us to give to others. The kindness of gestures is the desire to give that which can reach a wound that only compassion can heal (Jude 22 “And some have compassion making a difference”). It’s not what you have, but what you’ve been given; no one is useless who lightens the burdens of others with the love of Christ.

You make a living by what you earn; who make a life by what you give.

HSAY…Todd