Daily Wisdom

“And I will give her her vinyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope…” Hosea 2:15

Only God can make a valley of trouble a door of hope.  In Heb 6:19, we are told Hope is the anchor of the soul that gives stability in the midst of storms. But, hope is not simply a wish or optimism, nor is determined by circumstances; rather it’s that which attaches itself and is anchored in the trust we have in God’s promises, knowing we can overcome because He has an expected end that is for our good. God offers the words “fear not” 365 times, a daily reminder for you to trust in Him.  Hope is not wishing something to happen, but trusting God will handle it.  

“The presence of hope in the invincible sovereignty of God drives out fear.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge…” Acts 7:60

Stephen spoke very similar words as those uttered by Christ on the cross (Lk 23:34). Christ had promised those living for Him would suffer as He (Lk 21:12-19); this is still true. By boldly living out our faith, we too will face rejection: “But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake…” (Jn 15:21). Yet the most profound aspect of this act was Stephen’s ability to plead forgiveness for those whose hands brought forth his suffering. Stephen applied himself to a dying work with as much composure and prayer as he did while living. Stephen’s charge poses a question, do we cry out forgiveness before Jesus for those you cast stones at us? Forgiveness clears the path before us, by letting go of that which is behind; allowing us to see the hope we have in tomorrow. Rest assured forgiveness lets the prisoner go free, but realize the prisoner was you! We often fail in seeing the goodness of God because we are to focused on the actions of others; stop trying to remember in others what God has already forgotten in you (Psa 103:12)

Don’t base forgiveness on what someone deserves, you didn’t deserve yours!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Howbeit the most High dwellest not in temples made with hands…”  Acts 7:48

Next to the human nature of Christ, the broken and spiritual heart is the most valued temple.  It is God’s will that the earthly temples we build would give way to the spiritual one.  Man is prone to build great big things for God and yet offer no room in their own heart for His Spirit to dwell.  We have nothing to offer, it’s all His footstool (vs 49), and yet He ask not of a thing besides our heart. Solomon knew this when he prayed at the temple dedication: “But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!” (2 Chro 6:18).  God’s desire is to rest in the heart of man, which He built, not in what man has built!  It’s not what you offer God that’s of value, but what He offers you; His dwelling presence.  How is God allowed to dwell in your life, permanent resident or an occasional guest? 

God wants a spiritual heart for His dwelling, and a priestly body for His service.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”  Rom 8:18

Through the cause of suffering there can be great purpose.  If faced rightly it can drive us like a nail deep into the love and strength of God; bringing about great stability and spiritual power beyond what you can imagine. Remember Christ did not suffer so we would not have to; He suffered so when we suffer we become more like Him. God has called you for His good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.  He is your example to follow in His steps (1 Pt2:21).  No character is truly revealed until it has endured its suffering. After your season of suffering, God in all His grace, will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you in His glory through Christ (2 Pt 5:10).

Joy is not absence of suffering; it is the presence of God.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For we cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard…for all men glorified God for that which was done.” Acts 4:20; 21b

Every Christian has a piece of good news in them to share with others regarding Jesus. It cost you nothing, but your willingness, to encourage others by testifying of His greatness and exhorting one another daily…lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb 3:13)  By illustrating before others the love of Christ we reaffirm our own blessing and hope.  Before you put someone in their place, be willing to put yourself in theirs. There is no greater exercise for ones heart than their effort to reach down and lift another up in Christ. A humble and thankful spirit does not put others down, but lifts them up by speaking of Christ and glorifying Him for what He has done.

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

HSAY…Todd 

Daily Wisdom

“When they saw the boldness of Peter and John…they marveled and took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

At some point as a Christian we have to stop relying on a wishbone where our backbone should be. Be willing to let go of the safe havens you build and be willing to live the life God has prepared for you. Approach the throne of God with all boldness and confidence knowing he rewards those who diligently seek Him. Like Peter and John, others will see the size of God by your boldness to stand on Him, causing them to marvel knowing you too have been with Jesus.  Is Christ seen in you?  A tiger does not lose sleep over the opinions of the sheep.

Impossible is an opinion, Boldness is a choice, Deliverance is His promise.

HSAY…Todd 

Daily Wisdom

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:4

First of all, “they” were not the disciples or apostles, “they” were converted/saved Christians that carried the gospel with them when scattered from Jerusalem.  The persecution that pushed them out of Jerusalem did not take from them, nor did they leave behind that which changed their lives. Sometimes we have to become uncomfortable before we’ll move. And while discomforts are preferred to be avoided it may bring about the best results because God is working through it. It was the persecution that greatly helped spread the gospel of Jesus.  History would prove that without intervention of God, man would selfishly sit on his laurels.  Life will move you in different directions, maybe even remove you from those who invested in you spiritually and lead you to Christ; if so are you traveling with the truth to free others from life’s bondage or are you just complaining about the change occurring. Are you willing to sacrifice everything but the gospel, for the sake of the gospel?

If receiving is good and giving is better, then sharing would be the best!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom…” Dan 1:17

When it comes to defining success you will be given as many different answers as the number of people you ask.  There’s a nebulas understanding that success comes by way of education, money, social status, positions or possessions and the list can go on.  But, this is such a short-sighted view compared to God’s version.  Where is the success of one growing up by worldly standards and definitions, to only spend eternity in hell? (Mt 16:26; Mk 8:36; Lk 9:25)  True success has to include and be defined, not only on a temporal basis, but eternally as well.  Success in God’s eyes pertain not to possession, but instead discovering His will for your life and using it to further His kingdom and glory, not self-indulging desires.  Daniel and his friends grew all they could in their new culture in order to succeed in their work with excellence. But, they maintained steadfast allegiance to God.  Culture does not need to be the enemy of God, if it does not violate His commands, it can aide to accomplish His purpose. As God’s children we are free to be competent leaders in society, but our reliance and dependence cannot waiver, knowing true success only comes by way of God’s will and purpose above all else for one’s life.  

Success is allowing God to make you worth knowing, instead of just being well known!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with prince of the eunuchs.” Dan 1:9

God delivered His favor with an unseen hand to change the heart of the Babylonian official in response to Daniels moral conviction and willingness to stand in truth. God promises to be with His people in times of trials and temptations (Psa 106:46; Isa 43:2-5; 1 Cor 10:13). Often His intervention comes just when we chose to stand with Him.  Chose to act in faith and see God’s assurance and proof in things that are hoped for.  Many can appear to have greater skills or talents, but God’s favor allows us, through faith, to reach beyond our own boarders.

We pray for favor, God ask for faith!

HSAY…Todd   

Daily Wisdom

“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…” Dan 1:8

It’s the predisposition to truth that empowers one to stand against evil. Daniel “purposed” in his heart, Hebrew word meaning to dispose (arrange/order) ones thoughts.  Daniel had his heart prepared for temptation by predisposing it to truth. Like a fire escape plan we too should be prepared before a fire arises, not planning an escape route in the process.  Daniel exposed his heart to truth before it was exposed to the temptation of the world.  One can fight temptation if they have been in training prior to the assault.  When he was faced with a choice Daniel had already weighted it, came to a resolution about it, and repented (change to God’s direction) his mind towards truth.  In doing so his victory was already accomplished before the battle.

What man proposes, God disposes in the hearts of those who seek Him.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart; that I may discern between good and bad…” 1 Kg 3:9

Solomon knew what to pray for over riches and fame, do we? Discernment dilutes the wiles of the devil; consider Eve, Satan destroyed her with deception.  Satan did not show her the bad, but instead confused her with the good (Gen 3). Just because it appears good does not mean it’s of God!   The saying all that glitters isn’t gold, is true today; Satan shows himself as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14) not darkness. Satan works through the appearance of what seems good and moral.  The external acts of man that may appear good are not always guided by God. Confirm all acts with spiritual discernment: does it confirm scripture (Acts 17:11), does it glorify Christ as God and Savior (1 Jn 4:1-3) and is the individual consistent with biblical morality (Mt 12:33-37).

Discernment is the ability to see things as they are, not as you want them to be.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Lk 9:23

Christ had not yet been crucified when He lays out this charge before his disciples.  But the image was clear, the Jewish man under the occupation of Rome was well aware of crucifixion and the act of a man carrying his own cross to his death.  But consider the fact Jesus goes on to state in vs 24, one must lose their life for Christ sake in order to save it.  When considering such a dilemma and the cost associated in following Christ, keep this in mind; you will lose your life one way or another, either to the world and the devil (vs 27) or to life in Christ, but you will give up your life.  Are you willing to live like few others now in order to live few others eternally? Choosing to avoid the cost for a season will only delay, not avoid the cost to come. Every choice has a end result.

Discipleship is not an offer man makes to Christ; it’s a cost we chose in order to be like Him, because He chose to bear the cost to be like us.

HSAY…Todd