Daily Wisdom

Psa 16:11 “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy, at they right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

The greatest gift one can obtain is the joy of God’s presence, that in it our pleasures exist. Therefore, one’s heart is to be glad, and his soul to rejoice that the flesh can rest in such promised hope (vs 9). That gift is granted through Christ and the cross, and by one’s acceptance he is engifted the presence of the Holy Spirit of God that dwells within. This Psalm was quoted three times in the N.T. by Peter and Paul speaking of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2:25-28; 2:31; 13:35-37) and our eternal hope. Jesus himself acknowledges the only “Joy” is in the Father’s presence, and prayed for the Father to fill his human nature with His “fulness of joy”: (Jn 17:5 “And now O Father, glorify thou unto me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was,”) Jesus understood and longed for the only true joy that exist, the presence of God!

Find God’s purpose and you’ll find the “path of life”, and with it the pleasure of God’s presence.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Lk 9:10 “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Jn 19:30 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished and gave up the ghost”

This was the ultimate “drop the mic” moment of all time. The final word spoken by Jesus on the cross was (teleō) comprised of three words in English “It is finished.”  Sadly, too many since then have continually tried to pick up the mic and add something to the word “teleo!”  What Jesus sought to accomplish by His eternal sacrifice was achieved through the cross, and was gifted to man without need of anything being added. Don’t pick up the mic and try to add to the story in anyway, just re-gift (Eph 2:8) what was given to you, and finished by Jesus by simply retelling what you were told. Jesus redeeming, and sacrificial work is the greatest gift that can be given (Jn 15:13), the only thing we must simply do is re-wrap it and share His eternal love with others.

Salvation is the only gift that keeps on given… for eternity!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Psa 141:5 “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be ab excellent oil which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.”

David’s Psalm comes in a time of trial, both spiritual and physical (1 Sam 24:1-7). In spite of his circumstances, David illustrates for us the importance of conduct amidst such trials in our life. The Psalm calls for God’s protection from the enemy, but also seeks humility in the circumstances. He acknowledges that a righteous (just, Godly brethren) smite and rebuke is in kindness, and would be as an anointing oil protecting him not crushing him. Nobody likes criticism, especially amidst trials but everybody can benefit from it when it’s given wisely and taken humbly. David sees it as Helpful, not hurtful… takes it in Humility, not in haste, and he refuses to Harbor hate: “my prayer also shall be in their calamities.” Learning this as David did allows criticism to become productive rather than destructive in one’s life, no matter how it was intended. I never had a trial I wanted to have, but when humbled I never had a trial I wasn’t glad I had.

Trials are like a hammer pounding a nail, it only drives you deeper into your faith.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

I Cor 15:51 “Behold, I shew you a mystery, we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,”

All men face limitations. While some may be blind, they see a new way to live. Some deaf, but can still hear the good news. Others lame, but walk can walk in God’s love. But, we have the promised encouragement that our limitations are temporal, we’ll be changed instantly (vs 52) from corruptible to incorruptible, from dishonor to glory, from weakness to power, and from mortal to spiritual bodies. The dead in Christ by resurrection, and the living into immortality by the mystery (rapture) and its sudden power. Point, if such powerful change is coming, and it is, why not start the spiritual metamorphosis now!  Spiritual growth is like a boat going to the ocean. Before it gets there, it’s dragged with much effort, but once it reaches the ocean it is propelled without effort by powerful wind. The distance it travels on the ocean in one day is far greater than it can be dragged by force in a hundred days. Change is inevitable, but growth is optional.  If one chooses to change spiritually, it requires God’s consistency.

Spiritual change comes by continual progression, not instant perfection.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Heb 13:5 “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Oh, but money will and so will those man-made comforts that are attached. Often even acquaintances (not friends) will depart when you no longer offer them benefit or fit into their measurement of worth. Don’t fall prey to measuring your worth by worldly wealth, you will only devalue your true worth. Paul illustrates in (Phl 4:11) that we must find our contentment and worth through God’s standard of measurement only, anything different is volatile and will fluctuate as much as a piece of stock. Don’t let this world put a price tag on you, and be willing to walk away from anything or one who does so. Maybe you’ve marked yourself down with worldly standards. It’s God who determines our worth.  Get off the clearance rack and get behind the glass where they keep the valuables! Because you were “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psa 139:14).

A butterfly can’t see the brilliant colors in its wings, so a man misses the beauty God sees in them!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For he (Hezekiah) clave to the Lord, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses.” II Kg 18:6

To see the promises of God prevail one must live in the righteousness of Him who provides them. Hezekiah withstood the threats of Assyria’s words to destroy Judah (II Kg 18) by doing what he always did, “that which was right in the sight of the Lord” (11 Kg 18:3). Hezekiah when threatened by worldly power that besieged Jerusalem, blasphemed God, reviled himself, and solicited his people to revolt responded with spiritual strength (II Kg 19:1). The power and promises of God prevail when man does “that which is right in the sight of the Lord.” When faith in God’s righteousness arises, a certainty comes that when we call, He will answer… that when we ask, we will receive… that when we knock, the door will be open (Rev 3:20).

God does not make promises that are too good to be true.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Lam 3:41 “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.”

In this passage (vss 39-42) we’re guided to respond properly to God’s faithfulness through prayer (lifting of the hands is a prayer gesture – Psa 141:2 “Let my prayer be set forth, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”). Just as parent’s discipline children to produce right behavior, God disciplines us to produce right living and true worship. Our prayer must not be towards complaining about corrective or instructive discipline in our lives but learn from it, and be willing to trust and allow God’s actions to make a change. But the heart must go with the gesture, or it’s of no avail; the soul must be lifted to God in earnest desire towards Him in faith, hope and love (1 Th 5:8). The scripture urges man to search out his faults and amend them, like your child, if their willing to change and correct their actions, you don’t have to do it for them.

Pride is not pride because it hates being wrong, but because it hates to admit it’s wrong: to hate being wrong is to change your opinion when proven wrong; whereas pride, even when proven wrong, refuses change and decides to continue being wrong.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Lam 3:25 "The Lord is good unto them that wait upon him, to the soul that seeketh after him."
Lam 3:26 "It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."
Lam 3:27 "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth."

In these three verses, each beginning in the Hebrew word “good” (̣tôb – tobe), we have the fundamental idea and truth that God Himself is good, and if good to all (Psa 145:9 “The Lord is good to all…”), then especially is He so to those who being in adversity can wait in confidence upon His mercy and deliverance. This “goodness” of God is the same good God Himself realized in Gen 1:4 “And God saw the light, that it was good…” If God’s goodness is good to Him, we must be able to see His goodness towards us as well in all matters. Understand, like David, God may reveal His goodness in your life while facing a giant!

The giant in front of you is never bigger than the goodness of God within you!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Isa 59: 19b “… When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

Isaiah, due to the prevailing sin in the world that causes truth to fail, illustrates that he who departs from such sin makes himself a prey (vs 15). And while such a man has no intercessor on his behalf, he does have the promise of God’s right arm and righteousness to sustain him (vs 16). Thus, when the enemy approaches as a flood of evil against him the Holy Spirit lifts a standard; a prevailing wind of truth through Christ and the gospel that restrains and over-powers their evil efforts. And God will deal with them as they deserve, according to retribution (Rev 13:10). If we prevail in fleeing evil, God will prevail in causing evil to flee us! Refuse to let the world corrupt you (Jm 1:27), and you’ll find the promise of the Holy Spirt will comfort you.

If God delivers you from evil, don’t stay in touch with it!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Rom 1:11  "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"

Paul never used God's people for his purpose or to build his work, but rather used his gifts to encourage and build God's people. In every encounter or relationship you leave something behind, it will either magnify God or yourself. Easy to tell, when you exit they'll either know more about you or God. Christian character chooses thoughts and beliefs based on Godly value not personal gain. If there is any way to turn others off to the value of God is to have a selfish hypocritical character. Professing God and projecting self is problematic.

Take on Christ character, and your reputation will take care of itself.

HSAY... Todd

Daily Wisdom

"Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." Jn 4:10

Don't miss an opportunity with Jesus because you're busy making a day instead.  As Jesus proclaimed the promise of living water, the woman at the well was more focused on her surroundings and missed the presence of the Saviour. She was so content in her expectations of the future (vs 25) she was missing the present (vs 26).  Don't get complacent in your expectations of God's workings, and get so caught up in your priorities that you miss an opportunity in His presence.

You'll make a day worthwhile when you make it about Jesus!

Daily Wisdom

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Jn 8:12 

Darkness is disturbing. There is no two ways about it. You could be in your garage that you have been a thousand times, but if someone one turns out the light, suddenly you stumble and fumble around.  Your bedroom could be your safe haven, but even with every door locked in the house your mind will start to play ticks on you when lying in the dark.  The dark can be terrifying.  My mother always said, “Nothing good happens at night.”  How much more doesn’t that apply to this sinful world of darkness today!  It’s scary to look at how dark the world is becoming.  And yet, most terrifying is the darkness of our own heart at times.  The depths of depravity of which we’re capable of or have already achieved is beyond frightening.  In fact, it’s damning.  Isaiah encourages us to: “Arise, Shine! For thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord is upon thee! (Isa 60:1)  This is our spiritual “Epiphany” appearing or making known… “For we were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” (Eph 5:8) Whatever goblins or monsters we fear and allow to hide in our life exist in the darkness we wonder into when we walk outside the presence of Jesus, and don’t follow in His light.  The darkness, we all fear, only exist where there is an absence of light, or for us the absence of Jesus to stand in.

Don’t allow this world to draw you form Jesus, and dim you light just because it’s shinning in their eyes!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Phl 2:7

Too many people are more concerned about making an impression rather than an impact in others’ lives. But, selfishness brings about discord.  Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love and serve one another in one spirit and purpose of bearing another’s cross with them. Again, it’s not about making oneself look better, but helping others to become better. This is the image of Jesus, willing to give up his eternal equalities with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the creator becoming the creation, in order to serve and meet our needs first (vs 5). This was Jesus’ attitude of choice, and should be ours. One can expect or desire to be served or you can look for opportunities to serve others.  What one chooses will either reflect the image of Jesus or self. The best thing a man can do is simply be quite and serve. When he starts complaining how and who he’s going to serve it becomes about him. It’s not about you being better, but rather helping others to become better at reflecting the image of Jesus!

The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him.” Jm 2:5

James while addressing our “serving” faith in comparison to our “saving” faith makes a strong point. But, not to bring up old wounds, maybe at onetime we’ve all been the last one chosen on the playground for group participation by the so-called more popular kids. We’ve all felt that sting of low self-worth by their standard of comparison through their choices.  But, again notice James points out that our true worth and value is described by the One who offers no respecter of person and clarifies that in comparison to worldly standards the ones who are often last picked, so-to-speak, are often the ones chosen by the Lord. Be willing to take the lowest sit and let the Lord, for His glory, bade you to come forward (Lk 14:10).  Eternal worth comes in “serving” not managing, relationships not financial security, and peace not power. Shallowness is the individual who cannot see past the apparel and appearance and see the value of a soul.  One will never make themselves eternally better by who they have around them, but only who they have within them!  One can amass the deepest wealth and have the emptiest heart, where’s the value?

Only him who is “rich in faith”, finds God’s favor!

It’s not important when you’re picked, but rather who picked you that defines your worth.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

"Beware lest any man (includes self) spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Col 2:8

Nothing is more dangerous than religious confidence in a fake god of our own imagining. Man’s mind, full as it is of pride and selfish will, dares to imagine a god according to its own capacity; as it sluggishly plods, indeed is overwhelmed with obtuse ignorance, it conceives an unreality and an empty appearance as God. What then are we worshiping except an idol of our own hearts desire of worship, whom we think the righteousness of our works pleases? In this our ignorance lies: “I’ll be happy once I attain my spiritual security in my own praiseworthy deeds and vows and ceremonies.” This claim is a false idol — a false security in the flesh — a false image of God and a false gospel and a false god altogether. This was Martin Luther and John Calvin's reformation battle, ignited by this confrontation with vain securities. The Reformers opposed images and statues and shrines and icons and relics. And today we must protest against our own heart's selfish definition or desires outside of true worship... sacrifice to God's will for our lives, not our doings! (2Co 10:5) "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

HSAY... Todd

Daily Wisdom

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 Jn 4:20 

It’s easy to say we love God when that love doesn’t cost us anything more than weekly attendance at religious services. But the real test of our love for God is how we treat the people right in front of us. Can’t claim your love for God while neglecting to love those who are created in His image.  Most people reciprocate love; show me how much I mean to you, and I’ll equally love you back. But, consider the fact that Jesus loved you first (1 Jn 4:19) before you ever knew Him. Why put preconditions on your love for another, as if they must earn or qualify for it.  Jesus said, your love for another will cover a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8). Again, did not Jesus act of love on the cross cover a multitude of your sins! God calls us to have warm, ardent love toward each other, Paul illustrates that Love is more important than all the spiritual gifts exercised in the church body (1 Cor 13:1). Love to another shall so cover or hide a great many imperfections in them, that you will not notice them. This passage is quoted from Pro 10:12; “Love covereth all sins.” Love makes you compassionate towards another’s imperfections, blind towards their faults. Of love the Christian poet says: “Tis gentle, delicate, and kind, to faults compassionate or blind.”

To love only the lovable requires no virtue at all.

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jere 10:23 

God’s ability to direct our lives is far superior to our own.  While most people would like to know the future; decisions would be easier, failures would be avoided, and successes would be assured. The people of Judah wanted to know the future, too, and they tried to discern it through reading the signs in the sky. God made the earth and the heavens, including stars that people consult and worship (vs 12). No one will discover the future in man-made charts of God's stars. But God, who promises to guide you, knows your future and will be with you all the way. He will not reveal your future to you, but he will walk with you as the future unfolds. Don't trust the stars or man’s efforts to determine them and God’s will; trust the one who made the stars. True, you can’t change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction. All it requires is taking “one” step towards God (Jm 4:8).

You can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails to reach God’s destination.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity…” Col 3:12-14

This devotion may be a little late, some of you have already dressed and left the house. But, if so there’s still time to change if need be!  Paul directs you to make sure you put more emphasis on what clothes your heart compared to your body. Calling you put on the attributes that show you in Christ-likeness, and making sure your strongest appearance is love.  Man is challenged to put more emphasis on the appearance of the heart than the body… Pro 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” You can look good, and yet appear bad… know that you can create a visual image, but it’s what proceeds out of your heart that defines you. What others see in you depends on what is emphasized about you; it’s either how you look or how you love?

There is no amount of physical beauty that will ever be as valuable as a beautiful heart!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 Jn 3:2 

Christians fail to understand why and how the image of Jesus is to work in their life. We are called to be His reflection/image to a lost and hurting world (Col 3:10-17). What a powerful motivation this should be to become like Him now! Accept your circumstances, stop quarreling with God over them, and begin in everything to give thanks for allowing such instruments of God’s grace to do their work in your life for others to see the eternal hope you have in Jesus. When you choose to respond or live out your circumstances in Christ-likeness, others are given the opportunity to see their hope in Jesus as well (vs 3).  Your purpose, as sons of God, is to reflect the image of Jesus upon the world; not a self-reflection.  Unfortunately, the world is hard pressed to find Jesus underneath all the make-up, hair styling, clothing, self-promotion and selfishness in most cases. “Christians” are prone to berate the world and accuse them for not being like them, in too many cases that’s good because the Christian isn’t like Jesus; but, maybe the issue for the world is the fact they can’t see past or in the believers any imagery of hope, thus preventing the world from seeing what they really need to see… Jesus!

The world doesn’t need to hear you’re a Christian, they need to see you’re a Christian!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniguity.” Psa 37:1

Two things David warns us about while encouraging us to “Fret not” meaning to burn, be kindled or angry. He points out evilness and enviousness as emotional issues to refrain from. Don’t think evil gets by or greed equals gain. The feeling David illustrates is that which springs up in the mind when you see persons of corrupt or wicked character prospered, while you, endeavoring to do right, are left to poverty, to disappointment, and to tears.  David foretells of their demise, saying they will be cut down like the grass and whither as the herb (vs 2). So, David directs us to a greater purpose instead… Trust, Delight, Commit and Rest in the Lord (vss 3-7). What your mind dwells upon is what your mind feeds upon. David warns against evilness and envy, and directs our minds to confidence and complacency in God. That which consumes you, does just that! To possess His will, He must possess your thoughts. Don’t allow yourself to be blinded by him that is around from He which is within you! You must choose to either focus on the many problems or the One solution.

F-ollow

O-ne

C-ourse

U-ntil

S-uccessful… and then stay the course.

If you chase after two rabbits, both will escape.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”  Rom 13:10

That is, Love would seek to do your neighbor good; of course it would prevent all dishonesty and crime toward others. It would prompt justice, truth, and benevolence. If this law were engraved on every man’s heart, and practiced in his life, what a change would it immediately produce in society! If all people would at once abandon what is suited to work ill to others, what an influence would it have on the business and commercial affairs of people. How many plans of fraud and dishonesty would it at once arrest. How many schemes would it crush. It would silence the voice of the slanderer; it would stay the plans of the seducer and the adulterer; it would put an end to cheating, and fraud, and all schemes of dishonest gain. “Therefore” … because love does no harm to another, it is “therefore” the fulfilling of the law, meaning that all the law requires is “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Gal 5:14). By love is the completion “fulfilling” requirements of the law.  Regarding our duty to our neighbor, it requires doing justice toward him, observe truth; and in truly love others all the demands of the law would be satisfied.

The law of love is not predicated on worthiness, but rather willingness!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Go tell my servant David, Thus saith the Lord, shalt thou build me a house for me to dwell in?” 2 Sam 7:5

Unfortunately, Nathan spoke out of turn in (vs 3) when David was concerned about where the Ark/Spirit of God would dwell in comparison to a house of cedar like his, Nathan told David to do as his heart felt. That job was going to be left to his son Solomon (vss 12-13). The Lord clarified in (vs 7) that in all his doings for Israel, He never asked for a physical house to be built for Him. God is more worried about you preparing an inner-dwelling in your heart for Him than a physical dwelling for Him. The creator of the universe, life and the human soul is not in need of man’s provisions, but man is desperately in need of His. If you’re concerned about the conditions God must dwell, man would be better off starting with his own heart and whether its conditions are suitable.  He that understands the evil of his own heart is prepared to become a useful, fruitful servant. When it comes to God’s indwelling, He’s more concerned about the shape of the heart than the appearance of a house.

God’s plans are bigger than your past, He just needs a place to plow… is your heart a fruitful place?

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.” 2 Sam 6:7

Sadly, the death of Uzzah and his brother Ahio, was not due to God’s anger directly against them, but more so theirs, and David’s lack of attention to spiritual matters. Several come into play, one the ark was to only be carried by Levites (Exo 25:14-15) and second, the ark was to rest upon two staves (Exo 37:1-4) not a new cart (2 Sam 6:3). Carelessly they put themselves where they should not have been, in proximity to the ark. But, even more so it was King David’s direction in both matters concerning who carried it and how that ultimately cost all involved.  Don’t be careless in your decisions concerning yourself and others, you may not take seriously God’s word but He does. It may not be at a cost of life, but it can still be at a cost. Here are a few things God wants us to remember… least forgetting could cost us dearly: Salvation, Sabbath, Commandments, Humility, Less Fortunate, Thankfulness, our Spiritual gifts, and learning from other’s mistakes.  A carless attitude and attention to God’s will can bring about adverse results. Don’t just make good decisions, make Godly decisions and they’ll be good for you.

You know you’re on the right track when your decisions don’t cause you to look back!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For there are certain men crept in unawares…” Jude 1:4

Peter in (2 Pt 2:1) warned us as well concerning the worlds encroachment in the Gospel and God’s word, and thus your life if you’re not prepared to contend (vs 3; Phl 1:17) and stand for truth.  The enemy has a two-fold attack, it can try to attack your weakness to beat you or it can try to attack your strength and break you. Both are overcome by your ability to stand in the truth and promises of God’s word (1 Kg 8:56; Eph 1:13). In order to discern a lie from the enemy you must first know the truth, thus not knowing the truth allows for someone else to define it for you. Truth isn’t determined by the populous, it’s still truth even if no one believes it, and a lie is a lie even if everyone believes it.   Remember, only the truth in Christ sets you free (Jn 8:32) from the attack and defeat of the enemy.  If the words spoken don’t add up to God’s word, it’s usually because the truth wasn’t included in the equation.

If you don’t know the truth you only know what you’re told.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep and do them, that the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers.” Deut 7:12

Moses is giving Israel its victory charge for entering the Promise Land of Canaan. Interestingly enough, he informs them earlier in (vs 7) that God has chosen them not because they were greater in numbers, but the fewest of all the people. Showing God was going to do a great work with least amount of resources.  This promise will only come to pass for Israel, and us today, “because” we choose to listen and keep His word.  The Hebrew word for “because” is eikev meaning “if you follow” is also translated “heel” which recalls Jacob (the heel holder) who wrestled with the pain of his past to learn/hearken to bear the name Israel, the “prince of God” (Gen. 32:28) ... And just like Jacob, we must grapple to believe that the covenant of God’s love and acceptance is for us, too... “if ye hearken…”  as you chose to walk with God, you will come to know His promises. Likewise, “Because (heel – Hebrew word ’eqeb) Abraham obeyed my voice…”  (Gen. 26:5). Like Abraham, he heard the word of God down to his heel and hearkened to obey.  We will hear God’s voice as we walk with him by faith in the promise of His covenant to us even though you may appear few.

Hearken to His word, its outlived every world power!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“… I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jere 31:3

As a mother’s love grows daily with her child while pregnant, so has the Father’s love existed before you were ever born, and without exception will endure for eternity future. And no matter how distant or afar it feels at times God has not lost sight of you, and ask you not to fear or be dismayed promising to save and deliver even from afar (Jere 30:10 “Fear thou not, I will save thee from afar and they seed from captivity…”)  God’s love embodies His attributes and thus is sovereign, unchangeable (Heb 6:18). Man is shallow at times in utilizing the title/definition of love, because it’s spoken conditionally (phileo), but like God’s promise His love is powerful and unconditional (agape) due to the source “I have loved thee.”  Meaning His love has never wavered, shorten or ever been conditional based upon your actions.  But, what’s amazing is the fact His love is so powerful it draws us unto Him from the pits of life, the mire and clay; unto Christ. It’s the work of conversion be it salvation or transformation in your life, and promised eternal glory for those who accept His love. “… God is love” 1 Jn 4:8

The shape of true love isn’t a diamond, but a cross!

HSAY… Todd 

Daily Wisdom

“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.” Jere 30:17

The wounds God promises to heal are those inflicted by the world, man and self. And are so grievous they are incurable (vs 12) alone, and yet many continue to seek healing through this world, man and self. It makes as much sense as running to the enemy who shot you in battle seeking medical attention?  The medicine of the world is futile in healing your bruises and wounds because they are of a multitude beyond the worlds grasp (vs 15), of a nature man has no known remedy for, band aids maybe, healing no!  But God, the great physician (spiritual/physical Mk 2:17/Lk 4:23) promises to restore health unto us; “I will heal thee of thy wounds” (vs 17).  But, you must be willing to forego the home remedy approach and visit the One, only One, who can heal what the world can’t. Not only does God heal, but He brings you into a comfortable and prosperous condition that otherwise can’t be attained through worldly approaches. Worldly medicine allows for relapses and constant rehabbing, God’s healing is eternal in nature; sustaining you for battles to come. It shouldn’t be surprising, but notice man’s repair always comes a little short of full healing, the back and knee may be better, but still not what it was. Seek worldly medicine, you’ll get worldly results.

Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to show your scares.  Wear them as proof that God heals

HSAY… Todd 

Daily Wisdom

“Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.” Jere 28:15

Be cautious when it comes to God’s law and your will, one is fixed the other wishful.  Hananiah prophesied concerning the yoke (bondage) of Babylon would be broken, and though it was a worthy prayer and desire, even of Jeremiah was prayerful (vs 6), but it was not of God thus only making it wishful and unfortunately a lie in this case. The next yoke that God would place upon him and the surrounding nations, however, would be made of iron (vs 13-14). For every action (Hananiah pushed against God’s ordained will) there is an opposite, but not always equal, reaction (God pushed back). Take gravity as an example. An object (be it a bird or a plane) can only resist the resistance of gravity for so long. Then it must succumb. Why? Because gravity is a fixed law, ordained of God, and you can only resist a fixed law until its resistance to you prevails. Both God and His laws are fixed. They are ordained. Resist them and for a while it can appear that you are winning, but in the end, you will lose every time. When it comes to resistance, something always gives. Will that something be what you are resisting against or will that something be you? That will depend on what you are up against, God, be prepared to move!

Resistance to your will is obedience to God’s.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Behold the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11

Amos is an ordinary farmer God uses in a great way warning Israel of their fall to Assyria. Amos gives a stirring call for Godliness in our daily living allowing Christ to be displayed. In ch. 8, verse 1: we see a fourth vision “basket of fruit” illustrating Israel being ripe for destruction.  Ever heard the saying “green and growing or ripe and rotten” this is Israel’s situation and Amos’ warning to use in vs 11. Amos warns of a famine beyond the physical, one that is more destructive to our well-being than a lack of food (Mt 4:4 “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”).  Man is prone to avoid the word of God while seeking wisdom for survival elsewhere.  The absence of God’s word and the power it possesses through the Holy Spirit works just like physical, slowly robs you of nutrients needed to keep you healthy.  Causing you to binge on artificial nutrients to sustain you, all the while you’re breaking down Internally and Eternally.  And with it our faith slowly weakens and falters, because faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word (Rom 10:17). The greatest why for you to hear the voice of God is with your eyes, but first you might need to turn down the volume of the world to do so. Don’t blame God for being silent if you haven’t opened your bible.

Cautious: the word listen contains the same letters as silent!   

HSAY … Todd 

Daily Wisdom

“He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” Psa 15:2

David’s plea comes from the first verse, inquiring who can dwell in the tabernacle or presence of God? It’s answered in our Walk, Works, and our Words, and they must be done uprightly, righteously, and in truth. Further clarify… to walk uprightly means in maturity, completeness not avoiding any accountability (Psa 1:1). Righteousness longs to do what is right and proper in relation to God and man (Mic 6:8), scripture tells us that no man can be a friend of God who does not do habitually what is right (1 Jn 3:6-10). Truth, all that is in accordance to doctrine and opposed to all mere outward professions, and hypocritical pretenses. It is set in the heart and not just in religious forms and shows itself in upright intentions and purposes, and never selfish.  Live accordingly and you’ll find the presences of God, and with it be renewed, rejuvenated and refreshed.

Don’t be focused on the presents of God, and seek the presences of God.

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.” Isa 38:16

There can be existence without life (Eze 37:4), Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones to come into existence, but there cannot be life without the Spirit of God breathed into it: “Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; behold, I will cause breath (spirit) to enter into you and ye shall live.” (vs 5). One can live, but one cannot have life separate from the Spirit of God. Isaiah proclaims the goodness of God and celebrates his praise for what He had done. By “these things”, the promises of the word, God sustains us through the power of the Spirit that gives us true life, not just living. It was the Spirit that brought life upon earth in Gen 1:2 after it was void of such life. It was the Spirit that brought life back into Jesus from the grave. We can live, but we can’t obtain life without the power of the Spirit.  Know, we are not designed to be human beings having a spiritual experience… We are called to be spiritual beings having a human experience.

Don’t lesson life to just living by avoiding the power of the Spirit that dwells within you.

HSAY … Todd

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Jn 15:11

The measure of your joy is consistent with the measure of your abidance in Jesus. Any measure of separation in your life, by how you live it and in it, from Jesus is like pulling a plug on a barrel and watching your joy slowly drain away.  Apart from your presence in Jesus, joy does not exist much less persist, and that which separates you becomes your source and dependence for your joy. Worship is key to your abidance in Jesus, not emotionally driven but faithfully driven by his word/promises (vs 10 “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love…”).  Psalm 91:1 “He that dwells (abides) in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” If you desire the promise of joy while in the presence of a harsh and hot world you must dwell where it exist and persists, in the shadow of the One who can provide it. Not abiding in Jesus is as foolish as unplugging a lamp and still desiring it to provide light!

Live as if Jesus died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow!

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Pro 16:7

Many times, we have the wrong objective in confronting life’s battles. The victory occurs before we ever engage the enemy themselves. In vs 1 Solomon states, “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.”  But, it’s hard to fight life’s battles victoriously if we’re not truly prepared! Don’t fool yourself in your preparedness, (vs 2) “The ways of man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirit.”  Without the Preparation and the Power of God, it’s difficult to find purpose and spiritual prosperity through life’s battles in our own flesh. The difference is fighting in the spirit verses the flesh (Zec 4:6). With Christ as our example we’re to fight by faith not by sight. Most falter in fight and flee their faith, isolating themselves against their enemy. David faced Goliath in his faith not his strength, it would have been futile.  Prepare yourself in the purpose of pleasing the Lord before you start throwing punches at the enemy. You just might find a punch doesn’t even have to be thrown to be victorious.

The fight is in the faith… the battleground is the heart and mind. (Eph 6:12)

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:60

How much heat can your witness bear?  Stephen during his own death, though he was unable to persuade them during his defense, was willing to plea for his accusers before the throne. Stephen was instrumental in the birth of the N.T. church which lead to the eventual conversion of Paul who was personally involved in disputing against Stephen and casting judgement upon him.  Know that it’s your story/witness that can be the key to unlocking someone else’s prison. Paul had to recount Stephen’s plea to heaven at his stoning when he faced Jesus on the Damascus road leading to his conversion.  You may feel your story is a mess, but with Jesus it becomes a message of hope for others if you’re willing to bear it.  Don’t let your witness define you as a victim, but rather a testimony to the victory in Jesus.  We’re called to be a witness, not a judge to another’s willingness to believe. Don’t let the stones in life sour your willingness to share the promise of our Saviour.

Testimony: Bear it, Mean it, and Live it!

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“The Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.” 2 Sam 3:39

A hard verse to say the least, but appropriate the same. Joab, King David’s general had just killed Abner who was the general of Israel as revenge for the death of his brother at Abner’s hand. But, Abner just prior had made peace with David between their two armies, and Joab’s selfish actions were against David’s knowledge and will.  Righteousness will always prevail, but David erred early in his leadership and passed on his duty to stand on righteousness and gave Joab a reprieve, all be it temporary, by not holding him accountable. David was fearful of Joab’s power within his kingdom, more so than the righteousness of God. David’s decision not to stand on truth cost him in many ways and arguably the lives of Ishbosheth, Amnon and others, and possibly the rebellion of his own son Absalom. Righteousness supports the throne and will never shake it. Again, David’s reprieve towards Joab was passed on to his son Solomon to avenge the blood of Abner.  Don’t avoid being just by being a respecter of person regardless of the circumstances, because truth/righteousness itself is not a respecter. No matter how difficult or painful it may be to stand on what is right, refusing to do so will eventually cause pain for all.   Fiat justitia, ruat coelum - Let justice be done, though the heavens should fall asunder. Don’t let the fear of what could happen make nothing happen.

What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do!

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” Jam 4:10

If you’re fearful of falling, keep yourself planted on the ground. The harder you strive to gain great heights the more prone you’re to falling in the process. When David got word of Saul and Johnathan’s death before the Amalekites he mourned greatly, but he stated in 2 Sam 1:19; 27 “how the mighty have fallen…”   In Saul’s case, the fall came before the sword that killed him. Saul had already falling before God… 1 Sam 28:6 Saul inquires of the Lord who answered him not, prompting Samuel himself to tell Saul in (vs 16) “… seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy.”  Learning from Saul who was a great man and was handpicked by God himself to rule Israel, fell from God’s protection…  Unconfessed sin or an unwillingness to humble oneself before God will eventually bring anyone down.  Self-promotion will lead to self-destruction. Be less focused on the mountain’s peak and more focused on standing in the Lord’s will, and He’ll lift you to heights without you having to worry about falling (Pro 16:18).  Seldom does God pick one from the mountain top, unless it’s an unfortunate example; but He did choose the disciples from the lowest of elevation, from the sea shore!

Pride can be like bad breath, everyone knows you have it except you!

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” Rom 8:24-25

When it comes to the fulfillment of our hope, at present we are on the outside… the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of morning, but they don’t make us fresh and pure. We cannot find true hope in the pleasures we see. But all the pages of the N.T. are rustling with the promise that it will not always be so. One day, God’s timing, we shall get “in”… we will put on glory… that greater glory of which Nature is only the first sketch.  But man gets lost in trying to find their hope where it does not exist, in nature and life around them. Hope is hopeless, and becomes diminished without being defined and practiced by our worship in Christ. Man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word “darkness” on the wall. Remove God from your purpose and you will eventually, like the setting sun see your hope disappear as well. God cannot give us a peace and joy apart from Himself, because it is not there… there is no such thing!

Hope is the fulfillment of our choice to worshipfully trust in God’s will.

HSAY … Todd 

Daily WIsdom

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

Caution… Don’t use the church as the spectacle to view God, use God as the spectacle to view the church. Many Christians and the world a like utilize church as the visual edifice/structure in defining their relationship with God, people and their own spiritual health.  The church itself will always have a scratched lens or a needed renewal of its prescription when it comes to its focus on God, because it relies on the eyes of man. The spectacle of God is his word in which we are to use concerning all things that we look at, especially the church/body. It’s too easy for man, be it a pastor, leader or layman to be out of focus, and if you depend or utilize such for your focus it’s going to be flawed because you’re trying to use a temporal resource to view eternal truths. View any and every aspect of life through the lens of God’s word. It will never be out-of-focus, scratched or need cleaning. Like electrical conduit, the church is a source for truth to hopefully pass through to each other and the world. But, the power/truth itself is in the wiring (God’s word) that runs through the conduit. When the conduit gets broken it can disrupt the truth, but only in its flow; it never stops the truth itself.  Don’t be more focused on the conduit than the power that runs through it. Remember the church is only a semblance of the truth, don’t get out of focus and project on above the other or you’ll miss what God wants you to see.

If you try to view God through the church, both the church and God will be out of focus!

HSAY… Todd 

Daily Wisdom

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Rom 8:28

So far you’ve survived 100% of your worst Days… Your struggle is part of your story, the truth is part of the test. Stay strong because things will get better. It might be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever because God gave us that promise.  It takes a strong soul with purposeful heart to develop smiles out of situations that make us weep.  No matter how long it takes, it will get better for those who plant themselves in God’s purpose. Keep going, tough situations build strong testimonies. But, there can’t be a testimony without the test. As a child of the King, the only thing eternal you’ll endure is his presence. Job never saw his storm brewing or the cause of it, but he did find its purpose for his life. His testimony is eternal because he owned it, lived it and glorified God through it. And we preach it today!  You may feel like a lighthouse standing alone in the storm, maybe so but you may be the light someone else needs to see; make sure they can see it! Live in His purpose, and you’ll dwell in His power.

Let him who steers the storm steer the vessel.

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” Isa 55:3 

God’s word, like his covenant was with David and us through Jesus, is perpetual; not a one and done promise. God’s covenant is one which promises great favors, it’s not abrogated, but it was perpetual for David and is for us as well. Isaiah instructs us to “Hear and your soul shall live” if you attend to God’s word.  He states it’s “Everlasting” eternal protector, friend, life everlasting. And adds “even the sure mercies of David. Meaning God has confirmed with us, N.T. saints, the same solemn promise he made with David (Psa 89:2-4) which shall be promised and established upon generations. The word “sure” denotes the assuredness, conformation and confidence can be placed in God’s word. This is God’s great invitation for us today through Jesus Christ. That allows us to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:16) This is what the promised covenant in God’s word affords his children. But, find caution and wisdom in vs 6 “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.” While God is equally near at all times, this figurative language is cautioning in that a time will come when it will be impossible to obtain his favor/s.  Don’t put off till tomorrow the promises God affords to day for those who earnestly seek him, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; thou knowest not what a today brings forth.” Pro 27:1

Words denote what you think, action defines what you believe.

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor on that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” Isa 55:2

Finally, something fattening that is good to delight in and good for you at the same time!  Isaiah warns us about laboring to spend money on that which is not bread (life… Jn 6:35) or satisfies the soul. While a man must work to live, he shouldn’t live to work for worthless gain. One will never find more than temporary happiness in worldly things. One toils, and expend the avails of their labor for that which does not produce satisfaction. What a striking description of the condition of the world! The immortal mind will not be satisfied with wealth, pleasure, or honor. It never has been. Where is the man who is satisfied with his wealth, and say, it’s enough? Where is there one who is satisfied with pleasure, and vanity? There is a void in the heart which these things do not, cannot fill. There is a consciousness that the soul was made for higher and nobler purposes, and that nothing but God can meet its boundless desires.  Where is the man who has ever been satisfied with ambition? Alexander wept on the throne of the world!  But, Isaiah does say eat, consume.  They were invited to partake of that which would nourish the appetite of the soul that sustains it with joy. Fatness in the scriptures is used to denote the richest food (Gen 27:28-39; Job 36:36; Psa 65:11) and is an emblem of the richness, blessings resulting from the favor of God “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.” Psa 63:5

The only one who can fill the human heart, is the one who created it!

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“… the Lord of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee.” 2 Sam 7:26

God told Nathan to instruct David that He was going to establish through him the throne of His kingdom forever. Notice God was looking for a willing servant (vs 26) not a designer. David never constructed the temple it was his son Solomon who did, but it was established through David’s willingness to serve. Many Christians are willing to let God move in, but just don’t rearrange anything.  They are more interested in doing the design work themselves, they just want God to pay for it. Don’t relegate God to just being a landlord, that you just simply pay a tithe to occasionally but claim the structure as your own. Yet, when you get a few cracks or in need of repairs you quickly summon his ability to do so. 1 Cor 6:19 “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit… ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price…” Don’t be more worried about doing the designing and claiming ownership, but more so your willingness to serve in building it according to His design. God constructed your body, Jesus paid for your body, and the Holy Spirit designs it for their purpose. Your job is to be willing to be faithful in doing the labor.

Wonder all you want, but as long as you can see the Temple you’re never lost!

HSAY… Todd