Friday, March 31, 2017

Daily Wisdom

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind.” Eph 4:17

We all remember the walk-a-thon’s we had as kids to raise money for different programs. The real enjoyment of it was who you’re walking with.  Now as Christians we are charged by Paul to make sure we’re not walking simply out of enjoyment but rather out of purpose for our spiritual health. In the end God isn’t going to say, “Well done good and successful servant,” but “Well done good and faithful servant.”  Every man to a degree walks in a vain show; the mind of man is naturally vain, and whoever walks according to the dictates of it, walks vainly: the phrase is expressive of the emptiness of the mind; it being naturally destitute of God, of the knowledge, fear, and grace of God; and of Jesus. Solomon himself emphasised that life that is not in step with God is “vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecc 1:2)  This points to the instability of the mind, in which sense man at his best estate was altogether vanity concerning the folly, falsehood and wickedness in imaginations due to our fallen state. And all lies in vain things, as worldly riches, honors and the ways and efforts in which they are earned. Like the gentiles of Ephesus we too can become vain in philosophy and idolatry of which leads to a self-guided walk.  Paul clarifies by stating “henceforth walk not as other gentiles” though it may not have been with the onset of your salvation but irregardless, henceforth walk with him who is the best of company, enjoyment and health to your soul.  Don’t use the excuse “I’m human” to walk in the flesh, but rather “I’m saved” to walk in the spirit. You walk in the spirit, and God will work through the flesh.

Talk with God, no breath is lost. Walk with God, no strength is lost. Wait for God, no time is lost. Faith in all three and you’ll never be lost.

HSAY… Todd

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Daily Wisdom

“... there was no room for him in the inn.” Lk 2:7b

It’s not uncommon for man to reject what God wills. Mary and Jesus were turned away at the inn by man. And no it would not of mattered if they had known he was God because they still rejected him once he was revealed as God. It’s man’s great flaw to reject or discard what God has promoted. But know that what God calls and ordains man has no authority over. The only way in which man can disrupt what God has called is for man to succumb to man instead of God. What God has called you to God holds you to, and not based on the approval of man but based on his will. And thus he gifts you in every aspect to accomplish such. Gifts are not toys to play with, they are tools to build with. If they are not used in love and obedience, they instead become weapons to fight with. This is what happened in the church of Corinth (1 Cor 12-14). Unfortunately man is highly prone to respond to God’s will according to their preference and wishes, and not Gods.

Man can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail (Pro 19:21)

HSAY… Todd

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Daily Wisdom

I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness (Humble) and meekness (Gentle), with longsuffering (Patience), forbearing one another in love.” Eph 4:1-2

Paul is stating each of us have an individual calling in Christ, and entreats us to live according to this vision God calls us to. There is often a struggle as to, How?  This is what Paul is addressing in (vss 2-3) and in doing so list five specific characteristics we must acknowledge and perfect in order to carry the oneness/unity of spirit we’re called to. Paul says how we must conduct ourselves with other believers: Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Suffering and Enduring. As we walk and live out this manner in our lives we also embody the characteristics of Christ, and make it easier for others to walk with us in his cause.  Needless to say the antonyms for these traits bring about division, offensive words and unforgiving attitudes then develop within the spirit.  If our actions in being a spouse, parent, friend, leader don’t characterise these traits we must be prompt to rempent our mind to change or spiritual demise is quick to set in. Know this, if we can’t embody this relationship of humility, patience, endurance with Christ we’ll never embody them with others. Maturity in the Christian life is measured only by one test: How much closer to his character have we become?

Don’t treat people the way they treat you; rather treat them as Christ treats you!

HSAY… Todd

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Daily Wisdom

And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty…” Gen 27:4

The pits of life are a promise in life.  In spite of what Joseph faced two remarkable truths got him to the surface. One, while man is limited to where he can be or what he wants to be involved in, God is of neither. He’s everywhere, even in the deepest of pits and he wants and promises to be there with you (Gen 39:2). Two, Joseph’s greatest prosperity did not start to manifest until he went through his  pit and got to where God wanted him in Egypt (Gen 39:1), all for the good of others.  Man gets tempted by and can easily fall into relying on man’s strength and encouragement instead of God’s, and when man’s efforts stop at condolences God carries you through to the completion. Don’t focus on the gloomy hopeless images of the pit, like the three Israelite boys in the furnace, focus on the God who is with you in the pit with you. Don’t focus so much on trying to climb out, rather rely on  God to lift you out.

“There is no pit so deep that His love is not deeper still.”

HSAY… Todd

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Daily Wisdom

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”  Isa 57:15

Contriteness and Humility Revives Individual's Spiritual Turmoil (CHRIST)... We are called to embody Christ “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Phl 2:5)  But if we verbalize it we must also live it “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 Jn 2:6)  So what is this embodiment and walk Christ portrayed and we’re to follow? It’s pretty clear, a Contrite and Humble spirit. The verse states Christ dwells eternally “with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.”  Isaiah 53:5 says Christ was crushed for our iniquities, and humbled himself in obedience to death on the cross (Phl 2:8). It’s the compassion Christ has for us in which he chose to embody these characteristics that revives and heals our soul. Unfortunately humility and brokenness are not common or motivating characteristics man embodies, yet they are the very likeness Christ calls us to.  Many confuse or willfully mistake pity for compassion, pity is emotionally driven whereas compassion is action driven. Christ didn’t feel for us, he died us. Our response is to respond in a contrite and humble spirit, under an acknowledgment of sin; not merely in a legal, but in an evangelical way; not only with the weight of wrath due us, but with a view of the gift of grace and mercy offered us; and humble our thoughts of self, and see the best in others; and submit to the righteousness of Christ for our acceptance and justification before God. You never reach higher towards heaven than when you bow yourself down.

If you want to be where Christ is, you must be as Christ is!

HSAY… Todd

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Daily Wisdom

“... thou hast found the life of thine hand, therefore thou wast not grieved.” Isa 57:10

He that searches and labors diligently with his own hands will often find what he desires and wants, but not always what he needs. Sadly for Israel what they found was not to their favor. The hand is the instrument by which we execute our purposes; and by the “life of thine hand” here, illustrates that which will give full and continued provision. They had found in these things that which effectually prevented them from repenting and returning to God. They had relied on their own plans rather than on God; they had sought the aid of foreign powers; to help keep them from absolute despair, and thus void from feeling their need of trust/faith in God. And notwithstanding all the trouble, toil, and expense which they had experienced, they had found so much to gratify them that they continued to serve them, and were unwilling to return to God.  You must be willing to hold hands with him who has carved your life in hands (Isa 49:16), don’t walk with him while holding hands with the world. “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isa 41:13)  Nothing wrong with holding on, make sure you know what you’re holding on to!

By putting everything in God’s hand, you’ll eventually see God’s hand in everything.

HSAY… Todd

Monday, March 20, 2017

Daily Wisdom

Thus Saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.” Isa 56:1

Be thankful the Lord is not a respecter person, and the opportunity of blessings (vs 2), inheritance (vs 5) and joy (vs 7) is free to anyone who holds to the Lord’s judgment and justice. These matters of equity God calls us to by way of his word. John the Baptist made a similar declaration announcing the coming of the Messiah: ‘Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’ (Mat 3:2). The Lord is going to judge according to his righteousness and bring forth the revelation of our life according to it. As fair as it is, we don’t get to compare our list of righteousness to his, according to  (Jn 7:24) judgment can only be done by a right judge.   Pro 21:3 “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”  Judgment and justice are the moral obligation of one’s faith, doing what is holy, just and good according to his word; both in piety towards God and justice to man. These matters are more important to God than ceremonial sacrifice. Furthermore, let no religious act be done without faith and in hypocrisy… to cover and countenance immoral actions. Instead let justice flow like a river, and righteousness like a never-ending stream (Amos 5:24).   

Judgment and justice comes not by a worldly jury, but by a righteous  judge.

HSAY… Todd

Friday, March 17, 2017

Daily Wisdom

For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.” Isa 54:7

The promised covenant of the Lord is that the church would no more face the wrath of desolation, but rather the work of restoration through Jesus. In such a great promise we must remain humble knowing the Father's wrath is still justified by our actions. It’s by his great mercy (getting what we don’t deserve) that we can rejoice in his promised restoration. Our sin had provoked the Lord to hide his face for a moment (vs 8), but with his everlasting kindness and mercy our redemption rises with the promise of the morning sun. Never again to face the desolation of the Days of Noah (vs 9), but instead able to rejoice in the promise and eternal work of Jesus who bore the wrath for our sin and shame. Every ransomed soul owes his salvation to this promise and to the fact that during our days of sinning God keep the door of mercy open, refusing to accept any of our sinful acts as final. Only through God’s infinite mercy is he able to devise a way by which justice can be satisfied, and yet mercy can still be triumphant… Jesus! The divine justice that was accepted as an equivalent atonement for the wrath due us. The Lord tells us that time and matter will depart, but his covenant of peace and mercy will never be removed (vs 10). The mercy of God is the hope we have as an anchor for the soul (Heb 6:19)

A morsel of God’s mercy is greater than a mountain of our mistakes. (Lam 3:22-23)

HSAY… Todd

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Daily Wisdom

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. .” 1 Tim 1:14

It’s not about what’s been done to you, but what’s being done in you that should be our focus. Paul first approached God seeking answers to the affliction being done to him by his thorn in the flesh, God wanted him to focus rather on what was being done in him by his grace. It’s grace that gets you past the burden of affliction and into the bountiful abundance God has for you. It’s not leniency towards our sin, it’s the empowering gift of God to overcome our weakness of spirit that leads to sin; Grace is power not a pardon. It not only saves you from this world, but it empowers you through it. Make sure you don’t simply declare it be sure you demonstrate it as well.

Grace is God picking you up where you are and taking you where you need to be.

HSAY… Todd

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Daily Wisdom

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess 5:18

Our willingness to wait reveals the value we place on the object we’re waiting on. In light of that, are we as eager to wait as patiently in God’s will as we are in pursuing ours? When pressure or suffering mounts in your life you come to realize you have one of two responses for your situation. You can react with an unwillingness to endure in your faith by responding in selfish actions that subdue or appease your will or you can hold to your faith in a willingness to risk everything on God’s will.  Willingness of faith is not about man getting his will done in heaven, but getting God’s will done in man. It’s not about overcoming reluctance, but laying hold of God’s will in your life. The willingness to deny self-will is the very spirit of Jesus, it’s the heart and soul of his Gospel. Waiting on God requires the willingness to bear human uncertainty, with faith in the certainty of his promises.

The effectiveness of God’s will in your life works by your willingness to relent to it.

HSAY… Todd

Monday, March 13, 2017

Daily Wisdom

O Lord thou hast searched me, and known me. When I awake, I am still with thee Psa 139:1; 18

Jesus wants you to know what he knows. That while you struggle at times in life, he knows and has known every struggle and plight you’ve faced, and the depths of your needs. And no matter how far away or into something you’ve wondered or have been hurt he knows. Consider the conversation Jesus possibly had with his disciples concerning such, maybe something like this: “When you meet that poor wretch who thrust that spear into my side, tell him there is a better way, to come at my heart, if he will repent and look upon whom has pierced. And I will cherish him in the very heart he wounded; he shall find that the very blood he shed an ample atonement for the sin of shedding it. And tell him he will put me in more pain and displeasure by refusing the offering of my blood, than when he drew it.”  Such a response is the answer when you ask yourself, what do I have going for me when everything's against me? What will not fail you when what you thought was solid and real collapses beneath you? This experience is inevitable. You don’t have to go looking for it, it will find you. God himself has it written into your life (Jm 1:8). But when this happens you’re forced to ask the question: What can I count on, when I can’t count on anything else?  Psalm 139 shows us such an answer. When David found himself in that catastrophic place, he dug to the deepest foundation of his existence, and this is the bedrock he stood upon. (vss 1-6) God, you know me.  (vss 7-12) God, you are with me.  (vss 13-18) God, you have made me. The Psalm hinges on vs 18b ‘when I awake, i am still with thee.” David awoke to his contemplations to realize while they come and go, God has never left him! And while he awoke and returned to the real world where nothing has changed, he had changed with the renewing and knowledge that the Lord is immutable, and never changes from being there for you. In the Psalm the Lord uses the word “know” six-times which is the Hebrew word “Yada” meaning intimacy. The strongest form of knowing someone or something, which is you!  He wants you to know that he is always there, whether you know it or not!

HSAY… Todd

Friday, March 10, 2017

Daily Wisdom

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Mt 5:23-24

Unfortunately there is great blindness in pride and arrogance. As a Christian you must ask, what happens when someone has been hurt by sin? The bible teaches the moment we confess this sin to God, the mercy of God through the blood of Jesus is enough to cleanse the moral guilt. As Christians we further admit that all sin is against God, and when when you hurt man you’re sinning against God. But let us never forget that this does not lessen the fact that because man was created in the image of God, the man you hurt has real value. This must be important, not only as a concept but as a practice and demonstration of love. Man is God’s image-bearer and thus has great value to God and man himself. So, in the same light God also tells us to make it right with the man you hurt if you desire healing (Jm 5:16). But, what is often the reaction when God tells us to make it right… humility, pride and arrogance often get in the way. Yet surely, if we are able to confess to God we have sinned and are sorry, are we not able to say we’re sorry to a man as well! He is your equal, fellow-heir, and if not potentially through your humility and honest love would come to be. If not, such repentance is meaningless hypocrisy. This is why many have a deadness of spirit, always trying to make it right with God, yet avoiding righteousness with God’s creation. We cannot trample human relationships and expect our relationship with God to be lovely, beautiful and honest. Apologizing is not about proven who is right, it’s about valuing the creation and relationship over your ego.

Always keep your words soft and tender, you never know when you might have to eat them.

HSAY… Todd

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Daily Wisdom

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”  Acts 9:31

There is a place for strategic church planning and vision (Pro 29:18), and they are wise stewardship.  But they cannot equal or generate the astonishing outcome illustrated by the church in Acts.  You’ll never find within the scriptures man-made strategic planning for church growth. But, you’ll find the answer to their growth that brought a multiplier greater than any modern church has ever seen. The “fear of the Lord” and the “Holy Spirit.”  In the fear of the Lord, they were teachable, humble, grateful and eternally focused. They were void of self-assurance, pride, arrogance and worldliness. They were willing to submit to the Lord’s wisdom and will. In the Holy Spirit, they were gladdened, felt forgiven, strengthened and found reconciliation with both God and others. They saw with clarity Jesus being greater than their sins and failures, and knew they were loved. The had openness in a know-it-all world, peace amongst an angry world and hope against hopelessness. In such assurances and strength the godless world had no answer for their peculiar (1 Pt 2:9) hope. No, they may not have had implemented strategic goals, but they did implement and share the “fear” and “power” of God before the people and it turned the world upside down. Church growth takes planning, but church multiplication takes a miracle, and that’s God area of expertise. Remember peace and joy are not a place, but a direction.  Interesting when the whole world is running towards the cliff, the one running the other direction appears foolish.

Don’t fear being outnumbered. Eagles fly alone, turkeys flock together. (Pro 3:6)

HSAY… Todd

“TGC”

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Daily Wisdom

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil… At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me… Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” 2 Tim 4:14-18

Paul shares with Timothy in the closing of his epistles three profiles he, as well as all of us will be faced with while in defence of our faith.  Know that this is nothing new for one’s faith, it has been dealt with by Christians for generations. 1.) A Strong Enemy, while Alexander may have been a friend at one time, Paul was now in need of warning Timothy about him. Alexander “greatly withstood” the words of Paul, and made it personal in attack. Which Paul said: “the Lord reward him according to his works.”  2.) Weak Friends, Paul said, “no man stood with me,” With his testimony and life on the line, and in need of support and strength his friends faded away. To stand up for Paul was too costly for those with a faint-heart.  Yet, Paul like our Lord  in his compassion said: “I pray God that it may not be laid against them.” (Lk 23:34). 3.) A Strong Friend, While appearing Paul was forced to stand alone, the Lord stood with him as he faced his accusers. While not physically, every bit as much powerfully.  Paul knew the presence of the Lord was there, prompting Paul to assuredly proclaim, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me” and declaring he was delivered from the mouth of the lion.  You’ll always encounter three personalities in your life, a true foe, a want-to-be friend and the promised Saviour Jesus Christ! And only one matters when it comes to your needed strength to live for Christ, rest assured he is there to stand before you.

The enemy fights the hardest when it knows the Lord is hard at work in you.

HSAY… Todd

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Daily Wisdom

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Eph 6:13

It’s very much in the Devil’s interest that we despair. If he can get us to believe any of these three demoralizing lies he likes to whisper into our thoughts, our power for Jesus is greatly diminished. And each one to us seems quite plausible.

Lie #1.) You’re a hypocrite! Your serving Jesus, but you don’t really mean it.  You’re as much a sinner as anyone else, it’s really about you. You might as well give up!
Answer: “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” (1 Jn 3:19-20)
For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.” (1 Cor 4:3-4)

Lie #2.) You’ve ruined your life! You’re damaged, you’ll never amount to anything. You might as well give up!
Answer: “the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek,... brokenhearted,... captives,...that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isa 61:1-4)

Lie #3.) You're too insignificant! You’re buried under the debris of the world today, you’ll never make an impact. You’re making no difference at all.  You might as well give up!
Answer: “And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Cor 1:28-29)

Each lie is believable, in its way. But we don’t defeat the lies by pushing back in our own strength, which is of little benefit. We push back by declaring God’s promises in His Word, which is a decisive final authority in Jesus.

It’s not as much as what you say, as it is who said!

HSAY… Todd

“TGC”

Monday, March 6, 2017

Daily Wisdom

And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. 1 Sam 16:23

It’s said that music is the prayer the heart sings.  Nothing connects the moment like music. It brings you back or more importantly it brings truth forward. The music that Saul heard did for him what he could not do on his own, focus on the Lord.  The music wasn’t magical, but it was moving for his mind, heart and will to see what he had been missing. The music got him to where he needed to be which was in the presence of the Lord, then his soul was refreshed by the Lord’s presence and not the performer. Acts 3:19 tells us the refreshing of the spirit lies only in the presence of the Lord. But don’t get lost in the performance and miss the purpose, David was instrumental (no pune intended) in getting Saul where he needed to be back focused on the truths of God. Like Jesus temptation, it was the word (truth) Jesus spoke that rebuked Satan and made him depart from him.  The emotions of music itself can run empty but God’s promises prevail eternally, that’s the only thing that will truly renew, rejuvenate and refresh your soul.

Entering his presence and praising his truth, invites him to enter your circumstances with his power.

HSAY… Todd

Friday, March 3, 2017

Daily Wisdom

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  Isa 5:21

It’s said: Talent is God given, be humble. Fame is man given, be grateful, Conceit is self-given, be careful.  The design of this chapter is the prevalent vices that permeated within Judah, and self-conceit being the fifth sin listed. Pointing out those who had developed an inflated, false opinion of their own knowledge and it’s vanity.  God tells us there is more hope for a fool than a man wise in his own conceit (Pro 26:12). The first sin we know of in our universe was Lucifer’s self-conceit. One that is self-absorbed only thinks in terms of what makes them feel good, and fail miserably in their relationships; with God included.  Point… if you think a post or comment is about you, the truth is it probably isn’t you just see yourself in it. If so, don’t get upset with the mirror, change the reflection instead.

Conceit is self-proclaiming, if it’s worth proclaiming let God or man do it for you (Pro 27:2).

HSAY… Todd

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Daily Wisdom

Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these.”  1 Sam 16:10

Don’t get distracted by the parades life has to offer, there will always be a myriad of options to garner your attention and though entertaining they misguide you.  As Jesse’s sons paraded before Samuel he was only interested in the one God anointed. In your efforts to follow Christ you’ll travel different roads that may not expose you to a lot of what those around you experience, but don’t compare yourself to others it’s Christ you’re called to follow not them. In (2 Pt 2:2) it warns us that “many shall follow their pernicious (ruin/loss) ways” being opposed to truth, and more focused on the scenery around them than the Spirit within them. Though your path may appear as valleys of darkness at times, fear not and rest assured of God’s presence and protection (Psa 23). Knowing that sometimes God may lead you into the deepest of waters not to drown you, but your enemies instead (Exo 15:4). Jesus didn’t say, Oh great follow me and you’ll be happy, prosperous, wealthy or healthy. He actually said he has no place to “lay his head” (Lk 9:58) and that it will cost you, SELF (Lk 9:23). You have only two choices to make when it comes to the path you follow in life, you will have to choose to serve Christ or you’ll choose to serve self!

Many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be avoided by following Christ today.  

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Daily Wisdom

“... for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7


Self-destruction occurs when measuring your worth using the world’s ruler. Samuel himself fell into the trap of measuring the potential worth of Eliab by worldly standards. Prompting God to remind Samuel it’s the heart that matters, and the heart can’t be measured by man (Jere 17:9).  God always works from the inside out, don’t be distracted by the appearance one wraps himself in; charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting (Pro 31:30). While the world says show me something worth measuring, God says trust me and I’ll show you something you can’t measure. The value of a God filled heart is not the stature it’s wrapped in, but in the love and beauty it reveals in Christ. When you learn to start looking at the heart rather than the face, you’ll start seeing with more clarity what God sees. Unfortunately the heart is self-possessive thus God can’t do anything with it until you chose to give it to him, and not the world.


The only measuring you should do is your heart to God’s, seeing if it beats after the same thing.

HSAY… Todd